Felicity Jones and Joel Edgerton talk AI, dual screen watching, and their film’s environmental message

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In their new movie, Train Dreams, actors Joel Edgerton, 51, from Australia, and Felicity Jones, 42, who was born in Birmingham, England, transport audiences to the American West during the early days of railroads.

This film, based on a story by American author Denis Johnson, follows Robert Grainier (played by Joel Edgerton), a man working as a logger and on the railroad in the Pacific Northwest, and his wife, Gladys. It’s a celebration of enduring hardship with quiet strength as the world around them rapidly changes.

Having both appeared in Star Wars projects—Joel in a movie and TV series, and Felicity in the film Rogue One—were you especially drawn to the idea of a realistic film focusing on a typical couple?

Joel Edgerton believes audiences connect with relatable, everyday stories. He suggests that there’s something admirable and even heroic about normal lives, asking if experiences like falling in love aren’t significant events in themselves.

It’s more important than ever to appreciate taking the time to be thoughtful and considerate, and Felicity Jones embodies that quality.

Most of us – probably around 99% – won’t become famous or be remembered in history books. But, as the movie It’s a Wonderful Life shows, a long life lived is a worthwhile journey in itself.

What can a film set in the early 1900s teach us about life today?

Life is heavily influenced by the era you live in. While we often feel in control, our options are actually quite limited and shaped by the changes in technology around us.

Joel believes Robert’s reaction to the chainsaw mirrors how many people feel about the rise of AI – a sense of fundamental threat to our existence.

If you were transported to that time, what would you miss from today’s world?

FELICITY Washing machines and dishwashers. Love those!

Joel loves the idea of having all music available instantly, but he wouldn’t be too upset if the internet went down. He actually dislikes having too many options – he finds it overwhelming, even in a bookstore. He prefers when someone recommends a book to him, like when he discovered ‘Train Dreams’ through a friend’s suggestion.

Joel, you first read this book back in 2014, and since then you’ve become a dad to four-year-old twins. How has becoming a father changed the way you think about the book’s ideas about family and keeping them safe?

The book is a deeply human look at violence, focusing on a good man caught in a tough situation and burdened by the weight of what happened. Revisiting it after becoming a father has given me a new perspective. While I feel more prepared to tackle the role, it’s also a bit frightening to confront my deepest fears through my work. I’ve often played fathers on screen, and now I’m determined to portray one authentically.

Robert is a man of few words. Was that a challenge to convey?

During the COVID lockdowns, I realized I actually preferred being at home and avoiding social interaction, except with my partner. I’d always thought of myself as an extrovert, but it turned out I was just putting on a show for others. I’m naturally more of a homebody and would be perfectly content spending all day indoors if I could.

Felicity, what was the experience like switching from the large-scale, four-hour movie The Brutalist to this smaller, more personal film?

It’s interesting because both films actually look at the American dream, but in very different ways. What’s great right now is that audiences seem to be craving unique and original movies.

Your roles look quite physically demanding — was that intimidating at all?

I was really attracted to the idea of living an active, outdoor lifestyle, and that’s a big part of why I enjoy it. Gladys approaches things very directly. She doesn’t get caught up in overthinking like many of us do today – she’s grounded and practical, but also very wise.

I grew up near a national park in Australia, spending my childhood catching tadpoles and making makeshift weapons. These days, my life is much calmer. I recently tried building a volcano kit with my kids, but even with the instructions, I managed to skip a crucial step!

Does living among nature appeal to you?

There’s a unique feeling that comes from living close to nature and understanding that everything is constantly changing. You become accustomed to the natural rhythm of life and death when you experience it every day.

I enjoy getting to know people from the countryside. You can usually tell who grew up in a rural area, even when you meet them in the city – they’re resourceful, practical, and tend to be straightforward.

Do you feel that there’s an environmental message about humanity’s impact on nature in this film?

Joel explains the film isn’t preachy or focused on delivering a single message. Instead, it’s a subtle reminder that despite our sense of control, humans are simply part of the natural world, like any other animal.

We’re connected to nature, and it’s important to treat it with respect. If we don’t, we’ll experience the consequences of its power.

Now that the film Train Dreams is coming to Netflix after its theatrical run, are you bothered by people watching it on smaller screens, like phones, or even while doing other things?

I can’t believe some people even use their phones in the movie theater! Seriously, the guy in row D, seat 11? Unforgivable! I just hope people can fully enjoy a movie without distractions when they’re watching it at home.

I truly believe a great story is the most important thing. If a story is compelling, it grabs your attention completely – you won’t even want to check your phone! That’s what I think is happening here; the characters and plot are so engaging that you just want to keep watching.

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2025-11-04 04:09