Is Anybody There? Interview

Sir Michael Caine tells MTV News about his co-star Bill Milner...

14:46, Friday, 1 May 2009

Is Anybody There gives us the first chance this year to use the phrase 'Oscar contender'.

Sir Michael Caine's new movie is funny and sad in equal measure, delivered by a stellar cast including the prodigal Bill Milner (Son of Rambow), Anne-Marie Duff (Shameless) and David Morrissey (Red Riding).

"I've read many scripts that have made me laugh, but I'd never read one that made me cry " said Caine at the London premiere , continuing "I thought if it can do this to me in an office on my own, what can it do on the screen, so that's why I had to do it".

Clarence (Caine) and Edward (Milner) meet when Edward's parents (Duff & Morrissey) turn their house into an old people's home. An ageing ex-magician rapidly losing his marbles, Clarence reluctantly moves in and finds himself helping the 11 year old with his fascination of the after life.

14-year-old Milner revealed working alongside the Dark Knight star was a real education: "I learned things just from watching him, subconsciously you're learning new things and changing the way you act."

When MTV News' Rickie asked screen icon Caine if he thought this film would bring him that elusive Oscar, he wouldn't be drawn for fear of tempting fate: "I've been nominated four times and never won, I don't like to talk about it!".

Is Anybody There? hits cinemas across the UK on May 1st.