Filmmaker Noah Baumbach, known for his multiple collaborations with partner Greta Gerwig on films such as Frances Ha, Mistress America, and Barbie (as co-writer), is bringing out his new film, Jay Kelly. The trailer was released on Monday.
The film stars George Clooney as a famous movie star who, while on a European trip, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Adam Sandler, who plays his manager, returns to a more serious role in this comedy—continuing the tradition of nuanced performances found in Baumbach's earlier films.
Adding to the creative team, actress Emily Mortimer co-wrote the film with Baumbach and also takes on a starring role. She previously penned episodes of Doll & Em and The Pursuit of Love.
The supporting cast includes Jurassic Park-fame Laura Dern, as Kelly's publicist—reuniting her with Baumbach after Marriage Story. Sandler also reteams with Baumbach, following their collaboration in The Meyerowitz Stories.
"Everyone in the movie, to some degree or another, is tasked with the simple and complex question of ‘How do we want to spend our lives?’” Baumbach tells Netflix.
On his character, Clooney adds: “This is a story of him having to come to terms with other parts of his life besides the part that he’s been very successful at. He’s coming to terms with the idea that maybe he hasn’t been such a great friend or father. He has just been really good at being a movie star.”
Sandler says his character, Ron, reminds him of people he met in his own life. “I know many Rons. I’ve met a lot of nice people along the way who have helped me, thought of me, and put stuff aside in their lives to make sure that mine was going smoothly when I needed them.”
Clooney, however, feels Jay Kelly is different from him. “This character has a lot more regrets than I would have, because, luckily for me, fame came much later in my life. I got to figure out how to live life before I figured out how to be famous, and I don’t think this character did.”
Jay Kelly will arrive on Netflix on December 5 after a limited theatrical run in the US. The big-screen release is slated for November 14.
