In a press conference moderated by Pete Hammond, the team behind the upcoming film, The Boys in the Boat, shared insights into the making of this remarkable and heartwarming tale. The movie, based on Daniel James Brown’s best-selling book, chronicles the inspiring journey of the University of Washington junior varsity rowing team that defied the odds to represent the USA at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
Director and producer George Clooney, producer Grant Heslov, and cast members Joel Edgerton, Hadley Robinson, and Callum Turner discussed the challenges and joys of bringing this Depression-era story to life.
Clooney, known for his diverse directorial projects, acknowledged the rarity of rowing movies and the difficulty in portraying the sport’s excitement on screen. “We had to come up with a math to make the rowing energetic and exciting,” he shared, emphasizing the need to convey the intensity and unity of the team.
Grant Heslov revealed the journey to bring The Boys in the Boat to the screen, explaining that they initially pursued the rights to the book upon its release in 2013. However, it wasn’t until a few years later, under a new deal at MGM, that they had the opportunity to revisit the project. Heslov emphasized their love for the book and their determination to turn it into a great film.
The film is set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, portraying the struggle of the scrappy rowing team to survive financially and academically. Clooney highlighted the unique aspect of Washington state being a new and less recognized entity in the rowing world, making the team’s underdog story even more compelling.
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Lead actor Callum Turner, who plays Joe Rantz, discussed the extensive research he conducted to embody the character authentically. Turner delved into Rantz’s challenging background, including being abandoned by his family at a young age, and expressed admiration for the real-life individual’s remarkable achievements.
Hadley Robinson, portraying Joyce, emphasized the love story intertwined with the underdog narrative. She found the historical period fascinating and spoke about the resilience and hope displayed by the characters despite their dire circumstances.
Joel Edgerton, who takes on the role of Coach Al Ulbrickson, praised the complexity of his character, highlighting the often misunderstood nature of tough coaches who care deeply about their teams. Edgerton shared his personal connection to the role, drawing parallels between coaches and father figures in his own life.
The conference also touched on the challenges of rowing scenes, with the entire cast admitting to having no prior rowing experience. Turner humorously recounted their initial struggles on the river and the steep learning curve they faced.
George Clooney commended Joel Edgerton’s portrayal, noting the bravery required to maintain the character’s stern demeanor without compromising the underlying care for his team. Edgerton reflected on the importance of non-verbal gestures in conveying support and love, drawing parallels between coaches and father figures.
Grant Heslov discussed the meticulous production design required for the film, especially in creating authentic-looking rowing boats. He explained the decision to build fiberglass boats reminiscent of the wooden originals, detailing the challenges of constructing multiple boats for filming.
The Boys in the Boat promises to be a captivating portrayal of an underdog team’s journey to the 1936 Olympics, exploring themes of perseverance, unity, and the human spirit. As the release date approaches, December 25, 2023, audiences eagerly await the chance to witness this extraordinary piece of history on the silver screen.
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