"Arrival" producer, Shawn Levy called in from the Upside Down while directing on the set of Netflix's "Stranger Things" to talk about the, ahem, arrival of the movie's many Oscar nominations.
Q: This is a big day for "Arrival." Did you see it coming?
A: It's a good day! Given the ride we've been on since our festival premieres in the fall, we certainly hoped that it might all lead to a day like today. It was never something we contemplated over the past five years that it took to get this movie made, but seeing the reaction to our film, both commercially and critically, it definitely stoked the flames of hope. And today has us over the moon happy.
Q: Where were you when you got the good news?
A: I'm also directing "Stranger Things" right now, and I am literally in the Upside Down today. I got the news of our Oscar nomination in the Upside Down.
Q: How have others from the film reacted?
A: My first call was from Amy (Adams) who is so thrilled with the various ways in which the movie is being recognized and nominated. Amy is the most giving, gracious human being, and I personally feel like "Arrival" in anchored in every frame by Amy Adams, so to acknowledge the movie to the extent that the Academy has, is an acknowledgement of Amy's genius.
Q: Given the nuance and layers of meaning reflected in "Arrival," do you feel that the film is particularly timely?
A: I do. We never knew the extent to which a movie about communication, collaboration, and the duality of fear and hope would be topical. The movie has turned out to be so much more timely than we ever imagined, but I'm grateful for that. "Arrival" is about the obstacles to connection and communication, and the overcoming of those obstacles. What better lesson can we ask for?
Q: How will you celebrate?
A: I'm literally going to celebrate by continuing to direct "Stranger Things" all day, and then I will have a very cold beer after wrap.
