George Clooney on playing a sad actor: 'I don't have the same issues'

In "Jay Kelly", George Clooney plays an ageing film star plagued by self-doubt, with Adam Sandler as his manager. Clooney assures dpa this role has little to do with his real life. London (dpa) – It's sometimes said that George Clooney tends to play himself – or at least chooses roles that fit his charming image. This is certainly true of "Jay Kelly". In Noah Baumbach’s new film, Clooney plays a film star on a journey of self-discovery in Europe, accompanied by Adam Sandler as his loyal long-time manager, Ron Sukenick. Clooney told dpa that while he is "fully" Jay Kelly, he does not share the character’s problems. Jay Kelly is an old-guard Hollywood idol, "the last of the old movie stars," as Ron says in one scene. So how much of George Clooney is in Jay Kelly? "All of George Clooney is Jay Kelly," the Hollywood star told dpa in London with a laugh. "How much Jay Kelly is in George Clooney is a little different. Look, I don't have the same issues, right? I don't have them." The protagonist of Baumbach’s drama is a charismatic film star, a narcissist who increasingly doubts himself, and must recognise that not only he but also those around him have made sacrifices for his career and fame. His career always came first, ahead of family and friendships. Jay is haunted by the feeling he has disappointed everyone close to him. The loneliness of a Hollywood star He also feels alone. Jay is single and has little contact with his older daughter (Riley Keough). His younger daughter Daisy (Grace Edwards) prefers to go on holiday with friends rather than spend the break with her father. Jay abruptly cancels an important film project to follow Daisy to France and Italy and, for a change, simply mingle with people. With his narcissistic behaviour, the star tests the patience of manager Ron (Sandler) and publicist Liz (Laura Dern). Both have long put their private lives on hold for Jay and do not want to watch him jeopardize his career. But Jay wants to enjoy the trip and put a few things right. The character is quite far from who I really am, Clooney emphasized. "I don't have the kind of regrets that this guy has. I didn't make the kind of sacrifices. My family, at this point, still likes me. My father isn't that guy. I don't have any of those kind of elements. So it was pretty removed from who I am." In the film, theatre and Hollywood veteran Stacy Keach plays the father with whom Jay has a difficult relationship and whose recognition he still seeks. With an invitation to an awards ceremony in Tuscany, Jay wants to try again. But in Italy not everything goes as he hoped. Clooney and Sandler on top form Clooney gives a great performance in a role that suits him best. As a viewer, you quickly succumb to Jay Kelly’s charm. Like many around Jay, you forgive him his faults. When the film star with the winning smile shows his vulnerable side, you cannot help but pity him. There is pity too for Sandler’s Ron, who is the opposite of Jay. While the film star always thought only of himself, Ron neglected his private and family life because he only looked after Jay. "Does none of this mean anything to you?" Ron asks in a key scene. "Because it means something to me. I mean, you're Jay Kelly, but I'm Jay Kelly, too." Sandler once again proves he can do far more than comedy. Some plot elements do not feel entirely thought through, and one scene in particular, in which Jay chases a German handbag thief played by Lars Eidinger, feels somewhat out of place. Overall, though, the film strikes a coherent balance between pointed situational comedy and melancholic moments. An enjoyable and moving road movie Director Noah Baumbach wrote the screenplay with Emily Mortimer. With gentle, sometimes subtle humour and much feeling, their film tells the story of a man who has apparently achieved everything, is loved by millions and yet is lonely. With wonderful images set against the picturesque backdrop of the Tuscan summer, "Jay Kelly" is also an enjoyable and touching road movie. It is a film about transience, remorse and self-discovery, carried by the interplay of a well-matched duo in the lead. "Jay Kelly" is in cinemas for a short time only. From December 5, the Netflix production will be available on the streaming service. The following information is not intended for publication dpa pde xx a3 lif

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