Taron Egerton in Toronto, Canada on September 10, 2016.
We spoke to Taron Egerton at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) about Sing, in which he appears alongside Scarlett Johansson, Matthew McConaughey & Reese Witherspoon.
Sing features a failing theatre attempting to portray ‘real talent from real life’, what is a moment from real life that you felt made for a stronger performance?
I forgot the words to a song on stage once. Still makes me shiver. Valuable lesson in being prepared!
What do you think is the best (or your favourite) animated or voiced performance of all time?
Toy Story had such a strong impression on me as a child. I was exactly the same age as Andy and it was so magical. I’ve watched all of Pixar’s output since then and it continues to amaze me. If I had to go for a specific performance I think I’d probably say Billy Crystal in Monsters Inc.
I’ve read that on Kingsman you did a lot of your own stunts, how much does that help you get into a role and transversely, how did you find or try to find that same level of immersion in a project like Sing where your physicality isn’t rooted in your character?
When we recorded the dialogue they had some small cameras recording our expressions and gestures. It’s not motion capture but I’m led to believe that the animators use that footage as inspiration when animating our characters. You just try to be as expressive as you can be physically and I think the voice follows!
Does being part of an ensemble cast in a film where people aren’t exactly sure which character you play make the promotion of it more or less challenging?
I’m not sure. Perhaps I should I should have some sort of t-shirt made.
If you, like the characters of Sing had just one defining moment on a stage, what would you perform?
I can’t pick one song. Maybe Heroes? Lean On Me? These Arms of Mine? There are so many!
If you could attend one screening at TIFF this year apart from your own, which screening would you pick?
I saw Tom Ford’s new movie (Nocturnal Animals) and it was incredible. I would have loved to have had the time to catch Jeff Nichols’ Loving.
Egerton as he got ready for a TIFF event that evening.
The view from Egerton’s hotel window at the Four Seasons, Toronto.
Egerton leaned against the closet mirror.
Egerton considered his shoes and a jacket.
Before departing, Egerton applied a splash of cologne.
As told to Paul Vaughan for TPJ
Photographer: Jessie Craig
Stylist: Michael Miller
