The Thread - James Fox
At Eldon, we had the pleasure of spending a morning with James Fox, a long-time friend and one of British cinema’s most distinguished actors. Known for iconic roles in The Servant, Performance, and The Remains of the Day.
Favourite film of all time?
Lawrence of Arabia
“It’s a popular film, highly intelligent and deeply political. It explores the madness of war and how Arab nations became entangled in Western power struggles. It’s a timeless masterpiece that remains incredibly relevant today.”
What was your favourite film to star in?
The Servant
“That film launched my career. Set in post-war Britain and written by Harold Pinter, it brought together an extraordinary group of people. It was a major talking point in the 1960s and, remarkably, students still study and debate it today.”
Who was your favourite co-star?
“Conventionally, I was never in the leading man bracket, so I didn’t often have traditional co-stars. But I really enjoyed working with Dirk Bogarde in The Servant.
Also, Jane Fonda became a very dear friend when I lived in Malibu while filming The Chase. It was the 60s… lots of weekend parties, and very talented people around. A special time.”
Who was the hardest actor to work with?
“Sean Connery, utterly professional but a very demanding diva!
Johnny Depp, on the other hand, was a totally manic diva, but he was fun. It was a manic set during Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Tim Burton himself was wonderfully eccentric, funny, and kind.”
Is there a role you still dream of playing?
“No, I feel very fortunate for the roles I’ve had. It’s been a broad and fulfilling career, I’m very content.”
Hero or villain?
“I was nearly always cast as the villain; the quintessential British establishment baddie. That’s how I was seen."
Favourite smell?
“Syringa, also known as mock orange, along with summer jasmine and the scent of rose.
If you have the chance, plant a rose. Flowers are a gift of time.”
Favourite taste?
“I’m very fond of soft fruits like peaches and strawberries. I’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth.”
Dog or cat?
“Cat!
A cat would be a challenge, and I’d know if it truly loved me, because it would give me a hard time!”
Ideal weekend?
“Church on Sunday - I like a bit of routine. See a family member. I’m a great lover of lunch, so an ideal weekend includes a long lunch, Saturday or Sunday, with family or interesting friends.
Nothing too extravagant, no need for Monaco and Formula 1!
Just good company, good conversation… and lunch.”
Favourite book?
“Nostromo by Joseph Conrad. I worked on adapting it for 20 years. It’s still a passion project. It never got made, but the script is out there; it will be the film of films one day.
I also love Russian-themed literature, Dr Zhivago in particular, set in pre-Soviet times.”
Where is your utopia?
“The word utopia is such a loaded word; it implies perfection. For me, it’s anywhere with water and beauty, perhaps Greece. I also love Florence, Rome, or Venice… but only if you can have them to yourself, which is rare these days.”
Online or in-store shopping?
“Always physical shopping. My go-to is Hackett.”
Favourite Eldon striped colour combo?
“I prefer the paler shades. I’m a blue man, really, but I also love greys, teals and olives. Subtlety is key.”
Favourite place to wear your scarf?
“Out shopping, in London. I just like my scarf! I feel very lost without it.”
