We begin with a slight Californian drawl and end with a broad Yorkshire brogue. Over the course of our time with the star of Steven Spielberg's new version of
Tintin, Jamie Bell's accent slowly crosses the Atlantic.
Forever linked with his role as an unlikely ballerina in Billy Elliot, Bell has since played a huge variety of roles from a teleporter in Jumper to a clergyman in Jane Eyre. Here he talks to GQ.com about his love of milkshakes, how to please a woman and his fondness for Greggs...
GQ.com: What's small talk with Steven Spielberg like?
Jamie Bell: I was so nervous to reveal how much of a fanboy I am in case he started thinking, "Oh my God, we've cast a maniac." So it's only been recently, hanging out with Steven and doing all the press that I've been able to go, "Dude, that decision in Hook when he does this thing..." But I held my tongue for the longest time.
You've described Tintin as "Hitchcockian". Which of his films does it resemble most?
Strangers On A Train or The 39 Steps. Lots of people looking over their shoulders in very low lighting, revealing bits of information and ending up dead.
What's the strangest gift you've ever got from a fan?
I've got lots of weird illustrations of me from Japanese fans. I also got a dead moth. [Pause] Which actually might be more of a threat than a present.
What's your top style tip for autumn?
For me, I'm a small chap and I like jackets to fit real tight. If you're taller you can go for looser stuff. When I wear jackets I like to pop the collar up on them - I think more guys should do that. It changes it from a very formal [look] to more of a sports thing.
Having screen-tested for Spider-man, what superhero role would you like to have a crack at next?
Considering I failed at the first one, I don't know. I've never felt particularly connected to Peter Parker, [so] I felt like they made the right decision. I actually can't wait to see the movie - I think it's going to be great. My favourite superhero is obviously
Batman because he's the sexiest. But I can't imagine myself as Batman...
What's the first thing you do when you get back from LA?
I miss my friends and stuff, doing the things we used to do. But it's really important that I'm over there. I just flew into Newcastle the other day, and the first thing I said was, "I'm getting Greggs. I don't even care, man - I want a Cornish pasty and I want it now."
What's the best way to impress a woman?
Buy her flowers? Take her home on the weekend to meet your mother?
No. Let's cut to the primal - be good in the sack. [Slaps thighs] Have an understanding of what's going on down there and have fun, awesome sex.
What's the question you hate being asked?
If I hear "What was it like working with Steven Spielberg?" one more time, I might jump out of that window. "Do you miss England?" is really annoying. The third one is "How did you avoid the pitfalls of being a child actor?" I don't even know what that means. Do child stars hit pitfalls? That's such a stereotypical thing to say. I know lot of actors who have started off as kids and I feel it's really unfair.
What should no man have in his wardrobe?
Crocs. It's just not on.
What do people still get wrong about you?
They think I'm a nice guy. [grins]
Who, in your opinion, is overrated?
There's a really funny joke there but I don't know what it is.
Probably me, actually.
What film do you consider particularly stylish?
Definitely Drive. Even just the promotion and marketing on that movie is awesome. [Mimics the pitch] "It's a cool stunt-guy action movie and let's make the font look like Dirty Dancing." You're going to get women through the door. Well, I mean, you're going to get women through the door anyway with Gosling...
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
What's the best penis I've ever seen?
No! Actually, what is the best penis you've ever seen?
[Collapses into laughter] That is a good question. The best piece of advice I ever received was "Don't f*** your publicist." Russell Crowe told me that. It's probably a smart move. [Both of his publicists are now in the room, attempting to bring the interview to a close] No! It's
GQ!
What skill should every man have?
Skill? You know what I'm going to say. A man should have a good understanding of a vagina. He should be good at oral sex. On a woman.
You do realise you've got another publicist standing right behind you?
I don't care. A skill a man should have? Making fires and pleasing a woman. In the vaginal area.
What's your drink of choice?
I've always loved those Yazoo banana milkshakes. Alcoholic drink depends on what mood you're in, doesn't it? Absinthe does make the heart grow fonder.
What's the strangest thing you've ever bought?
Bought? [hesitates, deliberates, looks concerned] This is going to end up on Google. God... [desperately tries to think of an alternative] Er, no, that's lame. No, I can't, no way, no, seriously, because then the Google alert: "Bell buys..." I don't know, I buy crazy s*** all the time. I wish I had all these amazingly cool answers. Do you think actors sometimes just make it up to sound awesome?
Probably.
I wish I was good at that.
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The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn is out on 26 October.
