Theres a marked bit in this interview which has spoilers for the film Joy.
David O Russells latest film,Joy, lands in UK cinemas on New Years Day.
Ahead of its release, he spared us some time for this chat about the film…
So hows the day been?
How have all the interviews been?
Ive enjoyed the conversations.
And the other thing of it is I think people have things to say about it.
So its been a nice day.
Wow, thank you.
Thats really kind of you to say.
That means a lot to me that you said that, so thank you for saying that.
So Im happy to tolerate yours.
What is your outlet?
Thats cool, I like that… Ive been called a geek today… Ive had two children and they recede away from you.
And sometimes you could do that, and its not recognised or understood.
And that is just part of giving yourself over to the gift of telling a story.
Its interesting you mention working with Jennifer, seeing her grow up and things.
Im curious, how does the process change for you, working with actors time and again.
And then did not audition, and wont -for me again.
Shes learning to become a filmmaker and a writer herself.
That also would be fitting to the role though.
She also helped set the tone on the set.
We decided we wanted to do something thats called French hours, where you dont have lunch.
And we kind of each got off on that, we just go.
Wed rather do that than stop.
I wanted to be sleeping, but the lights are on with her.
And Im sure thats a privilege, and the endorphins made up for the lack of sleep.
But Im watching her comport herself in a way that I believe I said that to her.
I think to act like thats not happening is just not real.
In some way youve got to face that, and deal with that.
When does it end?
You are never just like, OK, Im home free now.
Its part of this life.
[At this point a publicist comes in and gives me a signal to begin wrapping up the interview.
Cant he have some more questions?
I like the name of his site.
Weve got to get to some geek details.
We should get to at least three geek details.
There is actually one slightly geeky thing that Ive noticed, and its not just with this film.
The cadence of the dialogue, and the way that the dialogue comes about.
Ive got to tell you, it aint easy.
If you attempt to create anything, theres a web of contracts around it that could easily defy you.
And did, in this womans life, and nearly ended the whole thing.
The whole thing would not have been given a chance, or it would have ended more quickly.
Anything you do ultimately comes down to just you, youre the only one who will carry it over.
And, I was leading back to a question you had asked about the rhythm.
You have to understand that theres something been set up here that she doesnt quite understand.
And that begins in the bedroom with the kid yknow, whats a lawyer?
Where did you go to high school?
Was it what we call a public school?
Yes, a normal school.
And who were you in high school?
Thats all very fascinating to me.
You were ignored, and what were you doing when you were ignored?
Did you study films?
Were you keeping to yourself?
Did you ride a bike?
What were you doing?
Generally, just reading.
Jim Gianopulos, whos a great guy, and the head of the studio…
I said, Well theyre my first two questions.
They tell me an enormous amount about anybody.
The scene becomes about the rhythm of her musicality, of her speaking, and acting, and dialogue.
Im going to remember that, when I speak, to my lawyer.
Thats that exposition question, I suppose.
Come on, lets do a speed round.
Two more questions, Geek Man, two more questions.
THE FOLLOWING QUESTION AND ANSWER IS SPOILER-Y
Okay, just following on from that then.
I kept debating it, and debating it, and debating it.
And then I put the script into order.
Because I love the notion to me whats magic about cinema is the timelessness of it.
And what happens in life?
Do you remember that?
I love that kind of magic, you get to see what shes going to be.
And then you come back to her on that street, she didnt know that that day.
All she knew is… she was there, shes done that.
That just gives me chills.
Thats all we can know.
To see, that far.
SPOILER-Y BIT ENDS
One more geek question.
Youve covered the things I wanted to know!
Im going to give you a geeky answer.
Youve inspired me, the name of your site inspires me.
So geekiness the specifics of the Nat King Cole recording, and how we shot to that precisely.
And theres a vulnerability in that that is beautiful.
And we bookended in the end.
She walks out, that changes you; she was changed from that moment.
She could lose, but it would be one hell of a fight.
Thats what that level of experience meant.
Thats when she really made herself a success.
Its all timed out to the song.
She walked exactly I go, This many steps, heres the introduction.
Now you see the speaker, thats on the outside of the toy store.
I want him to take over the movie.
And the snow, he [Nat King Cole] says, can we have some snow?
right then, it snows.
And that really made a big impression on us.
On Jennifer, and Bob.
We learned a lot about her, just from that.
She didnt even wink or anything.
We said, wow, she is a badass.
True power is not easily shaken.
Thank you for your geek interview.
I loved going into the minutiae with you, thats why I didnt want to short change you.
David O. Russell, thank you very much.
Joyis in UK cinemas from 1st January 2016.
