The scene at the food bank, recalls the director, where Katie is so hungry, she pours baked beans into her hand from a tin and eats them cold, came from a real story
In 2016, we were – as we continue to be – in a time of mean-spiritedness. If you were vulnerable or needed support, you were met with punishment, and there was a constant vilifying of people who needed help. I, Daniel Blake was based on that. It’s very much a film about the cruelty of the system that says: “Poverty is the fault of the poor. You’re not striving enough. You’re not doing enough job interviews.” Dave Johns’ character, Daniel Blake, shows us this. He needs to work, he wants to work, but the system makes it hard for people not to be tripped up.
Paul Laverty, our screenwriter, did detailed research for the script. We visited one lad in a flat: there was nothing in the room apart from a fridge and a mattress. We chatted for a bit, then Paul said: “Do you mind sharing what’s in your fridge?” There was nothing in there. Paul asked: “When did you eat last?” He said: “Two or three days ago.” It took our breath away.
Before shooting, I begin every project thinking: “I don’t know how to do this.” Which I think is important, because you’ve got to go back to basic principles every time. We cast Hayley Squires as Katie because of her authenticity, truth, belief and warmth. You can tick all those boxes, but you’ve also got to feel that the audience will care about this person. That’s an intangible quality.
