Why did you select this role?
To me this part was a lot of work - to sort of rethink who I was, playing an Italian soldier in the 1930s. It's a different world for me. I wanted that - I like to challenge myself, I like to stretch myself. I don't care if I fall on my face and fail; I need to keep growing as an actor. That's what is important to me. If people like it, great. If they don't, that's fine. I want to keep making movies that I can grow from.

How was working with Penelope Cruz?
She was terrific. She was very easy to work with, a lot of fun on the set. She's generous, and has a great sense of humor. But she's a very serious actress. Anytime you are working with good people like that, it only makes your work better.

What was it like being in a romantic movie again?
For me, it was like a return to a different style that I'd done in the past. I had done several other romantic films. I just wanted to do this for me - try to step out of the box a little bit, think a little differently.

Did you have to learn the mandolin for this role?
Yes, and I'm not a musician so learning the mandolin was difficult. I had to spend a lot of time memorizing the four or five songs they wanted me to play. As soon as the movie was over, I dropped it. That's it for me.

Which was harder - learning the Italian dialect or the mandolin?
The mandolin (laughing).

Did you enjoy shooting on the island in Greece?
Being on the island itself has its own value in terms of performance, it's a character in its own right. You can feel the heat of the island, the natives have their own stories, and I think it helps you not have to act.