‘There have been various attempts to make this film’

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Joy is in cinemas now and on Netflix from Friday. Add it to your watchlist

I’ve come across actors who can truly adapt to a variety of roles, making it seem effortless whether they’re portraying one of the chilling TV villains of recent decades or bringing to life an eccentric real-life visionary who contributed significantly to 20th-century science.

And versatile is certainly a word that applies to James Norton. A year and a half after his performance as Tommy Lee Royce in the final season of Happy Valley terrified and captivated the nation  – and with an acclaimed theatre turn in the devastating A Little Life and key role in Bob Marley biopic One Love in between – he’s now starring in Joy, a Netflix original movie penned by Jack Thorne and Rachel Mason.

In this role, Norton portrays Robert Edwards, a scientist who, along with two colleagues, pioneered the technique of in-lab fertilization – commonly known as IVF – during the 1960s and 70s. Despite fierce criticism from the media, Church officials, and even fellow scientists, he persevered in his groundbreaking work.

In this movie, Thorne, Mason, and director Ben Taylor hold a special connection to the groundbreaking work performed by Edwards, Patrick Steptoe, and Jean Purdy, making it an exceptionally meaningful production for them.

In an exclusive interview with RT, Norton shares that he postponed his summer vacation to take on the role due to the powerful impact of the script.

Over the summer, following the completion of my previous project, I found myself diving headfirst into an extended, incredibly tense production.” (Movie Critic’s Perspective)

Everyone who interacted with him had advised that he should take a break, yet when the script arrived on his desk, he immediately recognized the enticing collaboration of writers, directors, and co-stars as something too appealing to pass up, despite initial reservations about whether the tale would prove entertaining enough for the big screen.

Norton personally has encountered numerous individuals who were conceived through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), making him acquainted with a multitude of babies, toddlers, and young children born from this process. However, he was previously uninformed about the backstory of the scientific discovery behind IVF and the challenges its pioneers encountered during their time. This newfound knowledge sparked his conviction in recognizing and honoring the credit these trailblazers deserve for their groundbreaking work.

The unique experiences of Thorne, Mason, and Taylor significantly deepened the movie-making process, adding a touch of intensity to the involvement of all parties.

He remarks, “Individuals were heading to work, returning home, and caring for these infants who wouldn’t exist without assistance, if you catch my drift – the world would be lacking their love. And when you consider that approximately 12 million children have entered the world through this method [In-Vitro Fertilization], it truly magnifies the impact.

Ben is at present filming in Albuquerque and he shared with me his struggles being away from his kids. It’s clear that Ben has an abundance of affection for his children. Jack, Rachel, and Eliot adore Ben deeply. A world devoid of such love seems absurd. This underscores the significance, on a small yet profound level, of this science. It’s amazing to consider the joy this specific scientific advancement has brought.

The title of the film is derived from Louise Brown’s middle name (the world’s first IVF baby), and it fittingly describes the production process as well. Norton developed an exceptionally strong rapport with co-stars Nighy and McKenzie, which appears to extend beyond the typical camaraderie shared by actors on a set, forming a friendship that seems more like a genuine bond.

Bill Night, Thomasin McKenzie and I have a WhatsApp group called the fallopians

“And he’d also definitely hate me saying that, but he’s just a lovely, lovely man, and is full of anecdotes and wise words, but also like sparkle and wit and just a complete pleasure to hang out with in the green room.

It turns out that last summer was quite challenging for me, so I decided to take a break. What I really needed, though, was some quality time with the amazing Bill Nighy! And let me tell you, Thomasin McKenzie is an exceptional actress who has since become a cherished friend of mine. We had a blast together, and it was truly a joyful experience. To this day, Bill, Thomasin, and I remain good friends.

We have a group chat named ‘The Fallopians’ where we frequently dine together. Over time, our friendship has endured. Occasionally, when working on a movie set, relationships blossom, only to be followed by a promise to stay connected. This rarely happens. However, Bill, Thomasin, and I have managed to keep in touch, and we are planning another dinner out. This is a testament to how well we’ve managed to recreate the bond and intimacy shared by those three characters on screen.

Initially encountering opposition, figures like Edwards, Steptoe, and Purdy were initially met with criticism as they persisted in their pursuit, despite increasing negative media coverage that fueled fear. In fact, this relentless reporting even strained the bond between one of them, her mother, who was deeply religious.

Since Edwards served as the public representative for the group, it was they who faced the brunt of any public scrutiny or backlash resulting from their project.

Norton holds high regard for all three individuals, referring to them as “pioneers” and “innovators,” acknowledging the immense debt we owe to them. Particularly impressive to him was their willingness to make significant personal sacrifices to guarantee the success of their project; something he doubts he would have been able to do himself.

He admits to being someone who generally strives to please others, but acknowledges that venturing out into the world and potentially disappointing many people takes remarkable courage. However, he understood just how crucial this action was for him.

One intriguing aspect about Bob that captivated me was his family composition: he had five daughters. This meant he hadn’t walked the path of infertility himself. Instead, he embodied the exact opposite – a man abundantly blessed with five remarkable, healthy offspring. However, I believe this wasn’t just a coincidence; it was his driving force as well. He cherished the happiness those kids had brought him and ardently believed that every individual who desired parenthood should have the chance to experience the same opportunity.

However, the resistance faced was substantial. It required an enormous investment of time, energy, and personal sacrifice, which unfortunately led to less time with his family. This strain on his relationships, particularly with his children and wife, was significant. Furthermore, it demanded an almost fanatical perseverance from all three of them. They found themselves having to disappoint or upset people they cared for deeply, such as Jean’s mother, among others.

Additionally, it’s truly noteworthy. They recognized the significance of their actions, and they were ready to make such a great compromise.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the role was digging into the man beyond the science, with Edwards portrayed as an affable but slightly odd character (one scene sees Purdy affectionately calling him a “very strange man”).

While getting ready to portray him, Norton overheard a variety of amusing stories, some of which he considered “unusually inappropriate due to their peculiarity.” However, what stood out the most was the strong attraction people seemed to have towards him.

He was adored profoundly by many, drawing from his infectious passion and vitality those around him. As he elaborates, this individual co-authored a book titled “A Matter of Life” with Patrick. However, Patrick’s sections in the book are quite academic and scientifically precise.

Another key finding from the study was the relentless dedication shown by Edwards in ensuring that Purdy, whose contributions to the project were frequently underappreciated, received due recognition. The film’s ending note details how he persistently advocated for her name to be enshrined on a plaque outside Kershaw’s Hospital, where most of their joint work took place. Remarkably, this goal was achieved in 2015, two years following Edwards’ demise and three decades after Purdy had passed away.

Considering his persistence, might he assume that Edwards would have appreciated the production of a movie where Purdy is prominently featured as the main character?

In my perspective, numerous efforts have been made to create this movie, to share this tale, yet it seems that the challenge lies in the assumption that one must approach it solely from the scientists’ perspectives, namely those of Bob and Patrick, who are well-known figures. However, I believe there’s room for a fresh narrative angle that resonates with a broader audience.

As a film enthusiast, I must say, the masterful touch lies in shining light on Jean Purdy and the remarkable ladies from the Ovum Club – a tribute to their selfless sacrifices in the early IVF trials. I can only imagine that Bob would be thrilled to see Jean honored in this way. Whether he’d approve of my portrayal of him, well, that remains to be seen. All I can say is I gave it my all to capture his essence – his warmth and kindness.

Mentioned earlier, Norton has been involved in a diverse range of film and television productions. Noteworthy roles include his extended stint on Grantchester, a prominent character in the 2016 BBC remake of War & Peace, and a secondary part in Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed, Oscar-nominated version of Little Women.

It’s not unexpected, given his versatile talent, that he has several unique projects lined up. In a short while, you can catch him in the new ITV series, “Playing Nice.” Further down the line, there are two historical dramas awaiting release: “King and Conquerer” and “House of Guinness.

The former dramatises the Battle of Hastings and its build-up and sees him star as Harold of Wessex opposite Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s William the Conqueror. It’s an especially personal project for Norton given he’s also on board as a producer, and he describes the process of taking it on from the concept stage as “a real journey”.

He clarifies, “For roughly six to seven years now, I’ve been working on this project and refining ideas for it. There have been numerous discussions with directors and writers. Essentially, it’s been a lengthy process that has taken us through many stages.

Instead of the “House of Guinness,” it’s about him joining forces with Steven Knight, the creator of “Peaky Blinders,” to narrate the fascinating tale of when the iconic stout brand began its global ascent in the 19th century. Norton hints that Knight is truly exceptional for this project and assures us it will be a genuinely enjoyable series.

This piece features a variety of characters created by Steven Knight, set within an unconventional family household that also includes beer. The narrative is filled with dynamic interactions among the characters, including playful banter, conflicts, and some adult themes. Overall, it’s quite engaging and thrilling!

Moving forward, one can’t help but ponder about the past. With some perspective gained since the sensational ending of Happy Valley, I find myself curious about his reflections on his tenure on the show and the extraordinary enthusiasm it sparked among viewers and critics alike. Was he anticipating such a response?

Norton expresses strong emotion towards those memories, stating unequivocally that it was evident right away they were crafting something truly remarkable with the final scene.

On that particular day, he notes, the studio was unusually silent. Typically, it’s bustling with chatter, gossip, noise from banging and clattering. But that day felt as still as a church service, because everyone understood we had reached a pivotal moment where these two characters would confront each other. Everyone had read the script, so there were no false endings – just rumors.

As a seasoned movie critic, I must confess that I anticipated the inevitable unfolding of events. With the fire department already on scene due to the blaze, tension filled the air. But then, Sarah Lancashire, one of our finest living actresses, made her entrance. Her performance was nothing short of breathtaking, leaving me in awe. Sitting there, I found myself whispering, “Wow, this is extraordinary! This is cinematic artistry at its finest!

In relation to the current topic and the premiere of “Joy“, Norton expresses his hope that this movie encourages viewers to truly appreciate Edwards, Steptoe, Purdy, and any other individuals who are often met with dislike but strive for a higher cause.

He further noted that many individuals have prompted a discussion about the current discourse surrounding such topics. For me, the most striking aspect of this movie was the heavy toll it took not only on Bob and Patrick, but especially Jean – a woman who tragically passed away at 39 and never had children of her own.

She spent her entire life committed to this cause. Her final moments were at Bourne Hall. A space was reserved for her, and when she passed away, it was women who had experienced the IVF journey with her who gathered around – these were her loved ones.

In our current era, the very essence we cherish is under attack, revealing its delicate nature. This film, to me, underscores the urgency of preserving the advancements we’ve made, as they are both vulnerable and priceless. Therefore, since we have struggled for freedom, it’s crucial that we safeguard it diligently.

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2024-11-22 18:05