The Call of the Wild in theaters 2/21

Twentieth Century Studios’ “The Call of the Wild,” adapted from the novel by Jack London, vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Canadian Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s.

As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team–and later its leader–Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master.

As a live-action/animation hybrid, “The Call of the Wild” employs visual effects and animation technology to bring the animals in the film to life. “The Call of the Wild” is directed by Chris Sanders and stars Harrison Ford, Omar Sy, Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford, Cara Gee, Michael Horse, Jean Louisa Kelly, Colin Woodell, Adam Fergus and Abraham Benrubi. Erwin Stoff, p.g.a. and James Mangold, p.g.a. are producing with Diana Pokorny, Ryan Stafford and screenwriter Michael Green serving as executive producers.

Last week I had a chance to interview the director Chris Sanders, and actors Harrison Ford and Cara Gee. Each of them told of their connection with the story and message which is about coming of age and getting past challenges that comes with living a full life.

“Even though it’s a childhood classic, says Sanders, “it’s not a fairy tale. It’s a gritty story of survival and perseverance, and whether you’re young or old I think you either have or will experienced these sorts of things. You sense that there’s a truth inside this story that you might be living yourself. And I think that’s why this story endures. It’s a story of a character uncovering strengths that he didn’t know he had.”

~ Chris Sanders, Director

Chris shared with us the story behind the dog in the film. They wanted to find a dog who resembled the mix breed portrayed in the book that they could use for the CGI dog used in the film. He said his wife went online and searched Petfinder dot come and found a mixed breed back east at a shelter. Turns out he was available for adoption (at a discounted rate of $25) and was named “Buckley”. They drove out to get him and he is the actual dog used for the CGI likeness in the film! He now lives with Chris and his family and has settled in nicely! But an actual actor was used who moved like a dog! This was so the actors could hit their marks (making eye contact, etc.,) and helped with the animation.

Meeting Harrison Ford was one of my favorite moments ever! I do believe he was my first crush at the age of seven when I saw him on the big screen in Star Wars. I was always more of a Han Solo fan and seeing him in person brought back all those childhood memories!

He is a really-down-to-earth person and actually a bit shy! I don’t think this comes across in interviews I have seen him in over the yeas but I think when we meet actors as a “mom blogger” group they tend to put their guard down. Plus throw in a couple kids in the interview, and it opens up the dialogue to include things you might not hear from televised media interviews.

Harrison shared with us that he recently went on a two week hiatus from technology. He was officially “off the grid” and said it was wonderful because it helped him reevaluate the “essentials of life, not the noise of life.” This among other statements made me realize that Mr. Ford is quite connected to nature and pretty in touch with who he is as a human being. He said that he loves the outdoors for he feels like he is in the presence of our majestic planet and the creator. He shared that of all the characters he has played over the years, John Thorton (his character in the movie) is most like him in real life – but an edited version of him.

“One of the things I am always looking for in a project is what I call an emotional exercise for the audience. A chance to participate in a story where they recognize themselves and generate the power of emotional understanding in the audience.”

~ Harrison Ford

And meeting Ms. Cara Gee, who plays Francoise, was just as wonderful. As indigenous woman playing an indigenous character, she feels a strong responsibility to show children that they too can “make it” and to “dream big.” She spoke about the challenges in Hollywood because of her race and overcoming prejudices. She said she’s seen the film and feels this will be a movie that will be shared and enjoyed by families for a long time. Through the film, viewers will appreciate and experience the vastness and beauty of nature. I have to agree with her! Be sure to take the family this weekend to see this gorgeous and heart-warming film. Let me know what you think!

“The Call of the Wild” opens in U.S. theaters on February 21, 2020.

THE CALL OF THE WILD

TWENTIETH CENTURY STUDIOS

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Note: We were hosted by Twentieth Century Studios but all opinions are our own.

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