Actor hopes his film can help raise awareness of men’s mental health

James Purefoy has spoken about raising awareness of men’s mental wellbeing in his latest film, describing it as part of the “jigsaw of mental health”.

The 58-year-old British actor stars in the comedy Fisherman’s Friends: One And All, which comes as a sequel to the 2019 film Fisherman’s Friends.

Speaking about the role cinema has in tackling the stigma around men’s mental health, Purefoy, who plays the film’s protagonist Jim, said: “I’m not saying it’s world-breaking or intensely profound in any way, but what I’m saying is that it’s all part of the massive jigsaw of mental health.”

While specifically referring to blue-collar, middle-aged men like his character Jim, who may be less inclined to be open about their feelings, Purefoy added: “This film is just one tiny piece, which is to say it’s OK to talk about things, to talk about feelings, and if you’re finding things difficult, and if you’re finding that your emotions are squeaking out sideways, then maybe there’s a bigger issue involved somewhere.

“Find a health professional, talk to your husband, or your wife, talk to your dad, your mum, your mate, find some way of discussing it.

“It doesn’t make you less manly, to talk about your feelings, I think, is the bottom line here.”

The sequel follows Fisherman’s Friends – a sea-shanty-singing group based on a real life band of the same name – as they struggle with their second album after the high of performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

In the film, Purefoy’s character Jim has turned to alcohol after struggling to cope with the loss of his father.

Speaking about his character’s struggles, Purefoy said: “I think a lot of blokes, and I’m using that word quite specifically, find it hard to talk about their feelings and emotions.

“And sometimes if they have an emotional trauma, they sit on it and they don’t talk about it... And it manifests itself in other ways.”

Fisherman’s Friends: One And All is in UK cinemas from Friday.