Interview: Tim Blake Nelson on the Appeal and Challenges of Playing ‘Old Henry’

Tim Blake Nelson is one of the best actors out there. So, seeing him get his showcase role was an utter delight. As if that wasn’t good enough, almost immediately getting to chat with him about it was truly something else. So, after watching Old Henry, I got to hop on Zoom and talk to Nelson, which I’m pleased to share with you today!

As a reminder, I started off my Old Henry review like so:

No matter how much he’s praised, Tim Blake Nelson is still an underrated talent. Whenever there’s a chance to showcase him, Nelson makes the most of it. Old Henry, a rare leading role for him, is an excellent example of that. Not only is it a great vehicle for the talented actor, it gives him an incredibly juicy part to play. Watching him in Old Henry is a pleasure, one that extends to the film on the whole. A revisionist-type western, it manages to have a modern take on a very old genre, while still retaining its classic feel. Especially if you love Nelson or the genre, you’ll be delighted by this one.

Below, you can see my conversation with Nelson. It’s a really good one, full of very interesting tidbits from the actor. Plus, if this chat interests you, and you live in the tri state area, I’ll be moderating Q&A’s with him on Saturday after screenings of Old Henry. We’ll be at the Quad Cinema after the 4:30 showtime and at the Chelsea Cinepolis Cinemas after the 6:30 showtime. Join us as we continue this fascinating discussion!

Here is some more on Nelson’s performance in Old Henry:

Tim Blake Nelson commands the screen here. His lived in performance is truly something to behold. One of the best turns in his long and illustrious career, he makes Henry a bit of a puzzle, but always a compelling one. When we find out his past, it’s a delight, especially because it allows Nelson to shine even more. He truly aces this role. 

Take a gander at my interview with Old Henry star Tim Blake Nelson. Enjoy:

Old Henry is in theaters tomorrow!