Its a big year for Lake Bell, to use her own words.
This started from my own investigation of relationships and commitment.
In a therapeutic way, I always kind of take something on like its therapy.
It just seemed like a doomed institution.
We live nearly 100 years.
At this point, that is a lot.
But I think, secretly, every unromantic cynic hopes desperately to be proved wrong.
Thats why it ultimately is deeply pro-unionship and commitment and marriage.
And that, in a way, is very provocative in this day and age.
That forced me to take my preparation even more seriously.
I wasnt cocky, thinking Ive already done it so I didnt have to prepare as much.
That was the only place where I was like, Oh, thats surprising.
Im biased, but I was like, Look at this amazing script.
Im a proven director.
And, I thought it would be really easy, but it wasnt.
Bell dismisses the notion that any problems related to getting the film financed were due to her gender.
I truly believe its not because Im a woman or something like that, she insists.
Its simply because the business of independent movie-making is hard.
There is some fear there.
Its not like making independent movies is a surefire way to make tons of money.
I ask Bell what it means and if the deal signals a long-overdue shift in the culture of Hollywood.
I think its a big goddamn deal, she says.
Its a first and its splashy and I love it.
I think that theres a robust variety and diversity in those kinds of characters that are being portrayed.
Behind the scenes, we still have a long way to go and were far from the tipping point.
As for Bell herself, shell keep pushing forward.
And then Im writing a couple of other projects, she adds.
But it takes me a while to be ready to put something out there.
As an actor, I have a lot of stuff that Im nurturing as well.
I sort of give myself my own deadlines.
It keeps it fun for me.
It keeps it fresh.
But, yeah, Im excited to take on the next year now with the two kids.
I Do…Until I Dontis out in limited release on Friday (September 1).
