What was it like working with someone as exacting as Michael Mann, or even Martin Scorsese?
CLIFF CURTIS: I loved it. I love anybody that is driven by a clear vision. They have totally different approaches, of course, but what’s the same is that in their own way what they’re trying to do is create an environment on the set that is conducive to everybody involved believing in what’s happening. If you’re concerned with truth, then I love that. If you don’t really care, y’know, if you don’t care what colour the wall is so long as there’s no glare, then, well, that turns me right off. But with the great filmmakers, every detail matters so though I present a casual demeanour, I really admire folks that are meticulous–truly passionate–about the reality and the honesty of their work. You’ve played a lot of ethnicities in your career, how does it feel to get back to playing your own in Whale Rider? It feels like a relief. (laughs) I’ve been waiting for this film for a long time. It’s fun to go off and put on a disguise and pretend to be someone else, but to be able to get back to m
