How Sebastian Stan Finally Brought Hollywood to His Homeland With Romanian Festival Hopeful ‘A River’s Gaze’

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It’s hard to imagine Sebastian Stan fighting for any part in Hollywood.

The Academy Award-nominated actor has demonstrated an equal ability to shine in thought-provoking independent films such as “The Apprentice” and “A Different Man”, just as he does in popular blockbuster movies like those in the Marvel Universe, where his character Bucky Barnes will next be seen in “Thunderbolts”.

However, a cinematic return to his roots that has evaded him throughout his career, Stan was born in Constanța, Romania. For years, he’s been striving to bring his professional life back to his homeland and showcase the talent within the region. Stan shared with EbMaster that he’s spent nearly 15 years searching for the perfect Romanian script to star in. Now, he’s found an opportunity as a producer on “A River’s Gaze,” a drama set in Romania, directed by Andreea Bortun.

Stan mentions that the story feels personal, as it mirrors his own upbringing. His mother, Georgeta, raised him in various countries while pursuing her unique journey in both art and academia. Bortun, who combines anthropology with visual art, has already produced short films that have been accepted at prestigious film festivals like Cannes; this year, a collaboration between Stan and Bortun is being considered for inclusion there.

The movie “A River’s Gaze” follows Lavinia, a mother who dreams of a better future for her 14-year-old son. However, her aspirations sometimes overshadow his immediate emotional requirements. This story unfolds over four seasons in a rural part of Romania, and we had the opportunity to chat with the director, EbMaster, about their creative journey back home.

Sebastian, how did you attach as a producer to this project?

This stems from numerous discussions I’ve had with her over the years regarding my aspiration to creatively engage with Romania. A common friend we both esteem shared positive words about Andrea and introduced me to her short film, which she had submitted to Cannes. The movie instantly captivated me. For a long time, I’ve dreamt of acting in a Romanian production, but opportunities never materialized. However, I recognized that I could contribute behind the scenes as well. Andrea’s script resonated deeply with me. At its core is an intensely personal and intimate relationship between a mother and son growing up in Romania under unique circumstances, which aren’t often portrayed globally. Having lived through my own experiences in Romania and moving away from the country, I connected profoundly with certain aspects of her story. This resonance only fueled my desire to assist Andrea in bringing her vision to life.

Andrea, what would you say is the cinematic language of Romania?

To be frank, I’m unsure if we’re still in an era of a single, distinct national perspective for Romanian cinema. What truly benefits Romanian and all cinemas worldwide is the representation of underrepresented narratives, showcasing individuals who are not commonly portrayed. These characters should offer depth beyond mere compliance and positive sentiment.

Andrea offers a unique, fresh female perspective on international experiences, which is refreshingly different for me. At last, we have a woman who shares insightful thoughts about her overseas journey.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself struck by a sense of timelessness in the film’s visual style. It came as a bit of a surprise when I spotted the young male character using a cell phone in certain scenes, adding a modern touch to an otherwise nostalgic atmosphere.

Your observation carries a unique perspective, as if from another land. It’s quite misleading to think the events depicted are from 20-30 years ago. Instead, it seems like a blend of influences brought back by Romanians who have worked abroad. Modern Romania is indeed an intriguing entity, representing a piece of Europe with a rich history of migration.

Talk to me about the mother-son dynamic at the center of the film.

The protagonist, Lavinia, is our tragic hero in every sense. She’s often impulsive and unpredictable, with a streak of rebellion. Yet, her deepest desire is to be a loving mother to her 14-year-old son. However, she struggles with expressing love, as her understanding of it comes from her past experiences. Her dream is to build a better life for the two of them under skies that are bluer – symbolizing hope and opportunity. In her world, the West represents such skies. She takes on the challenge of transforming a rundown house into something lasting and noteworthy.

At this stage in his life, her son requires her care more than ever, as he approaches the point where he’ll leave home. However, she doesn’t seem to realize this. To her, love involves finding purpose within their home. Despite her attempts to make the most of the situation, a growing rift is developing between them.

The movie offers a glimpse into the struggles of a mother trying to maintain a bond with her son while remaining true to herself. She’s left to handle things on her own, which highlights the fortunate nature of our family situations in the West. This individual seems to possess extraordinary strength, navigating these challenges with minimal resources or emotional support. In my view, this film delves into the depth and resilience of womanhood.

It seems like the community around her isn’t exactly uplifting.

This individual has an intriguing bond with the community, yet she feels distinctly separate from others. She’s a tenacious spirit who will climb mountains to attain her goals, which sometimes rubs others the wrong way because she can be a bit of a troublemaker. Deep down, however, she yearns to break free from this community but fails to recognize that she is a product of it. The movie served as a means for me to find reconciliation with my roots, having grown up in rural Southern Romania before leaving to study abroad. It was during my time in New York that the concept for this film emerged within me. I was watching films from the ’60s and pondered, “Why aren’t there more movies about women like those from Romania?” – women with strength reminiscent of Antonioni’s Italian characters. Upon returning to my homeland, I spent three weeks delving into villages, determined to confront my fear of this world. Inside me, there was a lingering sentiment, something I hadn’t fully accepted, but I realized that Lavinia’s battles were also mine.

Sebastian, did you involve your mom in this process?

Affirmatively speaking, she hasn’t said no, but rather confirmed that she has watched the movie. Sharing this experience with her was quite intriguing since there are certain aspects that only those who have gone through similar experiences can fully comprehend. My mother, having faced many harsh realities following the revolution, could relate to the struggles of the film’s protagonist on some level. In contrast to current times in the West where people tend to have more time to sort themselves out before starting a family, my mother had me at a very young age. Nowadays, people often have children later in life, which was not common then. Many individuals don’t have the luxury of this extended period for self-discovery. They are still grappling with their identities. Andreaa managed to capture this essence authentically in her portrayal.

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2025-04-05 02:17