Olivia Wilde: "We often seem to forget that our relationship is the result of our own decisions" [premium]

Olivia Wilde, known for her roles in "The O.C." and "House," has transitioned into directing with films like "Booksmart" and "Don't Worry Darling." Her latest directorial effort, "The Invite," which she also stars in alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, delves into marital problems and partner swapping. The film is based on Cesc Gay's Spanish movie "Sentimental."

“

Even before I read Rashida and Will's script, I wanted to see the film. That was important to me because I knew there had already been various remakes in different languages. My curiosity was automatically piqued, because a story can only be so universal that it can be transferred into different cultures if its core is of great truthfulness.

Wilde emphasized the importance of the original film's universality, noting that a story can only translate across cultures if its core is truthful. She was drawn to the original's wit and the simple, human premise that resonates globally. The English script, penned by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, offered her the creative space she desired for a workshop-style development, allowing for constant dialogue evolution through collaboration.

“

Gay's film is based on his own play and I was thrilled by how witty it is. And the premise is so simple and so human that I immediately understood why people around the world respond to it.

The film opens with an Oscar Wilde quote: "One should always be in love. That is why one should never marry." Wilde explained that this quote, placed at the beginning as a nod to Woody Allen's directorial style, is intended to be re-examined by the audience. She believes that by working on a relationship and avoiding stagnation, the state of being in love can be maintained, preventing marriage from becoming rigid or unromantic.

“

When I then read the English-language script, the appealing aspect for me was that it still gave me room to co-create. I had long dreamed of developing a film in a workshop style, with plenty of room for improvisation – and this was perfect for it.

Wilde shared that her views on marriage and long-term relationships have shifted. Consulting with psychotherapist Esther Perel, the film's development explored the concept of a long-term relationship comprising multiple distinct relationships. The idea of reinventing oneself within a partnership, a concept she encountered in a TED Talk years ago, has left a lasting impression. Consequently, she now holds a less cynical outlook on long-term commitments, finding comfort in the freedom for individual and couple growth.

“

And so the dialogues constantly changed, first in my work with Rashida and Will, but of course then again on set in collaboration with my ensemble.