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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Chloe Zhao's Intuitive Process
- Chloe Zhao approaches filmmaking through intuition, physicality and ongoing soul-searching workshops.
- Paul and Jessie describe her process as spiraling into unknowability to discover deeper truth.
Playful Nationality Banter
- Paul Mescal jokes about 'anti-colonising' British figures by playing them as Irish, then pivots to praising collaborators.
- The conversation mixes playfulness with admiration for creative partners.
Joyful Physical Takes
- Paul and Jessie recall joyful shoots running across fields and silent takes with music to capture physical storytelling.
- They preserve that freedom to sustain authenticity throughout the film's grief and joy.
