Key facts
- Andrew Scott plays James Stagg, chief meteorological adviser to General Eisenhower during World War Two.
- The film 'Pressure' highlights Stagg's crucial role in the D-Day landings.
- Scott describes Stagg as 'chilly,' 'forthright,' and 'obsessed with weather,' but also an 'unsung hero.'
- The film explores themes of humility in leadership and the importance of expertise.
- Maureen Sweeney, who confirmed a weather break from her lighthouse in Ireland, is also referenced.
Andrew Scott has spoken about the challenges and rewards of portraying James Stagg, the chief meteorological adviser who played a critical role in the success of the D-Day landings during World War Two, in the new film 'Pressure.' Scott described Stagg as a complex character, calling him 'chilly,' 'forthright,' and 'obsessed with weather,' but ultimately an 'unsung hero' who possessed humility in the face of nature.
The actor relished the opportunity to play a character who was not a traditional war hero and was not interested in ingratiating himself with others, calling him 'a real fish out of water.' Scott's previous roles, including in 'All of Us Strangers,' 'Fleabag,' and 'Sherlock,' stand in stark contrast to the meticulous and somewhat reserved Stagg.
'Pressure' is set primarily in the planning rooms for D-Day, depicting the intense collaboration and disagreements among a team of meteorologists. Scott emphasized the film's exploration of 'the humility of leadership' and the distinction between power and expertise, noting how General Eisenhower heeded the advice of his experts.
The film also references Maureen Sweeney, a woman who made a crucial phone call from her lighthouse in Ireland confirming a break in the weather, another example of an unsung hero. Scott expressed his admiration for individuals with singular passions who dedicate themselves to a field and serve a vital purpose, finding it moving that Stagg's contributions are being recognized years later.