Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Jason Reitman | Tully | Talks at Google

TL;DR

A discussion with the cast and director of "Tully" about the raw and honest portrayal of parenthood, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the challenges and joys of being a parent.

Transcript

[THEME MUSIC] JENNIFER VAN FOSSEN: Welcome to Talks at Google. I'm Jennifer Van Fossen, and today we are so lucky to have a group of actors and actresses with us from "Tully." Please join me on stage. We have Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Ron Livingston, and director Jason Reitman. [APPLAUSE] We are so glad to have you all here with us today. C... Read More

Key Insights

• 😫 The raw and honest portrayal of parenthood in "Tully" sets it apart from other films and resonates deeply with audiences.
• 👀 The collective experience of watching a movie in theaters is cherished and should be preserved.
• 💪 The cast and director formed strong bonds while working on the film, which contributed to the authenticity and chemistry of the characters.
• 🧑‍🏭 Female empowerment and diverse storytelling are important to Theron, both as an actor and a producer, and she strives to bring these elements to her projects.
• 👯 Reitman values Cody's ability to write about relatable ideas and create characters that people can connect with.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the authenticity of the characters in "Tully" contribute to the portrayal of parenthood in the film?

The cast emphasizes the rawness and honesty of the characters and acknowledges that it is different from other portrayals of motherhood they have encountered in their careers. They believe the authenticity resonates with both parents and non-parents.

Q: What attracted the director, Jason Reitman, to work on this film?

Reitman expressed his admiration for Diablo Cody's ability to write about relatable ideas that everyone can connect with. He also mentioned that Tully completes a trilogy of films he has made with Cody, exploring different stages of life.

Q: How did the cast develop the dynamic between the two female characters, Marlo and Tully?

Charlize Theron and Mackenzie Davis explain that their connection on and off-screen helped them portray the bond between their characters. They shared personal experiences and discussed topics like getting older and the changes in their bodies to develop a genuine friendship.

Q: What was the casting process like for "Tully"?

Reitman mentioned that he seeks out actors who have a connection to the characters on a personal level. For this film, he specifically sought out Davis and Theron, and they instantly connected with the material.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The actors discuss the authenticity and rawness of the characters in "Tully" and how it reflects the realities of parenthood.

• The director highlights the importance of the collective experience in movie theaters and the need to preserve it.

• The cast shares their experiences working on the film and the strong bond they formed during the production.