Cosmo chats: Emily Blunt

We chat to Emily Blunt about her role as Juliet in the cutest animated film we've just about ever seen, Gnomeo & Juliet.

What do you think about your character Juliet?
She's very cute. I was really thrilled with those rosy red cheeks. It's a weird thing because you wonder what face your voice will end up being lent to. But I'm very happy with my Juliet.
She’s very fiery, and very much her father’s child, so I was really thrilled to see that they’ve made her kind of a tomboy.

Is it exciting to take part in a project that features a classic story and phenomenal animation, plus Elton John music?
As soon as I heard about this project I think I said, “I'm in,” before I'd spoken to my agents or anything. So, I called them saying, “Oh, I'm doing this thing.” And they're like, “Right, did you want to talk it through with us first?” It was very easy for me to say yes but I think if I'd had any hesitation, a gently persuasive phone call from Elton John would have been just the ticket.

Do you find that, despite the twist this film takes, “Gnomeo & Juliet” is true to its inspiration?
It is very, very funny and it's a very heightened world to invest in, but I really feel that the core of what is so sweeping and romantic about Romeo and Juliet is still there. This truly captures the essence of forbidden love and it really captures the teenage frustrations that we’ve all felt. It's a very human story at the end of the day and quite an emotional one. And I think this is definitely the ending that people always wanted from Romeo and Juliet.

How do you balance the comedy with the story’s roots?
When you're doing a comedic version of something, I think it always has to be ingrained in some kind of truth because people don't laugh if they're not invested. We all very much wanted to play real people in this.

What does the audience have to look forward to with “Gnomeo & Juliet”?
I think there's something in it for parents who take their kids or people who go on a date. I think there's something in it for everyone. There's obviously Shakespearian references that we will go over the younger generation’s heads. But I really feel that for the parents there will be that moment in the cinema where their kids will look at them and be like, "Did you see that?" It's those kind of wink, wink, nudge, nudge jokes, which I think are really entertaining for everyone.

Gnomeo & Juliet releases to DVD and Blu-ray Value Pack 29 June, 2011.

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Hello, James Blunt

This is your first album in three years. Were you nervous about how your fans would react?
It's always strange to be locked away in a studio for fourteen months, recording and writing. You're never really sure what the feedback will be, so it's always surprising and nice when it's good!

Your first album was so successful. Do you feel a lot of pressure to sustain that in subsequent albums?
Only because people ask me that question a lot! For me, it's irrelevant. I just want to make albums that i love. Charts aren't always the best way to measure success, because music is so personal. At the end of the day, I just want to make a great album that my fans will enjoy.

What's it like when people tell you they really connect with your songs?
It's amazing. A lot of people connected with "Goodbye My Lover" and "Same Mistake". I get such a kick out of writing songs and having people tell me they've felt the same way. I am blown away whenever that happens.

You're a good-looking guy who writes love songs. Got any crazy fans?
I have...very keen fans, for whom I'm terribly grateful. It's very nice. But nobody has ever done anything too crazy. Once, I got in a bit of trouble on stage. I jumped off stage to run to the audience, but the security guard stopped me and wrestled me to the ground. I don't think he realised I was the singer.

We've heard rumours that you moonlight as a dance producer...
No, that's all made up. A few of my songs have been remixed for clubs, but that's all.

You've said previously that you struggle with fame. Has that changed over the years?
I said that at the beginning of my career. I still think fame is very shallow, and not a great way to measure your success. I hate the idea that kids say they want to be famous when they grow up - it's a strange thing for someone to desire, because it means a complete loss of anonymity. That said, there are obvious upsides - I have a great life. And I'm quite used to it by now.

You got your pilot's license at 16 - are you still flying?
I still have my license, but if I was flying a plane you were travelling on, I'd suggest taking a parachute.

Finally, why should we buy your album?
It's very upbeat, more optimistic than my last. There are still some love songs, but it's more positive.

James Blunt's new album, Some Kind of Trouble, is out now through Warner Music.

Wedding jewelry here

Hello, James Blunt

Wedding jewelry here