Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets : A New Heir In England: Daniel Radcliffe

It seems lately that there’s a renewed interest in investing lots of money in child stars. Elijah Wood, once a child star, and now a twenty-something actor is the lead star of THE LORD OF THE RINGS and its 2 sequels. Over in England, Daniel Radcliff is the latest child actor to carry a film into success. Only 12 years old, Daniel took the first of the Harry Potter films to new heights and he’s now back for the next adventure in HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS. In an interview with blackfilm.com, Daniel talked about his newfound status in the film industry.

WM: What’s the best thing you’ve faced as a celebrity?

DR: The best thing so far for me was at the premiere I met Ben Stiller which was cool and then at the New York premiere I met Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. That’s been the best bit so far.

WM: Do you see yourself being a heartthrob to young girl around the world?

DR: Personally I can’t actually see it but if other people can, then great.

WM: How’s your fan mail?

DR: I’m just like amazed at the amount of effort because around my birthday time I got presents and things and just the effort that’s put into them is unbelievable. It’s so amazing.

WM: What do you think about the darkness of the film?

DR: I personally don’t think it’s too dark because it’s all in the book and if you take away the darkness of the film then you haven’t done the book justice. So if they’ve read the book then I don’t think they’ll be scared at all.

WM: What’s the best and worst part about making the film?

DR: I think the best thing without a doubt is playing a character who has inspired children all over the world and adults. I don’t think there is a worse thing.

WM: Do you like watching lots of films?

DR: I absolutely love Wes Anderson and ‘The Royal Tennenbaums.’ I think my favorite film is ‘Twelve Angry Men.’ When we weren’t filming I just basically locked myself up in a very small room and watched films.

WM: How are you treated in school?

DR: All the people at my new school who I’ve met have been absolutely fantastic. There’s no jealousy or there’s no bullying. Everybody’s been really nice.

WM: Was it easier filming the second film?

DR: I think I was certainly a lot more confident with Chris (Columbus) and I could give him more input. If I had an idea I was more kind of comfortable talking to him about it whereas on the first film I wouldn’t have been able to do that.

WM: Are you prepared for the next film in the series?

DR: I’m definitely doing the third film. After that who knows because each film takes more or less a year to film so we’ve got quite a long way before I have to make the decision of what I’m going to do next.

WM: Has much support has your family given you?

DR: My parents are like really amazing because they’ve helped me with absolutely everything that I’ve done. I couldn’t have done this without them.

WM: What do you between films?

DR: Now I’m just back at school and I think it did actually help going from one film to the other right after our holiday period. It helped because I was still in my character’s frame of mind.

THE MOST REWARDING

I think actually one of the best things is seeing the finished product. You give like ten months and finally see it, it’s a really great moment when you see it all completed.

SPILLOVER OF CHARACTER INTO HIMSELF

I think I’m going to go and have to have therapy. When I keep reading the books I just find out more about myself that Harry has in his personality too like curiosity, loyalty, not being afraid to stand up for yourself, getting in trouble. I don’t break the rules but I do bend them.

WM: Would you want to be known as Harry Potter forever?

DR: If I do go onto act or whatever I do I think I’m gonna try and separate myself from the character but at the same time it’s not something I ever will be ashamed of because it’s a huge achievement and something to be very proud of.

WM: Do you have a dark side?

DR: I think everybody has a dark side and however much you like to show or afraid to show it. I think it was great to be able to show Harry’s dark side that he’s not flawless or the perfect person.

WM: What are your favorite subjects?

DR: I love English at school. I love reading and writing so I think I might like to be a writer. As well I was given a love of film by Chris Columbus, so I think I might be a director.

WM: What’s on your Christmas list this year?

DR: I would love a DVD of “The Royal Tennenbaums.”