Cannes Film Festival 2016: Mark Rylance says he 'learned' from young BFG co-star

The actor praised Ruby Barnhill's "miraculous" abilities on set
Still learning: Mark Rylance talks working with Ruby Barnhill
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
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Oscar winner Mark Rylance says he "learned" from his BFG co-star - nine year old Ruby Barnhill.

The star, named best supporting actor at this years Academy Awards, plays the title character in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel with Barnhill as the orphan Sophie who teams up with him.

He said:"Ruby is a very imaginative young woman and just a complete natural actress.

"I learned from her really, as you do from all young people. Her ability to take very complicated technical notes from Steven and make them natural is just miraculous, just remarkable."

The nine actors who play the giants, including The Flight of the Conchords star Jermaine Clement, were trained by former Cirque du Soleil performer Terry Notary who used weights and bungee ropes to give them a distinctive way of moving.

US comic Bill Hader, who played one of the giants, said they spent weeks making sure each one "found their own gait, signature trait and way of moving".

Disney recently released a trailer for the Steven Spielberg directed film which follows Sophie and her friendship with the BFG who, unlike his peers, refuses to eat boys and girls and instead has a penchant for Snozzcumbers.

The film - which is slated for UK release on July 22 - will premiere in Cannes on Saturday night.

Cannes Film Festival over the years - In pictures

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