The Empire Film Podcast Jessie Buckley & Paul Mescal On Hamnet; James Vanderbilt on Nuremberg — An Empire Podcast Interview Special
Jan 9, 2026
Join Jessie Buckley, an acclaimed Irish actress portraying Agnes in Hamnet, and Paul Mescal, known for his dramatic roles, as they delve into the emotional depth of their film collaboration. They share insights on Chloe Zhao's intuitive directing and the creative freedom they experienced on set. Then, screenwriter James Vanderbilt discusses his compelling courtroom drama, Nuremberg, revealing the emotional intensity of directing long takes and the use of real Holocaust footage to evoke authenticity. A mix of artistry and history awaits!
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Dark Santa Movie Brainstorm
- Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal improvised a darkly comic idea about a gritty Santa and Mrs. Claus during pre-interview banter.
- They imagined an alcoholic Mrs. Claus and a narcissistic method Santa to comic effect.
Creative Collision Made Hamnet
- Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley found the Hamnet shoot a once-in-a-lifetime collision of collaborators.
- They credit timing, director Chloe Zhao and the ensemble for making the film emotionally powerful.
Art Speaks Beyond Words
- The guests argue art expresses what words cannot and is vital amid technological chatter.
- They view cinema as a vessel to feel and share complex emotions when language fails.
