Blue Jay

About Blue Jay

Blue Jay is a romantic drama film released in 2016 and directed by Alex Lehmann. The film tells the story of two former high school sweethearts, Jim and Amanda, who unexpectedly reunite after 20 years. Over the course of a day spent reminiscing and reflecting on their past, they navigate through unresolved emotions and reevaluate their lives.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts about it
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music and Soundtrack

About

In Blue Jay, Jim and Amanda, portrayed by Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson respectively, find themselves in their hometown, Crestline, California. Their chance encounter sparks a whirlwind of memories and emotions that punctuate their bittersweet reunion.

The film explores themes of nostalgia, lost love, and the complexities of adult life. As Jim and Amanda reconnect, they confront the choices they made and the impact of their past on their present circumstances.

Through intimate conversations and shared experiences, Blue Jay provides a poignant depiction of two souls reassessing their paths and the enduring connection they share.

Making / Production

Blue Jay is a low-budget independent film that was shot in just seven days. The production team opted for a minimalist approach, with most of the filming taking place in a house in Crestline.

Director Alex Lehmann and writer Mark Duplass, who also stars in the film, collaborated closely to create an authentic and emotionally-driven story. With a focus on improvisation, the actors were allowed the freedom to delve into the characters' complex emotions, resulting in raw and realistic performances on screen.

Actors

• Mark Duplass as Jim - Duplass delivers a nuanced performance as Jim, a man carrying the weight of unresolved feelings from his past. He portrays Jim with vulnerability and authenticity.
• Sarah Paulson as Amanda - Paulson shines as Amanda, a woman who has built a new life for herself but is haunted by the nostalgia of her first love. She brings depth and emotional complexity to her character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts about it

• Blue Jay was filmed in black and white, adding to the nostalgic and timeless atmosphere of the story.
• The film was shot using handheld cameras, giving it an intimate and documentary-like feel.
• Mark Duplass and Alex Lehmann previously collaborated on the film "The Do-Deca-Pentathlon" before working together again on Blue Jay.

Awards

Blue Jay received critical acclaim for its heartfelt performances and compelling storytelling. Although it did not win any major awards, it was praised for its emotional authenticity and intimate portrayal of love and loss.

Quotes

• "Sometimes, we gotta go back to move forward." - Jim
• "Time is undefeated. It's undefeated. Tom Brady's gonna be in his fifties, and we're still gonna be talkin' about that Super Bowl 'gainst the Falcons." - Amanda
• "I needed you to be cool, and you weren't cool. You were just my big crazy love." - Jim

Music and Soundtrack

Blue Jay features a minimalist and subtle soundtrack that enhances the film's emotional impact. The score, composed by Julian Wass, contributes to the melancholic tone and reinforces the nostalgia and reflection portrayed on screen.

The film also incorporates several well-known songs that further deepen the emotional connection between the audience and the characters. These songs include "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy and "You and Me" by Penny & The Quarters.

Overall, Blue Jay is a captivating and introspective film that explores the complexities of love and adult life. Through its authentic performances, heartfelt dialogue, and nostalgic atmosphere, the film leaves a lasting impression on viewers and has become a favorite in the romantic drama genre.