After a remarkable career that spanned 34 years and nearly 40 films, Meg Ryan decided to take a break from acting to focus on raising her two children and recharge. Now, at the age of 54, she is making her directorial debut with the film "Ithaca."
"Ithaca," based on William Saroyan's novel "The Human Comedy," is a coming-of-age drama set in 1942. Ryan not only directs the film but also plays the role of a widowed mother of four children.
Her real-life son, Jack Quaid, portrays her oldest son, who is drafted to fight in World War II, leaving her 14-year-old son, Homer (played by newcomer Alex Neustaedter), as the head of the family. Homer becomes a telegram messenger, delivering messages that bring love, pain, and death to the people of Ithaca.
Ryan explained her deep connection to the material, mentioning that she read the book during her divorce from Dennis Quaid and felt the intense desire to protect her children. The story resonated with her as a mother, as it reflects the difficulty of shielding loved ones from life's hardships.
Directing "Ithaca" was a challenging but rewarding experience for Ryan. She emphasized that her diverse life experiences, including being a mother, managing home renovations, and even writing a less-than-perfect script, had prepared her for this role. Creating a safe and happy work environment for her actors, especially the many first-time and child actors in the cast, was a priority for her.
One of the film's familiar faces is Tom Hanks, marking the fourth on-screen collaboration between the two. Their friendship is evident, and Ryan expressed her gratitude for his support and participation in the movie.
As the film's release date approaches, Meg Ryan is embracing the promotional aspects of her work, attending Q&A sessions at various film festivals and even appearing at the Tony Awards. While she acknowledges her discomfort with the attention that comes with being a celebrity in today's social media-driven world, she appreciates the positive aspects of direct communication between artists and their audience.
Ryan, however, doesn't plan to take another break. She's already eager to dive into her next directing project, as she has discovered a new passion for the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking.
Meg Ryan's journey from beloved actress to talented director exemplifies her versatility and commitment to storytelling. Her return to Hollywood behind the camera promises to be a new and exciting chapter in her already illustrious career.
