Jim Jarmusch on Gena Rowlands, New Film Journey
Why it matters: Jim Jarmusch's new film 'Father Mother Sister Brother' won the Golden Lion at the Venice film festival.
- Jim Jarmusch recounts Gena Rowlands' initial hesitation to act in 'Night on Earth' in 1991, her first film after losing her husband, director John Cassavetes.
- Gena Rowlands eventually agreed to appear in 'Night on Earth,' playing a casting director opposite Winona Ryder, a role Jarmusch now sees as infused with melancholy due to her grief.
- Peter Falk frequently called Jarmusch during the 'Night on Earth' shoot to check on Rowlands, whom Jarmusch describes as a 'lioness' needing no protection.
- Rowlands later sent Jarmusch a Cassavetes script, 'Unless That Someone Is You,' hoping he would direct it, but declined to take the lead role herself.
- Jarmusch is currently promoting his new film, 'Father Mother Sister Brother,' which won the Golden Lion at the Venice film festival last year.
Filmmaker Jim Jarmusch reflects on his profound connection with the late Gena Rowlands, detailing her initial reluctance to join his 1991 film 'Night on Earth' after John Cassavetes' death and her later request for him to direct a Cassavetes script she had hoped to star in. Jarmusch, promoting his new Golden Lion-winning film 'Father Mother Sister Brother,' emphasizes Rowlands' authentic acting style and the deep impact she had on his career.
