Best Of: George Clooney / Costume Designer Paul Tazewell
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
From WHYY in Philadelphia, this is Fresh Air Weekend. I'm Tanya Mosley. Today, George Clooney on his new film, Jay Kelly, where he stars as a famous actor at a crossroads. Also, Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Taswell. He spent more than three decades shaping looks for the stage and screen, from the gritty revolutionaries of Hamilton to the vibrant world of West Side Story.
What insights does George Clooney share about his new film 'Jay Kelly'?
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I'm thinking, I'm thinking
That's coming up on Fresh Air Weekend. This is Fresh Air Weekend. I'm Tanya Mosley. My first guest is George Clooney, Academy Award winner, director and producer, and one of Hollywood's most recognizable leading men. His latest film, Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, follows a world-famous actor who discovers that being a movie star is a lot easier than being an actual human being. The character Jay Kelly has the fame part down, but the father-partner-friend part, not so much. Jay's perfectly curated image unravels after his mentor dies, and he decides to follow his daughter across Europe, a trip that forces him to face his regrets and some of his blind spots, including the frosty relationship he has with his children.
Clooney stars alongside Adam Sandler, who plays his manager, Lord Dern as his publicist, and Billy Crudup as his old friend who never made it as an actor. George Clooney's own body of work spans decades, from his breakout role as Dr. Doug Ross on the NBC medical drama ER. He's earned two Academy Awards, in 2005 for Best Supporting Actor in Syriana, and for Best Picture in 2012 as a co-producer for Argo. And earlier this year, Clooney made his Broadway debut when he reprised the story of Good Night and Good Luck on stage. George Clooney, welcome back to the show.
Thank you, Tanya. It's been a while. I'm glad to be back.
I know, and it's our first time talking. You know, this new film where you play this world-famous actor who is coming to grips with the fact that he has missed out on the things that actually matter, there is this pivotal scene that really plants that seed early in the film that I want to play. It's you, your character Jay, in his palatial home by the pool with his 18-year-old daughter Daisy, who is played by Grace Edwards, shortly before she goes on a trip to Europe with her friends. And Daisy speaks first. Let's listen.
I'm going to go meet Moses in Rio.
I love you. Wait, aren't we having dinner tonight? Mario's doing the tamales.
Did we say that?
All right. Go on. Be with your friends. There'll be other dinners. I wrapped this last one. I start the Lewis Brothers movie right here on the lots. I'll be around for the summer.
I'm going to Europe with Rio and Moses and some friends. I told you that.
I thought that was in July.
No, it was always June. I'm leaving on Saturday for Paris and we're making our way over to Tuscany.
Saturday? I mean, that's Saturday. That's... I mean, it's too soon. I got two weeks off. We won't have had time to hang out. This is your last summer. That's why I want to see my friends. It would be so lonely here without you.
No, it won't. You're never alone.
Really? I think I'm always alone. Thanks a lot. You're welcome.
That was my guest, George Clooney, in the new movie, Jay Kelly, with actor Grace Edwards. You know, this particular part of the film, to a certain extent, I mean, almost every parent understands this moment. Your children are going off to live their own lives. They don't really want to hang out with you anymore. It's really bittersweet. But there's more to this dynamic because Jay has missed out on building that bond with his daughter. And it's because of his career. This movie is really asking us, when do you realize you've made the wrong trade-offs? And I'm really curious about what piqued your interest in exploring that question.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:25
2
What insights does George Clooney share about his new film 'Jay Kelly'?
0:25–6:29
3
How does George Clooney's character navigate his relationship with fame?
6:29–13:31
4
What is Paul Tazewell's journey to becoming an Oscar-winning costume designer?
13:31–13:47
5
How does costume design impact storytelling in 'Wicked'?
13:47–21:09
6
What challenges does George Clooney face in 'Jay Kelly' as a father?
21:09–22:13
7
How does George Clooney reflect on the balance between career and family?
22:13–48:45
Speakers
7 identifiedMore from Fresh Air
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