The film industry has recently been abuzz with the news of Meg Ryan’s latest film, “What Happens Later,” which is dedicated to the late Nora Ephron.
The film ends with the words “For Nora,” paying tribute to the celebrated writer and filmmaker who collaborated with Ryan on some of the most beloved romantic comedies of our time.
While it was a given that the film would be dedicated to Ephron, it required an extra layer of approval from the Directors Guild, which speaks to the importance of the tribute.
It is noteworthy that “What Happens Later” is not just a romantic comedy, but also a project that Ryan co-wrote and directed.
The film tells the story of two exes who find themselves stranded in an airport for 24 hours during a snowstorm, and it stars Ryan alongside David Duchovny.
While some might dismiss the premise as gimmicky, the end result is a smart, charming, and whimsical film that showcases Ryan’s talent as both a writer and director.
For fans of Ryan, “What Happens Later” is a long-awaited return to the big screen, as the actress has not appeared in a film for eight years.
The anticipation for the film’s release has been building, and it is set to open in theaters on Friday. With its dedication to Ephron and its impressive cast and crew, “What Happens Later” promises to be a must-see for anyone who loves romantic comedies or appreciates the art of filmmaking.
Ryan and Duchovny, despite not having known each other prior to working on “What Happens Later,” display an undeniable chemistry on screen that suggests a long-standing camaraderie.
Their off-camera rapport is equally impressive, as they effortlessly engage in conversation about the film, Ryan’s hiatus, the illusory nature of fame, and the possibility of their children following in their footsteps.
In an interview with The Associated Press, the duo delves into the heart of the movie, emphasizing its ability to gently unravel one’s emotions and expose vulnerabilities.
Far from being a cynical production, “What Happens Later” aims to touch the hearts of its audience, particularly during the holiday season when people are more receptive to such heartfelt narratives.
Throughout the conversation, their remarks have been carefully edited for clarity and brevity, ensuring that the essence of their thoughts is conveyed effectively.
In the realm of cinematic experiences, the movie being discussed here appears to deviate from the conventional narrative structure, as it solely revolves around the interactions between the characters and an ever-present voice that emanates from the public address system within the airport.
This unique approach has elicited mixed reactions, and the individual being interviewed, Mr. Duchovny, expresses his ambivalence towards the presence of this omnipresent voice.
However, upon revisiting the film recently, he admits to experiencing a change in sentiment as he witnessed the voice becoming intricately entwined with the characters’ personal journeys.
This newfound appreciation stems from the realization that the voice, albeit disembodied, genuinely cares about the well-being and development of these individuals.
The conversation between Ryan, AP, and Duchovny revolves around a particular part that Ryan loves, which he believes shares some similarities with Nora’s movies.
He mentions Nora’s belief in kismet and destiny, suggesting that the benevolent container in the movie will bring the two characters together.
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AP adds that the celebrity voice in the movie is assumed to be someone like Tom Hanks or Billy Crystal, with sentimental reasons behind these guesses.
The voice is credited as Hal Liggett, and AP finds his bio in the press notes amusing, mentioning his stage work and his height.
However, the identity of the celebrity voice remains a riddle that AP cannot decipher. Ryan then reveals that he wrote the bio, and Duchovny playfully teases that he will give away the answer.
After some anticipation, Ryan finally discloses that the celebrity voice is Scarlett Johansson. Ryan expresses his excitement by sharing that when Hal (Scarlett Johansson) agreed to do it, he walked up and down his driveway ten times.
In a recent interview, actors David Duchovny and Ryan Reynolds discussed their surprising on-screen chemistry despite not having known each other prior to working together.
Duchovny expressed his gratitude towards director Meg for providing him with the opportunity to be a part of a film that allowed him to explore a specific tone or genre that he had been eager to delve into.
Reynolds, on the other hand, commended Duchovny’s remarkable talent and versatility, noting his ability to effortlessly transition between comedic and emotionally charged moments.
Reynolds admired Duchovny’s portrayal of a character who could oscillate between being hilarious, heartbroken, frustrated, in love, and filled with disdain.
The actors’ mutual admiration for each other’s work was evident, and their seamless collaboration resulted in a captivating on-screen dynamic.
During a recent conversation, DUCHOVNY brought up an intriguing anecdote about someone who claimed to be certain they had passed away and found themselves trapped in purgatory due to their attire of white.
RYAN, in response, acknowledged that such an interpretation could indeed be derived from the situation. DUCHOVNY, further expanding on this notion, expressed his belief that being in purgatory would be a more desirable scenario than being condemned to hell.
This led to a discussion about the nature of the story, with DUCHOVNY suggesting that it falls within the realm of liminal spaces, where individuals find themselves in a transitional state and must undergo a transformative experience before progressing further.
During an interview with AP, the topic of Meg Ryan’s return to the screen after an eight-year hiatus was discussed.
When asked if the break was a conscious decision, David Duchovny responded on behalf of Meg, stating that she is an artist who needed time to rejuvenate and explore different aspects of her life, such as interior design.
Duchovny also mentioned that becoming famous can make it harder to observe things objectively, as people’s behavior towards you changes.
He emphasized that observation and understanding humanity are crucial for any form of art, and it is important to find a way to reconnect with those elements.
Ryan agreed with Duchovny’s point, stating that unplugging from the industry was necessary for her to seek different experiences.
She acknowledged that her hiatus may not have been intentional but in retrospect, it seemed to have made sense.
The conversation between AP, Ryan, and Duchovny revolves around the topic of fame and its perceived fulfillment.
Matthew Perry’s observations on fame not being fulfilling resonate with AP, who sees it as a significant contribution to the world.
Ryan finds Perry’s story about the emptiness of fame after a short period on a show to be a valuable observation.
Duchovny shares a metaphorical anecdote about greyhounds chasing a mechanical rabbit at a dog track. He questions what happens when a dog catches the rabbit and learns the truth.
The trainer explains that the dog can no longer race because it knows the reality. Duchovny likens this to the nature of fame, implying that once someone attains it, they may realize its lack of true value.
Ryan reflects on the story’s beauty, particularly in a time when many people aspire to fame, yet struggle to recognize its worth even when briefly experiencing it.
Duchovny adds a lighthearted comment about being anti-dog track, perhaps suggesting a broader disapproval of the pursuit of empty goals.
In response to the original text, I would like to comment on a different aspect of the conversation between Meg Ryan and David Duchovny.
The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by their children, who have chosen to pursue acting careers in the shadow of their successful parents.
While there is often criticism and talk about nepotism in the entertainment industry, it is important to acknowledge the individual talents, efforts, and work ethic of these young actors.
Both Ryan and Duchovny express their belief that labeling their children as mere beneficiaries of nepotism undermines their own abilities and hard work.
They argue that their children are grateful for the opportunities they have been given and that their success is a result of a combination of privilege, hard work, and talent.
However, they also acknowledge that our culture struggles to accept paradoxes and tends to oversimplify complex situations.
In an interesting moment during their conversation, Duchovny mentions the origin of the word “nepotism,” referring to the last emperor of Rome who oversaw the destruction of the empire.
He suggests that the negative connotations associated with nepotism may not be entirely fair, as it was not necessarily the fault of the emperor.
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Duchovny humorously decides to fact-check this information, while Ryan playfully remarks on his fact-checking habits.
Overall, their conversation highlights the complexities and nuances surrounding the topic of nepotism in the entertainment industry.
It serves as a reminder that success is often a combination of various factors, including talent, hard work, and opportunities, and that it is essential to avoid oversimplifying such matters.