The film Jay Kelly tells the story of a famous actor who, along with his team, embarks on a journey to Europe. This trip becomes not only a professional challenge but also an opportunity to come to terms with his own past and restore lost connections. The main character reconsiders the key moments that led to his success and feelings of loneliness.
The film touches on themes of lost relationships and unspoken regrets, as well as exploring the fragile balance between public persona and real identity.
George Clooney appears as a charming and attentive conversationalist. The discussion about the film Jay Kelly and George's views on life was very exciting for me.
Interview
Asel: Hello, George.
George: Hi, how are you?
Asel: It’s a great honor for me.
George: It’s an honor for me too.
Asel: In the film Jay Kelly, there’s a thought that the most important turns in life often happen at moments when we don’t pay proper attention to something. How do you recognize such moments in your life?
George: You know, I often marvel at people who don’t notice this. In my opinion, relationships with loved ones are the most important thing in life. Of course, you need to work and strive for your dreams. But don’t forget that family and friends should always come first.
Asel: When was the last time you surprised yourself?
George: Just now (laughs). Seriously, at this age, it’s hard to be surprised by something. But I suppose it happened when I first stepped onto Broadway. I was very nervous. At this stage of my career, it’s nice to do something you’re not sure you can do. I had to perform one hundred and ten shows on Broadway, and it was a real challenge.
Asel: You’ve seen many actors become stars. In your opinion, can you predict in advance who will truly shine?
George: Yes, you can. It’s funny, but it’s not always clear what makes someone a star. Sometimes you look at a person and just know: this person is a star!
I remember when I first saw Timothée Chalamet. I thought right away: he’s going to be a star. Or Zendaya, she’s also a star. Such personalities are rare. It’s interesting to watch the industry evolve year by year.
Asel: If you could recognize a sense of regret in advance, what would you consider before making a decision?
George: We all make mistakes. That’s normal; the main thing is to learn from them.
We truly learn more lessons from our mistakes than from anything else. It’s important to avoid catastrophic mistakes that can ruin relationships with loved ones.
If such a mistake happens, it’s important not to repeat it.
Asel: Thank you. And finally: you have many fans in Kyrgyzstan and throughout Central Asia.
George: Really? That’s nice to hear. I’ve never been to Kyrgyzstan, but I would love to visit your country.
Asel: Welcome! We look forward to seeing you.
George: I’ll come and we’ll meet there!
Asel Sherniyazova is the co-founder and managing director of the Asian Film Festival in Los Angeles, as well as a representative of AKIpress on the advisory board of the Golden Globe Awards.
