Writer-director Nicole Holofcener returns to Sundance for the fourth time with this biting comedy. You hurt my feelings. It’s his reunion with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who plays the role of a marriage writer focused on listening to her husband’s ideas for her latest novel. Michaela Watkins, Arian Moayed and Jeannie Berlin also star. You hurt my feelings will begin today at 6:30 MST. Before that, Holofcener shares thoughts with Deadline on his latest movie, the festival, and managing the pajamas, away, and the Covid case.
DEADLINE: You are a writer. How personal is this film to you?
More from Deadline
HOLOFCENER: This film is personal to me in indirect ways. I have been asking myself the questions that were asked in the film. Can I feel better if someone close to me doesn’t like my movies? I’m sure a lot of people I know don’t like my videos, or not all of them, and I don’t know, thank God. But what if I knew? In a way that would be very embarrassing. So is it better to lie and just help the people we love, or to be honest, and assure them that we still love them?
DEADLINE: You worked with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the 2013 film Enough Said. How did they get back together?
HOLOFCENER’s photo: Julia and I were very happy Enough said so I’ve been trying to write something back for us Obviously I’m not the fast type.
DEADLINE: Were there any challenges to making this film?
HOLOFCENER: The first problem that comes to mind was that I got Covid in the second week. But I went directly to my laptop from home, and somehow everything worked fine. Controlling in the bedroom is not bad. Well, it was, really, like pulling hair. All the actors are funny, and the interaction was good. It was, actually, one of my fun, easy shoots. Laughter helps a lot.
DEADLINE: Your first Sundance project was Walking and Talking in 1996. I think it’s fair to call you the Kings of Sundance. How do you get someone’s first birthday in three years?
HOLOFCENER: Royalty, huh? Well, am I Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle? Or maybe I’m the dead queen. Anyway, thanks for the compliment. You didn’t call me a reliable person there. Please don’t call me brave. As for the festival, it’s interesting, having been here several times, to see how Park City has changed. It’s very crowded, hard to get tickets. The town used to feel like a film festival was going on. Maybe it’s the first week, but it’s all done in a conspiracy.
DEADLINE: It’s a tough time for indie film. What do you think are the biggest threats to the industry?
HOLOFCENER: I’m sorry but I don’t answer [that]. There are people who can answer this question better than I can. I say that I am glad that I am still making films and as it turns out, many people are making films.
DEADLINE: Are you looking forward to the premiere?
HOLOFCENER: I am excited and nervous to screen my film on Sunday. I’ve never seen it with a real audience. Julia and Tobias are here, and I think they’re proud of the film, and that’s very interesting. The idea of making a movie and the actors being embarrassed by it would make me want to curl up and go home. I think we will have fun. And, of course, I’m trying to see more movies.
The best of the last
Sign up for Deadline’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Click here to read the full article.
