In a recent episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden, a clip from the movie “Empire of Light” was featured, which is set to hit select theaters soon. The film, which has been described as beautiful and touching, is directed by Sam Mendes, who also wrote the script entirely on his own.
For Mendes, this film holds a special significance as it is based on his personal memories. Growing up as an only child, Mendes witnessed his mother’s battle with mental illness. “Empire of Light” tells the story of a character named Hillary, who is inspired by Mendes’ own mother. Set in the dark winter of 1980 on the south coast of England, the film explores the relationship between Hillary, who works alone in a cinema, and a young black man.
One of the standout performances in the film comes from Olivia Colman, who portrays Hillary. Mendes specifically wrote the role for Colman, a testament to her incredible talent. During an interview on The Late Late Show, Colman revealed that Mendes approached her during lockdown and offered her the part. Without even reading the script, Colman eagerly accepted the opportunity.
Joining Colman in the film is actor Michael Ward, who has gained recognition for his work. Ward and Colman share an on-screen romance in “Empire of Light”, which led to some interesting moments during the filming of intimate scenes. Corden couldn’t help but inquire about the awkwardness that can sometimes accompany such scenes. Colman jokingly shared a story about Ward mentioning his mother’s birthday while they were in the midst of filming, leading to an amusing exchange.
But it wasn’t just funny anecdotes that occurred on set. Colman also encountered a wardrobe malfunction during filming. She explained that her Spanx had a shortcut in the gusset for easy bathroom access. However, during one particular moment, Colman realized that the shortcut wasn’t functioning properly, causing a humorous mishap.
The conversation with Mendes took a different turn as Corden delved into the director’s involvement in reviving the James Bond franchise. Mendes directed two Bond films, “Skyfall” and “Spectre”. The intriguing story behind how he landed the job involved a chance encounter with Daniel Craig at a birthday party. After a few drinks, Craig suggested that Mendes should direct the next Bond film, and the rest is history.
The interview ended on a fun note with Corden asking Mendes to throw to a commercial break. Mendes humorously engaged with the camera and enthusiastically obliged, demonstrating his natural showmanship.
Overall, the interview on The Late Late Show provided viewers with a glimpse into behind-the-scenes moments from “Empire of Light” and shed light on Mendes’ illustrious career in the film industry. Colman’s candid stories and Mendes’ charming anecdotes made for an entertaining and lively exchange. Fans eagerly await the release of “Empire of Light” and anticipate the brilliance that Mendes and Colman have brought to the screen once again.
