As a seasoned actress with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that comedy is no joke – it’s a challenging and intricate art form that requires just as much depth and nuance as drama. In my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on both ends of the spectrum, from intense, heavy dramas to light-hearted, laugh-out-loud comedies. And let me tell you, comedy is hard!
Nicole Kidman was yearning to make a romantic comedy.
As an Oscar-winning actress and movie enthusiast, I found myself yearning for a change after immersing myself in the emotionally heavy role of a tragically depressed housewife on the Prime Video miniseries “Expats.” Don’t get me wrong, I loved delving into that complex character, but now I craved something lighter and more enjoyable. I longed for Hollywood to surprise me with a romantic comedy script that would let me spread my acting wings in a new direction.
When Kidman was given the script for “A Family Affair,” she eagerly seized the chance to move away from heavy acting roles and handle a more lighthearted project. In this upcoming Netflix production, set to debut on Friday, Kidman portrays Brooke Harwood – a grieving mother and accomplished memoirist grappling with writer’s block. Her 24-year-old daughter Zara, played by Joey King, resides with her at home and endures a monotonous job as Chris Cole’s (Zac Efron) overworked assistant. The self-centered and insecure actor frequently warns Zara of potential dismissal due to minor errors.
One afternoon, Brooke runs into Chris, who’s sixteen years younger than her, and there’s an immediate spark between them. Over time, this attraction develops into a deep-rooted love. However, Zara is concerned, believing that Chris may hurt Brooke as he has with previous relationships. But Brooke isn’t an ordinary woman. Her life experiences have given her wisdom, and Chris’ fame as the lead star of a popular superhero series holds no weight for her. Instead, she recognizes the kind, playful man hidden beneath his celebrity status. And in turn, Chris deeply cherishes Brooke, body and soul, providing her with newfound inspiration. (Isn’t it getting warm in here?)
In “A Family Affair,” Zac Efron plays Chris Cole, a movie star who falls for Nicole Kidman’s Brooke Harwood, the mother of his assistant.
In a new project, actress Kidman, 57, and actor Efron, 36, who previously portrayed romantic leads in “The Paperboy” (2012) with a dramatically different conclusion, are excited to collaborate once more. This time around, they explore a lighthearted romance where the risks are less about life and death and more centered on existential themes. The age-old query – “What is the meaning of my existence?” – echoes through the movie.
The Times recently interviewed Kidman, Efron, and King about their experience making a romantic comedy where an older woman is paired with a younger man – a theme that continues to generate curiosity and sometimes disapproval. Kidman, as always, was open to the opportunity, and Efron found it hard to resist. The following conversation has been shortened and modified for better understanding.
I’ve seen many romantic comedies, and this particular one impresses me with its brilliant combination of acting and scriptwriting. How did Carrie Solomon manage to send her screenplay my way?
Kidman: This project came my way unexpectedly, and after reading it, I felt an instant desire to take part in something lighthearted and amusing, a stark contrast to the dramatic roles that have dominated my career thus far. I yearned for the opportunity to inject some fun into my acting and be considered for a romantic comedy. This offer was a breath of fresh air, as such roles seldom come my way.
Efron expressed that he found a relatable and appealing aspect to the characters, enabling him to connect with Chris’s experiences on a personal level. The prospect of collaborating with Nicole Kidman and Joey King in a romantic comedy only added to his excitement.
Kidman: Joey is extremely amusing. I thought to myself, “Alright, fantastic. Here comes a young woman who can really deliver.”
Efron: Initially the script was called — can I say that?
King: Yeah, say it. We’re [with] the L.A. Times.
Kidman: It had a different title.
Efron: The title of this script was intriguing and captivating, labeled as “Mother–.” Once you come across that title upon receiving the script, you can’t resist the urge to delve into its content.
I’ve had the pleasure of observing some extraordinary relationships in my time, but none quite like Nicole and Joey’s. Their bond transcends the typical mother-daughter dynamic, with roles occasionally reversed. At times, Zara assumes the role of the overprotective parent, fiercely wanting to shield Brooke from Chris. Delving into this character arc was an enriching experience for me as a writer.
King: One of the most truthful and realistic parts about this, which I really love, is that particular moment when a child, no matter how old they are, realizes that their parent is a person, not just their parent. [Zara] needs to learn to grow up a bit, and Brooke’s trying to teach her and help her make her own decisions. Zara wants to be an adult but [is] still stuck in this child role. I think they both really see each other for the first time in terms of, “You’re not just my parent. You’re a real woman who has womanly desires and I need to grow up. I’m not just a kid.” That transition is really, deeply uncomfortable for them and they have a lot of tension and they’re fighting, and Chris is caught in the middle of that tension.
Kidman: Love is abundant between us. They enjoy each other’s company. We share meals and watch TV shows together. There’s a space in my life that she has occupied, but eventually, I must allow her to move on.
I’ve always been intrigued by how storytellers can breathe new life into seemingly unlikable characters and make us root for them. And Zac, my dear friend, you’re a master of this art. In the world of “You’ve Got Mail,” you brilliantly transformed a man with villainous qualities into an endearing figure. But how did you manage to connect with Chris?
Efron: I have several points of connection with Chris, yet exploring various emotions and experiences that resonate with me for him was an enjoyable challenge. He’s going through a tough time and isn’t coping well. I believe he’s truly giving it his all, but it’s just not easy for him. Unintentionally, he may be lashing out at his assistant in a harsh manner. However, when he encounters Brooke, he no longer feels the need to put on a façade and can simply be himself around her.
Nicole and Zac acted together in the movie “The Paperboy.” In this film, Zac’s character held deep affection for Nicole’s, while she reciprocated these feelings towards a man convicted of a crime, portrayed by John Cusack. Twelve years later, they found themselves collaborating once more – this time for a romantic comedy.
Efron explained that although “The Paperboy” had a distinctly different feel, the foundations for their characters in “A Family Affair” were present. They hadn’t been able to fully explore that unrequited love before, but they believed they could expand upon it significantly in “The Paperboy.” It seemed effortless and felt very natural for them.
Kidman: Nicolas and I have a comfortable rapport. We agreed that if one of us was doing something, the other would join in. Our goal was to work together. I appreciate his humor and bravery. In fact, when it came to the comedy scenes, he suggested we give it a try. He was open to anything. For me, being part of a team where people didn’t take things too seriously allowed us to have fun and explore different possibilities. After all, much of our work is about play.
When Zara unexpectedly walks in on Chris and Brooke in bed together, causing her to accidentally hit her head in shock, this humorous moment showcases excellent physical comedy. Approximately how many attempts were needed to film it perfectly?
Kidman (pointing at King): This meticulous person of ours insisted on doing it over and over.
King: During filming, when there’s any kind of stunt involved, I prefer checking the playback to ensure my actions appear convincing. The impact of the head bump seemed insincere in the initial attempts, so I likely had to perform it around six to eight times to improve its authenticity.
Kidman: She mentioned doing it around 20 or 15 times. Her response was “I’ll do it once more!” Our reaction was one of concern, urging her not to injure herself.
The two of them found my antics amusing and encouraging. They chose to stay behind the scenes and enjoy the show with me.
Efron: The show kept us captivated with its non-stop entertainment. It seemed like you were putting all of yourself into every performance, without even the need for added sound effects for slapstick moments. Your act brought out the energetic and hilarious Jim Carrey essence in you.
Kidman: Lucille Ball.
In a similar vein as “The Idea of You,” “A Family Affair” explores the unconventional yet endearing relationship between an older woman and a younger man, a theme that continues to raise eyebrows in our society. Why do such stories matter? They challenge societal norms and prejudices, offering fresh perspectives on love and connection.
As a fan of Nicole Kidman’s: I’m thrilled to see the shifting landscape in storytelling, and it shouldn’t be an exception. For too long, we’ve seen an oversaturated portrayal of older men with younger women, but where are the older women with younger men? Why isn’t this a common occurrence?
Efron: We want more of it. We need more of it.
Kidman: And we’re lucky to have guys like Zac who will go, “Yeah, I’m up for it. Let’s go.”
Efron: Yeah, it works out great for me. I’m like —
King: “Yes!”
Filmmakers have told me that they have a hard time persuading actors to star in romantic comedies. Why is that often the case?
King: Perhaps some individuals avoid trying new things because they fear being perceived as less credible in certain roles. Actors who can excel in various genres, however, display an impressive versatility. Consider Zac, for instance, who was preparing for “Iron Claw” while working on “A Family Affair.” What a remarkable demonstration of his acting range!
Efron: It’s important. You really want to, I think, be able to at least try everything.
King: Comedy’s fun! Comedy’s fun and comedy’s hard. Comedy’s really hard.
Can comedy be harder than drama?
King: It can be.
Kidman: It depends who’s at the helm. It depends on the chemistry.
Efron: If you can bring it to a place where it’s real, it kind of feels oddly similar to a drama.
As a follower: For me, it’s crucial to maintain the serious tone when doing drama, as the line between satire or comedy is thin. If I let myself slip into making fun of it, the scene can easily shift into something lighter and it becomes challenging to reel it back in. Therefore, I focus on staying grounded in the present moment to ensure the drama remains effective.
King: Working together on this project can be challenging, but it becomes easier with a creative team that’s encouraging and understanding. Actors who are open-minded and non-judgmental create an environment where we can all experiment with improvisation and take risks. Not every attempt will succeed, but there’s no shame in trying. The experience remains difficult at times, but having exceptional collaborators makes the possibilities seem endless.
Has Chris, the movie character, surprised you by confessing that he hasn’t visited a supermarket since gaining fame? Can anyone among us identify with this situation?
King: No, I can’t. I go to the grocery store all the time.
As a film enthusiast and a parent of teenage daughters, I often find myself making trips to the grocery store. Each one of my girls has unique preferences, so we end up grabbing an assortment of items during our outings.
King to Kidman: Isn’t it challenging for you to run errands like going to the grocery store, given your fame?
Kidman: No. I put a cap on … and I hold my head high, and we go in there.
King: I love the grocery store.
Kidman: I have to say it’s kind of fun and relaxing.
I, too, used to find the grocery store a source of anxiety and dread, but my perspective changed over the years as I began to appreciate the role it plays in my life. The hustle and bustle, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the promise of creating something delicious in my own kitchen have made my trips to the market an enjoyable experience. Each visit is a reminder of the simple pleasures that come with cooking and nourishing myself.
Chris asks Zara to buy him strawberry-flavored Oreos. Zac, what’s your go-to snack?
Kidman [to Efron]: You’re a great snacker because [you’re] very healthy.
Efron: I’ve been eating super-clean lately.
King: I got him these protein Pop-Tarts as part of his wrap gift.
In my experience, nothing had tasted as delightful as that treat for the past few months. I couldn’t help but devour each and every one of them in a single seating.
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2024-07-18 19:55