Doctor Who star talks about new film

Former Doctor Who actor Noel Clarke has directed his first film Adulthood. Read what he has to say about the experience and listen to his press conference on our audio link.

HE maybe best known for his two seasons on the BBC's family-friendly flagship show Doctor Who but Noel Clarke is hoping that his new film will be a more powerful statement of his intent.

Adulthood is a streetwise urban drama plucked from the headlines that takes a long hard look at what life is like in the crime-blighted slum areas of our major cities. Its a place where a life of drugs, crime and violence are often seen as the best choice for young people and where an ever increasing number of teenage lives are lost through the use of knives and guns.

A sequel to the 2006 low budget drama Kidulthood it not only stars Clarke but is written and directed by him.

“The fact that a sequel has been made is because the audience spoke,” says the 32 year-old. “Kidulthood was only released on 42 screens and had no industry help but still did remarkably well. I can only think of Bridget Jones, Mr Bean and 28 Days later that are British films that have had sequels recently. The young people created this brand because they watched this film and said 'this is true, this is what happens to us in our lives'.”

Clarke plays Sam, released from prison six years after being involved in a killing. Confinement has been a brutal experience that has left him physically and mentally scarred but he arrives back in his old neighbourhood looking for solace. He finds it in the arms of Lexi (Scarlett Alice Johnson)

But a small-time dealer (Adam Deacon) wants revenge and for a few thousand pounds can hire some local thugs to do the job for him.

Adulthood is unflinching in its portrayal of street attitudes and behaviour but does have a strong message of redemption.

Clarke, however, is not sure that is the creator and star of the film that he wants to be put on a pedestal as a shining light for the disenfranchised urban youth of today

“I don't want to be a role model for young people but I'm aware that some may not have anyone to aspire to,” he says, before reluctantly accepting that his example might be a good one to follow.

“If they can see that I can be an actor, writer, a director , a pioneer maybe by doing allthree on a film – then I guess I'm happy to be someone they can look up to.”

Adulthood is getting a wider release than the first film, opening today in two Derby multiplexes, and Clarke hopes that it current news events have made it both topical and important.

He says that he hasn't compromised in depicting what life is like on the strets but does believe his film offers hope.

“I want kids to say 'man if I had done things differently when I was young, studied harder, things might have been better.”

Overall he believes his film, as well as his example can be a positive influence.”

“This film delivers amoral message,” he says. “It says you can walk way and break the cycle of violence.