Hugh Jackman opened up about mental health in an interview given to the BBC that was released online on Tuesday. The actor revealed that the producers of his latest film The Son hired psychiatrists to be on set in case they were needed by the cast and crew. Jackman stated in the interview-“This was the first time I’d ever seen such a thing on a film…and people used it, and it was necessary”-. The actor said that mental health support becomes important, especially when working with difficult material.

The Son is Florian Zeller’s second film after his directorial debut, The Father. The feature is based on a screenplay by his co-writer Cristopher Hampton that explores family relationships and mental health. The film centers on Nicholas, a teenager who struggles with mental health and the impact that this has on his family. Jackman stars as Peter, Nicholas’ Father whose new life is disrupted after Nicholas’ mom (Laura Dern) appears at his door to discuss their son’s troubles.

Jackman was dealing with some personal struggles himself while filming the feature, and he shared that he started seeing a therapist while working on the film. The actor was mourning his father’s passing and confronting anxiety about returning to act after the pandemic lockdowns. Also, the film confronted him with upsetting materials. Jackman expects that the film helps start difficult conversations-“There is a real lack of knowledge and ignorance around the subject, and I think it’s something we need to confront, really, really quickly,”- he said.

Dern referred to the post-pandemic mental health crisis during the film’s press conference in Venice.

“It’s frightening…even when you feel alone in shame, guilt and blame, you can turn to so many who have been there before and may advise you. We all long to feel community in this larger conversation we must be having about mental health.”