Felicity Jones reveals the intriguing parallels between two seemingly disparate films, 'Train Dreams' and 'The Brutalist', and how her roles as hardworking mothers in different eras resonate with audiences. But here's where it gets fascinating: despite the century-spanning gap, the marriages in both films share striking similarities, yet with a crucial difference.
The Unconscious Connection:
Felicity Jones, the renowned English actor, delves into her recent roles in 'Train Dreams' and 'Oh. What. Fun.', two vastly different films that offered her the chance to portray hardworking young mothers in contrasting settings. While 'Train Dreams' is a period drama set in the early 20th century, 'Oh. What. Fun.' is a contemporary Christmas comedy. Despite their differences, both films resonated with Jones due to their well-crafted stories and characters.
Jones, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, reveals her criteria for choosing roles: 'It's always, 'What is the story? What is the story saying? Is it well written?'' She emphasizes the importance of quality writing, a rare skill, and how it influences her decision-making.
A Tale of Two Marriages:
'Train Dreams', based on Denis Johnson's novella, tells the story of Robert and Gladys Grainier's marriage, complicated by Robert's job as a logger and railroad worker, often keeping him away from his family. In contrast, 'The Brutalist' portrays the distant marriage of Erzsébet and László Tóth, with Jones playing Erzsébet opposite Adrien Brody. Interestingly, while László tends to keep Erzsébet at a distance, Robert's priority is always his wife and child, regardless of his work.
Jones, immersed in the filming of 'Train Dreams' in the Pacific Northwest, didn't consciously connect the two marriages until later. She admits, 'Both films are asking much bigger questions about identity and purpose, and it's only on reflection that I've realized that there is continuity between them.' This unconscious connection adds a layer of depth to her performances.
A Modern-Day Twist:
In 'Oh. What. Fun.', Jones plays Channing, a murder-mystery novelist who wants to break free from her family's holiday traditions. This decision devastates her mother, played by the legendary Michelle Pfeiffer. The film explores the often-overlooked role of maternal figures in holiday movies, a refreshing take on a familiar genre.
Jones praises Pfeiffer's talent and the film's unique premise, comparing it to 'Home Alone' but with a mother left behind instead of a child. This modern-day setting provides a stark contrast to the period drama of 'Train Dreams'.
The Actor's Journey:
The conversation then turns to 'The Brutalist', where László's belief in the importance of the destination over the journey is contrasted with the actor's perspective. Jones reflects on her experience in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', a film with a tumultuous production that ultimately resulted in a well-received and beloved entry in the Star Wars franchise. She acknowledges that sometimes, the destination, the final product, is what matters most to the audience.
But here's where it gets controversial: Jones suggests that the journey, the filming experience, is what actors often cherish, as they have no control over the final cut, release, or reception. This dichotomy between the actor's journey and the audience's focus on the destination is a thought-provoking aspect of the creative process.
The Art of Storytelling:
The interview delves into Jones's process, where she discusses her approach to roles and the importance of trust in her working relationships. She reveals how her experience in 'Like Crazy' (2011) shaped her understanding of the actor-director dynamic and the value of time and trust in building on-screen relationships.
The Magic of Cinema:
A memorable scene in 'Train Dreams' involving a baby's unexpected burp is discussed, highlighting the magic of cinema in creating spontaneous moments that feel natural. Jones explains the importance of groundwork in allowing such moments to shine while staying true to the character.
The Gypsy Lifestyle:
Jones reflects on her own experiences working abroad, drawing parallels with the characters she portrays, especially in navigating the feeling of disconnect when returning home. This gypsy lifestyle, as she calls it, is a recurring theme in her work.
A Holiday Comedy:
'Oh. What. Fun.' is praised for its comedic take on holiday movies, highlighting the often-overlooked Herculean efforts of family matriarchs. Jones admits to feeling guilty about the parallels between her mother and Michelle Pfeiffer's character, both of whom deserve more credit for their contributions.
Traditions and Change:
The interview explores the theme of traditions, with Jones sharing her own childhood traditions and how they influence her current life. Her character in 'Oh. What. Fun.', Channing, represents a desire to start new traditions, sparking a conversation about preserving the past versus embracing change.
The Star Wars Effect:
The conversation inevitably turns to Star Wars, with Jones discussing the impact of leading a Star Wars movie on her career and the film industry. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of being part of such a monumental franchise, especially with 'Rogue One', which has aged remarkably well among critics and fans.
The Power of Storytelling:
Jones concludes by emphasizing the importance of storytelling and how it transcends the challenges of production. She believes that the audience's connection to the story is what ultimately matters, regardless of the journey to get there. This perspective offers a unique insight into the art of acting and the magic of cinema.
What do you think about the unconscious echoes between 'Train Dreams' and 'The Brutalist'? Do you agree with Jones's perspective on the actor's journey versus the audience's focus? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
