Gemma Arterton

Her forthcoming films include Song for Marion and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.

‘I was, dare I say it, nonplussed when I became a Bond girl. I was thrilled, obviously, but there have been other jobs that have got me quietly screaming “Oh my God!” Later I remember being in total shock, and thinking, “Actually, this is going to change my life.”

‘I’ve written a list of directors, actors and producers I want to work with, because I think writing it down might help to make it come true. Director Andrea Arnold is one. She’s from the same part of Kent as me and makes the kind of films I’d like to do myself if I were to direct.

‘The hardest scene I’ve ever shot was bathing in a waterfall of blood. It was for a film that hasn’t been released yet, Byzantium. It was freezing and I was in this flimsy dress – I could only be under the waterfall for seven seconds before I went into shock. They had dyed the waterfall red and it was pouring down on my head. I thought, “I’m going to freeze to death.”

‘When I was nominated for a Bafta all my mates asked me, “What will you do if you don’t get it?”

‘I said, “I’ll do this – look straight at the camera and just mouth F***!” I’d love it if somebody did do that. You’re so nervous when they announce the result, and the camera is on you and you’re smiling in anticipation, and then you don’t get it – and you have to keep your smile going for ages.’

BEST FILM ‘Silver Linings Playbook (three nominations) and Amour (four nominations). Amour was beautiful, while SLP was a perfect film; all the elements worked for me.’

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