James Norton: ‘If playing Bond precluded films like this, it would be a hard thing for me to swallow’

Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I think that people were a little bit perturbed that I was offering them free window cleaning.” Norton’s character is a single father bringing up a four-year-old son, Michael. Half way through the shoot, he turned to his mum and said, ‘When do we start the film?’ It was amazing to see him over these four and a half weeks learn this process of filmmaking, acting and storytelling.” open image in gallery Dashing star: Norton in Bond mode in 'McMafia' Soon, the child actor was able to respond whenever Pasolini called “action” and, as Norton puts it, “to go into this other head space, this character Michael”, learning he is about to lose his father. Then, when Pasolini called “cut”, Daniel would immediately turn straight back into the mischievous, loveable little boy who had caught the casting directors’ attention in the first place. “You would have to ask that question to Daniel Craig,” says Norton, “but if that choice did preclude films like Nowhere Special, then it would be a hard thing for me to swallow.” ‘Nowhere Special’ received its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on 9 September