A Minute With: Michael Fassbender and His "Fish Tank"

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) He may not be a household name in the United States, but Michael Fassbender is fast becoming one of the hottest young stars in Hollywood.

The actor got his big break when Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks cast him in their "Band of Brothers" World War Two mini-series. He also appeared in the hit movie "300."

In August, Fassbender drew acclaim for his portrayal of undercover British military man Archie Hicox in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds."

He is also winning praise low-budget "Fish Tank," a coming-of-age tale in which he plays a handsome young man who strikes up a volatile relationship with frustrated teenager played by newcomer Katie Jarvis.

The movie won the Jury Prize at the Cannes film festival, and has been for eight British Independent Film Awards. It will not be shown in the United States until January.

Fassbender spoke to Reuters about the film, swimming with sharks and fighting with actress Megan Fox.

Q: There's a lot of sexual tension in "Fish Tank."

A: "Yeah, absolutely. It's about this 15-year-old girl coming to terms with her sexuality and where she is in her life -- growing up in a council estate, which would be like the projects in America, and feeling that she can never escape. Then I appear and I'm a catalyst that provokes her to get out and do something. Regardless of the questionable things Connor does, he gives her a confidence and self-belief that her own mother isn't capable of giving."

Q: Is it true that director Andrea Arnold cast you without meeting you, even though she'd planned to cast a non-actor?

A: "Yes, she'd seen me in "Wedding Bells," a BBC show, and thought I'd be perfect for Connor. I got a call telling me she wanted me, and I was thrilled as I'd seen her first film, "Red Road," and loved it."

Q: Is it true that, like Woody Allen, she wouldn't give you the script before shooting?