Quick Read
- Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler in a film about memory and fame.
- Netflix will premiere Jay Kelly in restored historic theaters worldwide, screening exclusively on 35mm film before streaming.
- Clooney, in interviews, links the film’s themes to his own reflections on aging, marriage, and public criticism.
- Jay Kelly debuted at the Venice Film Festival, sparking strong Oscar momentum.
- Screenings will include limited-edition film programs, celebrating cinema heritage.
George Clooney Returns: ‘Jay Kelly’ and the Magic of Memory on 35mm
There’s something magnetic about seeing a film the way it was meant to be seen. In an era when streaming services dominate and movie theaters fight for relevance, Netflix’s upcoming exclusive 35mm run of Jay Kelly feels almost rebellious—a defiant love letter to cinema’s golden age. Directed by Noah Baumbach and starring George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Billy Crudup, and Laura Dern, the film is set to premiere at historic theaters across the globe before it hits streaming. But Jay Kelly is more than a technical throwback; it’s a story about memory, fame, and the transformative power of age, both on and off the screen.
The Heart of Jay Kelly: Fame, Reflection, and the Passage of Time
At its core, Jay Kelly traces the journey of a celebrated movie star—played with characteristic nuance by Clooney—who finds himself at a crossroads. The plot unfolds as a meditation on the meaning of legacy, the fleeting nature of celebrity, and the bittersweet nostalgia that comes with looking back. Shot and printed on classic 35mm Kodak film stock, Baumbach’s dramedy is visually lush, weaving together the tactile warmth of analog cinema with themes of introspection and self-discovery.
As Netflix revealed, screenings will take place at legendary venues such as the Egyptian and Paris Theatres in Los Angeles and New York, as well as restored movie palaces from Berlin to Tokyo. The company describes the release as “an homage to cinema’s golden age,” and director Baumbach echoes this sentiment: “Going to the movies in one of these theaters is a singular moviegoing experience and is to be treasured and supported. Jay Kelly is in part a celebration of the medium and this theatrical run feels like a further celebration.” (GeekTyrant)
Clooney’s Perspective: Aging, Marriage, and Professional Evolution
For Clooney, the film’s themes aren’t just fictional. In a candid CBS News interview, the 64-year-old actor spoke openly about aging and its effect on his marriage to renowned human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. “You have to let go of that, you know, if you’re hanging on to any kind of vanity at 64 years old … you’re chasing your tail, man. It’s going to bite you.”
He describes a newfound serenity in his personal life—a sense of groundedness that he credits with strengthening his relationship. “We’ve never had a fight. We’ve never had an argument. And some of it is because I’m at this point in life, where if she wants to paint a wall red, I don’t care.” Clooney’s attitude is one of acceptance and support, a departure from the ego-driven disputes of youth. “When I was younger, I don’t know that that would have been the case. I think I would have found things to, you know, stick my chest out about that I can now go, it doesn’t matter. I don’t care.” (InStyle)
This sense of maturity and perspective feeds directly into his portrayal in Jay Kelly, where the character’s journey mirrors the actor’s own willingness to embrace change and let go of old insecurities.
Hollywood Legacy Meets Streaming Revolution
The rollout of Jay Kelly is more than just a movie premiere—it’s a strategic statement about the future of film. Netflix has carefully curated its screening locations, choosing venues that not only evoke the glamour of classic Hollywood but also serve as living artifacts of cultural heritage. Attendees will receive limited-edition film programs, further cementing the event’s vintage authenticity.
As Baumbach notes, “It is incredibly meaningful to have Jay Kelly screened in so many historic movie palaces around the world.” The event’s international scope underscores the universal resonance of the film’s themes: memory, fame, and the desire to be remembered. Moviegoers in cities from London to Mexico City will share in the experience, connecting through the tangible magic of celluloid.
Industry insiders are already predicting Oscar momentum for Jay Kelly, thanks in part to its acclaimed debut at the Venice Film Festival. Netflix is positioning the film alongside other prestige releases like Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, signaling a renewed commitment to theatrical experiences as a complement to its streaming empire. (Variety)
Clooney’s Civic Voice: Politics, Criticism, and Public Responsibility
Off-screen, Clooney’s recent political activism has added another layer to his public persona. In a high-profile New York Times op-ed, he urged President Joe Biden to step aside in the 2024 election, later defending his stance in interviews with CBS News and CNN. “It was a civic duty … That’s the deal, you have to take your stand if you believe in it. Take a stand, stand for it and then deal with the consequences.”
His op-ed drew sharp criticism from Hunter Biden, sparking a heated exchange that Clooney ultimately downplayed. “I don’t think looking backwards like that is helpful to anyone, particularly to him. I don’t think it’s helpful for the Democratic party, and so I’m just gonna wish him well on his ongoing recovery and I hope he does well and just leave it at that.” (Deadline)
For Clooney, the willingness to weather public scrutiny is part of his evolving sense of purpose—a reflection of the same vulnerability and honesty that animates his performance in Jay Kelly.
Celebrating Cinema: From Venice to the World
The anticipation surrounding Jay Kelly isn’t just about its star-studded cast or Oscar buzz. It’s about what the film—and its unique rollout—represents: a bridge between the nostalgia of old Hollywood and the innovation of modern streaming. By resurrecting 35mm screenings in palatial theaters, Netflix is inviting audiences to rediscover the communal joy of moviegoing, while Baumbach’s narrative challenges viewers to reflect on their own legacies and relationships.
George Clooney’s journey, both in real life and on screen, serves as a potent metaphor for aging gracefully, embracing change, and finding meaning in the act of looking back. As audiences worldwide prepare to step into these storied cinemas, Jay Kelly stands poised to become more than just a film—it’s a celebration of memory itself.
Jay Kelly’s global theatrical release is a rare convergence of Hollywood tradition and contemporary relevance, underscoring both the enduring power of film and the importance of personal evolution. In bringing together the intimacy of Clooney’s reflections and Baumbach’s cinematic vision, the film invites us all to reconsider what it means to leave a mark—on the screen, and in life.