Ed Burns Reflects on Filmmaking, Marriage, and the Unexplored Territory of Middle Age
Ed Burns, a quintessential New Yorker, is brimming with the city’s characteristic enthusiasm. He eagerly anticipates the Knicks’ potential success in the NBA and the debut of baseball sensation Juan Soto with the Mets. This inherent connection to his roots also extends to his candid self-assessment when it comes to his own cinematic endeavors.
"I think it probably comes with age," Burns, now 57, shared with USA TODAY while promoting his latest film, "Millers in Marriage," which is currently available in theaters and on demand. He attributes this newfound self-awareness to the wisdom and perspective that accumulate over time.
Burns recounted a pivotal moment in his career when he was grappling with his fifth film, "Ash Wednesday." This low-budget gangster movie, despite its gritty appeal, presented him with a harsh realization during the editing process. "I recognized when I was in the editing room that the screenplay wasn’t strong enough," he confessed.
This admission proved to be a turning point for Burns, prompting him to meticulously dissect every aspect of the screenplay, a practice he has diligently maintained for the past decade. He believes that by rigorously examining the script and addressing its shortcomings, filmmakers can ensure that they have exhausted all possibilities before the film’s release. "Then if the movie doesn’t work, you can at least look back and say, ‘We did everything we could with the screenplay,’" he explained.
His dedication to his craft has led him to explore new thematic territories. The inspiration for "Millers in Marriage" arose from a conversation with friends over dinner. The group reminisced about the films of the 90s that captured the essence of Gen X experiences, such as first love, moving to New York, first jobs, and first marriages. However, Burns noticed a significant gap in the cinematic landscape: the lack of representation for the experiences of people in their 50s.
"People in their 50s are relegated to playing the annoying boss or the mom or dad roles," he lamented. "The day-to-day stuff that we’re going through isn’t explored." This realization sparked the idea for "Millers in Marriage," a film that delves into the complexities of empty nesting and the identity shifts that couples face when their children leave home. "How do you define yourself if you’re no longer actively parenting?" Burns pondered, highlighting the central theme of the movie.
In "Millers in Marriage," Burns directs and stars alongside Gretchen Mol and Julianna Margulies, who portray three siblings navigating these challenging questions and more. The stellar cast also includes Minnie Driver and Benjamin Bratt. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, garnering attention for its honest portrayal of middle-age relationships and personal growth.
Burns’s character, Andy, is an artist, and the actor readily acknowledges the parallels between his character’s struggles and his own experiences in the entertainment industry. He shared a poignant line from the film: "You can’t get your agent on the phone." Burns wryly noted that "Any actor in Hollywood has gone through that experience at some point." He elaborated on the cyclical nature of Hollywood careers, emphasizing that "Hollywood careers are all peaks and valleys, and when you’re in the valley, sometimes that phone call doesn’t get returned as quickly as it should."
The parallels between the film and Burns’s life extend beyond his career. Like his character in "Millers in Marriage," Burns is also experiencing the transition of his children leaving for college. He shares two children with his wife, Christy Turlington, and reports that "All is good on the home front." He happily noted that his children are enjoying their college experiences.
Turlington is also busy preparing to commemorate the 15th anniversary of her charity, Every Mother Counts, which is dedicated to raising awareness for maternal health issues. In addition to their professional pursuits, the couple is looking forward to a "nice vacation" planned for the summer.
Burns and Turlington, who will celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary in June, have built a strong and enduring marriage. When asked about his advice for a successful marriage, Burns emphasized the importance of communication. "It’s a cliché to say, but it’s communication," he stated. "You kind of know (in the) early days, are you a couple that talks? And if you do, I think you’re going to be fine. That’s worked out for us."
Ed Burns, through his films and his own personal experiences, continues to explore the human condition with honesty, humor, and a keen understanding of the challenges and triumphs of life. His latest film, "Millers in Marriage," offers a fresh perspective on middle age, reminding us that even as we navigate new chapters in our lives, the importance of communication, self-reflection, and shared experiences remains constant.
