The Big Picture The Adam Sandler Hall of Fame and ‘Jay Kelly’ With Noah Baumbach!
Dec 10, 2025
Noah Baumbach, a renowned filmmaker known for his character-driven dramas, joins the conversation to discuss his latest film, Jay Kelly, which stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler. He shares insights into his reluctance to revisit past works and reveals why Clooney was the perfect fit for his character. The talk shifts to Adam Sandler's diverse career, highlighting his evolution from comedy to drama. Baumbach also reflects on the emotional layers of stardom and mentors within his stories, providing a fascinating glimpse into his creative process.
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Stardom As Social Alienation
- Noah Baumbach frames Jay Kelly as a study of stardom's alienation more than an inner psychological portrait.
- The film shows how public persona consumption shapes others' relationships with a star.
Two Unjoined Storylines
- Amanda argues the film contains two halves that don't cohere: family regret and industry inside-baseball.
- She finds the industry storyline undercooked and the family melodrama out of Baumbach's comfort zone.
Performance Masks Identity
- Sean and Amanda see Jay Kelly as an exploration of identity performed over decades.
- The film suggests long career self-preservation can hollow a person into an 'empty vessel.'
