Behind The Scenes of Jay Kelly: A Conversation With Emily Mortimer, Adam Sandler, and Noah Baumbach

Jay Kelly is an engaging exploration of memory, celebrity, identity, and ageing, delicately written by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer. At its center is the character Jay Kelly, portrayed by George Clooney, whose journey encapsulates the revelations of a successful actor grappling with a midlife crisis and the sacrifices he’s made to achieve his status.

As Jay embarks on a voyage from Los Angeles to Europe to attend a Jay Kelly tribute, the story intertwines his outward travels with a deep inward exploration of his past, providing a rich tapestry of emotions and personal revelations. Adam Sandler takes on the role of Ron Sukenick, Jay’s loyal manager, whose dedication invites a deeper examination of the complexities of fame.

With Emily Mortimer co-writing and co-starring as Candy, her nuanced perspective enhances the film’s thematic backbone, articulating the challenges and triumphs seen in adult relationships. Jay Kelly serves as a rich meditation on self-discovery and looking back on one’s life choices and consequences.

In a recent in-depth conversation, writer and director Noah Baumbach, along with writer and actor Emily Mortimer and actor Adam Sandler, explore the complicated themes present in their film.

Known for his breadth of screenwriting credits including Barbie, Marriage Story, and The Squid And The Whale, a recurring feature of Baumbach’s stories include characters reflecting on their lives and how they perceive themselves. “Jay Kelly has these memories that he walks into. It was a way to physicalize and dramatize the internal life of the character. He goes on a journey from LA to Europe, but he’s also going on a journey into his past,” Noah notes.

Noah Baumbach, Adam Sandler, and Emily Mortimer. Photo courtesy of Netflix

Jay Kelly – Thanks For The Memories

The essence of Jay Kelly revolves around the character’s navigation between his present and a string of memories — each woven with significant lessons and emotional heft. Noah elaborates on his fascination with how memories shape identity. He expresses, “The journey isn’t just about geography; it reflects an internal struggle where the past vividly impacts one’s present.”

The role of Ron Sukenick was written with Adam Sandler in mind. Ron is arguably Jay’s best friend “who takes fifteen percent.” Adam replies, “I loved having the job as a manager, a man who looks out for his client and only thinks of him. It was really easy to do with George Clooney playing Jay Kelly.” Sandler emphasizes the dynamic nature of the relationship between Ron and Jay which allows him to focus on supporting Jay’s character rather than being at the forefront of the film.

“The challenge was integrating my character’s existence in the shadow of Jay’s story. Balancing those nuances while staying present for Jay was a beautiful and delicate dance,” Sandler shares.

Adam is no stranger to managers, fame, and the support actors need. “I like being on Ron’s side,” he states. “It was really fun to give myself to someone else and not be concerned with how my day progresses. Taking care of Jay was a refreshing shift in focus from my real life.”

Emily Mortimer, marking her feature screenwriting debut with Jay Kelly, expresses her appreciation for the collaborative effort with Noah, especially since she also acts in the film. Emily exclaims, “It was a dream come true that Noah asked me to write this with him. It was really interesting to think about this character and relate it to myself as we were writing.” She adds how the character’s journey echoes feelings she herself experiences in the acting profession — how the pressures of the job can complicate one’s relationship with reality.

Emily elaborates further, addressing how acting often attracts sensitive individuals who may find it challenging to deal with the messy aspects of life. “It’s easy to run away,” she adds, connecting the character’s internal struggles to the idea of fame. “We have a character who’s literally running away, but his past — manifested through these memories — is catching up to him.”

Jay Kelly (George Clooney) Photo courtesy of Peter Mountain/ Netflix

The discussion took an intriguing turn when the interviewer brought up the film’s approach to portraying memories. Jay transitions into his memories in a different locale and palette rather than as traditional flashbacks. Noah explains, “We didn’t want to do anything in post or with CGI. We wanted it all to be practical.” He shares an example of a key scene where Jay is on an airplane. “In one of the memories, he’s on a plane talking to Ron and Emily. He gets up, walks toward the back, opens a curtain, and steps right into his past. We actually built an airplane on the set, so it felt real.” 

A Life Lived – Identity and Ageing

Jay Kelly mines deeper themes than fame and celebrity. Issues of identity and aging emerge as central to the story. Emily articulates how confronting oneself — the good and the bad — is vital to the film. “As we age, we often reflect on who we are and who we’ve become,” she notes. “Jay’s journey encapsulates that struggle to reconcile past choices with the present.”

Noah echoes this sentiment, “It’s about the exploration of one’s self, the memories we hold, and how they shape our current realities. This character isn’t just running away; he’s learning to confront what he’s been avoiding for too long. It’s a cathartic process that many can find relatable.”

These ethereal themes can’t be shaped with the extensive artistic collaboration and respect the filmmakers have for each other. Emily responds about her relationship with Noah. “Collaborating with someone like Noah was transformative. His thoughtfulness and insights brought so much to the process. It allowed me to express my own ideas freely while still adhering to his vision.”

Adam concurs, sharing his experience of working with George Clooney. “When you’re surrounded by such talent, it inspires you,” he says. “George pushed me to elevate my performance, and I found it invigorating to learn from him throughout the shoot.”

Final Thoughts

The distant tones of Old Hollywood are infused throughout Jay Kelly. They inspire an exploration of nostalgia and self-reflection. “I hope audiences will see a bit of themselves in Jay,” Noah shares. “Nostalgia can be bittersweet, and through Jay’s experiences, we want viewers to not only reflect on their own lives, but also embrace their past.”

Baumbach hopes that audiences would leave with “a deeper understanding of themselves. It’s a film about growth and self-acceptance.” Emily agrees, emphasizing that grappling with who you are at any stage of life is essential. “Everyone has their own journey,” she concludes, “and that’s what connects us all.”

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.