Fresh Air Podcast Summary: Stephen Graham on "Adolescence" and "A Thousand Blows"

Episode Title: 'Adolescence' Co-Creator/Actor Asks Not Whodunnit, But Why
Host: Sam Brigger
Guest: Stephen Graham
Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction to Stephen Graham's New Projects

In this episode of Fresh Air, host Sam Brigger interviews British actor and co-creator Stephen Graham about his involvement in two significant new projects: Hulu's historical drama "A Thousand Blows" and Netflix's gripping miniseries "Adolescence". Graham, known for his roles in films like Snatch, This Is England, and The Irishman, delves into the themes, character development, and technical nuances of these series.

Exploring "Adolescence": A Deep Dive into Why

"Adolescence" is a four-part miniseries that examines the tragic consequences when a 13-year-old boy, Jamie, is arrested for the murder of a girl from his school. Graham portrays Eddie, Jamie's father, who grapples with the devastating reality of his son's actions. The series intentionally avoids assigning guilt, focusing instead on exploring the underlying reasons behind such tragedies.

Graham explains, "Adolescence is not interested so much in who is guilty. But why do these kinds of things happen? Is it the family's fault? Is it bullying? Is it part of a kind of toxic masculinity young boys can find on social media while they're sitting alone, supposedly safe in their own bedrooms?" (05:15). This approach emphasizes the complexity of societal and personal factors contributing to youth violence.

Character Development: Eddie’s Complexity

Stephen Graham discusses his character Eddie, a successful businessman striving to be a good husband and father amidst chaos. Drawing from his own experiences and observing men in his life, Graham aimed to portray Eddie as an archetypal, hardworking man who deeply loves his family but struggles to express his emotions openly.

"I wanted to play the polar opposite of [my real self]. One morning, when I gave my son Alfie a cuddle, his friend reacted that his dad never hugs him. It broke my heart because, to me, hugging was natural," Graham shares (08:48). This contrast highlights Eddie's internal pain and the challenges he faces in connecting with his son Jamie.

Technical Mastery: One-Take Episodes

"Adolescence" employs a unique technical approach where each episode is filmed in a single take, without edits. This method adds urgency and realism to the narrative. Graham explains the meticulous preparation involved: rehearsal of scripts, coordination with crew, and ensuring seamless transitions between locations.

"We have three weeks to shoot each episode. The first week is for rehearsing the script like a play, the second week involves working with the crew to plan our pathways, and the third week is for shooting, usually doing two takes a day," he outlines (11:19). This technique mirrors the spontaneity of live theater while maintaining the depth and realism of film and television.

Emotional Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

Discussing the intense emotional scenes, especially the final episode of "Adolescence", Graham admits the toll it takes on him as an actor. "There was a scene where my character breaks down completely. After performing it, I cried for quite some time, but I've learned to decompress quickly using techniques I've developed over time," he reveals (16:32). His support system, particularly his wife, plays a crucial role in helping him manage these emotional demands.

"A Thousand Blows": Portraying a Bare-Knuckle Boxer

In "A Thousand Blows", Graham plays Henry Sugar Goodson, an undefeated bare-knuckle boxer in Victorian London. Preparing for this role required significant physical transformation and training. "I trained like an athlete and a fighter for six months, working with a physical coach and a boxing coach to embody the character fully," Graham explains (25:24). His dedication is evident in his muscular physique and authentic portrayal of a man governed by rage and vulnerability.

Reflecting on "The Irishman" and Acting with Legends

Graham reminisces about his experience working with Martin Scorsese and acting alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in "The Irishman". He shares insights into the collaborative environment and the humility of working with such esteemed actors. "The biggest lesson I learned from Al and Robert was their humility and how they conducted themselves on set. They had no ego and treated everyone with respect," he states (41:43). This experience significantly influenced his approach to acting and collaboration.

Addressing Racism in "This Is England"

Graham touches on his role as Combo, a white nationalist skinhead in "This Is England", discussing the challenges of portraying a character with beliefs vastly different from his own. Being of mixed race, he faced unique challenges in embodying and moving beyond the racist ideology his character espouses.

"When I realized I was mixed race, I wanted to ensure that my portrayal didn't endorse those beliefs. I apologized to my co-star Andrew Shim and worked with the director to add layers to Combo, making his actions stem from abandonment issues and identity struggles," Graham explains (30:02). This approach added depth to Combo, transforming him from a one-dimensional antagonist to a more complex character.

Personal Background and Identity

Graham shares his upbringing in a mixed-race household in Kirby, near Liverpool, highlighting the influence of his stepfather in shaping his identity. "My stepfather taught me about my cultural and racial heritage, introducing me to figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. This education helped me embrace who I am today," he reflects (33:36). Despite facing racism from both sides of his family, Graham emphasizes the positive influence of his mother and stepfather in fostering a sense of belonging and pride in his heritage.

Closing Thoughts

Stephen Graham concludes the interview by expressing gratitude for his supportive family and the lessons learned from working with renowned actors and directors. His commitment to authentic storytelling and character development shines through, offering listeners a deep understanding of his craft and the profound themes explored in his latest projects.

"Family is the most important thing to me. They're my rock and make me the man I am today. The humility and respect I learned from working with Al and Robert are invaluable," he shares (17:32).

Notable Quotes

• On the Purpose of "Adolescence": "Why is this happening? Why are we in this situation where young boys... their brains haven't been fully formed yet..." (05:15).

• On Character Contrast: "I wanted to play the polar opposite of that. One morning... it broke my heart..." (08:48).

• On Emotional Impact: "There was a scene where my character breaks down completely... I cried for quite some time..." (16:32).

• On Working with Legends: "The biggest lesson I learned from Al and Robert was their humility..." (41:43).

• On Addressing Racism: "I wanted to ensure that my portrayal didn't endorse those beliefs... it became more about an abandonment issue..." (30:02).

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air offers an in-depth look into Stephen Graham's multifaceted roles in "Adolescence" and "A Thousand Blows", highlighting his dedication to authentic storytelling, character complexity, and the emotional demands of his craft. Graham's reflections on his personal experiences and professional journey provide valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of portraying deeply layered characters.