In the realm of literature, few authors hold the power to shape generations of readers and ignite a spark of self-discovery quite like Judy Blume. Her seminal work, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," has been a guiding light for countless young minds, and now, with the much-anticipated film adaptation, a new wave of audiences is set to embark on a journey, guided by the deft hand of director Kelly Fremon Craig.
A Beloved Tale Finds Its Way to the Silver Screen
It's immediately evident that Fremon Craig’s passion for Judy Blume's work runs deep. Her love affair with the book began at the tender age of eleven, and like so many others, she found solace and companionship in the pages of Margaret's coming-of-age tale. Somebody was saying all the things that I was feeling but was too scared to say out loud. Thank God I'm not alone," she says. “I just felt like somebody was saying all the things that I was feeling but was too scared to say out loud.”
A Revolution of Relatability
Fremon Craig eloquently describes the intergenerational impact of Blume's writing, which extended beyond mere storytelling. “I was just always struck by the absolute, sometimes startling honesty that she wrote with,” she says. “Having somebody talk about it was a big deal. It felt revolutionary, and it also gave us permission to talk about it.”
The author's unflinching honesty about the human experience allowed readers to explore sensitive themes like puberty, religion, and adolescence with newfound bravery. It's this very revolution of relatability that Fremon Craig aims to capture in her adaptation.
The North Star: Honoring the Spirit of the Novel
Adapting a beloved novel for the big screen can be daunting, especially when it's Judy Blume's cherished work. Fremon Craig admits she initially struggled with the weight of responsibility, fearing any alteration might desecrate the source material. “What became my guiding mantra was to try to deliver the spirit of the book, even when certain changes were necessitated by the process of adapting it,” she says. “Sitting down to write it, I was paralyzed at the beginning, because I love Judy Blume so much and I love the book so much, and it felt like every word I changed felt somehow sacrilegious. So there were a lot of stops and starts when I first sat down.”
Yet, she eventually found her guiding light: "Does it make you feel the way the book made you feel? If it does, then you're on the right path and you're doing right by the book," she says.
With this mantra in mind, Fremon Craig masterfully crafts an adaptation that retains the essence of Blume's words while introducing new elements to resonate with contemporary audiences.
A Talented Ensemble: Breathing Life into Iconic Characters
Fremon Craig's prowess as a director shines through when she discusses her talented ensemble. With stars like Kathy Bates, Rachel McAdams, and Abby Ryder Fortson joining the cast, the film promises a powerhouse performance. “Every day when you get to set, it's exciting to see what they're going to bring to the table,” she says.
Fremon Craig reveals her secret to bringing authenticity to the characters—encouraging improvisation. “My favorite thing is the surprises that come out of that collaboration. And I also really love to encourage the actors to improvise and riff and play because I find that it keeps the whole scene alive. And often things come out of that improvisation that I couldn't have written.” Her talents as a director lie not only in her creativity, but in her willingness to create a safe space for her actors to play and discover.
Sensitive Themes: Navigating the Waters of Puberty and Religion
Blume's novel delves into sensitive topics, and Fremon Craig admits that handling them delicately was paramount. As she explains, respecting the spirituality of the protagonist while allowing her to carve her own spiritual path was crucial. “When it came to religion and her spiritual journey, it was important to me that it was handled in a way that felt respectful and beautiful and honest,” she says.
“I really went to great lengths to make sure all the details are right in the different places of worship … It wasn't that she was rejecting religion or these specific religions as much as she just didn't have the feeling of the divine sitting there in these houses of worship. She felt God alone in her room. And that, to me, was moving. I love the way she sort of carves out her own sense of the divine.”
The essence of Judy Blume's writing lies in its ability to move hearts, spark conversations, and encourage self-discovery. Fremon Craig wants audiences to laugh, cry, and relate to the characters. “I think that's what Judy Blume does so beautifully … she writes with such an honesty that it's impossible not to relate. My hope is that the movie achieves that too.”
Like the novel, the film seeks to bridge the gap between generations, inviting families to sit together and explore the themes woven into the narrative. The film aims to foster a dialogue where young and old, male and female, can connect on the shared journey of growth and empowerment.
Judy Blume's legacy is timeless. Her words continue to resonate across generations, guiding young hearts through the labyrinth of adolescence. With Fremon Craig's directorial brilliance, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" promises to be an immersive and emotional journey for both devoted fans and newcomers alike.
Comments