An interview with Oscar Isaac - Madonna's Russian romantic

By Kyla Manenti

2012 will be the year that makes Oscar Isaac. The US actor - who last year starred alongside Ryan Gosling in Drive and, most recently, played a bottom-flashing Russian romantic in Madonna's W.E - has the lead role in the upcoming, massively anticipated Coen brothers film co-starring Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan. The super-talented, multi-accented actor talks to iVillage about working with Madonna and wooing the ladies...

W.E is about a young woman who is fascinated and inspired by the love story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII. Do you have a favourite love story?

Oscar Isaac: My favourite love story is Romeo and Juliet. I got to perform the play in Central Park and found it to be an incredibly moving experience.

Is there a particular era which appeals to you the most?

Oscar Isaac: Right now, it’s the folk scene in New York in the 1960’s. I’m obsessed with the music.

What were your expectations of working with Madonna and how did the reality compare?

Oscar Isaac: I assumed it would be an intensive experience and that ended up being very much the case. She’s an incredibly meticulous and detail-oriented director and I appreciated that very much.

Your character, Evgeni, woos Wally (Abbie Cornish) with some mean piano skills and kilt-wearing. Which skills do you employ to woo the ladies?

Oscar Isaac: I also use music and lack of underwear to woo the ladies.

As Evgeni sits down at the piano he flicks the kilt to show a flash of his bottom. Was that really your bottom? If not, would you consider some bottom flashing in the future (please)?

Oscar Isaac: Yes, that is very much my bottom.

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You’re Hispanic but you’ve already been cast in a number of various nationalities’ roles (Russian, Iraqi… Prince John of England). Why do you think this is?

Oscar Isaac: Because I have the fortunate label of being 'ethnically ambiguous.'

British actor/director Paddy Considine name dropped you as ‘one to watch’ and described you as ‘one of those guys who can get in there, and is very authentic and makes an impact. I'd love to direct him.’ What’s your reaction to that?

Oscar Isaac: I would happily commit any number of 'unsavoury acts' to be directed by Paddy Considine. He is one of my favourite artists of the last 100 years.

Is there a particular actor you look up to or who inspires you?

Oscar Isaac: Other than Paddy Considine? Anna Magnani.

You’re set to take the lead role in the next Coen bros film. What can we expect?

Oscar Isaac: It is a dream come true to work with the Coens! The film is Inside Llewyn Davies and it’s a screwball tragedy set in Greenwich Village in New York in the 1960’s.

You are on the brink of really hitting the big time (congratulations), now seems like a good moment to ask what you hope to achieve in your career…

Oscar Isaac: I hope to achieve a lack of 'careerism' in my career.

W.E, a tale about the search for true love in the modern world, viewed through the prism of one of history’s most fabled romances, hits UK cinemas January 20th 2012.