Up until recently, very few Americans were even aware as to who Allistair Hall was. The Brit sensation, known for his work in the UK version of 'The Office' had really only ever played two bit parts in films that were popularized in america, and done some voice over work for the cult hit TV show "Robot Chicken". When it was announced in 2007 that he would be playing the Joker in the much anticipated 'Dark Knight', the general reaction was "Allistair who?". However, since its release this summer, there has been a lot of buzz about Hall's star making performance as the dark twisted and frighteningly funny joker, from fans and critics alike. I had the opportunity to sit down in his kitchen in Los Angeles with Allistair Hall and get to know the brit we're all suddenly talking about.
Tell us about what it was like to be picked for such a sought after role in "Dark Knight".
Allistair Hall: Well, to be perfecty honest, it was quite terrifying. I mean, the franchise has a billion fans around the world and everyone was staring at me like, who does this bloke think he is?, you know? So there was a lot of pressure from the fans to not f*ck this up. (laughs). But we had a really incredible director and it was a great role to work on. I was well nervous when the movie opened though. But people seemed to like it, and that's what it's all about.
Is it true that you became so wrapped up in the character of the Joker that you became an insomniac and a shut in?
No, I've always been an insomniac and a shut in. (laughs). I'm borderline agoraphobic, so the reality is I don't go out much when I'm not working. And I don't sleep much. I stay up late and watch a lot of infomercials and eat an embarassing amount of nutella. It has nothing to do with the joker, except that I was able to channel that part of me into his character. He came from a place that I understood. Not that I go around killing folks or anything, but that intensity underneath his playful demeanor. I got that.
What do you think about the oscar buzz surrounding your performance?
That would be fantastic. I'm just a guy from Oxford who used to do a lot of shite comedies, and to be able to do this work on such an incredible character is really a reward in itself. Still, it would be cool to be nominated and get to go to the ceremony and everything.
Do you have a girl you'd be bringing to the oscars?
My mum. She's the reason I'm doing what I'm doing. Plus, She'd kill me if I brought anyone else.
But are you currently seeing anyone?
Not that I know of. Why, are you interested? (laughs)
So how do you like living in LA?
It's a lot sunnier than London, so I like that. There's a great view from the back of my house too, so I like to go out there and get some sun, read a book, all that. It's relaxing here honestly. Like I said, I don't go out much, so I really don't know much about the LA scene. I just moved here after we wrapped on Dark Knight.
What do you do when you're not working?
I really only go to the shop to get cigarettes and food and then I come home. Sometimes I also go for short walks aroudn the neighborhood, and that's nice. It's quiet here. People tend not to bother you. Even the paparazzi. I mean, they're there, but it's nothing like Europe. They'll chase you down over there. And beyond that I like to read, I play music, though not anything serious, just for laughs, and I like to have friends over. I like to cook a bit and have some wine and chat. And I have a private beach behind my house, so I love to surf when I can. I'm not very good yet but I'm learning. Not much surf in London, you know.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
I do, actually. I just started pre-production on this film called 'The Royal Tenenbaums'. It's about this family of child prodigies and thier lives after they've grown up. I play the oldest brother, who used to be a tennis pro. It's a comedy, which is something I definitely wanted to return to after doing something as serious as the Joker, but it's more of a high brow comedy. And there's some drama in there too.
Thanks for everything!
Oh, you're totally welcome. Stop by anytime!