Page 35 - The Hollywood Reporter (January 2020)
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vivid and the characters are so rich and multi-
faceted. And two, he creates a very intimate
and safe space on set. He takes the time to get
what he needs, and that sometimes means
20 takes if need be. He allows the actors to
explore. They can offer up different aspects
of a scene, of themselves, and they go on the
journey of exploring that.
There were some heated arguments on social
media about whether the film reads more favor-
ably toward Charlie or Nicole. What did you think
of all that?
How great is that? It does not answer all the
questions. That’s what I like. It leaves it up to
audiences to bring themselves to it and inter-
pret it as they choose. That’s the mark of a
really good film, that the journey does not end
From left: Adam
when the film ends, that it carries on at din- Driver, Laura Dern,
ner afterward and in conversations for days, Noah Baumbach,
Scarlett Johansson
weeks and hopefully months after. and David Heyman
at the Venice Film
Festival for the world
And whose side do you think the film takes? premiere of Marriage
Story on Aug. 29.
In a way, Nicole has made the decision to get
divorced. She’s reached her place at the begin- 30 seconds of something, and he looked then to find myself meeting him and talk-
ning of the film, and Charlie is catching up. beyond uncomfortable. I so felt for him. Some ing to him briefly and having my photograph
He ultimately gets to a place of acceptance, but people enjoy it; I know actors who like to go taken with him — it’s something that I want
that’s his journey. Through this process, she to dailies, but Adam is not that. And these are to remember.
is finally heard, whereas she might not have artists. They are by nature sensitive people,
been heard within the relationship. Though and I think to expose him in that way, to Is there something you learned while making
we feel for him, because he’s going through it show him [footage] when he specifically said, Marriage Story that you’ll bring to your next
and catching up, she’s the one who hasn’t been “Please, don’t” — it’s just not right. projects?
heard through the course of the relationship. Both Quentin and Noah don’t allow mobile
You have two films in the race this year and now phones on set. It creates a couple of things: It
Adam Driver, who has said he has a phobia of two best picture nominees. How tiring has that means that when you’re on set, you’re either
watching his own work, got some attention for been for you? Do you feel pulled in different working or you are talking to your family of
walking out of an interview after they tried to directions? filmmakers who you’re making the film with.
play a clip of the film. Do you think that criticism I’m definitely tired. It’s long and it’s intense You can use the phone, but just leave the set.
of him was unfair? — but what a privilege. I feel blessed, I feel This created the family atmosphere — just
Yes, I think it was unfair. He has made it grateful. This doesn’t happen. I’ve been because people talk to each other, as opposed
very clear he doesn’t like to look at himself. nominated once before [for 2013’s Gravity], to escaping immediately to their handheld
It makes him very, very uncomfortable. We but it rarely happens in one’s career. To have it device. I think that’s something that I’m going
were at an awards event, and they screened twice in one year is bonkers. And fortunately, to encourage other directors I work with to
adopt.
What were some performances in the other
“Usually there’s like one scene in a movie, or maybe two, nominated films that really impressed you?
that you’re dreading. With this one, every scene felt like it’s Antonio Banderas in Pain and Glory. I thought
all too early in the schedule.” ADAM DRIVER it was a stunning performance, but with such
empathy and melancholy. For someone who’s
normally so alive in his performance in terms
of energy and seduction, to have the bravery
both Quentin [Tarantino] and Noah have great to embrace sadness and loneliness, I thought
respect for one another and like each other. I was really beautiful. And Song Kang-ho in
think the key through it all is communication, Parasite. I think the tonal shifts — not playing
and I think they know that I care for them. I it for laughs — is one of the brilliant things
hope they know. I’m pretty certain they know about the film: It’s played with integrity and
that I care for them both and respect them yet it’s very funny.
both. Has it been tough? Yeah, at times, but
gosh, what a high-class problem. And what are your plans for after the Oscars? Is
a vacation in your future?
Has there been a highlight of the season for you I am going to come home [to London] and
so far? spend a lot of time with my family.
Meeting Pedro Almodóvar. I’ve admired
his films for many, many, many years. And Interview edited for length and clarity.
