Clooney Stars in Venice Film Jay Kelly
George Clooney to Lead Noah Baumbach’s Venice Contender ‘Jay Kelly’
VENICE — U.S. director Noah Baumbach revealed on Thursday that the role of a celebrated actor in his latest film, Jay Kelly, was written with George Clooney in mind.
“Early on, we just started to say, this is going to be George,” Baumbach told reporters. He added that the lead had to be a global superstar, someone audiences could immediately connect with. Clooney, known for his charm and gravitas, fit the part perfectly.
Clooney, a longtime Venice Film Festival attendee, first appeared at the world’s oldest festival 27 years ago. He missed Thursday’s press conference due to a severe sinus infection, prompting Baumbach to quip, “Even movie stars get sick.” This marks Baumbach’s third entry into Venice’s main competition, following Marriage Story (2019) and White Noise (2022).
The film follows a renowned actor plagued by self-doubt as he travels across Europe with his devoted manager, played by Adam Sandler, while his entourage gradually drifts away—including his publicist, portrayed by Laura Dern.
Blending sharp humor with poignant reflection, the story examines lingering grudges, missed opportunities, and fractured family ties, forcing its characters to confront the choices and compromises that shaped their lives.
“When you read a script like this, you say, ‘Holy shit, I can’t believe I’m getting this gift,’” said Sandler, reflecting on his role.
Clooney’s character demands extraordinary sacrifices from his team, expecting them to prioritize his whims above all else. Sandler and Dern noted that the film made them appreciate their own support staff even more. “I definitely want to be that much more mindful now,” Dern said, acknowledging the personal lives of those behind the scenes.
Jay Kelly is among 21 films competing for Venice’s prestigious Golden Lion prize, set to be awarded on September 6. It is one of three films entered by Netflix this year, alongside Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, both scheduled to screen later in the festival.
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