Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis swiftly transformed from strangers into a father-daughter duo for the upcoming film, "Goodrich." Before the cameras captured their chemistry, their sole encounter was a dinner orchestrated by their writer-director, Hallie Meyers-Shyer, who intuitively sensed their ineffable on-screen bond. As if fate had already scripted their journey, they embarked on a cinematic odyssey, portraying two souls burdened by a lifetime of hurt, questioning the feasibility of genuine connection amidst life's complexities. He, an absent father seeking redemption in the present amidst the chaos of raising twins from his second marriage; she, on the cusp of motherhood, uncertain if she could trust her dad to stand by her side this time around.
Yet, amidst these daunting challenges, neither actor harbored doubts. Their unwavering confidence stemmed from the script's profound authenticity. "Hallie's writing is a testament to honesty and genuineness, never feeling contrived," Kunis enthused. "It's a tale that breathes life into these characters, where every moment feels authentic, every relationship rings true."
Meyers-Shyer, the daughter of celebrated filmmakers Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer, is no stranger to the silver screen. Her formative years were steeped in the art of filmmaking, shadowing her mother on sets and even gracing the silver screen as an extra in several films. Her directorial debut, the Reese Witherspoon-starrer "Home Again," marked a triumphant start, and "Goodrich" swiftly followed in its footsteps. Inspired by her personal experiences with a complex father-daughter relationship and the intricacies of parenting across generations, Meyers-Shyer weaved a narrative that resonated deeply. "My father's remarriage and subsequent family complicated my world," she shared. "If it's something I grappled with, I knew others must too."
At the heart of this narrative lay Keaton, an actor she had long admired and aspired to collaborate with. With him in mind, she crafted the character of a Los Angeles art gallery owner navigating life's crossroads. Keaton, flattered by the role, embraced it wholeheartedly, joining forces as the film's star and executive producer for a swift 25-day shoot in LA. This decision not only reinvigorated the city's film industry but also allowed the cast and crew to slumber in the comfort of their own abodes. "Revitalizing LA's filmmaking scene fills me with pride," Meyers-Shyer beamed. "After all, LA's essence is impossible to replicate; it's a magical, one-of-a-kind place."
As "Goodrich" prepares to grace theaters this weekend, courtesy of Ketchup Entertainment, it navigates a challenging landscape where original stories often struggle for visibility amidst the dominance of established IPs. Yet, its theatrical release stands as a testament to the film's merit, defying the trend of direct-to-streaming premieres. "The mere mention of a movie hitting theaters feels like a feat these days," Kunis marveled. "It's almost miraculous – a moment worth celebrating." Keaton, too, cherishes the cinematic experience, recognizing that the film's journey is just as important as its destination. Drawing inspiration from "Home Again's" successful theatrical run and subsequent streaming acclaim, Meyers-Shyer remains hopeful that "Goodrich" will continue to resonate with audiences, wherever its story unfolds.
"Crafting movies akin to 'Goodrich' and navigating them to completion in today's landscape is a daunting endeavor indeed. I am profoundly thankful that ours has not only seen the light of day but is gracing the silver screens. It's a testament to perseverance, as I penned this script in 2018, and here it stands, ready to enchant audiences in 2024. This journey was arduous, yet enriching, all the more remarkable as I embarked on it sans the familiar support of my mother as a producer.
'We were never destined to be a filmmaking duo,' Meyers-Shyer muses, her tone laced with gratitude. 'My debut film, "Home Again," was the sole collaboration where I sought her guidance. It was the perfect storm of creativity, a bonding experience unparalleled. She imparted invaluable wisdom, and I emerged from it a wiser filmmaker.'
But fear not, her mother's expertise was never far, accessible with a mere phone call. 'I would pepper her with endless queries, and she, a sage in the world of cinema, always had the answers,' Meyers-Shyer reminisces fondly.
Kunis and Keaton, both connoisseurs of film, concur that Meyers-Shyer has risen to prominence on her own merits, forging a path distinct from her parents' esteemed footsteps. They admire her classic sensibilities, her nods to luminaries like Mike Nichols and Jim Brooks, and her ability to imbue her work with a timeless charm.
'She's not a carbon copy of her mother,' Kunis emphasizes, her words resonating with admiration. 'Hallie has carved her niche in this industry, a rare talent with a voice all her own. Just as one can recognize a Nancy Meyers film at a glance, even muted, Hallie possesses a distinctive aesthetic that speaks volumes. Her vision is unique, a fresh perspective that enchants and captivates.'
Keaton echoes this sentiment, citing 'Kramer vs. Kramer' as a seminal influence on 'Goodrich,' a testament to Meyers-Shyer's impeccable taste. Yet, she finds her style more akin to the masterful Ernst Lubitsch, further underscoring her individuality and prowess as a filmmaker."
