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Q&A: Harry Styles on filming Dunkirk and working with Christopher Nolan

Cape Town - In May 1940, Germany advanced into France, trapping Allied troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. 

Under air and ground cover from British and French forces, troops were slowly and methodically evacuated from the beach using every serviceable naval and civilian vessel that could be found. Dunkirk, directed by Christopher Nolan, tells the story from three different perspectives and centres on the heroic mission to safe French, British, Belgian and Dutch soldiers. 

Former One Direction band member Harry Styles takes on the role of British soldier Alex in Nolan’s war drama. He’s been praised for his stellar acting in his cinematic debut. Harry answered a few questions about the film. 

What can you tell us about your characters and where they fit into the story of Dunkirk? 

I play a soldier called Alex, and he and Fionn Whitehead’s character, Tommy, pretty much stick together through most of the film.  These guys are really just given a gun and some boots and thrown into this dangerous situation, and they have no idea what they’re doing or how they’re going to get out of it alive.  So, it’s just:  ‘All right, we’re on the same side, so we’re going to help each other out of this.’  

Our part of the film is just a straight survival story, and what really sticks with me is the idea that when you’re a soldier – especially in a situation as intense and chaotic as this – it doesn’t matter what the guy next to you does or if you even know his name, if he’s wearing the same uniform as you, you’re a team.  It’s you and him, and you’re going to get through this together – and that says a lot, actually.  It might be flowery BS, but it’s just pure camaraderie.  

What was it like meeting writer/director Christopher Nolan for the first time, and what impressed you the most about working with him?

When you meet him and spend a little time with him, especially on set, you understand why he takes so much time between films: he invests so much in every project he does.  He doesn’t just churn them out; I think he would rather wait and know everything there is to know about what he’s going to do, and if he’s going to do it justice in a film.  He has researched everything about Dunkirk to the nth degree – from the costumes, to hair and make-up, to lighting.  Everyone, even people who have done their jobs for 20 years, all said that they learn something from him on every film.

harry styles

(Harry Styles on set of Dunkirk. Photo: Greatstock/Splash)

How did it feel when you first arrived on the set and saw the scope of the production?

It was definitely bigger than you expect, but the best part about it was that even when all of this was going on around you, as soon as you started filming, it always felt like it was just you and Chris and the camera. I think he’s amazing at making you feel comfortable on set in a way that doesn’t stress you out. 

What was the toughest aspect of the shoot? 

The most physically challenging aspect was probably being in the water.  We spent a whole day shooting in the sea, on and off. It felt like someone pulled you out of the bed, dumped you in the water, and then put you back in bed.  But those were good days.  Those were the ones that you’d get back from afterwards and everyone feels like [whistles], ‘That was a big day’.  

How much did you know about the events at Dunkirk prior to becoming involved in this project?  

When you’re at school, learning about history and World War II, Dunkirk is not as emphasized as some of the big battles, but it’s actually an incredibly important moment in the war.  The world might be very different if things hadn’t gone the way they did.  

Dunkirk opens in SA cinemas on Friday, 28 July.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

WIN: 1 of 5 Dunkirk movie hampers!

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