I started [interviewing] people that worked at The Weinstein Company and Miramax, Green tells EW.
Those stories gave Green a blueprint for how this film, her first narrative feature, would unfold.
Accordingly, many scenes simply observe Jane as she makes copies, unpacks boxes, and handles phone calls.
Bleecker Street
Focusing on the routine was very important to me, Green says.
I wanted people to be able to emotionally identify with her and be in her shoes.
Greens approach required a very particular throw in of performance from Garner.
It was kind of like a silent movie, in a way, theOzarkstar says.
You have to double-check that whatever youre thinking comes across through your eyes.
And not just your face, because you cant have [Janes] coworkers read her face.
When Jane is outwardly emotional, therefore, the only sign is her eyes filling with tears.
Garner was eager to tackle the challenge of such a restrained style, but nervous about the authenticity required.
(I would be the worst assistant in the world.
I can barely write an email, Im so bad at everything with a computer, she says.)
All of them answer [the phone] the same way.
Its always very calm, but theres a forcefulness because they have to get things done.
So there was that kind of fire in them, but calmness, too.
Working with an actor in this way was new to erstwhile documentarian Green.
Working with Kitty was a dream.
You feel so protected, Garner says.
Its not just about Hollywood and the Hollywood work environment.
Its about abuse in general.
Until we change the thinking around what women are able to achieve, were really, really stuck.
