(Stanley Tucci also appears in a crucial supporting part as Fionas estranged husband.)
Its such an extraordinary story, Thompson tells EW.
And how incredible they are.
BBC Films
It really is the cold face of justice because theyre dealing with real people.
Shes in every scene and is absolutely amazing, he says.
Whitehead shares his admiration for Thompson.
BBC Films
Shes a lovely human being and a safe pair of hands, he tells EW.
I felt so comfortable around her and we got along like a house on fire.
Both the book and the film are at the most basic level about human connection.
That was the easiest thing to do with Emma because shes so giving and open.
Whitehead also has a little slice of trivia in common with McEwan.
But, oh, man, I love that shot inAtonement.
Did those twin disciplines provide the actress any greater insight into playing a judge?
Absolutely, they mirror the twin disciplines of writing legal decisions and presenting them in court, Thompson says.
But as an actor or writer, Im never the living incarnation of justice.
Thats a much heavier burden, lets be real.
Judges are literally there to preserve the sanctity of the law.
And in those places life is very different.
Only judges can walk on the red carpets.
Thats actually the Royal Courts of Justice, a building first opened by Queen Victoria in 1882.
But the shots we got were critical for our story, and add priceless production value to the film.
Whitehead adds, I remember the day we shot inside there vividly.
It was quite funny actually.
But its such an awe-inspiring building and the architecture is unbelievable.
Its one of those rare buildings that you dont often see anymore.
The same could be said for the quiet-key, touching drama at the heart ofThe Children Act.
The movie makes its world premiere next month at the Toronto International Film Festival.
A theatrical release date hopefully this fall should be expected soon.
