Interview: Noel Clarke

Noel Clarke

With a stint in Dr Who under his belt, Noel Clarke also made a huge impact writing and starring in the 2006 hit film Kidulthood.

Two years on, Noel picks up the story again with Adulthood - and this time he also directs. With the film out on DVD on October 13, MegaStar had a chat with Noel

How much of a challenge did you find it to write, direct and star Adulthood?

It was definitely challenging. I really had to make sure I was prepared in advance. It’s difficult to direct yourself but all the scenes involving me were extensively rehearsed and of course I knew the script inside out so was well prepared.

It’s great that you gave unknown musical talent the opportunity to gain exposure through the film. Why was this so important to you?

I was actually going to have less original music and make it equal between new and existing artists but people started demanding ridiculous money to use their tracks and so I thought you know what, there are so many unsigned acts that would be so humble and grateful for the opportunity that I decided to do it that way instead. We set up an initiative where people could submit their tracks. We got so many responses and there was one artist called Smart Kid who got his music featured in the film and he literally just records his stuff in his room.

An important line in the film is that ‘when you’re a kid you always want to be older’. Is that reflective that each generation seems to want to get older before their time?

It’s an important speech which relates to everyone – not just in terms of generation. When you’re a kid you always want to grow up quickly but when you are older in the real world and have to pay bills, pay a mortgage or not be able to get a mortgage, you wish you had done more when you were younger to help you when you’re older.

Do you feel it’s your responsibility to be a role model?

I don’t really call myself a role model, no. I just want to send out a positive message – in this case, redemption. I do my work the best I can but ultimately I’m only responsible for my own son. Parents, guardians, teachers are responsible for the teaching of their own kids.

Jay’s character is expanded upon in Adulthood and is a lot grittier. Why is this?

People forget that Jay was the one who had the argument with Trife in Kidulthood – he was also the one who threw the bottle at the shop keeper. Yeah he said the funny lines but he was always more advanced than Trife and this was really his natural progression. With Sam, I didn’t expect the audience to like him but wanted to show that he was genuinely sorry and for people to respect that he paid his price.

Is the film based on your own experiences?

Kidulthood is reminiscent of my younger years – the boys sitting in the bedroom and so on but not really my own experiences – just what I have seen and observed. I’m definitely not a criminal!

What’s next for you Noel?

Well, there are a few things – I’ve just done a film called ‘Heartless’ with Jim Sturgess and ‘Doghouse’ a comedy horror with Danny Dyer. I’ve also been writing stuff which should come out next year but I can’t say too much about that yet!

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