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Showbiz
Dame Helen Mirren has admitted she cuts her own hair.
The 'RED 2' actress insisted she "can't handle" an almost-monthly trip to the hairdresser, so she has taken to chopping her own locks - even in preparation for glitzy award shows.
She told Redbook magazine: "Not always, but yes, [I cut my own hair]. I can't handle going to the hairdresser every six weeks, so I only go about once a year.
"In between, I get out the scissors and do something, usually rather disastrously. Sometimes I'll even chop my hair the morning of a big red carpet event."
She also admitted she still finds the huge events to be a lot of "fun", particularly now she's at a stage where she can just "enjoy" them.
She added: "Yes, it is fun - it's a silly, amazing moment to be caught up in, and then it's all over.
"What's nice is that I don't feel nervous about it anymore. I can just enjoy it."
And despite not having a strict 'beauty regime', the veteran star still puts on makeup "every day" - although she ends up taking most of it off again.
She explained: "I wear makeup every day. I love putting it on, and I get really into it: a little bit of this here, a little bit of that there... But then I stand back and look in the mirror and it's awful!
"So I take it all off because I've gotten too anal about it. It's absolutely true that as you get older, you have to wear less and less makeup."
Helen Mirren cuts her own hair
Dame Helen Mirren has admitted she cuts her own hair.
The 'RED 2' actress insisted she "can't handle" an almost-monthly trip to the hairdresser, so she has taken to chopping her own locks - even in preparation for glitzy award shows.
She told Redbook magazine: "Not always, but yes, [I cut my own hair]. I can't handle going to the hairdresser every six weeks, so I only go about once a year.
"In between, I get out the scissors and do something, usually rather disastrously. Sometimes I'll even chop my hair the morning of a big red carpet event."
She also admitted she still finds the huge events to be a lot of "fun", particularly now she's at a stage where she can just "enjoy" them.
She added: "Yes, it is fun - it's a silly, amazing moment to be caught up in, and then it's all over.
"What's nice is that I don't feel nervous about it anymore. I can just enjoy it."
And despite not having a strict 'beauty regime', the veteran star still puts on makeup "every day" - although she ends up taking most of it off again.
She explained: "I wear makeup every day. I love putting it on, and I get really into it: a little bit of this here, a little bit of that there... But then I stand back and look in the mirror and it's awful!
"So I take it all off because I've gotten too anal about it. It's absolutely true that as you get older, you have to wear less and less makeup."
Music News
The Prodigy claim their new album will be "more violent".
The band - made up of Liam Howlett, Keith Flint, Leo Crabtree, Rob Holliday and Maxim Reality - are set to release their new record later this year and insist it will be wilder than previous offerings.
Frontman Liam said: "I've got a new title but you can't have it. It's too early! I've written everything and I'm basically going through each track and making sure they're firing.
"It's more violent-sounding, it feels wilder."
Their sixth record is the follow-up to the band's last release, 'Invaders Must Die' in 2009, and Liam claims they have gone in a new direction.
He said: "It's not so much old-school. It's neither guitar-based nor synth-based, it's kind of a mixture. It doesn't feel like it's so radio-friendly to me, it feels like it's got a lot of edge."
Meanwhile, the band headlined Sonisphere a few days ago and they will also appear at Global Gathering later this month, but insist the shows are not the right time for debuting new material.
Liam told NME magazine: "These two shows are a big deal, for sure. We're thinking about what tunes we're going to perform and how to get the balance right. We've got loads of new stuff, but at these big shows people don
The Prodigy promise ‘violent’ album
The Prodigy claim their new album will be "more violent".
The band - made up of Liam Howlett, Keith Flint, Leo Crabtree, Rob Holliday and Maxim Reality - are set to release their new record later this year and insist it will be wilder than previous offerings.
Frontman Liam said: "I've got a new title but you can't have it. It's too early! I've written everything and I'm basically going through each track and making sure they're firing.
"It's more violent-sounding, it feels wilder."
Their sixth record is the follow-up to the band's last release, 'Invaders Must Die' in 2009, and Liam claims they have gone in a new direction.
He said: "It's not so much old-school. It's neither guitar-based nor synth-based, it's kind of a mixture. It doesn't feel like it's so radio-friendly to me, it feels like it's got a lot of edge."
Meanwhile, the band headlined Sonisphere a few days ago and they will also appear at Global Gathering later this month, but insist the shows are not the right time for debuting new material.
Liam told NME magazine: "These two shows are a big deal, for sure. We're thinking about what tunes we're going to perform and how to get the balance right. We've got loads of new stuff, but at these big shows people don
Movies
Mark Wahlberg insists actors are not "tough" for doing their own stunts.
The self-confessed "adrenalin junkie" - who was jailed as a teenager for assault - is happy to shoot his own action scenes, but insists those who do are not as "badass" as they think.
He said: "I [do my own stunts[, I was an adrenalin junkie when I was young but it annoys me when actors talk about how badass they think they are doing their own stunts.
"These are the guys who spend an hour in the make-up chair and another hour looking at themselves in the mirror. You wanna see tough? Go to prison."
Despite being happy to do his own stunts, the actor admits working on 'Transformers: Age of Extinction' was sometimes "scary" because of director Michael Bay's desire to push things to their limit.
He said: "Every day brought something new. You're running along a 19th floor terrace on a ledge. You're on a little wire and, OK, you're not gonna fall to your death, but when you fall you smack up the side of the building and people are throwing stuff at you and you're running and people are screaming and Michael wants you throwing stuff at people.
"It's pretty scary at times."
And while the crew were thrilled at the thought of using a new type of camera on the movie, Mark was less than impressed because it kept attacking him.
He told Loaded magazine: "There was a camera rig on my car. It came from Germany and had never been used before.
"The film crew were like, 'It's so cool and it's never been used before'. I'm like, 'Well no, it's a f***ing problem because if it's never been used, they probably don't know how to use this s**t'.
"And I got this camera like a robot that does all these cool moves but the f**ing thing keeps smashing into me. And Michael Bay was like, 'This shot is awesome!' "
Mark Wahlberg: Stunts don’t make actors tough
Mark Wahlberg insists actors are not "tough" for doing their own stunts.
The self-confessed "adrenalin junkie" - who was jailed as a teenager for assault - is happy to shoot his own action scenes, but insists those who do are not as "badass" as they think.
He said: "I [do my own stunts[, I was an adrenalin junkie when I was young but it annoys me when actors talk about how badass they think they are doing their own stunts.
"These are the guys who spend an hour in the make-up chair and another hour looking at themselves in the mirror. You wanna see tough? Go to prison."
Despite being happy to do his own stunts, the actor admits working on 'Transformers: Age of Extinction' was sometimes "scary" because of director Michael Bay's desire to push things to their limit.
He said: "Every day brought something new. You're running along a 19th floor terrace on a ledge. You're on a little wire and, OK, you're not gonna fall to your death, but when you fall you smack up the side of the building and people are throwing stuff at you and you're running and people are screaming and Michael wants you throwing stuff at people.
"It's pretty scary at times."
And while the crew were thrilled at the thought of using a new type of camera on the movie, Mark was less than impressed because it kept attacking him.
He told Loaded magazine: "There was a camera rig on my car. It came from Germany and had never been used before.
"The film crew were like, 'It's so cool and it's never been used before'. I'm like, 'Well no, it's a f***ing problem because if it's never been used, they probably don't know how to use this s**t'.
"And I got this camera like a robot that does all these cool moves but the f**ing thing keeps smashing into me. And Michael Bay was like, 'This shot is awesome!' "
Music News
Jimmy Page agrees that Led Zeppelin should headline Glastonbury.
The rock band have been named in several polls and by bookies as the band people want to see top the bill at the world famous music festival and while the guitarist knows why, he has no idea if the band will ever reform to do it.
Speaking at the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards yesterday (04.07.14), he said: "I agree with them, it's good music isn't it."
He cheekily added: "Maybe I could just go out on my own then and call myself Led Zeppelin."
Meanwhile, he suggested the group's longevity and enduring popularity is one of the mean reasons fans want to see them at the iconic music festival.
He added to BANG Showbiz: "I think the reason people want it is the fact Led Zeppelin's music has touched people all the way through and every year seems to bring new young musicians and a new audience.
"I've just been out promoting the first three releases of Led Zeppelin's album and it's young people that are there and young journalists - it's not the old school.
"So, I know what it means to people and it's a really nice thing. Music has always been my passion as a kid."
Jimmy Page wants Led Zeppelin at Glastonbury
Jimmy Page agrees that Led Zeppelin should headline Glastonbury.
The rock band have been named in several polls and by bookies as the band people want to see top the bill at the world famous music festival and while the guitarist knows why, he has no idea if the band will ever reform to do it.
Speaking at the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards yesterday (04.07.14), he said: "I agree with them, it's good music isn't it."
He cheekily added: "Maybe I could just go out on my own then and call myself Led Zeppelin."
Meanwhile, he suggested the group's longevity and enduring popularity is one of the mean reasons fans want to see them at the iconic music festival.
He added to BANG Showbiz: "I think the reason people want it is the fact Led Zeppelin's music has touched people all the way through and every year seems to bring new young musicians and a new audience.
"I've just been out promoting the first three releases of Led Zeppelin's album and it's young people that are there and young journalists - it's not the old school.
"So, I know what it means to people and it's a really nice thing. Music has always been my passion as a kid."
Music News
Black Sabbath turned London's Hyde Park into a giant mosh pit last night (04.07.14).
The legendary heavy metal band performed a career-spanning set featuring old favourites including 'War Pigs' and 'Iron Man' and material from their new album '13' to the delight of the hoardes gathered for the second night of Barclaycard's British Summer Time.
Ahead of the show, frontman Ozzy Osbourne had celebrated his wedding anniversary with wife Sharon and daughter Kelly with a party backstage, and he appeared to want to continue the celebrations on stage.
The 65-year-old rocker shouted: "Do you know what day it is today? It's my f***ing wedding anniversary. Sharon! Get out here!"
As the band closed their set with classic hit 'Paranoid', rain fell on the crowd - which included actor Johnny Depp - but none of the revellers seemed to mind as they continued singing along until the very end.
Elsewhere on the bill, Soundgarden marked the 20th anniversary of their album 'Superunknown' by playing it in full, with 'Black Hole Sun' a particular highlight.
Barclaycard British Summer Time continues in Hyde Park today (05.07.14) with performances from Reverend and the Makers, The View, Graham Coxon and headliners The Libertines.
Black Sabbath rock Hyde Park
Black Sabbath turned London's Hyde Park into a giant mosh pit last night (04.07.14).
The legendary heavy metal band performed a career-spanning set featuring old favourites including 'War Pigs' and 'Iron Man' and material from their new album '13' to the delight of the hoardes gathered for the second night of Barclaycard's British Summer Time.
Ahead of the show, frontman Ozzy Osbourne had celebrated his wedding anniversary with wife Sharon and daughter Kelly with a party backstage, and he appeared to want to continue the celebrations on stage.
The 65-year-old rocker shouted: "Do you know what day it is today? It's my f***ing wedding anniversary. Sharon! Get out here!"
As the band closed their set with classic hit 'Paranoid', rain fell on the crowd - which included actor Johnny Depp - but none of the revellers seemed to mind as they continued singing along until the very end.
Elsewhere on the bill, Soundgarden marked the 20th anniversary of their album 'Superunknown' by playing it in full, with 'Black Hole Sun' a particular highlight.
Barclaycard British Summer Time continues in Hyde Park today (05.07.14) with performances from Reverend and the Makers, The View, Graham Coxon and headliners The Libertines.
TV
Sir Tom Jones hinted will.i.am could leave 'The Voice'.
The iconic singer is keen to remain a coach on the TV singing competition, although he admitted he wasn't "sure" if his producer co-star would be back for another series, following the departure of Kylie Minogue.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, he said: "We're in talks at the moment to see who will do it again.
"It's a shame Kylie can't come back but I'm not sure about will.i.am, but I hope [Ricky Wilson] will come back.
"I'd love to return for another season."
However, it was recently reported that the show's bosses were becoming "desperate" because of the fear Kylie won't be the only judge to quit.
A source previously claimed: "The bosses are desperate to sign someone brilliant to replace Kylie. But the first question they are asked at every meeting is: 'Who else is involved?'
"Not being able to say for sure is a problem.
"The other issue is that they are approaching people who they think would have good banter with Will, Tom and Ricky. If they should decide to bow out, our casting directors might have to think again. It's a complicated jigsaw puzzle."
Tom Jones hints will.i.am could leave The Voice
Sir Tom Jones hinted will.i.am could leave 'The Voice'.
The iconic singer is keen to remain a coach on the TV singing competition, although he admitted he wasn't "sure" if his producer co-star would be back for another series, following the departure of Kylie Minogue.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, he said: "We're in talks at the moment to see who will do it again.
"It's a shame Kylie can't come back but I'm not sure about will.i.am, but I hope [Ricky Wilson] will come back.
"I'd love to return for another season."
However, it was recently reported that the show's bosses were becoming "desperate" because of the fear Kylie won't be the only judge to quit.
A source previously claimed: "The bosses are desperate to sign someone brilliant to replace Kylie. But the first question they are asked at every meeting is: 'Who else is involved?'
"Not being able to say for sure is a problem.
"The other issue is that they are approaching people who they think would have good banter with Will, Tom and Ricky. If they should decide to bow out, our casting directors might have to think again. It's a complicated jigsaw puzzle."
TV
Michelle Collins doesn't have time for a "regular TV role" following her 'Coronation Street' exit.
The 52-year-old actress is set for a guest appearance on 'Casualty' and while she explained this was just to take it easy, she still hasn't slowed down much since she left 'Corrie'.
She told The Sun newspaper's TV Magazine: "I only took the role in 'Casualty' because I'm in it for just three episodes.
"I really couldn't have taken a regular TV role right now though because my daughter Maia and my boyfriend [London shop owner Michael Davison] would have stopped talking to me!
"It would have been nice to have had a proper break after 'Corrie', but there's a big world out there and so many things I want to do, I just haven't stopped."
Michelle is getting to hang out more with Maia, 17, and Michael, 30, and she's enjoying the quality time with her family.
She added: "Maia and I go to the movies and the theatre together - we're very close.
"But we don't go shopping together. You can't go shopping with a 17 year old.
"We don't want telly together either anymore, because Maia likes watching TV on her computer and I like a proper TV screen."
Michelle Collins has no time for ‘regular TV role’
Michelle Collins doesn't have time for a "regular TV role" following her 'Coronation Street' exit.
The 52-year-old actress is set for a guest appearance on 'Casualty' and while she explained this was just to take it easy, she still hasn't slowed down much since she left 'Corrie'.
She told The Sun newspaper's TV Magazine: "I only took the role in 'Casualty' because I'm in it for just three episodes.
"I really couldn't have taken a regular TV role right now though because my daughter Maia and my boyfriend [London shop owner Michael Davison] would have stopped talking to me!
"It would have been nice to have had a proper break after 'Corrie', but there's a big world out there and so many things I want to do, I just haven't stopped."
Michelle is getting to hang out more with Maia, 17, and Michael, 30, and she's enjoying the quality time with her family.
She added: "Maia and I go to the movies and the theatre together - we're very close.
"But we don't go shopping together. You can't go shopping with a 17 year old.
"We don't want telly together either anymore, because Maia likes watching TV on her computer and I like a proper TV screen."
Showbiz
Jessica Simpson's parents reportedly can't stop arguing about who will walk her down the aisle.
The 33-year-old star, who is set to marry Eric Johnson in Santa Barbara, California this weekend, is stressed out about the tension between her father Joe Simpson and her mother Tina Simpson, who divorced last year amid rumours he is gay.
A source told America's OK! magazine: "It's supposed to be the happiest day of Jessica's life but all the drama is making it a nightmare."
Tina is allegedly livid with Joe and wants to give her eldest daughter away.
The source said: "Joe was furious. And Jessica is stuck in the middle."
Jessica's sister Ashlee is also allegedly upset that she chose her best friend and former personal assistant Cacee Cobb to be her maid of honour, and initially "refused to be in the wedding at all," before she calmed down and agreed to be a bridesmaid.
Meanwhile, the blonde beauty has lost so much weight recently that her wedding dress is now two sizes too big.
The insider added: "They can alter it. But she has to stop losing weight.
"For her wedding, Jessica isn't happy with slender. She wants skinny.
"The pressure has really taken a toll."
Jessica Simpson’s parents arguing over wedding?
Jessica Simpson's parents reportedly can't stop arguing about who will walk her down the aisle.
The 33-year-old star, who is set to marry Eric Johnson in Santa Barbara, California this weekend, is stressed out about the tension between her father Joe Simpson and her mother Tina Simpson, who divorced last year amid rumours he is gay.
A source told America's OK! magazine: "It's supposed to be the happiest day of Jessica's life but all the drama is making it a nightmare."
Tina is allegedly livid with Joe and wants to give her eldest daughter away.
The source said: "Joe was furious. And Jessica is stuck in the middle."
Jessica's sister Ashlee is also allegedly upset that she chose her best friend and former personal assistant Cacee Cobb to be her maid of honour, and initially "refused to be in the wedding at all," before she calmed down and agreed to be a bridesmaid.
Meanwhile, the blonde beauty has lost so much weight recently that her wedding dress is now two sizes too big.
The insider added: "They can alter it. But she has to stop losing weight.
"For her wedding, Jessica isn't happy with slender. She wants skinny.
"The pressure has really taken a toll."
Showbiz
Pharrell Williams loves British weather and claimed it helps create "special" music.
The 'Happy' hitmaker - who appeared at the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clefs Awards yesterday (04.07.14) - doesn't mind the rain in the UK because he thinks it plays its part in the country's rich history of art.
Speaking before accepting the Raymond Weil International Award at the ceremony at the London Hilton hotel, he said: "Music is special here. It's not the water, it's the vibrations from the land.
"It's also to do with the climate, it's grey, a lot of the emotions are always up and the music and art is amazing because of it.
"That sounds a little esoteric but when you think about it geographically, in places where it rains a lot, art tends to be so good. U2, [David] Bowie, Elton John, it's all rain music."
The producer also praised upcoming British talent, suggesting Ed Sheeran is already one of the best.
He added: "Ed Sheeran is one of the greatest, period. Sam Smith is talented, he's different.
"I love what Disclosure's doing. What I notice is that the R&B scene here is becoming super interesting."
Pharrell Williams loves British rain
Pharrell Williams loves British weather and claimed it helps create "special" music.
The 'Happy' hitmaker - who appeared at the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clefs Awards yesterday (04.07.14) - doesn't mind the rain in the UK because he thinks it plays its part in the country's rich history of art.
Speaking before accepting the Raymond Weil International Award at the ceremony at the London Hilton hotel, he said: "Music is special here. It's not the water, it's the vibrations from the land.
"It's also to do with the climate, it's grey, a lot of the emotions are always up and the music and art is amazing because of it.
"That sounds a little esoteric but when you think about it geographically, in places where it rains a lot, art tends to be so good. U2, [David] Bowie, Elton John, it's all rain music."
The producer also praised upcoming British talent, suggesting Ed Sheeran is already one of the best.
He added: "Ed Sheeran is one of the greatest, period. Sam Smith is talented, he's different.
"I love what Disclosure's doing. What I notice is that the R&B scene here is becoming super interesting."
Showbiz
One Direction are always "too busy" to attend Olly Murs' barbecues.
The 30-year-old singer admitted while he "always" asks the 'Story of My Life' hitmakers to join him so he can cook them a tasty meal, they never have time to take him up on the offer.
Speaking at the Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards, he told the Daily Star newspaper: "I always invite the 1D boys to my BBQs but they're too busy.
"My trick is to cook the chicken for a really long time. There's been no food poisoning yet!"
Olly added he had recently met up with Cheryl Cole after a few years without seeing her, and he approves of her new man Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini.
He added: "I saw her for the first time in five years recently. Cheryl's new guy is a nice lad. She seemed very happy."
Meanwhile, One Direction may not have time for BBQs but they had to get close with supergroup McBusted after they were forced to share a dressing room on tour.
Matt Willis recently said: "I think Niall [Horan] was a bit fascinated about how we're all in the same dressing room. How we'd fit!"
James Bourne added: "We don't have individual rooms or individual riders. We arrive together, we leave together, we change together, we shower together."
One Direction are ‘too busy’ for Olly Murs’ BBQs
One Direction are always "too busy" to attend Olly Murs' barbecues.
The 30-year-old singer admitted while he "always" asks the 'Story of My Life' hitmakers to join him so he can cook them a tasty meal, they never have time to take him up on the offer.
Speaking at the Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards, he told the Daily Star newspaper: "I always invite the 1D boys to my BBQs but they're too busy.
"My trick is to cook the chicken for a really long time. There's been no food poisoning yet!"
Olly added he had recently met up with Cheryl Cole after a few years without seeing her, and he approves of her new man Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini.
He added: "I saw her for the first time in five years recently. Cheryl's new guy is a nice lad. She seemed very happy."
Meanwhile, One Direction may not have time for BBQs but they had to get close with supergroup McBusted after they were forced to share a dressing room on tour.
Matt Willis recently said: "I think Niall [Horan] was a bit fascinated about how we're all in the same dressing room. How we'd fit!"
James Bourne added: "We don't have individual rooms or individual riders. We arrive together, we leave together, we change together, we shower together."
Showbiz
Kanye West's train was delayed by four hours as he headed to Wireless festival in London.
The 'Clique' rapper - who was performing at the event on Friday (04.07.14) - was stuck on a train taking him from Paris to the British capital city on Thursday night.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the Eurostar stopped at Calais due to a "technical fault", leaving the star - and other passengers - stranded for several hours.
With soaring heat making the wait even more uncomfortable, they were taken back to Lille to change trains - and it is said Kanye was happy to pose for pictures with fans while they all waited.
The star - who will also perform at the festival tonight - had agreed to take to the stage both evenings after Friday night headliner Drake pulled out due to illness.
However, he was booed by the audience after ranting for 20 minutes mid-show about discrimination in the fashion industry.
According to previous reports, he told the crowd: "I'm not going to mention any names but... Nike, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Don't discriminate against me 'cos I'm a black man making music."
Kanye West’s train delayed by four hours
Kanye West's train was delayed by four hours as he headed to Wireless festival in London.
The 'Clique' rapper - who was performing at the event on Friday (04.07.14) - was stuck on a train taking him from Paris to the British capital city on Thursday night.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the Eurostar stopped at Calais due to a "technical fault", leaving the star - and other passengers - stranded for several hours.
With soaring heat making the wait even more uncomfortable, they were taken back to Lille to change trains - and it is said Kanye was happy to pose for pictures with fans while they all waited.
The star - who will also perform at the festival tonight - had agreed to take to the stage both evenings after Friday night headliner Drake pulled out due to illness.
However, he was booed by the audience after ranting for 20 minutes mid-show about discrimination in the fashion industry.
According to previous reports, he told the crowd: "I'm not going to mention any names but... Nike, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Don't discriminate against me 'cos I'm a black man making music."
Movies
'Begin Again' director John Carey worries fans will think he's "sold out".
The Irish director shot to fame following the surprising success of his modestly-budgeted musical 'Once' - which earned an Oscar nomination and has been turned into a lauded stage musical - and he admits he is wary of fans considering his follow-up movie a typical Hollywood production.
He said: "Looking back, I probably had a nervous breakdown out of shock when 'Once' was so well received. Even the most cynical, hard-assed industry types were genuinely moved by it. I knew that reaction was unrepeatable and therein lay the dilemma.
"I was left biting my fingernails, wondering constantly, 'What should I do next?'
"Oh you know, 'That was so pure and beautiful and this is Keira [Knightley] and America and he's clearly sold out...' "
Carney also revealed that, like 'Once', 'Begin Again' - which stars Knightley, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and 'Avengers' star Mark Ruffalo - follows a more realistic take on the romantic comedy and doesn't necessarily have a happy ending.
He told Radio Times magazine: "Outside of chick lit, couples don't just walk off into the sunset together - not in anything that has ever moved me, anyway. Look at 'Wuthering Heights', or 'Anna Karenina', or 'Brief Encounter' - complex, compromised love is far truer to life. Difficult relationships and unfulfilled love are what interest me as a storyteller."
Begin Again filmmaker fears selling out
'Begin Again' director John Carey worries fans will think he's "sold out".
The Irish director shot to fame following the surprising success of his modestly-budgeted musical 'Once' - which earned an Oscar nomination and has been turned into a lauded stage musical - and he admits he is wary of fans considering his follow-up movie a typical Hollywood production.
He said: "Looking back, I probably had a nervous breakdown out of shock when 'Once' was so well received. Even the most cynical, hard-assed industry types were genuinely moved by it. I knew that reaction was unrepeatable and therein lay the dilemma.
"I was left biting my fingernails, wondering constantly, 'What should I do next?'
"Oh you know, 'That was so pure and beautiful and this is Keira [Knightley] and America and he's clearly sold out...' "
Carney also revealed that, like 'Once', 'Begin Again' - which stars Knightley, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and 'Avengers' star Mark Ruffalo - follows a more realistic take on the romantic comedy and doesn't necessarily have a happy ending.
He told Radio Times magazine: "Outside of chick lit, couples don't just walk off into the sunset together - not in anything that has ever moved me, anyway. Look at 'Wuthering Heights', or 'Anna Karenina', or 'Brief Encounter' - complex, compromised love is far truer to life. Difficult relationships and unfulfilled love are what interest me as a storyteller."