I like attending film festivals and premieres but sometimes you have to be prepared to battle through the crowds. You can escape if you try. On the first night of the Cannes Film Festival last year, I had a very quiet dinner with a close friend in the beautiful Carlton Hotel and nobody really bothered us the whole time we were there. So it can be done.
I prefer flying to driving really long distances. However, I recently passed my driving test — bizarrely, I can't seem to reverse now that I have taken off the 'L' plates! I will probably get a car soon and start exploring parts of Britain I've not seen. It's such an underrated place, this tiny island of ours.
You get used to having time off for a bit when you're not making a film. But whether I'm working or not, travel is my passion. Going to places and working on really interesting subjects is such a privilege. The whole acting thing is still nuts to me — like being in Los Angeles on Oscar night and being nominated. Plus the whole business is very stop and start. When I'm working I'm happiest and if I'm somewhere like the heart of Manhattan, which is never less than breathtaking, it's a dream.
I come home to England as often as possible to be with my family. I adore London and recently fell in love with its film festival. Londoners always treat me like I've never been away.
Wasn't it amazing when the whole world focused on Chile and the rescue of the miners? I'd love to visit that country one day. It was great to turn on the news and find something that was positive. I was in the gym when I saw on TV the first miners being rescued. It was thrilling and heartwarming. I was even asked if I would consider a role in a film about the Chilean miners if one was to be made. To be honest, I think Chilean people should be in it.
Carey Mulligan stars in Never Let Me Go and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, showing on board (selected flights).
