The whole Twitter interview with Gary Oldman (thanks to @vuecinemas) - 2011.09.15.


Are there some other British actors that you would've liked to have seen in TTSS? Who would they be?
Yes - Michael Fassbender - a stella actor! I think we've pretty much emptied the National Theatre...

When preparing for the role of George Smiley, where did you go in your head to bring this character to life?
I went to the book - it's such a fabulous book - read it!!

Gary, do you think you would be a good spy in real life?
No I'd be a hopeless spy! I'm not good with secrets - its too dishonest for me...

If Alec Guinness were to see this new version of Tinker, Tailor, what do you think his reaction to it would be?
John Le Care said he know Alec well and he would stand and applaud!

Gary, what's one word you would use to describe the relationship between you and Colin Firth?
Respectful

How do you like to relax when you’re not working?
I listen to music & play music (guitar & piano)

Hi Gary, 'Nil by Mouth' is simply a masterpiece. Will you be directing again? if so, which genre?
Writing something at the moment & hope to be behind the camera in the next couple of years - watch this space!

If your sons wanted to pursue acting, what advice would you give them?
Alfie wanted to pursue acting, though he isn't anymore. I just let him do his thing, he tried it but it wasn't for him - its a tough profession - you have develop a thick skin.

Who's the better spy George Smiley or James Bond?
It has to be George Smiley of course....it can only be!!!!!

What is the sweetest thing that a fan has done 4 u?
A fan in Japan made a pic frame with a pic collage of me. I still have it!

Would you like to make more spy films with the cast?
there's other books, so I could reprise George with same dir & writer

Was the personality Richard ('Friends') created deliberately in such a way that you could take the mick of yourself?
Yes it was, I was sending myself up! Good work if you can get it - they do 2 days rehearsal, lots of food and big money -Friends!

Gary, what one part youve played is your proudest work?
Next years' work is my proudest....

Whats the thing you miss most about England?
its Marmite!!!!

Gary, if you hadn't gone into acting what do you think you would have done instead?
I'd have gone into music

Amongst current artistes, who is your favourite singer/musician?
its hard to say, as I listen to a lot of old music. I'm not very current on the music scene. My favourite band is the Beatles..and I like what Seal is doing at the moment -he has a great voice. I listen to rap, funk, soul, classical!

Would you ever cameo in Eastenders as Big Mo's younger brother? (art imitating life)
no!

You're a master of accents. What is your favourite one? And do you speak foreign languages?
I once played an Irish American in State of Grace with Sean Penn - that was a lot of fun. I try to learn languages but find it difficult. I would have a god accent, but you need to learn languages young! My kids speak Spanish.

Many of us would love to see you in a romantic comedy. Who'd you like to work with? Will you make it happen?
I would LOVE to be in a romantic comedy!

Are there any major roles you’ve turned down but maybe wished you hadn’t in hindsight?
No I've been happy with everything!

Hi, you always look so different in each role (E.G. Black to Gordon). Is it fun to drastically change your appearance?
Indeed, thats the joy of it - you can escape and its play acting! Its dressing up - I love the disguise.

As a Millwall fan – what’s your prediction for the big game against the hammers this weekend?
2-1 Milwall.

Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy Will be release tomorrow in the UK and the 1st week in December in the USA.
I'm really proud of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - please go and see it. I hope you won't be disappointed!!