Uma Thurman recently opened up about her initial apprehensions regarding working with the legendary filmmaker Paul Schrader on his latest project, ‘Oh, Canada’, which premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 5. Known for his iconic films like Taxi Driver and American Gigolo, Schrader has a reputation as a formidable and intense director, which made Thurman, 54, feel a bit anxious at first, as reported by People.
During a Q&A session at the premiere, Thurman admitted, “I mean, Paul Schrader! I’m a really big fan of Paul Schrader. So to get to contribute, to lend myself to his piece, and get to see him working was a real, real privilege.” The actress recalled feeling a bit nervous about working with Schrader, known for his “macho filmmaker” persona and celebrated legacy.
However, her anxiety took an unexpected turn when she discovered a softer side to Schrader—his admiration for Taylor Swift. Thurman shared that as she was on her way to her initial meeting with the director, her driver revealed this surprising detail. “A person driving me was Googling and she’s like, ‘Oh my God, he’s a huge Taylor Swift fan.’ I was like, ‘What?’ And then I read Paul’s quote or tweet about defending Taylor and I was like, ‘Oh, I’m fine,’” she recounted. This revelation helped Thurman feel more at ease, and it turned out to be a key icebreaker between the two creatives.
Thurman praised Schrader’s collaborative nature, describing him as “a big softie” who garnered deep respect from the cast and crew. “The cast and crew were all there for Paul and learned so much, just watching him as a master,” she noted, appreciating his methodical approach to filmmaking.
About ‘Oh, Canada’
‘Oh, Canada’ is an adaptation of the late Russell Banks’ novel Foregone. The drama stars Richard Gere as Leonard Fife, a documentary filmmaker reflecting on his life during a final interview with a former pupil, played by Michael Imperioli. The narrative explores Fife’s troubled past, including his decision to avoid the Vietnam War draft and the complexities of his personal relationships.
In addition to his directorial prowess, Schrader has openly shared his admiration for Taylor Swift, which has surprised many. In an interview with Variety, he described her influence, saying, “It’s not so much the music that entrances me, it’s the phenomenon. The Elvis-ness of it all.” He even posted about Swift on social media, noting how her journey from her debut album to superstardom could make for a compelling story, adding, “This girl became Taylor Swift. There’s a movie there.”
Reflecting on her time working with Schrader, Thurman emphasized how their shared interests helped forge a creative bond. “It was inspiring to work with Paul and to witness his mastery up close,” she remarked, appreciating the unexpected camaraderie that developed between them. As ‘Oh, Canada’ continues to generate buzz following its festival debut, Thurman’s insights into the collaborative spirit of the project add a personal touch to the film’s journey from page to screen, promising a captivating cinematic experience for audiences.
