Since Ryan Gosling is trending everywhere thanks to his ‘Kenergy’ in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, it’s only fair to revisit one of his most iconic films of all time – The Notebook. Starring Rachel McAdams, the film had everyone, despite their age and gender, reaching out for tissues. In fact, we still cannot watch it without shedding a tear or two even though it has almost been two decades since the release.
Not only did the film make people cry after its release, but before as well, when they were simply auditioning people. For this, we have none other than Rachel McAdams to thank. Rachel McAdams managed to blow everyone away during her audition and he acting was so raw that the casting director had to stop her midway and wipe off his tears.
Rachel McAdams’ Powerful Acting Moved the Room
In behind-the-scenes footage posted by Fandango, Ryan Gosling talks about just how fearless Rachel McAdams was while giving her audition. This was despite the fact that she was still fairly new to the industry and was up against actresses like Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Biel. Gosling stated that while other actresses wanted to sit down and have long discussions about the nitty gritty of the role, McAdams got straight down to business.
Her confidence certainly worked in her favor as she managed to move every single person present in the room with her real and effortless acting. McAdams stated,
“So we sat down did the first scene and Nick [Cassavetes, director] was like ‘OK let’s do the next scene’ and we did the next scene and we were all sort of crying and like Matthew Berry, the casting director, was filming and he had to stop and get a tissue and stuff. It was really nice. And then we did the third scene and it was pretty electric. There was just a feeling there, just everything sort of fit and everything worked. It was the best audition experience I’ve ever had.”
Gosling recalled how everyone on the set gave each other hugs after McAdams left since they finally found their leading woman. They are convinced that the role was made for the Mean Girls actress and that no one could’ve possibly taken her place. Not after that audition!
Rachel McAdams Believes Romance Films Stand Out
McAdams opened up about how movies of the romantic genre will always have a place in the industry despite special effects films taking over Hollywood. In her honest opinion, films like The Notebook are the complete opposite of action blockbusters and it works for them. Beautifully wording her stance, McAdams calls these films a “slow burn of love.”
“This is the opposite of those large action thrillers that constantly keep you on the edge of your seat. What I love about this film is that it rejects that, as you kinda sit in that slow burn of love in the South. Also, I think the tone and pace of the film reflect the time period, and those things complement each other so well. I think it’s time for another sweeping romance because I think there hasn’t been one for a while.”
Well, while “Sweeping romance” films have come and gone and will continue to do so, there is never going to be a movie like The Notebook. The emotional connection fans have with the film is off the charts and it’ll be near-impossible to replicate that!
You can rent/buy The Notebook on Prime Video or stream it with truTV.
Source: Fandango
