The Idea of You Filmmaker on the Romance That Everyone Has an Opinion On
Movie maker Michael Showalter talks about his new film The Idea of You, Love, and Harry Styles
In this week's episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo gets swept up in the whirlwind romance at the heart of "The Idea of You" with writer/director Michael Showalter ("The Big Sick," "The Eyes of Tammy Faye," "Wet Hot American Summer"). The movie is based on the book of the same name and follows a forty-year-old woman reeling from a divorce who stumbles into a romance with a twenty-something singer from the world's biggest boy band. The film stars Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Reid Scott, Ella Rubin, and more.
During the interview, Showalter discussed the very specific societal double standard at the heart of "The Idea of You" that drew him to making the romantic comedy.
"It felt like an interesting and somewhat unexpected turn in the story is that the obstacle of them being together isn't even them," Showalter explained. "It's everyone else."
Showalter also spoke about the real-life romance that people compare the film to, the backlash that ensued, and how the media handled it.
"Yes, we talked about them but probably a lot less than you'd think," Showalter said. "You couldn't help but know that this had echoes of that and that there's a fascination with [Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde's] relationship and them as public figures."
Showalter also spoke about his own career, including his early days as a performer in "The State," "Stella," and the cult classic comedy "Wet Hot American Summer." He also offered an update on the potential for more "Wet Hot Summer" content.
"We haven't talked about it in a little while. But you know, I'm a 'never say never' person," he insisted. "So I'll always have great affection for those characters and that world. And, who knows, maybe when we're in our 70s, we'll do another season at camp."
Before wrapping, Showalter shared what's next for him, a holiday film shooting this summer and a new series "Happy Face."
The Idea of You" hits Prime Video on May 2nd. You can listen to the full interview below.