I think it took us all by surprise. I mean, I knew that people in New Zealand would like [Hunt for the Wilderpeople], but no one really anticipated how much they would embrace it as it is. And it's playing widely in Australia now; they're running it as well. It's going to be interesting to see how it does it in the States, but I think if Sundance was any indication, I imagine it could do well.

If you want to learn about America, watch The Wire. Its a profound piece of entertainment.

I hate to say it, but there seems to have been some sort of dumbing down as far as movies go.

When I started in films, it never really occurred to me that I could make a career out of acting.

This was only Taika Watiti fourth film [Hunt for the Wilderpeople], but I think he brings a very original way of looking at stuff and I think if you look at Boy, for instance, which is a beautiful film, that was his second feature, and it's heartbreakingly sad, but it's also simultaneously very funny. There are not many people who can do that.

People turn into fools when they see a movie star and do weird things.

Actors are easy to like. They are generally sociable, thoughtful people.