Meg Ryan and David Duchovny, who were in a movie together called “What Happens Later,” were asked about their favorite romantic comedies after a special screening in New York City.
Duchovny made a joke about a controversial movie called “Last Tango in Paris.” Ryan, known for starring in romantic comedies like “When Harry Met Sally…,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “You’ve Got Mail,” mentioned that she loves the 1938 film “Bringing up Baby” with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
During the discussion, Ryan said she goes to the movies to feel emotions. She doesn’t want to learn something or be taught; she just wants to be moved or excited. She believes that movies are mostly about wonder and are like delicate, ethereal things.
She also talked about her experience directing a movie and how the magic of cinema happens in the audience’s part, with light and sound coming together to create something meaningful.
“What Happens Later” is a film they talked about. It’s about two ex-lovers, Bill and Willa, who meet unexpectedly at an airport, get stuck there overnight because of snow, and have to spend time together.
During the Q&A, they discussed whether the film is more of a romantic comedy or a drama. Duchovny jokingly suggested calling it a “rom-dram.” Ryan talked about the mature theme of two people trying to understand why they didn’t end up together after 20 years, which she believes is not something young people typically think about.
Duchovny suggested that young people would still enjoy the movie, and Ryan agreed that it’s also for them.
“What Happens Later” was announced by Ryan in 2022, eight years after her first directorial work in 2015 with “Ithaca.” She described the entire experience of making the movie as “magical.”
The movie is in theaters this Friday.
