When she was 27 years old she found Harry and also her place in the world by becoming one of the most beloved actresses of her generation. Meg Ryan was America's sweetheart, the charming blonde who fell in love with Billy Crystal, Tom Hanks, Kevin Kline and Dennis Quaid on the big screen and who seduced viewers around the world for decades after her unforgettable fake orgasm in the restaurant. Katz's Delicatessen in Manhattan. Now, at 62 years old and after a time away from the movies to take care of her children, Ryan returns with What Happens Next, a film in which she is the protagonist and that she also directs.
The actress plays Willa, a woman who travels to Boston. When she is at the airport a snowstorm falls and all flights are cancelled. Trapped in the waiting room, she has a new encounter, this time with Bill, played by David Duchovny, a love from her youth who left her years ago, she doesn't really know why. Willa and Bill have no choice but to talk and, little by little, they understand each other better and begin the path towards forgiveness and reconciliation.
Ryan visited the BCN Film Fest and gave an interview to La Vanguardia where he talks about his new work and many other things.
You have had a successful career as an actress. What has now led you to also become a film director?
It has been a very natural progression. I love cinema and directing has been a totally different challenge than acting. Furthermore, in this film I have also had the opportunity to write the script. What Happens Next is based on a play by Steven Dietz. When I took on the project I felt that it was necessary to focus the story and recreate the plot and the characters. It was great, a real artistic, creative, intellectual and emotional challenge.
You made the decision to move away from the movies to take care of your children. He regrets?
I look back and I'm glad I did it.
The film talks about mature loves and second chances. Do you see yourself reflected in those themes?
Life is always giving me chances, second, third, fourth, fifth chances. I have two sons. The oldest is 10 years older than the youngest and I have been a very different mother with each of them. She protected Jack, she went after him to see what he needed: “Do you want more water? Do you need another towel?” With Daisy it was different because I understood that it wasn't about that.
His son Jack Quaid is also an actor. Is she happy that she chose her parents' profession?
I am very proud of the way she works, of the fact that she doesn't take anything for granted. And I tell you that here, but if we were sitting quietly in the kitchen of my house, the conversation would be different and you would see how far my enthusiasm goes.
Some of his greatest hits such as When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail or Something to Remember were written or directed by Nora Ephron. Has he been your guide when it comes to writing and directing?
I learned a lot from Nora. When you were on set working with her you didn't want to leave. It was like being at a dinner party where you like all the dishes. It created a happy, comfortable atmosphere, something that is essential when filming a comedy. I have tried to make my set like Ephron's because there is a very special state of joy when you see that the entire team of the film takes it seriously and wants to make it happen.
What was filming like for What Happens Next?
We shot in 20 days and we had very little money. It seemed impossible, but there was such good vibes in the team that we did it. We filmed in Arkansas in a combination between the real airport and the Crystal Bridges museum and it was very difficult to combine the two locations with such a small budget, but the local people helped us. Children and sports teams came to collaborate. It was incredible.
The chemistry between you and David Duchovny in the film is undeniable. Who is your favorite of all the actors you have worked with?
With each actor it is different. In fact, with anyone you meet you have a different chemistry. I have been very lucky with Duchovny, because he is a ten, an incredible actor, a great professional and also very good company. He was a great support throughout filming, because with only two people on screen throughout the film the degree of difficulty is enormous. To which is added the fact that the story takes place in the present, but is really about the past. He can overcome all those obstacles thanks to David, I felt like I could depend on him and that generated trust that is the first step to having chemistry.
Have you ever gone back to Katz’s Delicatessen where you filmed that famous orgasm scene with Billy Crystal?
I have never returned. My son went once and called me from there to say, “I'm right there.” When we shot that scene we laughed a lot, but we never thought it would capture people so much. It really was a very lucky moment.
When Harry Met Sally is one of your most memorable films, but which is your favorite?
It's hard to say because every film you make becomes a lesson. All the ones I have done are very different and I have not had bad experiences. But I remember When a Man Loves a Woman (Alice Green, 1994) where I played an alcoholic woman and I realize that it is fun to make a drama and also that it is much easier than comedy, because finding the tone is easier .
