As a seasoned filmmaker with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly remarkable talents in the industry. Jared, for one, was an easy choice to cast in my movie – he brought an energy and charisma that was impossible to ignore, even back then when he was just starting out.
Jocelyn Moorhouse is amazed that 30 years have passed since the release of “Muriel’s Wedding.” As the Australian film’s producer, she collaborated with her husband P.J. Hogan on this successful indie production. Anniversary screenings and festival appearances are planned for this year, and Moorhouse mentioned that the National Film and Sound Archive in Australia is restoring the movie to preserve its footage from deterioration. With this milestone, Moorhouse is once again focusing on weddings with her new film, “The Fabulous Four,” premiering this week. She directed the comedy where Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Megan Mullally portray old friends reuniting for Marilyn’s wedding. However, their reunion is complicated due to past conflicts and lingering resentments between Marilyn and Lou, played by Sarandon.
In this film, I particularly enjoyed Bette Midler’s performance. It struck me as unusual, as I often associate her with roles more similar to those Susan Sarandon has taken.
You bring up an amusing anecdote! When I first met Bette, she jokingly asked, “Are you absolutely certain? What if I took on the role of a doctor?” But oh, Bette is such a vibrant and lively presence in any social setting. I recall her from films like “The Rose,” where she portrayed a rebellious and seductive character that left men utterly captivated.
Was she easily persuaded?
Not at all when I mentioned Susan Sarandon was involved, as she’s a big fan. Plus, Susan has a versatile acting range – serious and goofy. Lou perceives herself as a serious person but in reality, she’s quite the eccentric cat lady with a wild side – and that’s what endears her to them.
One challenge I’d face while collaborating with these four ladies is keeping a straight face and avoiding bursts of laughter that could disrupt filming.
I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Megan’s performance, and let me tell you, she was nothing short of a riot! Her improvisational skills were second to none, leaving us all in stitches with her unpredictable wit. Sheryl Lee, who was also present, couldn’t help but join in on the laughter. Megan’s ability to keep us guessing and keep things fresh made for an experience that was truly one-of-a-kind. Her natural humor and charisma left a lasting impression on all of us.
Over the past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the independent film scene in various countries around the world. It’s been a fascinating journey to observe how this unique and dynamic industry has evolved during this period.
The landscape of my industry has undergone significant transformation since the ’90s. At that time, I was dead set against television work after having started my career as a TV writer. The Australian television scene back then was characterized by low budgets and risk-aversion. However, things have taken a drastic turn for the better in the last decade. Now, TV offers an impressive platform for creative exploration and cinematic storytelling. In some instances, I’ve even found more freedom in television than in film production. As a result, my preference has shifted, and I now enjoy working in both movies and television.
Since the beginning, your ability to spot talent has been impressive. You were likely the one who gave Jared Leto his first acting role in “How to Make an American Quilt.”
As a film producer with a deep appreciation for talented actors, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some truly remarkable individuals throughout my career. Among them is none other than Claire Danes. Her exceptional performance in “My So-Called Life” left an indelible impression on me and expanded my admiration for her acting skills.
As a movie enthusiast, I had the privilege of working with two extraordinary talents in my first feature film, “Proof” – Hugo Weaving and Russell Crowe. Their exceptional performances were a key element to the success of the production. Now, reflecting on the casting process, I can’t help but wonder if our paths crossed through their captivating stage work.
I deeply enjoyed collaborating with those gentlemen. Their captivating charm and skill set left a lasting impression on me, as I believed they were destined for great success. During the audition process, we were fortunate to have an exceptional casting director who presented us with a wide range of potential candidates. When Hugo and Russell performed a chemistry read together, I was taken aback. Despite Hugo portraying a blind man and thus unable to make eye contact with Russell, his profound compassion for the character left me in awe. I couldn’t help but think, “This combination will create an incredibly impactful performance.”
Obviously, Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths were huge discoveries in “Muriel’s Wedding.”
Toni and the others were young and obscure; Toni wasn’t even 21 during filming, which we celebrated with a large cake for her birthday. I hadn’t previously seen Rachel Griffiths in any productions. Initially, we envisioned Rhonda as being more subdued. However, Rachel auditioned and left us all astounded. Her humor and talent were captivating, like a small but mighty flame.
From the very beginning, Toni stood out as strikingly beautiful and hilarious. My colleague and I, along with our producer Lynda [House], were instantly captivated by her. At first, we thought we had simply lucked out finding her so early in the casting process. Our producer, P.J., was skeptical and continued his search for another month and a half. Eventually, we convinced him, “You know who this is? It’s Toni Collette.” And with a nod of recognition, he agreed.
Instead of asking “What do you attribute your good judgment in casting to?”, you could express it as: “How do you identify the right actors for a role? I look for someone who captivates me and fits the part perfectly. It’s an instinctive feeling, almost like discovering a new love. You never know if they’ll be a perfect match until they try out and something just clicks in my mind. It might sound romanticized, but I do develop a connection with them. And when I see their potential to embody the role, I become invested in their performance. Casting is like selecting the best instrument for a symphony, where I’m assembling an ensemble for a movie.”
Regarding music, I’m curious: which brilliant mind came up with having Michael Bolton join “The Fabulous Four” cast?
In the script, they wanted a renowned popstar from our past, someone familiar to all the ladies. To our luck, he was represented by CAA, my agency. I remember him vividly from my twenties – that distinctive mullet and the timeless ballads that echoed in every home. So we approached him for the role, and it turned out to be a popular decision. The set was buzzing with excitement whenever he was present – family, friends, even the scriptwriter dropped by.
He’s been doing a bit of comedy lately. Did he improvise at all?
Certainly, he found himself enveloped by a group of women who doted on him and urged him forward. Their kindness and support left him elated, relishing their company.
It’s an intimidating cast but he did great with them.
He’s great. Michael Bolton. He doesn’t have to prove anything.
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2024-07-25 20:18