Last Saturday, I took the time to interview Ross Marks about his role as Miles Chase in the new thriller film, Obliged to Conform. This is a story about “love and desire” he told me, one which makes an “individual choose between what they want to do and what they should do." I was keen to know more about his character, so I asked him, without attempting to get spoilers, what drew him to audition for the role.

“I loved the idea of someone having to choose between fame and the safety of their friends and loved ones. Miles is a character who is torn in his need to play the violin but also his need to save his partner from a gang-related world. Upon reading the description for the film, I realised how dynamic a character Miles would be: hero and villain, flawed in his perfectionism, but right at the heart, just a boy who wants to play his violin.”

This response deeply interested me. I decided to ask in turn if the character had changed him in any way while performing.

“Yes and no,” he told me. “Yes, because I have looked up to him as almost a role model; we are similar in age – I twenty and he nineteen – but no because I think he did not change me, only brought out what was already there: a person who wants to understand life for what it is; one who understands how easily others can make mistakes as we are all human. Miles strengthened my perception on the choices we make; although his decisions lead to a downfall in his character, he is not necessarily bad because of it. And I think that quality is quite admirable.

“Have you played any similar roles in the past?”

“I think I can easily say this role is one of a kind. I do hope to play similarly unique characters in the future.”

“Do you think there might be a sequel for Obliged to Conform?”

“That is not my secret to tell,” Marks said with a smile and a nod.

I found this interview eye-opening into how a new actor already feels a deep connection to the character he plays. After thanking Marks for his time, I went on to wish him luck for future roles, hoping that he would bring his keen spirit into each new film he is a part of.