Ruby Sparks extends to more theaters on Friday August 3rd, including Austin (Arbor Cinemas at Great Hills), Dallas (Magnolia Cinema), & Houston (Greenway Grand Palace & Sundance Cinemas). Zoe Kazan penned the wonderful script and stars alongside real-life boyfriend Paul Dano in easily one of the most adorable and heartbreaking love stories of the year. The film is Directed and Produced by the team behind Little Miss Sunshine and is a must see. Click thru for our interviews with Zoe, Paul and Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris.
From Fox Searchlight website:
Calvin (Paul Dano) is a young novelist who achieved phenomenal success early in his career but is now struggling with his writing – as well as his romantic life.
Finally, he makes a breakthrough and creates a character named Ruby who inspires him. When Calvin finds Ruby (Zoe Kazan), in the flesh, sitting on his couch about a week later, he is completely flabbergasted that his words have turned into a living, breathing person.
Pearl Snap Discount was able to be part of two roundtable interviews. Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris were grouped together and Paul Dano & Zoe Kazan were grouped together.
Zoe and Paul started things out by joking about the “chemistry” they had on-screen.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan Opening Chemistry Funny
Zoe talked about how she learned a new side to Paul.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan – Learned about Paul
Paul and Zoe explained how lucky they were in figuring out who to take the script to.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan Lucky with Casting and Directors choice
Jonathan Dayton talks about what they first wanted to tackle when they were 1st approached to direct.
Ruby Sparks Directors – 1st Goal
I asked Zoe about how she jumps into writing and in particular how she captured male characters so well.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan – Zoe talking writing
Paul talked about not wanting to be part of his character’s initial development.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan – Paul’s input into his character
Val and Jonathan talked about how well the script captured the truth in relationships.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Relationships
Jon and Val were asked by Linda Lerner about how they tackle the script and how that impacts how they approach their actors.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Linda’s great question
Jon and Val expanded on how they approached one of the more pivotal scenes in the film.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Dark Scene Breakdown
I flipped the script and asked about Paul’s knowledge of the scene.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Paul’s Knowledge
Zoe and Paul talk about the purpose of this scene for them.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan – Darkness of the Film
Jonathan and Val were asked about whether he leans on the male actors while Val leans on the female actresses.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Male Female
I continued with the gender questioning, with this question about Zoe’s script writing ability.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Gender Writing
Val touched upon how Zoe’s acting background really helped the script read so well.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Val respect to Zoe
Jonathan and Val then explained the different themes showcased in the film and how the soundtrack was utilized to highlight those themes.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Themes and Soundtrack
Val and Jon were asked about having a pair of couples on set.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Couples
Both sets were asked about the unique casting choices that surrounded Paul and Zoe’s lead characters. 1st up was Chris Messina who played Harry, the older brother of Calvin.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Val talks Chris Messina
Zoe and Paul echoed the love for Chris’ tremendous performance in the film.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan – Chris Dominates
Here is a scene that captures the qualities of Chris Messina’s wonderful supporting role.
Up next was the discussion on casting Annette Bening as Calvin’s mother and Antonio Banderas as his new stepfather.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan – Paul discussing Annette and Antonio
The introduction of Calvin’s mother in the film.
Jonathan and Val also talked about Annette and Antonio, but also brought up the greatness of Elliott Gould.
Ruby Sparks Directors – Supporting Cast
Paul was also asked about working opposite Elliott Gould.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan – Elliott Gould and Typewriter
But I do think the one character that totally needs a shout out was Scotty aka Calvin’s adorable dog. Paul and Zoe had a blast discussing Scotty’s work on the film.
PaulDano&ZoeKazan – Scotty Time
And I’ll end things with this awesome scene between Zoe and Paul discussing Scotty’s pee habits and his name.
Dallas folks once again the film is out this Friday, August 3rd, at the Magnolia Theater.
Find out more info about the film on the Fox Searchlight website.