Notes to self
idea of ‘‘self-authorship, writing your own self as a character’’ that renaming represented, and also by the rock-star element of giving yourself a new name.
‘‘But I didn’t think of any of that when I wrote that line – it just came.’’
Ronan, in the title role, headlines a strong cast of actors: Laurie Metcalf as Lady Bird’s mother, Tracy Letts as her father, Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) and Timothee Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name) as love interests; Beanie Feldman (remember that name) as her best friend; Lois Smith as an understanding nun.
Gerwig made it a priority to ‘‘overprepare’’ so that once she was on the set, she’d have the flexibility to give the actors whatever they needed.
‘‘I think the task of the director in a lot of ways is to hold the perimeter,’’ she said, ‘‘to give (actors) the space and the safety and the trust to do brave work. You create this magic bubble of safety.’’
With Lady Bird scooping up yearend accolades (it is up for five Academy Awards, including best picture, best actress and best director), there’s no doubt that Gerwig will be directing again soon.
She’s intrigued by the idea of regional film-making – of making movies outside of New York and Los Angeles, citing as recent examples Richard Linklater’s many films set in Austin, Texas; Barry Jenkins’ depiction of South Florida in Moonlight; Alexander Payne’s films in Omaha; Gus Van Sant’s in Portland.
Lady Bird is in part, she said, a love letter to her hometown.
‘‘I think in a way, directors are world builders,’’ she said. ‘‘They create worlds that don’t exist, and they exist for 90 minutes or two hours and then they’re gone again.’’
If they’re like Lady Bird, though, they linger for a long time afterward. – TNS
After advanced screenings in select cinemas this weekend, (R13) will open nationwide on Thursday.
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Lady Bird