Actor Paul Brannigan talks to Metro about landing a role in Ken Loach’s new film The Angels’ Share, how he became homeless and being seduced by Scarlett Johansson.
Did you imagine becoming an actor?
Never. Growing up in Barrowfield was hard. Glasgow’s East End is tough; it’s dangerous, you find yourself being bullied a lot. You need to be streetwise. My parents were drug addicts, both doing heroin. It’s sad to say but you get used to the situation.
How much of you is Robbie, your character in The Angels’ Share who has been involved in violence and been to prison?
There’s 75 to 80 per cent of the old Paul in that character – but I think he represents the average kid who is unemployed 100 per cent: having scars, having a criminal record. It shows how hard it is to get work and get on with life.
Did you have dreams as a child?
I had ambitions. My house was about 100 yards from Celtic Park and from five years old I would steal up to the stadium and play around. My passion was to become a football player. That was probably my best chance in life, because I was good. I still get people saying: ‘You know, you wasted your talent.’ Maybe with the right support I could have gone in that direction.
You were homeless. How did that happen?
When I was about 12, I was sofa hopping from house to house because there was a feud, gang violence, going on. I’d stay with friends. I couldn’t go to my mum’s house and I couldn’t go to my dad’s as, at the time, I didn’t speak to him.
Did you take drugs?
I wasn’t taking anything like heroin but, starting at 11, I was smoking cannabis and drinking. Then I went to prison when I was 17 and got out when I was 20.
What for?
It was part of the feud. I was involved in fights and assaults. I’ve been assaulted myself.
What was it like in prison?
It was tough but it made me realise what I wanted in life. It got me off cannabis, stopped me from taking cocaine.
How did you end up starring in a Ken Loach film?
I was a football coach working for the Strathclyde police as part of its community initiative to reduce violence. The writer of The Angels’ Share, Paul Laverty, spoke to one of the guys high up in the police who told him to speak to me. We had a conversation and I got a chance to audition – but I thought it wasn’t for me.
Why not?
I had lost my job and I was close to getting back on drugs and selling drugs and getting involved in all that nonsense. I was a mess, in a bad place. But Paul got hold of me one day and said: ‘Look, get your ass in gear.I’m telling you, you’ve got something.’
You landed the starring role.
Yeah, and I strongly believe Paul saved my life. That’s not a sob story, that’s from the bottom of my heart. I’ve told Paul that.
You had no acting experience.
No, nothing. Just my life experience.
So what do you think that Paul Laverty and Ken Loach saw in you?
I think I was a good listener and I’m good at taking advice. I’m a trier. I give 100 per cent. I think they knew that I had the potential, they thought I had talent, and took a chance on me.
The Angels’ Share is a whisky heist but what’s the theme?
It’s got the fun factor; something magical. But the nitty-gritty stuff for me is the fact that, given the right chances, people can do things right in life.
Did you become a whisky expert?
I had to during shooting and then I realised it wasn’t the best thing because I was enjoying it a bit too much. There was a lot of whisky drinking making this film. It was an absolute treat, mad actually – tasting and smelling the whiskys – but I took a choice not to do it any more.
Were you a Ken Loach fan?
I’ve always enjoyed his films. I liked Kes and Sweet Sixteen and The Wind That Shakes The Barley. But I’ve never been a film buff.
People are saying this film is similar to classic comedy The Full Monty.
That is a bold statement. The Full Monty was an absolutely fantastic film but… why not? It’s got the fun factor, the imagination, good characters and that realistic view of life.
You’re also in Under The Skin. What was it like working with Scarlett Johansson?
I was very nervous. But I’m quite level-headed and always treat people equally and she was fantastic and down to earth. She was asking me about my wee kid and my background. I play a happy guy out on the pull. I just want to enjoy myself. I’m chatting Scarlett up and she seduces me.
Did your mates have a laugh at Scarlett Johansson seducing you?
Most didn’t believe it.
How has acting changed you?
It’s made me more motivated to be financially better off, for my son to have a better life.
The Angels’ Share is out today.
