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Rosamund Pike plays Anna, the love interest of high-flying city banker, Gus. Despite being probably the only person able to hold Gus's attention for longer than a few seconds, it is only a relationship in the loosest sense of the word, as Rosamund explains:

"It's a rather sordid, sad little affair really. Gus hasn't moved on into the world of adult relationships. It probably started during the heyday when everyone was on a high from all the success, but I think at the point we meet them in the film it has become a lot less rewarding."

To complicate matters further Anna and Gus are colleagues – Gus being Anna's direct superior in the complex and volatile business of buying and selling debt.

"She works in sales at the bank where Gus works. We're in a division of the bank which is about packaging collateralised debt obligations – something I knew nothing about before doing this film and now know more than I'll ever need again in my life."

Rosamund is no stranger to this kind of in-depth research, relishing the chance to get to know her character, but found preparing for Freefall a slightly different experience.

"It was more specialised, but I always do a lot of research, it's something I enjoy. I spent time with people who really do that job."

This preparation is the hallmark of Dominic Savage and his distinctive methods were a great attraction for Rosamund.

"I wanted to work with Dominic. I think he makes fascinating programmes on very interesting subjects and I just wanted to be part of it. He's an incredibly sensitive and interesting guy.

"Dominic makes you feel safe; he makes it very clear what he wants out of each scene. We structure it quite carefully and he talks to each actor individually. I'd like to do more of it really; it felt like a door opening."

After immersing herself in the world of city banking so thoroughly, Rosamund was able to appreciate the twisted logic which set off the catastrophic financial collapse at the heart of Freefall.

"The whole thing was predicated on an idea that things would just continue going up – something which had never happened in the past and won't happen in the future."