The Empire Film Podcast The Empire Film Podcast

The Interviews (ft. Jarvis Cocker, Susanne Bier)

Sep 18, 2026 · 34m

Summary

Jarvis Cocker discusses the making of the Pulp reunion concert film *What Do You Do for an Encore*, directed by Garth Jennings, and reflects on the band's history and his own film studies at Saint Martin's. The episode also features an interview with director Susanna Bier about *Practical Magic 2*, where she talks about balancing the original's 90s charm with a contemporary setting, the chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, and her ongoing focus on family dynamics in her work.

Topics discussed

Introduction and Pulp reunion film announcement Jarvis Cocker joins and discusses film approach Collaboration with Garth Jennings and production details Narrative structure and archival footage in the documentary Memories of TV appearances and childhood influences Growing up with film and studying at Saint Martin's Moving to London and early connection with Garth Jennings Early career style and the acid house era Recollections of the O2 reunion shows and anniversary Transition to Practical Magic 2 segment Sianne Beer on directing the sequel and balancing eras Integrating the new generation and original cast Chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman Shooting in the UK and building the witch house set Creative process and cast collaboration Costume design and 90s fashion revival Technical choices and lens distortion effects Themes of family, outsiders, and magic in the film Personal superstitions and upcoming HBO project Wrap up and upcoming Empire Podcast episodes
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