About The Rewrite

The Rewrite is a 2015 romantic comedy film directed by Marc Lawrence. It tells the story of a Hollywood screenwriter, Keith Michaels(Hugh Grant), who is past his prime. After failing to find work in Hollywood, he starts teaching screenwriting at Binghamton University. Struggling initially, Keith finds solace and a new lease of life through his interactions with his students and a mature relationship with a single mom, Holly Carpenter (Marisa Tomei).

Making/Production

The movie was distributed by Image Entertainment and produced by Liz Glotzer and Martin Shafer. It was shot in New York, depicting the charm and simplicity of the small-town college it was set in.

Actors

• Hugh Grant as Keith Michaels: Grant portrays a washed-up writer convincingly and brings his quintessential British charm and wit to the role.
• Marisa Tomei as Holly Carpenter: Tomei plays a single mother and mature student, brimming with optimism and energy. Her performance brings together different facets of her multifaceted character.
• Allison Janney as Mary Weldon: Janney plays the strict college chair, providing perfect foil to Grants' casual approach.
• J.K. Simmons as Dr. Lerner: Simmons delivers a comedic performance as Dr. Lerner, the university's constantly cheerful and optimistic head.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• This is the fourth film where Hugh Grant and the director, Marc Lawrence, have worked together.
• The university scenes were shot at Binghamton University in New York.
• Despite playing a professor, Grant admitted he found the academic language his character uses confusing.

Quotes

• "You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood." - Keith Michaels
• "What mood is that?" - Holly Carpentar
• "Last-minute panic." - Keith Michaels

Music/Soundtrack

• "You've Thrown It All Away" - Written by Bill LaBounty and Roy Freeland
• "Binghamton" - Written and Performed by Clyde Lawrence
• "Comin' Home Baby" - Written by Bob Dorough and Ben Tucker