Clooney reflects on time and legacy in 'Jay Kelly'

HOLLYWOOD:

George Clooney stars as an ageing actor confronting his past in Netflix's new drama 'Jay Kelly', but the Hollywood veteran insists he himself has no plans to dwell on yesterday.

"I'm not really ready to look backwards and sort of rest on it," the 64-year-old actor told AFP at the film's premiere during the American Film Institute festival in Los Angeles. "I sort of enjoy looking forward and seeing what's coming next," he added.

Directed by Noah Baumbach, 'Jay Kelly' delves into the emotional crisis of a performer nearing the end of a long career. Clooney's character, haunted by regrets and a fractured relationship with his daughters, embarks on a soul-searching journey through Europe.

Along the way, he drags along his manager, played by Adam Sandler, and his press agent, played by Laura Dern, while reflecting on loneliness, mistakes and the toll of fame.

"I'm lucky enough not to be as unhappy as he is," Clooney said, drawing a line between himself and his character. "I have really good friends and people that I like - I don't feel as isolated as he is."

Sandler, 59, who co-stars in the film, said it captures a theme that resonates with both the cast and audience - the passage of time. "It's interesting watching an actor like him get older on camera," Sandler said. "But I don't look back at work I wish I would have done."

Instead, he added, "I do say... time is ticking, let's make sure we get it all in there - not just in movies, but in family and life. And if we're doing films, let's do ones that bring joy to people."

'Jay Kelly' marks Clooney's latest collaboration with Baumbach and continues Netflix's streak of high-profile, character-driven dramas. The film will arrive on the streaming platform on December 5, following its theatrical release next month. AFP