Adolescence or Maturity Unveiling at Any Point in Life - Goodrich
Talking with the Visionary Behind 'Goodrich'
In a casual, down-to-earth conversation, writer-director Hallie Meyers-Shyer dishes on her latest cinematic creation, the heartfelt comedy-drama Goodrich. "It's all about the script, man," she says emphatically. "If the script's on point, you're already winning. That's the game-changer right there."
Growing up in the film industry, Hallie is no stranger to Hollywood. Her parents, Nancy Meyers (Private Benjamin) and Charles Shyer (Father of the Bride), have been instrumental in shaping her passion for storytelling. After her parents' divorce, she found herself drawn to the complexities of family dynamics, which have been a staple in the funny and emotional films she loves most.
"Taking a hard look at diverse family structures, I wanted to weave a tale about multiple generations of children from various marriages joining forces to form a contemporary family. Films like Kramer vs. Kramer and Terms of Endearment served as my inspiration. Goodrich is a moving exploration of coming of age at any age, focusing on the relationships between sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, marriage and divorce, and the importance of family over material possessions."
For Hallie, Goodrich carries a deeply personal touch. "This film had to be personal," she admits. "My dad had children when I was in college, and that was a tough nut to crack. It took some serious chewing and digesting to process, but I grew to love those kids. Watching my dad parent a new set of offspring was an interesting sensation, and it felt like it should be a movie."
Casting the inimitable Michael Keaton as the central character proved to be a challenging task. "Mike's picky when it comes to roles, so I braced myself for a 'no.' I wrote from the heart, hoping to capture his unique talents and strengths, and prayed like hell he'd say yes," Hallie recounts. "Funnily enough, he did, and pretty quickly too."
Despite the tight filming schedule of just 25 days, Hallie was meticulous in refining her script to ensure only the essential components remained. "[Some directors] like to experiment in the editing room, adding scenes and messing around a bit," she explains, "But that’s not my style. I stick to the script, and the script pretty much is the movie."
Reminiscing about her upbringing in the world of film, Hallie explains how her parents nurtured her curiosity and understanding of cinema. "It was a big part of our lives. We learned about the greats like Sturges, Lubitsch, Billy Wilder, and they really instilled in me a deep respect and appreciation for the art of filmmaking," she shares. "Now that I'm a parent myself, I see my own kid developing an interest in music, and I'm reminded of the way my parents nurtured my passions. They gave me the tools to pursue my dreams, and I'm forever grateful for that."
Melding Comedy and Drama
Goodrich masterfully balances humor and emotional depth by delving into the trials and tribulations of the lead character, Andy Goodrich. Played brilliantly by Michael Keaton, Andy grapples with the responsibility of being a sole parent to his nine-year-old twins from his second marriage. His past as a workaholic who neglected his first family comes back to haunt him as he struggles to balance his professional and personal lives while ensuring his new family thrives. His journey towards redemption and personal growth offers both laughs and tears to audiences.
As Andy's career draws to a close, he is left to confront his past mistakes and rediscover his relationships with his family, ultimately finding fulfillment in his new role as a loving father. With a talented ensemble cast and engaging storytelling, Goodrich is a powerful reminder of the importance of family and the transformative power of personal growth.
References:[1] Hallie Meyers-Shyer interview with Collider. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://collider.com/goodrich-movie-interview-hallie-meyers-shyer/[2] Goodrich (2024) - Plot Summary - IMDb. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11686414/plotsummary[5] Goodrich (2024) - Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s personal story powers sensitive comedy about a work-addled art dealer. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://www.rapturemag.com/features/goodrich-hallie-meyers-shyer-michael-keaton-comedy-drama
"The intricate family dynamics portrayed in Goodrich were inspired by Hallie Meyers-Shyer's personal experiences, having grown up in a family of esteemed filmmakers. She found herself drawn to the complexities of family dynamics and relationships, as seen in movies such as Kramer vs. Kramer and Terms of Endearment."
"In her quest to create a film that reflects her values, Hallie chose to focus on the importance of family over material possessions, weaving elements of her interests, such as movies and TV shows, into the entertainment aspects of Goodrich."
