In the world of Hollywood, collaborations and unexpected influences can often result in cinematic gems. This time, the unexpected collaborator is none other than former U.S. President Barack Obama, whose script notes have left an indelible mark on an upcoming Netflix disaster movie.
Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind how Barack Obama’s insights played a pivotal role in shaping the movie, “Leave The World Behind.”
The Unconventional Influence: Barack Obama’s Script Notes
Imagine getting feedback on your movie script from a former U.S. president!
Director Sam Esmail, the creative force behind the Netflix movie “Leave The World Behind,” recently shared some intriguing insights into how Barack Obama influenced the production. Surprisingly, the former president went beyond being just an observer; he actively contributed script notes that would help refine the movie.
Esmail recounted, “In the original drafts of the script, I definitely pushed things a lot farther than they were in the film, and President Obama, having the experience he does have, was able to ground me a little bit on how things might unfold in reality.” This revelation underscores the unique perspective Obama brought to the table, grounded in his real-world experience.
A Presidential Reading List: Obama’s Connection to the Source Material
To understand how Obama’s involvement came about, we need to rewind to 2021 when the former president shared his summer reading list. Among the literary gems featured on his list was “Leave The World Behind,” a novel by Rumaan Alam. This nod from Obama elevated the book’s profile and ultimately led to the creation of the movie.
Esmail revealed that Obama’s appreciation for the book significantly influenced his approach to the movie adaptation. The former president, it seemed, was not just offering script notes out of obligation but as a genuine fan of the source material.
“He had a lot of notes about the characters and the empathy we would have for them,” Esmail said. This human touch added depth to the characters, ensuring the audience would connect with them on a deeper level.
The Impact of Presidential Feedback: A Director’s Perspective
Imagine receiving script notes from someone as esteemed as Barack Obama. For Esmail, it was a bit intimidating. He shared, “To hear an ex-president say you’re off by a few details… I thought I was off by a lot! The fact that he said that scared the [expletive] out of me.” Obama’s involvement not only improved the script but also heightened the stakes for the entire production team.
“Leave The World Behind”: What to Expect
The movie “Leave The World Behind,” set to release on Netflix in December, boasts a star-studded cast, including Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali. It’s a gripping tale of a couple whose idyllic vacation takes a harrowing turn when a catastrophic disaster strikes. Seeking refuge with another family, they must navigate the unknown together.
The movie is based on Rumaan Alam’s novel and is the first fictional project to come from Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground Productions. With Obama’s influence, it promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Premiere and Streaming Details
Excitingly, “Leave The World Behind” will have its world premiere at AFI Fest in October, offering a sneak peek at what promises to be an engaging film. For the rest of us eager to see the movie, mark your calendars for December 8, when it will be available for streaming on Netflix.
In the world of film, unexpected collaborations can often lead to extraordinary results. Barack Obama’s script notes have not only enriched the upcoming disaster movie but also added a unique layer of authenticity.
As we eagerly await its release, we can only imagine how the former president’s insights will come to life on the screen, making “Leave The World Behind” a must-watch event in December.
