Film: HereCast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, Michelle Dockery, Gwilym Lee, Ophelia Lovibond, David Fynn, Leslie Zemeckis, Jonathan Aris, Albie Salter,Lilly Aspell, Lauren McQueen, Billie Gadsdon, Harry Marcus, Joel Oulette, Dannie McCallum, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Mohammed GeorgeDirector: Robert ZemeckisRating: 2.5/5Runtime: 104 min A generational story based on the 2014 graphic novel by Richard McGuire, about families sharing in love, loss, laughter over an extended period of time, this sentiment driven Robert Zemeckis film spreads rather thin as it adds on years and people to a story that has nowhere to go. It’s not a momentous film by any yardstick - just a film accumulating moments that don’t really leave any impact. Of course Zemeckis isn’t on his best game ( Back to the future, Who framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump) either. Using technology to augment his craft, Zemeckis makes gimmicky choices, vivid set-design and techno-brilliance to enhance the visual appeal. Zemeckis uses picture-in-picture panel inserts to show what was happening at various times in the same place and de-aging post-production techniques to turn Tom Hanks and Robin Wright into hormonal teenagers. But the lack of a story to hold it all together, makes all the effortful effects rather trifling. Robert Zemeckis’ fifth directorial spans several years while the camera sits in one spot. The narrative encompasses the lives of 5 families and we see it all happening in the same house - same living room to be precise. This might have worked better as a play though. As a cinema it feels rather constricted and contrived. There’s quite a bit of back and forth. The main storyline follows Al (Bettany) and Rose (Reilly) after they buy the house following WWII - where they raise their 4 kids including the eldest, Richard (a 16 yr old de-aged Hanks). He then meets de-aged Margaret (Wright), and its their lives together that takes center-stage thereafter. The narrative concentrates on Richard and Margaret’s growth from exuberant youth to ageing adults wrecked by the realities of ‘real’ life. The parallel stories of Benjamin Franklin’s son, an early aviator, the inventor of Laz-e-boy, a black family and a Native American,- who all happened to have lived in the same location at different time periods, doesn’t provide for any great dramatic arc. All the add-on tech enhancements feel gimmicky and serve as distractions. The use of AI to create ancient times and animals doesn’t add any great worth either. The set design and background score are excellent but they don’t enhance the experience. A few well-crafted moments, some nascent comedy and stray emotion fail to lend import to this distracting and forgettable experience. The narrative may not be long but it feels that way nevertheless. The editing fails to provide any relief either in pacing or in its use of judicious cuts. Zemeckis’ direction feels static. The lack of emotional depth, uneventful plot lines, unbalanced structure, and underdeveloped characters is likely to put you to sleep. This may be Robert Zemeckis’ most ambitious and technologically advanced film but its also his least gravitating, uninteresting creation. There’s no tempo in this telling and the overall effort feels altogether underwhelming. Despite its intriguing concept, Zemeckis’ experiment with contrasting life experiences using time as a barometer of change, fails to curry favor.
08 November,2024 05:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasAmid their ongoing divorce proceedings, Ben Affleck praised his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez for her performance in their upcoming film 'Unstoppable'. Lopez has reacted to it and credited the entire cast for giving their best in the movie, reported E! News. The actor recently praised his ex-wife's performance in her upcoming movie "Unstoppable," calling her performance "spectacular." To which, Lopez responded, "I would describe all of the cast and everybody behind the scenes as spectacular and wonderful." Affleck, who co-produced the movie, discussed the film's success and his respect for Lopez's work during a recent interview. As per E! News, the actor and producer spoke about the significance of passion in filmmaking, noting how the dedication of the cast and crew made 'Unstoppable' stand out. "Unstoppable is a very different movie than this, but in a way, it's similarly rooted in the passion of really talented artists," Affleck explained. He highlighted the commitment of the film's cast, which includes Lopez, Don Cheadle, Jharrel Jerome, and Bobby Cannavale, all of whom, he said, were deeply invested in the film's story. Affleck, who is also involved in the promotion of his film, 'Small Things Like These', added that he and his producing partner Matt Damon share a strong belief in the power of storytelling and the importance of an actor's connection to the material. "We really believe in the power of storytelling when the people involved in it are deeply connected to the story," he remarked, as per E! News. When asked about Lopez's role in 'Unstoppable', Affleck did not hold back in his praise. "Jennifer's spectacular," he said, emphasising that her performance, along with the contributions of her co-stars, helped bring the film to life. "We believed in the right people, and 'Unstoppable' is another example of that," he concluded, as per E! News. Affleck's words reflect a shared professional commitment between the former couple to support their project, despite their ongoing divorce. At the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, director William Goldenberg noted that there was no tension or awkwardness on set, despite the ongoing divorce. "It's always been about the movie, and that's their personal business," he said, stressing that the focus remained on the work at hand, reported E! News. While Affleck has yet to publicly discuss the details of his divorce, his positive remarks come shortly after Jennifer Lopez opened up about their breakup in an interview for a magazine, as per E! News. Lopez recently shared her thoughts on self-growth and independence following the end of their marriage. "You have to be complete if you want something that's more complete," she explained, adding, "Being in a relationship doesn't define me. I can't be looking for happiness in other people. I have to have happiness within myself." Jennifer Lopez, 55, has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, 52, after two years of marriage. The filing, submitted on August 20, 2024, cites April 26 as the separation date. There is no prenuptial agreement. Lopez, prioritising her children, is handling the legal process herself. The couple had rekindled their romance in 2021. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 November,2024 08:01 AM IST | Washington | ANIThe victory of former US President Donald Trump and his return to the US President office following the 2024 elections has ruffled many feathers in Hollywood. Several celebrities who rallied behind Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris reacted strongly to Trump’s win. Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish took to the Stories section of Instagram, and wrote, “It’s a war on women.” Rapper Cardi B posted a video of herself watching the results of the 2024 elections. She said in the video, “I hate y’all bad”, and trashed Trump supporters, telling them to “get away from me”. Singer-songwriter Ariana Grande, who is set to star in the film adaptation of Wicked later this month, wrote, “Holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome today.” Actor Viola Davis posted a photo of Harris and thanked her for “loving America’s promise,” adding, “I am and will forever be proud.” Donald Trump A huge chunk of Hollywood campaigned for Kamala Harris, including superstars like Robert Downey Jr and Taylor Swift. While the Democrats managed to hold the forts in California, where Hollywood is based, and New York, Republicans swept the 2024 presidential elections in several parts of the US. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 November,2024 07:31 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesMatthew Perry, an actor well-known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the TV show FRIENDS, passed away a year ago at his Los Angeles home. Now, an Indian origin woman named Anita Verma-Lallian, has purchased the house and moved into it. She is a real estate developer and a film producer who bought the house for a whopping 8.55 million dollars (Rs 72.04 crore) in an off-market deal. She took to her Instagram handle to share pictures from the griha-pravesh puja and spoke about buying the house and honouring the memory of Matthew Perry. Indian-origin woman performs Hindu puja at Perry's former house Sitting by the pool of the house, Anita performed puja with a priest presiding. Sharing a couple of photos of the puja and the house, Anita wrote, “We are so excited to share that we bought a home in Los Angeles earlier this month! The moment I walked into the home, I absolutely fell in love with the features, especially the view of the Pacific Ocean. We knew it was “the one” and decided to write an offer on it immediately.” She added, "As a real estate developer myself, I believe every property has a history that we may or may not know about, and every home carries the energy that the current owner brings to it. I am Hindu, and it’s customary to do a blessing and prayer anytime you buy a new home. We were so lucky to have our Panditji from Arizona come to the house to do the blessing." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anita Lallian (@anitavermalallian) Matthew Perry bought the luxurious 3500 square feet property in 2020 for 6 million dollars (Rs 50.5 core). The home includes four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, living room, dining room, and a kitchen. It also has a built-in wine wall, and minimalistic white-and-gray cabinetry. This was among Matthew Perry’s several properties. The actor also owned a penthouse in LA which was later bought by Rihanna for 21 million dollars. He also had a beach house in Malibu. Preserving Perry’s Legacy Lallian expressed her admiration for the iconic elements of the home and emphasized her commitment to preserving aspects of Perry’s legacy. She noted plans to keep some unique design features, including the Batman logo in the pool. "We chose to honor the positive aspects of the previous owner’s life, his immense talent, and all the joy he brought to so many people. The decision to purchase the home had nothing to do with the previous owner, just our love of the home. We do plan to keep some of the design elements. The batman logo in the pool is definitely staying. It’s a piece of paradise that is filled with light and the perfect vacation home for us. Can’t wait to make new memories in it ," she wrote.
07 November,2024 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe US elections concluded on Wednesday with Donald Trump getting over the 270 threshold electoral college votes needed to win the presidency. Several prominent names from Hollywood expressed their dismay over Trump’s re-election as the US president. These include Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and Cardi B, among others, who had pledged support towards Democrat candidate Kamala Harris. Hollywood celebs react to Donald Trump’s presidential win Jamie Lee Curtis said on Instagram that Trump's win "means a sure return to a more restrictive, some fear draconian time." "Many fear their rights will be impeded and denied. Many, minority groups and young people will be afraid. Gay and trans people will be more afraid. We know that many women will now find it difficult to get the reproductive healthcare that they need and deserve. For all those people there will be those who will help you. Me included," she posted. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) She continued, "But what it really means is that we wake up and fight. Fight for women and our children and their futures and fight against tyranny, one day at a time. One fight at a time. One protest at a time. That's what it means to be an American. That's what it has always meant and will always mean regardless of the outcome." Rapper Cardi B posted a a video of herself on her Instagram Story with the caption "I hate y'all bad.” She supported Kamala Harris in the US elections and shared a post stating that she’s proud of her. “You really put up a fight against all the odds that were already stacked against you! You never accepted defeat as an option which says so much about your strength and about your heart. You really wanted better for ALL of us!” she wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib) Billie Eilish also posted on her Instagram Story, writing "It's a war on women." Ariana Grande wrote in an Instagram story, “Holding the hand of every person who is feeling the immeasurable heaviness of this outcome today.” Christina Applegate said that Trump's win threatened reproductive rights, which were already impacted after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. "Why? Give me your reasons why?????" Applegate wrote on X. "My child is sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away. Why? And if you disagree, please unfollow me." She continued in a separate post: "Please unfollow me if you voted against female rights. Against disability rights. Yeah, that. Unfollow me because what you did is unreal. Don't want followers like this. So yeah. Done. Also after today, I will be shutting down this fan account that I have had for so many years because this is sick." Please unfollow me if you voted against female rights. Against disability rights. Yeah that. Unfollow me because what you did is unreal. Don’t want followers like this. So yeah. Done. Also after today I will be shutting down this fan account that I have had for so many years… — christina applegate (@1capplegate) November 6, 2024 Author Stephen King fumed over the election results, saying, "There's a sign you can see in many shops that sell beautiful but fragile items: LOVELY TO LOOK AT, DELIGHTFUL TO HOLD, BUT ONCE YOU BREAK IT, THEN IT'S SOLD. You can say the same about democracy." Donald Trump will be serving as US president for the second term This will be only the second instance of a president serving two non-consecutive terms in the White House, the first in over 100 years. Grover Cleveland served as a non-consecutive president in 1884 and 1892. Trump had earlier served as US President from 2016 to 2020.
07 November,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEver since the tragic death of Liam Payne, 'One Direction' fans have been in a state of shock. Even the other band members—Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan—are mourning his demise. After Payne’s death, fans of the band have been hoping they will come together for one last time to pay tribute to their close friend. Now, as speculation about their reunion grows, a new report has clarified things. One Direction members to pay musical tribute to Liam Payne According to a report in 'Radar Online', the bandmates will be reuniting in grief. This will be the first time the band has come together since their split. It is reported that they might sing a song in memory of their late friend. An insider shared that it will be a “moving tribute at the service, in the style of Elton John's ‘Candle in the Wind’ tribute at the funeral of Princess Diana." “But they are yet to send word of a musical farewell to their close pal and may opt to pay their respects alongside other members of the congregation,” the insider further added. It is said that the funeral is expected to take place in Liam Payne's hometown of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands on Friday. It’s also said that the rest of the band might do a short reunion tour. An update suggested that the “members will do something to celebrate his life and pay tribute to him. I can't see a full-scale tour, but I could see something along the lines of a show or a new track/song.” Liam Payne Death: Former One Direction member passes away Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, was found dead on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, according to local officials. Police in Buenos Aires reported that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo neighbourhood, a popular area in Argentina's capital. The fall caused severe injuries, and medics confirmed his death at the scene. After the news spread, dozens of 'One Direction' fans from around Buenos Aires gathered at the Casa Sur Hotel, forming lines that extended into the blocked-off street where police were stationed. Forensic investigators were seen leaving the hotel, and Payne's body was taken away about three hours after the fall. Heartbroken fans, mostly young women recording on their phones, were in shock as a memorial with candles and flowers quickly formed outside the hotel.
06 November,2024 06:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress-singer Amanda Seyfried has shared why moving out of Los Angeles was essential for her. The actress, who is known for her work in 'Mean Girls' star, 38, now lives on a farm in upstate New York with her husband, fellow actor Thomas Sadoski, 48, and their two children, Nina and Thomas, reports ‘Female First UK’. She admitted the big move was the "best decision" as it gave her "privacy, peace and nature", and was essential for her mental health. She told Forbes, “I moved upstate long before I had a family. Staying here was the best decision for privacy, peace and nature. It offers a more balanced life than the city does”. Among their many animals including chickens, numerous horses, multiple goats, and a donkey. Amanda is closest to her beloved 15-year-old Australian Shepherd, Finn, who she credits with keeping her "grounded" in the early days of her career in Hollywood. She noted, "Having Finn to come home to when I was in my 20’s in Hollywood helped keep me grounded. “My pets truly keep me balanced”. As per ‘Female First UK’, growing up on a farm is also giving her two children life skills from a young age. She said, “I can see them learning what a responsibility and treat it is to care for pets, even at their young ages. I think all pets give us purpose. And because they do so much to enrich our lives, we are responsible for theirs which includes managing their health and wellness”. Amanda recently shared how she is open with her brood about "the circle of life" as they have had a few pets that have passed away. The youngsters are aware that Finn is getting older. She told ‘People’ magazine, "They know he's an old man, and my daughter especially, she knows that things die, but you get a chunk of time with them, you respect them, you love them, you give them the best life they can have, and then they go, and you remember them. It's just like it's the most positive spin that you can have”. The actress shared that living with many animals has made the process of talking about death with her young children easier. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 November,2024 08:46 AM IST | Los Angeles | IANSAmid their ongoing divorce proceedings, Ben Affleck has expressed nothing but admiration for his ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez, particularly highlighting her stellar performance in their upcoming film 'Unstoppable'. Affleck, who co-produced the movie, discussed the film's success and his respect for Lopez's work during a recent interview. As per E! News, the actor and producer spoke about the significance of passion in filmmaking, noting how the dedication of the cast and crew made 'Unstoppable' stand out. "Unstoppable is a very different movie than this, but in a way, it's similarly rooted in the passion of really talented artists," Affleck explained. He highlighted the commitment of the film's cast, which includes Lopez, Don Cheadle, Jharrel Jerome, and Bobby Cannavale, all of whom, he says, were deeply invested in the film's story. Affleck, who is also involved in the promotion of his film, 'Small Things Like These', added that he and his producing partner Matt Damon share a strong belief in the power of storytelling and the importance of an actor's connection to the material. "We really believe in the power of storytelling when the people involved in it are deeply connected to the story," he remarked, as per E! News. When asked about Lopez's role in 'Unstoppable', Affleck did not hold back in his praise. "Jennifer's spectacular," he said, emphasising that her performance, along with the contributions of her co-stars, helped bring the film to life. "We believed in the right people, and 'Unstoppable' is another example of that," he concluded, as per E! News. Affleck's kind words reflect a shared professional commitment between the former couple to support their project, despite their ongoing divorce. At the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, director William Goldenberg noted that there was no tension or awkwardness on set, despite the ongoing divorce. "It's always been about the movie, and that's their personal business," he said, stressing that the focus remained on the work at hand, reported E! News. While Affleck has yet to publicly discuss the details of his divorce, his positive remarks come shortly after Jennifer Lopez opened up about their breakup in an interview for a magazine, as per E! News. Lopez recently shared her thoughts on self-growth and independence following the end of their marriage. "You have to be complete if you want something that's more complete," she explained, adding, "Being in a relationship doesn't define me. I can't be looking for happiness in other people. I have to have happiness within myself." Jennifer Lopez, 55, has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, 52, after two years of marriage. The filing, submitted on August 20, 2024, cites April 26 as the separation date. There is no prenuptial agreement. Lopez, prioritising her children, is handling the legal process herself. The couple had rekindled their romance in 2021. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 November,2024 08:44 AM IST | Washington | ANISelena Gomez, with her no-nonsense attitude, reacted to a clip attempting to body shame her. Just a few days ago, Gomez walked the red carpet at the premiere of her film 'Emilia Pérez' at the American French Film Festival in Los Angeles, where she stunned in a body-hugging dress. A few netizens noticed that Selena was posing with her hands on her stomach, and internet users were quick to speculate that she was trying to hide her belly. selena gomez defending herself from all the bodyshaming comments. this is literally sick. pic.twitter.com/YQJorFiBgv — . (@selovelenaa) November 2, 2024 Selena Gomez hits back at trolls Tired of people making unnecessary speculations about her body, Selena decided to set the record straight. Reacting to one of the clips, she wrote, "This makes me sick." The singer further opened up about her health, saying, “I have SIBO in my small intestine. It flares up. I don’t care that I don’t look like a stick figure. I don’t have that body. End of story.” She added, “No, I am NOT a victim. I’m just human." Selena Gomez on health struggles Selena has been vocal about her health issues. Earlier, while speaking to Vanity Fair, she explained, “I haven’t ever said this... but I unfortunately can’t carry my own children.” Gomez shared, “I have a lot of medical issues that would put my life and the baby’s in jeopardy. That was something I had to grieve for a while.” In 2014, Selena was diagnosed with lupus, an incurable autoimmune disorder that attacks tissues and organs. She underwent a kidney transplant in 2017 as a result of her lupus diagnosis. Selena has openly discussed her health struggles, including her kidney transplant and mental health challenges. The *Only Murders in the Building* star recently shared why she no longer feels comfortable sleeping in her own bedroom. "I spent too much time in my bedroom that I actually don’t even sleep in my bedroom anymore," she explained, adding, "I associate it with such a really dark time." About Selena Gomez’s personal life Selena Gomez is currently in a relationship with Benny Blanco. They publicly confirmed their relationship in December 2023, although they had been together privately for six months before making it official. Since then, the couple has shared affectionate moments on social media, showcasing their bond through heartfelt posts.
05 November,2024 06:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAt a rally in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Alicia Keys campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the critical importance of voting to protect women's rights. Speaking to a crowd that included former First Lady Michelle Obama, Keys issued a stern warning against the potential rollback of rights should Harris's opponent gain power, according to Deadline. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) She also shared the snippets from the event on her official Instagram handle. While Keys refrained from directly naming Donald Trump, she criticized the opposing platform, stating, "If you don't vote for her, or you don't vote at all, you're voting for the chaos and the hate." She stressed that failing to support Harris would result in "a cruel tomorrow for immigrants, people of colour, women, girls, our children, and our planet," as per Deadline. Expressing her vision for the future, Keys shared her desire for her children to grow up in a world where they can see diverse leadership, saying, "It's crazy because too many people think women can't lead just because they haven't seen enough of it." She highlighted the lack of female representation in leadership positions, noting that when children look at images of past presidents, "every single one is a man, one Black guy." This absence, she argued, contributes to a limited vision for future leadership. Keys also addressed the ongoing struggles for women's reproductive rights, saying, "We had reproductive freedom, but not so much now, and that's why we're still fighting today." She warned that complacency could lead to further erosions of rights, referencing the overturning of 'Roe v. Wade'. As per Deadline, she posed a chilling hypothetical about potential future leadership, stating, "What makes us think that there couldn't be a leader in place for the other side that would say, 'Forget equal pay. Women don't need it?'" "This is not some dystopian Netflix show that I am talking about," Keys said, adding, "This is like the platform the other side is running on. They want to turn back the clock." The United States is poised for presidential elections on November 5 (local time) and the race for the White House is down to the wire. Over 160 million voters are expected to cast their ballots, with the results either delivering a return to power for Republican former President Donald Trump (78) or electing America's first woman in the White House, Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris (60). According to polls, both candidates are deadlocked in the race, with an estimated 75 million voters having already voted. Neither candidate currently holds a polling lead in enough states to reach 270 electoral votes. As of November 4, NBC News and Emerson College have projected a 49 per cent-49 per cent tie nationally. Ipsos has projected a three-point lead (49 per cent-46 per cent) to Harris and AtlasIntel has projected a two-point lead (50 per cent-48 per cent) to Trump. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 November,2024 07:51 AM IST | Washington | ANIAfter finishing his last exam at 16, Himesh Patel was taken by his parents for an audition. He subsequently made his debut as Tamwar Masood in EastEnders. Reflecting on his first break, the British actor of Indian origin says he never expected his acting career to unfold in this way. Patel is now starring as a police officer in Lionsgate Play’s Greedy People alongside Lily James and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In a conversation with mid-day, he discusses reuniting with James after Yesterday (2019), and fulfilling his dream of working with Christopher Nolan in Tenet (2020). Edited excerpts of the interview. What prompted you to take up Greedy People? I really enjoyed the script. That’s always the starting point for me. If I sit down with something to read and connect with it, I’m excited to dive into that world. That’s a big draw. And of course, knowing Lily James was attached to the project made it even better. We’d worked together before in [Yesterday, 2019]. She was fantastic, and I was keen to work with her on something completely different. I’m also a big fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, so working closely with him was another huge incentive. (From left) Himesh Patel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Greedy People Have you seen any of director Potsy Ponciroli’s work before? Yes, I really enjoyed his debut film, [Old Henry 2021]. Working with Potsy Ponciroli felt like a great opportunity. Several factors attracted me to this film. When I take on projects, I look for ones that push me to try different things, and this script did that. What was your reaction when you read the script and your part? I thought it was brilliant. I love films with surprising moments, but here, those twists were layered into the story logically. Each mistake led to the next, and Will [Shelley, his character] finds himself cornered with no way out. His and Page’s [Lily James’ character] decisions pile up, leading to a truly shocking climax. After that, all bets are off. It makes for a thrilling ending. What do you think you had to do differently in this film? I felt I was stepping into an entirely new world. Playing a police officer in a small American town was unfamiliar territory. The mishaps that draw him into the story strike a balance between drama and comedy, a tone I hadn’t tackled before. That challenge excited me. I also had to master a specific Southern American accent. What was people’s reaction to the film? I’ve heard a lot of people say they didn’t know what to expect next. They were kept on the edge by the unexpected twists and the suspense. It kept audiences engaged and guessing. Is there anything you’re particularly greedy about in real life? I have a really bad sweet tooth. I love sugary treats far too much. I’m trying to improve and resist indulging constantly. Looking back, do you feel you’ve come a long way compared to others in this industry? I try not to compare myself to others, but I certainly feel my journey has been [enriching]. It’s been five years since Yesterday came out, which was a major turning point for me. I’m proud of my career and how it’s evolved from my EastEnders days. I think it’s still rare for someone to transition from a long stint in a UK soap opera to a completely different acting field. I’d love to see more of that—more actors starting in [soaps and making a career leap]. People like Nathalie Emmanuel, who began in Hollyoaks, have done the same. It’s a viable path, and I hope the British industry sees this as breeding grounds for talent. What has been the high point of your career? I feel incredibly fortunate. Working with Christopher Nolan on Tenet [2020] was a huge highlight. I’m a massive fan of his films, so being part of his team and doing all the exciting things in that movie was unforgettable.
05 November,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamADVERTISEMENT
