Though most of the chatter about James McAvoy this week will be in regards to his role in Bryan Singer’s X-Men: Days of Future Past, the actor actually has another film releasing this month as well. Expanding on May 30th (it’s already begun its limited run), Jon S. Baird’s Filth is a far cry from 20 Century Fox’s superhero outing, but it’s an equally impressive film that features the Scottish actor like you’ve never seen him before.
In Filth, which is an adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s (the man who wrote Trainspotting) novel of the same name, James McAvoy plays Bruce Robertson, a “bipolar, bigoted junkie cop” who is just about the most repulsive man you’ll ever meet. Choosing to spend his time dabbling in drugs, alcohol and sexually abusive relationships, the film follows his attempts to receive a coveted promotion to Detective Inspector (which he’ll stop at nothing to get), while also dealing with a case involving a brutal murder. It’s not long though before Bruce’s nasty ways catch up with him and he soon finds himself in a downward spiral as his sanity starts to unravel.
As Robertson, McAvoy is completely unhinged, diving head first into the role and delivering what is hands-down one of the best performances of his career. He’s outrageous, hilarious, fearless and an absolute joy to behold. It’s a tour de force from the actor and I loved every second of it. Filth certainly won’t be for everyone, but if you can handle the crude material, then I highly suggest checking this one out.
While in New York this week doing press for the film, I had the pleasure of sitting down for an exclusive interview with McAvoy. Throughout our lengthy, and insightful conversation, he discussed what he loved about the script, how to approach an Irvine Welsh character, his thoughts on being typecast, and much more!
Check it out below, and be sure to catch Filth (if you haven’t already) when it expands its release next week!