Hannah Rothschild on Peter Mandelson, at 5x15

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Hannah Rothschild on Peter Mandelson, at 5x15

28 Oct 2010

Speakers: Hannah Rothschild

Hannah Rothschild talks us through her new observational documentary on Peter Mandelson. Explaining how, normally, she makes films with poets, writers and musicians - inherently deep, interesting people - she was going to have to work harder to unravel Mandelson. Claiming he only accepted the film proposal because of Rothschild’s (admitted) political ignorance, she suggests he wanted to ‘stitch her up like a kipper’. Rothschild explains that over six months Mandelson never gave away a secret. She accepted she would not get the better of him and resorted to subtler, more insightful footage; like Mandelson eating a yoghurt or hanging up his shirt. Although respectful of the politician she admits she had to use these quieter moments of filming to represent the man who wouldn’t give anything away. Mandelson’s response to the film? “I think you’ve made me look rather fat”.