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Thank goodness for that! As Derek, the taciturn and understated father of Jacqueline du Pré, Charles Dance takes an unusual step into the fringes of the spotlight. He's played villains, romantic leads, monsters and military men. In this film, though, his characteristics are more mundane. "Earlier in his life Derek was no mean accordionist," Dance explains. "Obviously he wasn't in the same class as his wife and daughters, but music was always a great part of that family. But when Jackie suddenly started accelerating past Hilary -- who was initially thought to be the most talented and successful -- he and his wife were very proud for them to win prizes and do concerts. But it was a whole other world for what essentially was a suburban, claustrophobic family. It was like talking about Mars -- the parents had no knowledge of it at all! And all Derek could do was to try and be supportive towards his daughters." Dance admits to "not having the foggiest idea" what he's doing in 1999. However, the forthcoming What Rats Won't Do (also co-starring James Frain -- again!), and Don't Go Breaking My Heart will see him flexing his comic skills. The former he describes as "a rather charming comedy" in which the will of a millionaire is challenged after he leaves all his money to a young bimbo. The latter is a comedy about two men pursuing Jenny Seagrove, and marks the feature film debut of the West End producer Bill Kenwright. |
"It was an absolute joy and a pleasure to be part of this film. It's awful to have to lie about a piece of tosh when it comes to publicising a film. I thought it was a good project to be part of, a terrific movie, it's a plus to be able to say that."