Callum Turner Defends The Notebook as Serious Cinema
The Bond frontrunner explains why the romantic drama deserves more respect than critics give it, connecting the film to legendary filmmaker John Cassavetes' artistic legacy.
Callum Turner brings a certain intensity to every role he takes on, whether it's an indie drama or a major blockbuster. This focused approach has made him a standout performer and a top contender for the next James Bond. But Turner's artistic sensibilities extend beyond his own work – he has strong opinions about films that deserve more recognition than they typically receive.
A Romance Worth Defending
One movie that Turner champions might surprise people: The Notebook. While many dismiss this 2004 romance as overly sentimental, Turner sees something deeper. Speaking to Hero Magazine, he shared his perspective: "I love The Notebook, it's so good for so many different reasons."
The film faced the same fate as other successful romances like Titanic – despite massive box office success and cultural impact, critics often wrote it off as a "chick flick." But Turner recognizes artistic merit that others overlook.
The Cassavetes Connection
Turner's appreciation stems from the film's connection to legendary filmmaker John Cassavetes. Director Nick Cassavetes, John's son, brought his father's acting-focused philosophy to the project. "It's born out of Cassavete's ideology of acting, who is the godfather of indie film," Turner explained. "He was also an actor, and Gena Rowlands was his wife, who was in all his films."
This lineage runs deeper than just family ties. Gena Rowlands, whose performance in "A Woman Under the Influence" inspires countless actors, appears in The Notebook as the elderly version of the main character. Her casting creates a direct link between the romance and Cassavetes' acclaimed body of work.
Stellar Performances Drive the Story
Turner particularly praises the lead performances by Ryan Gosling and Amy McAdams. "They're both incredible in that film," he noted. While critics may have questioned the writing, the acting received widespread acclaim. The chemistry between Gosling and McAdams makes even the most emotional moments feel authentic rather than manipulative.
The film launched Gosling into stardom, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most versatile leading men. Turner recognizes this breakthrough performance as part of what makes the movie special, seeing past the surface-level romance to appreciate the craft underneath.