Anthony Edwards and Uma Thurman in Motherhood

Anthony EdwardsToday I got the distinct pleasure of talking to Anthony Edwards about his role in the upcoming movie, “Motherhood”, co-starring Uma Thurman and Minnie Driver. According to Anthony, his character in the movie is a “well-intentioned guy who forgets a lot of stuff”. His wife joked that the role was an example of type-casting for the movie when they first read the script together. Anthony talked about how being a father and life experiences make the art of acting more rich and “real”. He said he took the part because the movie and its characters “seemed to be organic and real”. After speaking with Director Katherine Diekmann last week, and Anthony today, I definitely get the feeling this movie is something special. From what I gather, the movie’s origins of an all female writer/director/producer and female stars lend credibility, realism, and humor to motherhood not yet seen on screen.

Anthony talked about the difference of filming this movie on location in New York versus Hollywood, as well as the absence of a boardroom table full of men discussing a movie featuring the topic of motherhood. Anthony’s candor and sensitivity to his wife, and mothers worldwide, is refreshing and reassuring that outside of the Hollywood “spotlight” genuine people exist in place of “stars”. Anthony is passionate about women’s empowerment in third world countries, and is focusing his philanthropy efforts on building Africa’s first public children’s hospital.

Anthony asked me to help spread the word that he’d like people consider donating only $10 toward the cause. His idea is to get 500,000 people to donate only $10, and the hospital will be covered! He is running in the New York City marathon on November 1, 2009 in support of his fundraising efforts. For more information you can go to shoe4africa.org

When Motherhood Gets Tough, Go To a Movie

katherineI was recently invited to participate in a phone call with Hollywood movie writer and director, Katherine Diekmann (seen left with her kids) to discuss the soon to be released movie “Motherhood”. With a release date of of October 23, 2009, the buzz around this movie is building as we learn it’s based on realistic motherhood scenarios. Starring Uma Thurman, Anthony Edwards, and Minnie Driver, “Motherhood” looks to be funny and witty mixed with a huge dose of reality.

During the call with Ms. Diekmann, I was surprised at how easily I could relate to her life as a mother. Our lives are worlds apart, yet tied in a special bond that is motherhood. She’s gearing up for the release of her movie, and I’m hoping my frozen lasagna defrosts in time for supper. She packs her kids lunches and send them off to school, and guess what? I do the same thing. Uma Thurman’s kids are school age as well, so most of their kids (cast and crew’s kids) were in school rather than on the set of this movie. They did like to hang out in the snack tent after school, where every snack imaginable was provided for the cast and crew. What kids wouldn’t love that? I know my kids would have to be pried out of there too.

I am excited at the prospect of another interview next week with one of the star actors. While the details are being finalized, I am having fun sharing my excitement with you.  I have yet to see the movie trailer on tv, but I’ve been allowed to post it here for you to take a peek.

Katerine Diekmann is best known for her 2007 movie “Diggers” starring one of my favorites, Paul Rudd.

I have loved watching “Motherhood” leading actress, Uma Thurman, in “Kill Bill”, “Pulp Fiction”, and “The Truth About Cats and Dogs”.

“Motherhood” leading actor, Anthony Edwards, has long been a favorite of mine as Dr. Greene on “ER”, Goose in “Top Gun”, and of course, my own personal cult classics; “The Sure Thing”, “Gotcha”, “Revenge of the Nerds”, and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”.

Minnie Driver, also starring in “Motherhood”, is best remembered by me in her role in “Good Will Hunting”. For my girls, they loved Minnie in “Ella Enchanted”, which we’ve watched over and over again.

Katherine Diekmann states, “My goal as a filmmaker is to explore the full dimensionality of my characters’ lives with as much humor and empathy as possible, always with an eye to socially real circumstances.” That alone has me planning to schedule a Mom’s Night Out to see this movie and celebrate/commiserate with my friends. After all, I’m snacking on dry fruit loops and writing this post, while my 20 month old stuffs fruit loops and puzzle pieces into my desk drawer.

So, who wants to go see this with me?