Johnny Flynn on THE IDIOT(S), and LFF top picks with Kristy Matheson
Summary
Mark Kermode interviews actor Johnny Flynn about his film The Idiot, which stars him as Dostoevsky and premieres at the London Film Festival. Flynn also discusses his upcoming music album with his sister and shares a personal clip featuring his late father in a 1960s Robin Hood movie. Kermode then speaks with LFF director Christy Matheson, who highlights the festival's diverse lineup and recommends three standout films: the indie feature Isabel, the documentary Making Marie Antoinette, and Tony Gilroy's thriller Behemoth.
Topics discussed
Cold open: Film quotes and banter
Introduction to the BFI London Film Festival edition
Johnny Flynn's packed schedule and upcoming projects
Johnny Flynn on his appearance on Late with Jules Holland
Overview of the film The Idiot and its plot
The film's tone, source material, and historical context
Working with the Polish directors and improvisation
Preview of a comedic clip from The Idiot
Discussion on the film's carnivalesque quality
Johnny Flynn's connection to Dostoevsky's work
Performing with Amy Lewwood and on-set anecdotes
The Idiot's release and the need for a cinema experience
Johnny Flynn's personal clip: His father in a Robin Hood film
Viewing the Robin Hood clip and discussing his father's career
Recap of The Idiot and Flynn's music releases
Introduction of LFF director Christy Matheson
Overview of the 2026 London Film Festival program
Christy Matheson's pick: The indie feature Isabel
Christy Matheson's pick: The documentary Making Marie Antoinette
Christy Matheson's pick: The mainstream film Behemoth
Closing thoughts on the festival and ticket availability
Outro and promotion for Kermode and Mayo's Take
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