V interview

V MAGAZINE interview

PHOTOGRAPHY MARIO TESTINO STYLING CARINE ROITFELD MAKEUP TOM PACHEUX HAIR MARC LOPEZ CLOTHING YVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE STYLIST ASSISTANT ANTJE WINTER

MARIO TESTINO GOES TETE-A-TETE WITH THE TALENTED YOUNG STAR OF THE SOON TO BE RELEASED THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY

MARIO TESTINO So, who does your makeup?

JUDE LAW My son.

MT When we met in Los Angeles years ago, you were with a group of friends who were all actors. At that time, they all had more notoriety than you did. Was this difficult for you? Did you realize that it was a good thing?

JL When I was in L.A. at that time--or anytime--I never perceived my friends as famous. They're just my friends. I don't really consider my own notoriety or that of my friends. I guess I don't really think in that way.

MT What have you been up to since then?

JL I've been incredibly busy with films, particularly with "Wisdom of Crocodiles," where I play a bulimic insomniac who kills people he loves--charming! Last year, I was in Italy filming "The Talented Mr.Ripley." This was a great role. I play a millionaire's son who has dropped out and is living on an island in Italy. My character is eventually hunted down by the talented Mr. Ripley. This year, I took time out to develop scripts for my company, Natural Nylon, and spend time with my family.

MT How old were you when you chose your career? Or did it choose you?

JL I was five years old, playing the part of King George in "King George and the Dragon." I think it was playing with this huge sword that swung it for me!

MT What's your biggest vice?

JL My wife Sadie is my biggest vice!

MT What's your biggest luxury?

JL Being with my kids at a football match.

MT If you could work with anyone in the world right now who would it be?

JL Emir Kusturica, whom I consider to be the greatest filmmaker of the moment.

MT Have you been thinking about the year 2000 at all? Do you think the millennium will represent a big change in your life?

JL I only think about it as next year. I despise any hype around the millennium.

MT What's the question you've always hoped to be asked in print?

JL Honestly, I don't have any preconceived ideas about questions before interviews. I just deal with them as they come--other than the favorite question of shall we have a drink now?!