We managed to catch up with Tye Sheridan - star of Mud (review HERE) which is in cinemas this weekend - to have a quick chat about what it was like to work on this movie. Between his busy school schedule and his increasing work load (you may also remember him from Terence Malick's Tree Of Life, and he's next up in Nicolas Cage starrer Joe), the young star doesn’t have much in the way of free time. But we can expect to see a lot more of him over the next few years.
Entertainment.ie: What was it about Mud, and the character of Ellis, that attracted you to the project?
* When I read the script, I immediately fell in love with it! I fell in love with Ellis. He's such a young, vulnerable romantic, which is why I was drawn to him. Another reason I wanted to take this role was that Ellis goes through SO much in this movie. There's so much emotion flowing around. I knew this would be a great chance for me, as an actor, to prove what I can do and prove my versatility. Ellis goes from curiosity and hope, to heartbreak and fury. I feel like it was a risky role to take but I knew that if I performed it well, it would be a great role for me.
Entertainment.ie: Ellis and his best-friend Neckbone have a very believable best-friend relationship in the movie. Did you and co-star Jacob Lofland get much time before shooting to work on that?
* Jacob and I had rehearsed for two weeks before we started shooting. I remember us going to the river and taking boating lessons. We also went bowling one day. Jacob is a really easy person to work with.
Entertainment.ie: Michael Shannon previously worked with Mud director Jeff Nichols on Take Shelter. Did he give you any advice on set?
* Although I only worked with him for a day, I remember Mike being a super cool, calm and collected guy. I think it's my job as a young actor to watch adult actors and take tips on the way they work.
Entertainment.ie: How is it working with superstars like Brad Pitt and Matthew McConaughey?
* I don't get "star struck". I think it's very important to remember when you're working with these actors that they're only human like you are.
Entertainment.ie: Did you have a particularly favourite day or scene to shoot over the course of making Mud?
* When I was shooting "Mud", every day was my favourite! I had so much fun on this film and loved working with all the cast and crew! It was a great experience.
Entertainment.ie: Having worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood already, are there any other actors or directors you’d love to work with?
* There's not anyone in particular I'd like to work with. I just want to continue doing work that I have a passion for.