Can you talk about how found this story and why it’s important to tell now?
Richard Linklater: I read Darryl Ponicsan’s book and just loved the characters twelve years ago.


Can you talk about how found this story and why it’s important to tell now?
Richard Linklater: I read Darryl Ponicsan’s book and just loved the characters twelve years ago.

What attracted you to this project?
Kate Winslet: When I first read the script, I was really taken by the physical demands.

What was your script development process, and what was your reaction to it on first read?
Darren Aronofsky: All of my work outside of filmmaking is environmental work. As a parent, I’m very concerned about the future.

You’re a prolific writer, but this is only your second time directing a feature. What motivates you to direct one of your own pieces?
Mike White: I knew the tone was going to be particular, so it was just going to be hard to help another director interpret what I intended for film to be.

Around 2004, you were doing research about curry during Queen Victoria’s time, and it seems you ended up finding much more than expected?
Shrabani Basu: I knew that that Queen Victoria loved her curry and she had so many Indian servants that cooked for her.