While he directed the television series that accelerated Paul Mescal to stardom, Lenny Abrahamson doesn’t feel he deserves much credit. 

Speaking to The Anton Savage Show today, the Irish director said he doesn’t think the world needs to thank him for Paul Mescal. 

“Paul Mescal’s parents are responsible for Paul Mescal," he said. 

“And listen, without the talent it doesn’t matter what you do... I was lucky to find him and Daisy [Edgar Jones] as well. 

“Whenever I see him doing anything, it’s a lovely feeling.” 

'Rare talent'

Despite Mescal’s rise to fame, Lenny acknowledged not every talented person he meets is so lucky. 

“You can usually tell whether someone has that kind of very special ability that’s going to translate,” he said. 

“There's a degree of extra stuff that translates to a cold audience who don’t know your stuff and aren't predisposed to like you. 

“That kind of talent is rare, but you know it when you see it.” 

Daisy Edgar Jones and Paul Mescal in Normal People. Image: Enda Bowe - British Broad

Irish talent certainly hasn’t been rare in recent years, with several Irish actors and filmmakers receiving critical acclaim and award nominations. 

Lenny said the support Irish film receiving now is impressive, but it’s not yet clear how long it will last. 

“Is it like the Irish soccer where every few generations, you’ll get some great players and then you’ll dip again or is it more sustainable?” he said. 

“It feels to me it is more sustainable – the interesting in performance, just a very naturally deep talent pool.” 

Smaller Irish films

With the explosion of Irish films making it big, however, Lenny said we should also remember smaller filmmakers. 

“You need smaller films being made; you need new talent developed,” he said. “You really need to allow new talent and to have its voice heard. 

“One of the things about a small film is it has to be really good – you don't have the same glitz and glamor and promotion. 

“You have to be prepared as a mature culture that a lot of it won’t work or else the next filmmaker isn’t going to be there.” 

For Lenny himself, he is currently working on a film based on his own family in 1970s Ireland and he hinted he has his eye on yet another book adaptation.