S imon Baker on his directorial debut Breath

S imon Baker on his directorial debut Breath

I would love to shoot something in Calcutta... it’s so photogenic: Simon Baker

ByUshnota Paul

· Published 18.11.18, 6:48 PM

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Simon Baker at Nandan to showcase his directorial debut BreathPicture: Rashbehari Das

Breath is about the relationship with, not only the ocean, but masculinity and the idea of growing up by the ocean in AustraliaA still from the film

Best known for the smooth-talking Patrick Jane in the TV series The Mentalist, Simon Baker was in Calcutta as part of the Australian delegation to showcase his directorial debut Breath at the Kolkata International Film Festival. We caught up with the handsome Australian actor for a chat after watching Breath, while he was on his way to Taj Bengal for a Bengali meal.

You got mobbed by the crowd right after the screening of Breath!

Yes, that was pretty intense (laughs). I couldn’t imagine what it would be like for Shah Rukh Khan or someone.

What are you liking about Calcutta?

You know, what I really like is actually how friendly everyone is… incredibly friendly and there’s such warmth. Everyone is in a very pleasant mood and in a pleasant state of mind. Don’t you think? I think that’s impressive. The other thing that I really love is how proud everyone is of this city. I have just been eating Indian food since I got here. I’m about to go and eat some Bengali food now.

Breath is an adaptation of Australian author Tim Winton’s novel. What excited you about the story that made you choose it as your directorial debut?

I did not immediately think that this was going to be my directorial debut. I knew that I wanted to be involved straight away when I read the book. It was probably the best writing that I have ever read about a relationship with, not only the ocean, but masculinity and the idea of growing up by the ocean in Australia.

You also played the pivotal role of Sando, an avid surfer, in the film. How challenging was it to act and direct at the same time?

Well, I have acted in and directed episodes of TV shows that I’ve worked in. I was familiar with working in front of the camera and behind the camera at the same time. So, it wasn’t so difficult.

The panoramic shots of the ocean were beautiful. Which part of Australia was the film shot in?

It was all shot in the Great Southern region of western Australian, in Albany and Denmark. Not Denmark the Scandinavian country but Denmark, which is a small town in the south-west of Australia. It’s a beautiful place.

You’re an avid surfer. Which other adventure sports or outdoor activities do you like?

I’m getting old, so I don’t try as many adventure sports! It was a big formation of who I am as a person… my relationship with the ocean and surfing.

Which one is your favourite Nicole Kidman performance?

To Die For by Gus Van Sant in the ’90s.