“You can tell so many different types of stories in so many different genres; you don’t have to pick one thing. I think we have to allow ourselves as human beings to experience so many different things and try out all different kind of dimensions of our personalities and I think as artists, it’s really important to do that too” expressed “Booksmart” director Olivia Wilde as she spoke on how to avoid losing herself to a singular vision – a theme very present in her directorial debut.
“Booksmart” is a film that tells a familiar story in a not so familiar way and in so doing, Wilde welcomes the opportunity to create a sandbox that at times feels like a buddy cop film and others a stoner comedy, just to name a few, all wrapped up as a coming of age story for a new generation. Perhaps this openness to experimentation helped expand Wilde’s creativity as an artist as the director infuses so much distinct style and personality into her latest film. Speaking of personality, Wilde also expressed the importance of personalizing whatever project comes her way and telling the story only she can tell – an important lesson she learned while working on “Booksmart.”
“You have to personalize the project completely. I could do a horror film next, and I would use the same lessons that you make it personal, so it’s specific. It has to be the movie only you can make, and you have to personalize it to each actor. Actors are not just pawns that you place into a role. You have to say, “who are they within that mold?” It’s now transformed around them and rewrite towards that and reimagine towards that, and I think that that is a lesson I’ll take with me forever.” Certainly wise and inspiring words coming from Wilde who not only was praised for fostering such a collaborative environment by her cast but proved to inspire them on and off of set as well.
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During my interview with Wilde, Beanie Feldstein, Kaitlyn Dever, Billie Lourd, and screenwriter Katherine Silberman we not only discussed the above, but the environment Olivia creates on set, if any of the cast was the “book smart” kid in high school, and much more.
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You can watch the entirety of my interview with the “Booksmart” crew below along with our full review of the film as well. “Booksmart” is now playing in theaters.
