Edward Burns Tackles the "Enormous Tininess of Real Life" in 'Millers in Marriage'
Edward Burns: Celebrating an Indie Filmmaking Icon
Meet Edward Burns, a filmmaker who truly deserves the spotlight. Emerging from the vibrant indie film scene of the early '90s, he made an unforgettable entrance with his debut, The Brothers McMullen, in 1995. This gem won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and clinched the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature that same year. Since then, Burns has crafted a remarkable career, directing, writing, and producing a total of fourteen feature films.
His most recent project, Millers in Marriage, premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival and tells the relatable story of three middle-aged couples navigating their marriages, ambitions, and personal identities in a new life phase. With a stellar cast featuring Patrick Wilson, Minnie Driver, Julianna Margulies, Benjamin Bratt, Morena Baccarin, and Gretchen Mol, Burns set out to create a film that resonates with midlife adults looking for representation on-screen.
During an engaging conversation with Perri Nemiroff at Collider, Burns discussed the intricacies of filmmaking and the evolution of art as he and his contemporaries approach their 50s. The duo delved into the perks and challenges of creating microbudget films, celebrated the emotional performances from the cast, and even touched on the influence of icons like Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks on his journey, particularly during their collaborative work on Saving Private Ryan.
PERRI NEMIROFF: Let’s get started! I’ve had the chance to see Millers in Marriage, but I know this is new for many viewers at TIFF. Can you share a brief synopsis of the film?
EDWARD BURNS: Absolutely! The film revolves around three married couples in their 50s, all related. You May Like: