As I delve into the captivating story of Justin Baldoni, I can’t help but feel inspired by his dedication to using his platform for meaningful change. His journey from acting to directing and producing, with a strong focus on tackling pressing social issues, is nothing short of remarkable.
Justin Baldoni is on the mend.
Although it’s not immediately apparent, EbMaster’s L.A. photo studio is where you can find him, seemingly full of energy as he jumps and clicks his heels for the camera, all while an AJR song echoes in the background. However, upon greeting him, a closer look reveals that before embracing him in a bear hug, there are tubes extending from IV ports on his arm, which have been part of his recent recovery from a week-long hospital stay at St. John’s. He’s still battling a persistent infection he prefers not to discuss.
Vulnerability doesn’t often present itself effortlessly; this is the central theme of Baldoni’s recent film. After playing the reformed playboy Rafael Solano on the popular CW series “Jane the Virgin,” which ended in 2019, Baldoni has taken on his first role since then, directing himself in Sony’s film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel “It Ends With Us.” In this adaptation, Blake Lively portrays a florist named Lily and Baldoni plays Ryle, who initially appears to be a compassionate neurosurgeon, but is later revealed as an abuser.
As a woman who has been deeply moved by the #MeToo movement and its impact on the entertainment industry, I find it truly inspiring to see a leading man like Henry Joey Baldoni stepping out of his comfort zone and using his platform to promote gender equality. Known for his romantic roles alongside Gina Rodriguez, Baldoni gained even more admiration from me when he delivered a powerful TED Talk in December 2017, just months after the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke. In that talk, Baldoni challenged men to be brave and vulnerable, asking questions like, “Are you strong enough to be sensitive?”
He’s now known as something of an internet expert, using his widely listened-to podcast “Man Enough” to encourage men to challenge patriarchal traditions. In this weekly program, Baldoni fosters conversations about embracing emotions, ranging from seeking therapy to allowing oneself to weep.
The portrayal of a character who initially appears affectionate but later displays violent behavior proved to be quite chilling in its execution. In 2019, Baldoni had already been considering bringing the book to life through his production company, Wayfarer Studios, after it had already sold over a million copies. As he reminisces, he describes the novel as being sensual, romantic, and filled with mystery. By the end, he was moved to tears, shedding genuine sobs.
Hoover shared that she was extremely guarded regarding this particular book, turning down numerous proposals prior to Baldoni’s. However, an emotional email from Justin resonated with her, as she felt he truly grasped the essence of the book and its significance in being adapted for screen. In the midst of the negotiation phase, Hoover spontaneously emailed Baldoni, “Have you ever considered acting in this? I can envision you playing Ryle – it seems fitting.”
Previously known for directing films such as “Five Feet Apart” for CBS Films and “Clouds” for Disney, Baldoni had been steering clear of acting roles – this one, in particular, was a character that made him feel apprehensive. Yet, it was exactly that fear that attracted him. In his own words, he wanted to challenge himself because it seemed terrifying: “I wanted to try, because it scared the hell out of me.”
Baldoni openly expresses his emotions, much like someone reliable enough to keep an eye on your beverage at a pub. This characteristic, surprisingly, qualifies him as an ideal fit for the role of Ryle.
In reference to the character of Ryle, I found myself yearning for an individual who would embody the pain of falling short of my expectations. Fortunately, with Justin – genuinely kind and compassionate – stepping into that role, it turned out to be a near-perfect fit.
Although the internet wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about it as Hoover was, there were some skeptics when Blake Lively and Daniel Baldini were cast as the main characters. Since the original book characters, Lily and Ryle, are only 23 and 30 respectively, fans of the book took notice that Lively and Baldini were both in their mid-30s during filming.
However, it was Hoover’s choice to mature the characters. This decision was influenced by the 15 years or more required to become a neurosurgeon and by the desire to portray an abuse victim as a woman who has outgrown innocence – emphasizing that such a situation can happen to anyone. As Baldoni puts it, “This approach allows us to visualize a woman with life experience, who’s been in relationships before, who could start a business like a flower shop, and yet still fall for someone like Ryle.”
As a survivor of domestic abuse, I can attest to the fact that it can happen to anyone, regardless of their status or social standing. The casting of Lively in a film about abuse serves as a powerful reminder of this harsh truth. It’s easy to assume that only those who are weak or vulnerable fall victim to such violence, but the reality is far more complex.
Previously, Baldoni has delved into similar topics: His works include “Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity” from 2021 and the 2022 guidebook for children titled “Boys Will Be Human,” which encourages boys aged 11 and above to confront their fears rather than suppressing them. However, Baldoni was wise enough to seek assistance outside himself: For the production of “It Ends With Us,” Wayfarer Studios enlisted No More, a nonprofit organization focused on ending domestic violence and sexual assault, to serve as an advisor. During the filming of their scenes depicting domestic violence, Baldoni and Lively collaborated with both an intimacy coordinator and a stunt coordinator.
“Baldoni clarifies that what mattered most to him was portraying Ryle’s mistreatment stemming from his insecurity about self-worth – a profound sense of being inadequate. By doing so, the film avoids having a traditional villain. Instead, Ryle is depicted as a character with significant emotional wounds, who makes unforgivable choices under the influence of his pain.”
Though primarily aimed at a female audience, Baldoni expresses his desire for men to watch the film too. He explains that he hopes the movie can assist someone on their way to becoming like Ryle. This is why he didn’t want to portray him as a villain from the start but rather present a more nuanced and gradual transformation. Trauma, Baldoni suggests, doesn’t discriminate, and men too are victims of domestic violence.
As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that at Wayfarer Studios, Peter Baldoni has an exciting lineup of upcoming projects that are bound to ignite conversations everywhere. Among them, the much-anticipated directorial debut of Scarlett Johansson, titled “Eleanor the Great,” and a live-action adaptation of the iconic game “Pac-Man” are definitely projects to watch out for. The heartwarming documentary, “Will & Harper,” featuring Will Ferrell connecting with his transgender friend, is set to be released on Netflix later this year. I can hardly wait!
There’s a possibility we might see another film adaptation of “It Ends With Us,” considering there’s a sequel to the book. However, Baldoni mentions that they have the option for it, but he hasn’t yet contemplated that far ahead; instead, he’s focusing on staying present as much as possible.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can wholeheartedly affirm that Vicente “Vince” Baldoni truly embodies his teachings. Just moments after our heart-to-heart conversation, he embarks on a journey to Sweden, celebrating his beloved wife Emily’s 40th birthday and making unforgettable memories with their cherished kids, Maiya (9) and Maxwell (7). Despite the brink of a significant career milestone with the upcoming release of “It Ends With Us,” Vince’s priorities remain resolute.
There’s no question of which force is winning. “The truth is, nobody is going to read my IMDb at my funeral,” he says with a laugh. “Moments come and go. I’m disposable to Hollywood; there’ll be a million Justins or people that look like me at some point in time.”
However, it’s possible that this movie could influence events beyond just his personal success. “Suppose a Lily steps into the cinema and watches this film,” he suggests, “will she leave with a changed perspective? That thought excites me.”
Styling: Savannah Kmendoza/A-Frame; Makeup: Shauna Giesbrecht; Hair: Shawn Finch
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2024-07-31 21:17