Q&A with Guilt’s Mark Bonnar

Mark Bonnar’s character in the BBC’s hit drama Guilt, Max, is a sociopath – but he has a certain appeal, too. The Edinburgh-born actor’s witty one-liners are part of the show’s charm: dark, yet funny at the same time. Dubbed as Scotland’s answer to Fargo, Guilt follows two brothers, Max (Bonnar) and Jake, whose lives are thrown into disarray after accidentally running over and killing an old man. It’s back this month for a much-anticipated second season, which begins with Max being released from prison following a two-year stint. Fans won’t get any backstage secrets from our quick-fire Q&A, but Bonnar’s sense of humour certainly shines through.

Q&A with Mark Bonnar

What can you tell us about the second season of Guilt?

No more garden gnomes will die

Any funny stories from filming?

None clean enough to print.

Favourite person on the set of Guilt and why?

Dolina the script supervisor – she knows what I’m saying, where I am and what time it is.

Favourite role to date and why?

I think I’d probably like to date Renee Madison from Lost Highway.

Role you’d cut your right arm off to get?

‘Jonny’ in ‘Attack Of The Left Handed Men’.

What demands do you have on set?

I demand to be taken seriously.

BBC Pictures

Director you’d most like to work with and why?

Stanley Kubrick until he died – I loved his theatricality.

What qualities do you think have made you successful?

Big feet and hairy shoulders.

Film you think everyone in the world should see?

Say My Name – it’s a chance to see me wear my grandad’s facial hair.

What’s your relationship with social media like?

Like an abusive clown.

What did you want to be when you were a little boy?

Bigger.

Three books you’d take to a desert island and why?

Catcher In The Rye, The Complete Works Of Shakespeare and Encyclopaedia Britannica. I’d read Catcher and use the other two to keep me warm.

The most challenging moment of your life?

Completing these questions.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Be nice to people.

What’s your interior design style?

Poundshop Bauhaus.

Are you conscious of what you put in your body?

Only up until the point it enters my mouth –or if it gives me wind…

What are your indulgences?

Harley Davidsons, my collection of vintage Rickenbacker bass guitars and lying.

What would your best friend say about you?

That I’m his best friend (hopefully).

How do you relax?

Sit down, sometimes lie down.

If we’re coming to your area for a visit, what should we do?

Ashridge Estate, Northchurch Common. There’s a circle of Pine trees in the middle – see you there, bring a packed lunch.

Are you a rule breaker or a rule taker?

There’s rules?!

Season two of Guilt is out now on BBC iPlayer

READ MORE:

The C&TH Culture Radar: What To Watch This Month