(PCM) When Kate Hudson sees a movie as a labor of love, she jumps right in, especially when the writer/director is a close friend like Zach Braff.
Such is definitely the case with Wish I Was Here, a thoughtful and meaningful film about family, and not having regrets in life.
The entire film was truly a labor of love for Braff, who for years had been yearning to tell this story that he wrote with his brother, Adam, and he also stars in and directed.
In fact, the movie was financed by his own money and support from 47,000 fans who bought T-shirts and other memorabilia. Once Braff had the money in hand he went after his “dream cast” of old pal Kate Hudson and new friend Mandy Patinkin.
The movie from Focus Features opens Friday, July 18, in several cities (including Philadelphia) and around the country on July 25.
The atmosphere on the 26-day film shoot was warm and inviting and the actors say they easily bonded, despite the complicated and emotional issues they tackled.
Wish I Was Here is the story of Aidan Bloom, played by Zach Braff, a struggling actor, father and husband, who at 35 is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life. He ends up trying to home school his two children when his ill father can no longer afford to pay for private education and the only available public school is on its last legs. Through teaching them about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn’t find.
Hudson plays his wife, Sarah, and Patinkin portrays Zaff’s ailing father, Gabe. The movie also stars Josh Gad as Aidan’s quirky brother. Braff, best known for his movie Garden State, used a tender touch when he wrote and directed the heart-felt summer movie.
During a recent chat on a cool early summer day, Hudson, 35, was warm, friendly, thoughtful and stunning. She was sporting a gray and white Zimmermann mini dress/jumpsuit and three-inch beige stilettos she looked more like a model than an actress. When she got cold, she added a lilac cashmere sweater.
Everyone who spends time with Hudson – family members, co-stars, and directors, including Braff – is quick to comment on her ability to light up a room. With her winning smile, work ethic, good old-fashioned talent and family values – she is truly a winner.
“Kate is the nicest person you would ever want to meet. I fell in love with her in Almost Famous and it has continued through her career. Not only is she a beautiful woman but she has genuine acting chops,” says Braff.
One of the main messages of Wish I Was Here, is about living your life in the moment, and without regrets, something that Kate has been pretty good at for a long time.
What would you say this movie is all about?
KATE HUDSON: What does it all mean? It is something that I really related to because I grew up in a very, very close family. And that is not without its challenges! Emotional challenges. And I think that, when you’re dealing with the difficulty of issues with your father and connecting with your father that’s something that I definitely relate to. So I had a lot to draw from.
The movie is about love, grief, and other major life lessons. Please talk about having no regrets as a major theme in the movie.
KH: I like that no regrets thing. And I think too, that the one thing that is so beautiful about the regrets element is the one thing that is so beautiful about spirituality and religion. And it’s that you have this blanket of safety. And where there’s a fearlessness within it. Because you feel the comfort of a belief and faith in something. And a comfort in unity.
How so?
KH: Well, in Western civilization, in certain pockets, it’s definitely very much challenging to some people. And if you’re coming at it scientifically, I think that a lot of what drives you becomes fear based. Because we are fright and flight creatures.
How intense was that hospital dying scene for you with Mandy’s character, your father-in-law when you were basically urging him not to have regrets during his final hours of life?
KH: Yeah, I think that scene was very, it was very well written. For me, it’s those moments when you’re working on a picture. And there’s the day that you really look forward to. And it’s also the day that gets you a little bit, you know, sweaty. Because you really want to embody all these things.
That scene struck you from the beginning.
KH: Yes. When I read the script, it was such an important scene. And that kind of catapulted everything that sort of started coming together. And when I read that, it really got me. You know, in the script, just in terms of storytelling. And then me, just even personally, being able to relate to the depth. Of what it is to need that connection
Did playing a stressed out parent in Wish I Was Here make you question your own life as a parent at all?
KH: I think it’s important to try to be both a parent and a friend. But I do believe that you should be a figure of authority. In terms of the decision making, and the discipline. Only because I believe it creates a security, for children. That even through, as we all know, kids test the limits.
Can you give me an example?
KH: My little one [Bingham] is three. And he starts, you know, pushing the envelope. He’s starting to have his little tantrums over nothing. And [my 10-year-old son] Ryder, as he’s getting older into his pre-teens, you see how your children sort of try to manipulate a situation. And you have to be so present with it. And you want to encourage as a friend, that relationship. But you know that will come, as they get older.
Please tell me more.
KH: Whereas now, in the developmental years, I do believe that it’s being a parent that is crucial. It’s a dance, isn’t it? So with children, it’s a dance that you play with them. Obviously, every parent has a different way of doing it. But for me, I think the focus is encouraging their instincts. The good instincts, where you’re encouraging kindness. Or encouraging their ability to allow them to express themselves. And to hear them. But at the same time, setting strong boundaries. And following through. And I think that allows children to actually, you know, feel like they’re safe. I mean; I could talk about parenting all day!
How did you first hook up with Zach Braff, and get lured into this movie?
KH: Zach and I have been friends for a really long time. Yep. That’s how it happened.
How much in love are you with this film?
KH: Oh, I love that question! I think that it started for me when I read the script. I was on vacation with my family, and Zach sent it to me. And I was immediately proud. In terms of the stories that Zach wants to tell, the movie just validated and reiterated why we’ve connected in the way we’ve connected.
What is it like seeing this film coming together and making an impact? How is that since you are such a close friend of Zach Braff?
KH: Over the years knowing someone, loving someone, and watching his authenticity come out. And his creativity work it’s inspiring. And it makes you as a friend, so excited for your friend when something really comes together. And it becomes a far more emotional experience, than when you just read a great script on its own. So I think that the level of pride; is almost…difficult to describe! I’m “kvelling!” I’m thrilled! I’m very proud of it. I’m also proud of it in the sense that I think it has really relevant themes.
So what are you up to with your kids this summer?
KH: This summer? Oh, we’re doing Europe. We’re doing a lot of traveling over seas. I’m working in Europe this summer, on a movie.
Where will you be?
KH: I guess I can say where I’m shooting? I’ll be shooting in Morocco. In fact, I was just getting the rap on food in Morocco!
That sounds wonderful.
KH: Yeah. It will be interesting; a true adventure.
And you’re taking the little guy with you?
KH: I’m taking the little guy! And the big guy!
The post Family Time with Kate Hudson in Wish I Was Here also appeared on PCM Reviews.