JAY KELLY - IN THE GUTTER LOOKING AT THE STARS

George Clooney’s new film is more than just a dramatic story about a Hollywood star in the midst of an existential crisis. It’s a humorous yet deeply philosophical reflection by director and screenwriter Noah Baumbach—one that resonates far beyond Hollywood.

When we reach the point where perhaps only twenty good years remain, it’s natural to look back and ask whether the choices and paths we’ve taken were truly the right ones in our pursuit of happiness. It’s a profound kind of self-examination—one that should concern us as much as checking our cholesterol or the condition of our prostate as we approach middle age.

The film follows the famous movie star Jay Kelly, played by Clooney, and his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler, in a surprisingly restrained and dramatic role) as they embark on an emotional journey across Europe. Along the way, the two confront the choices they’ve made, the relationships they’ve nurtured or neglected, and the legacies they’ll leave behind.

In addition to Clooney and Sandler, the cast includes Laura Dern, Greta Gerwig, Emily Mortimer (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Patrick Wilson, Billy Crudup, Stacy Keach, and others.

International journalists based in Los Angeles attended an advance screening at Netflix’s elegant Hollywood theater on the evening of October 22, followed by a cocktail reception with George Clooney-- who, besieged by requests for selfies, barely had time to eat or drink. Afterward came the screening.

The following day, a press conference took place at the historic Beverly Hills Hotel. A lively Q&A featuring Baumbach, Clooney, Sandler, and Dern. The photos and footage I captured illustrate both events.

In both conversations, the discussion naturally turned toward the film’s larger existential themes—questions that linger far beyond the story itself. It’s this reflective undercurrent that gives the work its depth and power.

Watching Jay Kelly prompted me to think about my own life, the choices I’ve made, the roads I’ve taken, and the balance between regrets, victories, and unfulfilled dreams. Thankfully, my inventory isn’t among the worst.

Who knows? Perhaps when you watch this film, you’ll find yourself thinking about these same questions too.

#wladimirweltman, #GeorgeClooney, #adamsandler, #LauraDern, #jaykelly, #Netflix,

 

#beverlyhillshotel