Clooney on directing: ‘As you age, you need more’

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By Creative Media News

  • Clooney’s Film Achievements
  • Enjoyment in Directing
  • Inspirational Collaborations

George Clooney has achieved much since ER, amassing an extensive filmography, two Academy Awards, a stellar activism record, and an impeccable family. The Boys in the Boat, a sports film he directed, follows a group of teenage rowers forced to compete in Hitler’s Olympics.

“Bossing people around” is how George Clooney describes directing, claiming it’s more enjoyable than acting.

The Hollywood celebrity assumes a non-adversarial role in his most recent endeavour, The Boys In The Boat, a sports film that follows an underdog rowing crew as they contend for gold at the Hitler Olympic Games.

Clooney explained his desire to direct as follows: “It’s more enjoyable, and you have considerably more control. I am in charge of [the performers] and am exempt from learning how to row. Still, I enjoy acting. “I am having fun.”

He then makes a name-drop, as an A-lister would: “I recently collaborated with Brad Pitt on a film. He is an aspiring actor…

His breakthrough role was in the medical drama ER, following semi-regular appearances in the sitcom Roseanne and a main part in the comedically titled Return Of The Killer Tomatoes. He began his career in 1978 as a TV extra.

Many will perpetually recall him as Doctor Doug Ross, the identity he donned between 1994 and 1999.

Since then, he has garnered an abundance of accolades, including two Academy Awards, starred in a multitude of films, and transitioned effortlessly into producing and directing.

This is in addition to his political and economic activism, as well as his role as a father of two with his spouse, human rights attorney Amal Clooney, at home.

So, what is it that he finds appealing about directing?

Clooney explains, “The act of directing is enjoyable. It is indeed enjoyable to compose a screenplay in the morning and have someone construct the set that you have conceptualised.

“One cannot simply do one thing”

“As you age, you become more dependent on additional activities.” You cannot do a single thing. It’s fortunate that at the age of 62, I still get to do the things I enjoy, as not many people get that opportunity.

“I actively acknowledge this fact and partake in the celebration because, you know, I believe that people would be extremely irate if I weren’t having a good time.

You know, if they were to examine my life, they would say, “Who knows, if you’re not enjoying that, then…”

Clooney was entrusted with the responsibility of moulding eight youthful actors who had no prior experience with an oar into convincing Olympic rowers for his most recent film.

Training included four hours of rowing per day, supplemented with an additional hour of exercise several months before the commencement of filming, and continued training after each day’s production concluded.

Additionally, Clooney had a specific criterion for selecting his actors and crew.

“I prefer to collaborate with individuals who are enthusiastic about their work and have a genuine interest in it, as these are long, arduous hours.” It is difficult to do.

“As you are aware, there is no one present to voice a complaint. We have no complaints. But the hours are lengthy, and the labour is substantial. People must, therefore, take pleasure in their activities; I cannot stand to be around individuals who refuse to exit their caravan.

“My native Kentucky.” We make an effort to remain indoors.

“Short shorts” sentimentality

Callum Turner, a British actor cast in the film as actual rower Joe Rantz, describes his collaboration with the renowned director as “extraordinary.”

Although he is seated next to Clooney at the time, it is clear that he means it.

“Providing a space for everyone else to have fun” is how the 33-year-old personifies Clooney.

He is not even teasing. Turner characterises Clooney as “an incredible basketball player.” It turns out that he set up a basketball court on set to relax during non-filming and non-rowing hours.

Although Clooney refrained from participating in the rowing exercise per se (citing a desire to prevent the cast from having “ammunition” against him), he did attempt on the shorts.

He chuckles with wistfulness, “I consistently don the shorts.” I appreciate them. To clarify, I recall donning shorts of that style during my childhood. It was not even brief shorts; the name “shorts” was sufficient.

“The splendid George”

Joel Edgerton, in his role as Coach Ulbrickson in the film, describes George Clooney as “beautiful” and further states, “He is a handsome man.”

The Australian actor and director declares that Clooney is an inspiration to him.

“I found it intriguing that he has directed films in which he does not appear prominently or at all.” Clearly, this is one of those as well.

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“I have always wondered, given the prominence of his profession, why he does that. “Because he could simply accept the cash and gold bags and depart in his capacity as an actor.”

Edgerton attributes it to Clooney’s genuine interest in narratives, specifically sporting stories.

He continues, “He had in fact conducted his research.” And he is extremely efficient; on a craft level, he understands precisely what he desires.

“Then he possesses volumes of tales… You then come to the realisation, “Oh, I might appear in one of these stories one day; therefore, I should act morally.”

He is entertaining to listen to throughout the day.

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