In this interview, the Critic and the Referee have a great discussion with Jim Broadbent, star of the upcoming film, “The Sense of an Ending.” Jim is a great actor with a great résumé: Some of his film and TV titles include the War and Peace miniseries from 2016, the Bridget Jones film series, The Legend of Tarzan, Brooklyn, The Iron Lady, the Harry Potter series, Vera Drake, Iris (Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor), Moulin Rouge! (BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role), and Cloud Atlas. Wow! Listen to Jim talk about the process of making this film and much more!

About “The Sense of an Ending”

For our review, click here!

Tony Webster (Academy Award-winner Jim Broadbent) leads a reclusive and quiet existence until long buried secrets from his past force him to face the flawed recollections of his younger self, the truth about his first love (Charlotte Rampling), and the devastating consequences of decisions made a lifetime ago.

Starring: Jim Broadbent, Charlotte Rampling, Harriet Walter, Michelle Dockery, Emily Mortimer, Billy Howle, Joe Alwyn, Freya Mavor, and Matthew Goode

Directed by: Ritesh Batra (“The Lunchbox”)
Written by: Nick Payne (“Nora”)
Based on the Man Booker-winning novel by Julian Barnes
Produced by: David Thompson and Ed Rubin (“Woman in Gold”)
Distributor: CBS Films

Release Date: In select theaters – NY & LA – March 10. Expands March 17.
Runtime: 108 minutes
Rated PG-13

More About Jim Broadbent

Jim’s Filmography

Our Questions

1. As we know, THE SENSE OF AN ENDING is an adaptation of an awarding-winning novel by Julian Barnes. You, of course, are no stranger to taking on such types of adaptations with the “Harry Potter” series, “Brooklyn,” and “Cloud Atlas” to name a few. Tell us how you became attached to the project and what drew you to the curious role of Tony Webster.

2. Your character, Tony, operates on various mistaken assumptions. Just when he thinks that he’s figured something out, he finds that he had it all wrong. What’s the key to portraying that kind of character in a film that maintains a gentle flow?

3. Looking at the résumés of stellar, and I mean absolutely stellar, actors and actresses you’ve previously worked with, this cast is no exception. From the strained reunion with Charlotte Rampling’s character, to the ever-so-natural tit-for-tat you have with Harriet Walter, to the tender interaction between you and Michelle Dockery, what goes into establishing that “instant connection” you always seem to have when working with any caliber of actor or actress?

4. Reportedly, you’ve described director Ritesh Batra as a very precise, very detailed yet caring director, which is remarkable because this is only his second feature-length film after “The Lunchbox.” What was it like to work with him?

5. Jim, you easily, at least seemingly, weave among theater, TV, and film. At this point in your career, what kinds of projects interest you? What makes you want to commit to a particular movie, play, or TV show?

6. Here on Why Watch That, we always end our interviews by asking our guests which movies and TV shows they’re watching right now. So, Jim, what are you watching?