Whether you’re a Skins or a Rivals lover (I am both), the name Luca Pasqualino is one you’re most definitely familiar with. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been biting your nails throughout Rivals’ latest season, or are (still) rooting for Effy and Freddie in Skins, one thing we can all agree on is our shared love of seeing Pasqualino on our screens.
And with Rivals coming back to our screens next month for part two of season two – and thank God, might I add – it’s time to get to know Pasqualino a little better… through cinema. Below, Pasqualino talks his daughter’s first scan being his favourite film, bingeing The Godfather trilogy on a flight, and his go-to cinema snacks.
What was the last film you watched?
I recently watched Wasteman with David Jonsson, Tom Blyth and my dear friend Alex Hassell. I absolutely loved it. It felt like a real, gritty and intense British movie which I’ve always had a soft spot for. The performances were so honest and unhinged in many places and I was glued. Hats off to all involved on that one.
What is your favourite film of all time?
I feel like a bit of a broken record with this one but for me it’s Goodfellas and completely unrivalled. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it and I still notice something new about it every time. Oldboy, by Park Chan-wook a very close second.
What is the genre you gravitate to the most?
It all depends on my mood really. I love a good comedy to unwind to but find myself gripped by an interesting true story. Knowing the events in the film or series have happened at some point in history really holds my attention and I feel so invested before it even starts.
What film changed your life?
I don’t know if it’s a film in the classic sense of the word, but when my partner and I went to the first scan of our daughter, we were shown a video of her heartbeat on a tiny little screen and yeah…that was a pretty beautiful, scary and life-changing moment.
What is a literary character you identify most with?
Right now, I think Mr Busy from the Mr Men books, haha. Life is pretty full on as a new parent, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Who is your favourite director?
Such a tough question. Martin Scorsese is very high up the list for the obvious reason that he directed my all-time favourite movie (and so many others that I love), but it’s very difficult to not recognise the genius of directors like Wes Anderson. His style is so stunning and immediately recognisable. Bong Joon-ho, who I had the great honour of working with is another I hold in such high regard. Parasite alone, and his achievements with the film speak for themselves.
Which book would you love to see adapted on screen?
I’m going to cheat a bit with this one. It’s not a book but there’s a documentary called Listen to Me Marlon. It’s a fascinating film which tells the story of a certain period of Marlon Brando’s life in his own words via audiotapes that he recorded and were found after his death, I believe. I’d love to see that made into a biopic I think it would be amazing. I’d be happy to play Marlon in that, haha.
Which is your favourite cinema?
I guess I’ve spent a lot of time at the Showcase in Peterborough, as it was the cinema I grew up going to I have lots of fond movie memories in there. The IMAX in London is a great experience and the Everyman in Bristol has had my bum on their seats multiple times also.
If you could watch a film for the first time again, what would it be?
Growing up Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask, were on all the time. I still love them to this day but when I was a kid I don’t think I fully appreciated the artistry involved in making those characters. I know seeing those films at my age now would blow my mind. They still do, haha.
What movie scene has stuck with you?
So many scenes have stayed with me for different reasons over the years, but probably the most stand-out one for me is the bedside scene when Arnie and Gilbert find their mother in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. I will never forget the way it broke my heart the first time I saw it and continues to do so whenever I think about it. The truth and honesty he brought to that performance was like nothing I’d ever seen at the time. Not many people of my generation had seen DiCaprio in that way either, which made it so much more special. I think it stems from the close relationship I have with my own Mum that made it hit home so much.
Do you have a favourite actor?
In all honesty, I don’t think I do. I have so much appreciation for so many actors and look up to many of them, but to choose one is impossible.
Do you have a favourite cinema snack?
Of course. Medium mixed popcorn, large coke and more often than not, I’m the annoying person who orders nachos but I try to eat them before the film actually starts. Firstly, I don’t want to be that guy crunching throughout the film and secondly…have you ever tried to find the nacho cheese, jalapenos and salsa in the dark?
What is a line from a movie that you always quote?
I guess I tend to quote more of David Brent in The Office than anything else. Depending on who with, of course. You need to be a fan of The Office to get the quote in the first place so, it would usually be with one of the Rivals cast. There are many The Office quote specialists on that show.
What’s your go to in flight movie?
I wouldn’t say I have a go to movie. I like to check the movie library on the plane and see what’s occurring first. Also, depending on the time and duration of the flight, it’s not uncommon for me to fall asleep during a night flight. I was quite proud of watching the entire Godfather trilogy on a 12-hour flight to South Africa once. That was fun.
Feature image: one
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