UNDER THE STARS (2025): Interview with Director Michelle Danner

Interview with Under the Stars Director Michelle Danner

Michelle Danner‘s latest charmer, Under the Stars, features some intriguing performances and mainly sets itself in Italy where a struggling writer named Ian (Alex Pettyfer) finds a potential love interest in Arianna, the daughter of Andy Garcia’s character, while looking for inspiration. She’s played by Eva De Dominici. Also on board is the great Toni Collette as Ian’s aunt and Garcia’s love interest. FilmBook spoke to Michelle Danner about her new film.

FilmBook: Were you inspired by any other particular romantic comedies to tell this tale?

Michelle Danner: Yes, actually, it’s a great question. I was inspired by the movie, Before Sunrise. And because that was a movie about two people genuinely falling in love, and you watched them fall in love in real time. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy did a great job with that. In fact, my son went on a camping trip with his school a few months ago. We were up in, where were we, in Capitan. It was dark and there was a whole fire and, all of a sudden, I see a lady speaking with a French accent. And, I turn around. It was Julie Delpy. I told her, we were in the middle of the dark, you know, with the fire shining on her face, and I said to her, ‘You know. I have to tell you something. I went to Italy to shoot a movie, Under the Stars, and your movie, Before Sunrise, inspired me.’ It was the inspiration for that. And, of course, she loved it.

FilmBook: What do you look for in a script that you choose to direct?

Michelle Danner: Usually, when I get a script, I look for the heart in the story. And, then, of course, it undergoes a lot of drafts. I am very, very specific. I go through it. I add my own touch to it because, of course, you know. That’s why the writer, who’s wonderful, you know, Victoria, ended up taking a credit saying based on the screenplay by because she felt it changed so much, but you know, so many directors write as well. Because you have to stamp it with your own signature.

FilmBook: Absolutely. Does that extend to you appearing in the movie as well? Your own signature?  Like in terms of you appearing in your films when you do occasionally?

Michelle Danner: Oh you mean when I do cameos? You know, when I did the movie, Miranda’s Victim, you know, I did not do a cameo. I did not do an appearance. I’m in Los Angeles shooting a movie right now. A rom-com about ecology. And, tomorrow, I’m about to play the part of a cameo. It’s like half a page. I’m diagnosing a swollen brain. I’m artistic both as a director behind the camera, in front of the camera. I love acting. I’m an acting teacher. I teach acting.

FilmBook: I loved you in The Italians. It was so funny, so full of heart too.

Michelle Danner: Thank you. That’s it. That’s what attracts me. You know. It’s the heart, the humanity of the story. I’ll tell you what. I have another big project I’m attached to shoot early next year called Helios. A sci. fi. thriller. And what attracted me to that was the humanity of the story. I mean, listen, I love, like everybody else, sitting and watching beautiful visual effects and special effects. You know. Action scenes, all of that, I’m entertained by all of it. But, ultimately, I always say if I watch Phantom of the Opera, you know, I appreciate the chandelier falling, but if when he takes off the mask and I’m not moved by him, you know, it doesn’t work.

FilmBook: So true. Next question. Why did you choose Andy (Garcia) and Toni (Collette) for their roles? 

Michelle Danner: Well, let me tell you that, first of all, that story line was not in the script when I got the script. So, I had watched, and I never watch reality shows. My first reality show ever that I watched from beginning to end was The Golden Bachelor Season 1. And, do you know? We’re going to tell the story of two young people falling in love which I love. I’d also like to juxtapose it with the story of two older people falling in love. Love. You know? And so, we did a little rewrite. I got in touch with Andy who, you know, who I admire because I had done with him Miranda’s Victim. I’ve always admired him. In fact, Miranda’s Victim opened the International Film Festival in Santa Barbara. We had the Q+A with Andy. I told him that my whole life I had a crush on him which he loved hearing. So I was able to pick up the phone cause he knew I had a crush on him and I asked him if he would be in Under the Stars. Toni Collette, I had an opportunity. I also have admired her since Muriel’s Wedding and so many other things. I had a Zoom with her. And, we connected. I thought, you know, I love her. I mean not only is she an incredible actress, but a wonderful human being. And, actually, we could be friends. So that’s how that came about. That story line did not exist and I thought it would be very interesting to juxtapose younger people and older people falling for each other.

FilmBook: That last question I have for you is kind of a personal question. Do you believe in destiny yourself?

Michelle Danner: I do. I really, really do. I do believe in it. No matter what. You know, one of my very favorite movies is Sliding Doors. If you missed the train by a minute, it’s destined.

FilmBook: Everything could change, right?

Michelle Danner: Everything could change. And, I’m very aware of that in my life. I look at signs. You know, I try to live in the moment.

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