We talk to Carey Mulligan, whose new movie is “Wildfire.”

“Wildlife”:

Starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal. Directed by Paul Dano. 6:30 p.m., Oct. 5, CinéArts Sequoia, Mill Valley, $40-$85. www.mvff.com

Q: The photo studio where Jeanette’s son goes to work is a key location. It gives the kid some respite from the turmoil at home. It is also a place where portraits are taken, where families appear to be happy, regardless of the truth of the situation.

A: I think there’s one line in the book that says, “Joe went to work at a photo studio,” but it becomes such a huge part of the narrative and visually, as well. Seeing all these portraits of people and capturing these moments in their lives. I think Paul says that he knew that he could make this film when he thought of (one) image, which is the two parents sitting and Joe sitting down between them and taking the photo.

Q: This is Paul’s first film as a director, but he’s also an actor. What is he like as the captain of the ship?

A: He’s such a good actor, and he’s so truthful as an actor, I thought, “He’s not gonna make a dishonest film because he’s not capable of that in his own work.” One of the greatest things he does is just create a set where it’s completely fine to do something stupid. The biggest gift he gave me was making it so comfortable on set. Such a great crew, such an intimate crew, it was like a family. He made it very easy to sort of make mistakes. He’s really good at identifying when you’re going down a bit of a rabbit hole and lost your way with something, and he can see exactly where you are and get you out of it.

When Jake leaves, we have a huge fight, and we did that about 1,000 different ways. Paul was like a theater director, constantly giving new energy and new ideas, and yeah, he was completely brilliant.

Pam Grady is a Bay Area freelance writer.