With his new film Mother’s Day set for release in the UK this Friday (June 10th), Flickering Myth’s Scott J. Davis sat down (well, on the phone at least) to chat with legendary director Garry Marshall (Overboard, Pretty Woman) to discuss his latest effort, some of his most famous projects, and working with the late Robin Williams.
Mother’s Day marks the third “holiday” themed film that Marshall has made in recent years after the success of 2010’s Valentine’s Day, which grossed over $216 million worldwide, and its follow-up New Year’s Eve, which made $142 million. But while Mother’s Day marks something of a trilogy, Marshall was looking more for a story about mothers than another holiday one:
“I wanted to do something about mothers. I found that a very interesting subject – how to be a parent today, in this case and how your relationships go on. The first person who loves you is your mother so you have to see if it stays that way or not.”
His new film as ever features a huge array of A-list talent, with his “lucky charm” Julia Roberts re-teaming with him again as does Kate Hudson, who featured in Marshall’s 2004 comedy Raising Helen. But Mother’s Day sees Marshall team for the first time with Jennifer Aniston, who he had wanted to work with ever since watching Friends:
“I didn’t know her so well but my sister Penny (Marshall) knows everybody! I was a big fan of Friends and I knew David Schwimmer from North Western University when I attended and I’m working now with Matthew Perry. She came and joined us and she’s a good actress – very genuine, always prepared but always seem she does it off the cuff but that is her talent!”
Over the years, Marshall has made some classics including 1987’s comedy Overboard, Pretty Woman and Beaches and when asked whether he has been asked about possible remakes of his film, he was pretty swift with his response:
“I think the word ‘derivative’ is very popular in Hollywood. I think there changing the Hollywood sign, it won’t say ‘Hollywood’ anymore it’s gonna say ‘derivative’. But yes they’ve talked about that – Overboard was one of my joys because we really made a funny film and once again the critics didn’t like it but now you can find that film anywhere you look on television!”
Through his career, Marshall has been involved in many famous films and television shows, ranging from The Dick van Dyke Show, Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley. But back in 1978 he created Mork and Mindy and discovered the talents of the late, great Robin Williams. Reminiscing on legendary comedian, Marshall said:
Williams: “I rarely cry but the last time I cried was when Robin left us. Even though the show (Happy Days) had Scott Baio and Henry Winkler, everybody stood up when Robin was introduced – that was good indication that he was pretty special and he was!”
In terms of the future, Marshall hopes his “holiday” films are over and wants to return to love stories as well as potentially making the long-discussed third Princess Diaries film with Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews:
“I hope not to do another holiday film! Another love story A murder-mystery that’s a love story that might happen
Julie, Annie and I related to that film but there’s no film yet, Disney did not give it the “OK” but they’re working on it.”
Originally published June 6, 2016. Updated October 26, 2022.
