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On the Movie Set
Monday, April 14, 2008
(PHOTO: Clyde the Lab getting in character for his role as Marley. Not only is he a dead ringer for the real Marley, he has the same personality, as well.)
Jenny and I recently returned from four days on the movie set for Marley & Me in Miami -- and what an out-of-body experience it was. In a good sort of a way.
Director David Frankel and his team have so faithfully recreated that period of our lives that walking onto the set was a little like stepping into a time machine and hopping off in our old neighborhood in West Palm Beach, Florida, circa 1992.
Three minutes after arriving, Frankel said, "Come on, I'll introduce you to Owen." Filming was outside a bank building on Brickell Avenue in Miami, and in a private corner of the lobby we interrupted Owen Wilson eating lunch. He was what you might expect, given his immensely likable screen presence -- warm, charming, funny, friendly, down to earth. He even offered to share his plate of food. But as Jenny and I talked with him, I kept thinking to myself, "Good Lord, who dresses this guy?" He had on baggy khakis, a crinkled cotton shirt and rather dated-looking tie. Then it hit me: Oh, he's dressed like me. Or at least the me of back then. Yep, he nailed my inimitable fashion sense. I glanced at his wrist and thought, "Gee, famous actor and that's the best watch he can afford?" Then I recognized my old plastic $19 Casio I wore faithfully all through the '90s. He even wore the same aviator Ray Bans and beat-up topsiders with no laces I used to kick around in. On his left ring finger, he sported what looked like my wedding band, too. It was a little other-worldly.
Later outside, David introduced us to Jennifer Aniston, and it was the same kind of experience. She was lovely -- even lovelier in person than on screen -- and instantly put both of us at ease. But again, how stange: It looked like she had raided Jenny's wardrobe from the early '90s. And my favorite part was her ride: She pulled up to the curb in a late '80s Toyota Tercel hatchback -- except for a slight color difference, an exact replica of Jenny's vehicle from that time, dings and all.
We wandered back to the director's station where David sat, monitoring each scene through headphones and a bank of monitors. Beside him we spotted twin "Marley & Me" director's chairs with our names embroidered on them. One read "John" and one "Jenny." "Wow, they even have seats waiting for us," I exclaimed. I was just about to take a load off when Jenny grabbed my arm and whispered, "Ahem, those are for the *other* John and Jenny." The really good looking ones. Oh.... David, who is great and exceptionally gracious, ushered us to other seats
Later, during a break, my smart-ass wife couldn't resist sidling up to Jen Aniston as she sat in her Jenny chair and deadpanning, "Excuse me, but I believe you're in my seat." Fortunately, the actress has a good sense of humor.
And then shooting resumed and one of the first lines out of Owen's mouth was: "I'm John Grogan." Off on the side, I had to scratch my head once again. Um, I thought I was John Grogan. And so went the week. Out of body, start to finish. As well as terribly fun and exciting. Thawing out in the Florida sunshine wasn't bad either.
Most importantly, we both loved what we saw. The scenes we were present for were funny (sometimes hilariously so) and heartwarming and sweet. The dogs -- there are more than two dozen -- portraying Marley from puppyhood into old age are gorgeous -- and suitably mischevious. Unpredictably mischevious. You can imagine all the unscripted moments. The outtakes alone will be worth the price of admission.
Marley & Me is shaping up to be a really wonderful movie. Filming is scheduled to wrap up about June 1. The film is scheduled for a Christmas day 2008 release. I can't wait.
posted by John Grogan at 4:45 PM
 
35 Comments:
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I don't know waht to say. My english is very bad, but i'll try because is very important to me. I'm a brazilian girl, i'm 20years old. I live in Porto Alegre, capital of the state Rio Grande do Sul, lookin at the map from top down is the last state of the country, far south of Brazil.
I study law, but i was in doubt to chose between the law and jornalism. While reading his book i was more hopeful about life, because in the world despite what some people of the countries of the first world think, brazilians don't speak spanish and there are no indians or women walking naked on the street and there is also no monkeys jumping on top of our heads. But we all know the difficulties a country that does not have development in years. Difficulty in achieving any employment after paying for 5 years particular collage. Star a independent life after collage in Brazil is more than difficult, is almost impossible.
These facts leave us sad and make the people to abandon their dreams.
I and my family live in defoult considered median in my country, wich means much compared to 60 % living in poverity line. But my biggest fight in my short life was always keep my dreams, and keep me strong to fight for tham above all. I know that i dream with many things, but those dreams perhoaps outside the country are so real that need not fight for them.
Today i have a boyfriend and we already have several things for our future home and our greadest dream is to have our home and our children and can give them a confortable live. That is why when i read your book could inspire me and renew my hopes.
The way you had briefly the construction of its work an family life is so rich in detail that enabled me imagine each me imagine each scene with background music in many collors. And i realize that somewhere in this world there a place for my dreams.
I can't forget mention how Marley moved me with all your affection. I know the pain of losing a dog that we grown used to call of brother, grandson, son...Because that is how we see and treat our dogs.
Congratulations for your book, is realy wonderfoul, and sorry my english hehe.
Good life for you and your family.
My name is Natalia Teixeira, e mail nnati@terra.com.br
I must say, I feel honored to be writing on "the" John Grogan's comment wall. :)
I'll keep it short: I am a devoted fan and can hardly wait til' this movie hits the box office! I, like many, related hugely to your book and make everyone I know read it.
Keep up the great work!
Melissa :)
My b-day was yesterday & I'll take your writing on your blog today as a belated gift ;) It was getting frustrating to see March 14, 2008 everytime I've clicked on the blog tab. Just when I find this site the message boards are no longer and you stop writing for a month...typical for me as I always just "miss the boat" (my life story!).
Anyway, glad to see the movie's progressing and can't wait to see it! I've become obnoxious with recommending your book, total nag about it, but if anyone listens they'll be happy I'm sure. I'm sure there willalso be a lot of Marley & Me movie outings/get togethers when it makes it debut.
Hey, if no one's told you yet, please don't lose some humbleness and forget your real fans- the one's who read and rec. your book and who will see the movie. We count too-- even more than some "satrs." :)
I am 57 years old, retired Navy. You'd think I'd be a little tougher or cynical but while reading your book, I laughed, cried and thought of many of the dogs I had when I was younger. You have reminded me of the great love I had for each of them, the good, the bad and the ugly. I have not been so touched since "Old Yeller", I cried like a baby when Marley passed away, it was as if my own dog had passed. Congratulations on writing a great and I mean GREAT book, I could not put it down once I started reading it. I presently have a Great Pyrenees, 8mos old and 100lbs of pure mischief that must have taken many pages from Marley's book of pranks. He spends his day, carrying six foot landscape timbers around the property like sticks, he also loves to play tug-of-war with anything and the idea of returning anything I throw for him to fetch and return to me is an alien concept, he believes, like Marley, that you have to chase him down to recover what you've chosen to cast away. I dread the day that he becomes old but rejoice in each day I have with him. Thank you for reminding me as well as many other readers that life is more than just work, that loyalty and trust are more than just words and that a dog is more than just a four-legged creature to use for self-gratification. They, each of them, have a distinct personality that makes them a joy to love. Thank you again.
Tom Connell
Dear Mr. Grogan,
Hi. I am Bobby D. Jr's proud mother. With all the activities in-and-out of school we have only recently noticed that last November 2007 you posted Bobby D. Jr's pictures on your blog when he dressed as Marley in his Whirlpool box and when you signed your book for him during your visit to his school in South Florida (Aventura City of Excellence School).
We were very pleased to know that you share our pride and enjoyment of both pictures. Bobby's costume did reward him with tickets to a Panthers hockey game as part of the Favorite Literary Character Costume Contest at his school. The picture also appeared in the Miami Herald.
My thanks to my sister-in-law who sent the pictures to your editor, thanks to my son's school's directors for the wonderful job they do regarding the Literacy Program (and so many other extraordinary programs), and, especially, thank you for sharing with the kids your time and joy of writing.
We're looking forward to the future Marley movie -- and can imagine the perfect scene where the author visits a little kid’s school, signs a book for him and inspires him to put down a vampire costume to be a little dog instead. IT WOULD BE GREAT!!!
Forever grateful, Bobby and his mom.
Monica
John
So glad the movies is going well, however if the release date is Christmas 2008 for USA it means the UK date will be sometime in 2009, I'll have to try for a holiday in the USA round your date so I can see it before anyone here then I an tantalise all the people I have lent my copy of the book to with snippets from the film.
John is there any chance of finding out why the message board closed, I'm sure that there are a lot of people out there as disappointed as me.
Best wishes
Joan
Liverpool
UK
Hi!
i'm from Brazil, so i apologize for my english!
i'm here to congratulate you John for the beautiful book that you wrote! i'm reading for the second time!!
i'm a huge fan of jennifer aniston and i can't wait to see the movie!
i hope to see you and everybody from the movie winning an oscar next year!!!!!!!!!!
John,congratulations again!
best wishes,
julia campos
e-mail: juju_campos_castro@hotmail.com
Hi John
My name is Fernanda, Brazilian, has 27 years, lives in Dois Córregos (Two Streams), state of São Paulo. Wanted to say that I feel very for Marley, imagines how much it must have been difficult.
I would like to say that I got passionate myself for Marley. Reading each page, I laugh, I was touched myself and twisted for it. It made to feel me homesicknesses of my dog, mixture of Husky and Pastor, Maria Cecília, caramel, where its tail passed, nothing resisted, its mortal jumps knocked down them, but, its affectionate look and low ears when it perceived that something did not go well, in they made them to forget its confusions and in them they melted such as Marley.
It died in 2001, but, year passed, in the entrance of a party, I found an identical dog to it and fell in it I cry... love it in such a way how much when she was alive, and imagine that they feel the same for Marley. Kisses to the all
I can't wait to see the film either.
I've shed tears over many, many books in my time, but the beautifully bittersweet 'Marley & Me' had me sobbing my way through a box of tissues with laughter and grief - I loved that Salty Dog.
I think this book could actually give bad dogs some much needed street-cred, so Marley has given me and my crazy, out-of-control, embarrassment of a collie cross, Dolly, a gift too.
Thank you John, and thank you most of all to Marley, a great dog.
John,
What a heartwarming, funny and honest book. I just loved it, and it is going on the 'Staff Picks' table at the library I work at.
I was so excited when I saw that you have a youth version of M and Me. My 11 yr. old daughter wanted to read it, but I was slightly hesitant. Now I can let both my kids read without any worry! What a great idea.
Looking forward to the movie...Thanks for sharing this part of your life with the world. I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but every single person who has owned a dog can relate.
Having a "bad dog" of my own, I feel a part of your books, your story. I cannot wait for the movie!
Hi JG! I forwarded your latest blog entry to my Mom who would call me in fits of laughter while reading "Marley & Me." She would try and tell me what part she was reading at the moment but I couldn't understand her at times from the laughter and she'd get me going. Then when she could compose herself (somewhat) she would have to read the passage to me and then we'd both lose it again.
Here's Mom's reply:
"Can't wait for Christmas 2008! I'll be first in line at our local movie on Rte. 72 in Manahawken. If John says the movie is hilarious, that's good enough for me. I'm glad he & Jenny got to see some takes and as always he shares all the poking fun at himself about his clothes and watch ,etc. He is a very funny and gifted down-to-earth writer. I'm saving my change to buy popcorn to munch while I delightfully watch the wonderful one & only Marley. I may even treat your Dad and share my popcorn with him! Love & Hugs, Mom
Greetings John,
I heard that the actors were learning to windsurf while filming the movie. Were/are you a windsurfer?
I am so happy they are making this moving in the best way to honour your storey of Marley and your family... I've enjoyed reading about it and can't wait to see the movie.
Wendy
Calgary, Alberta
I love your books! A friend introduced me to Marley and Me and now I've read it twice. I was looking up your name at the library and saw Bad Dog Marley. I thought it was a sequel and was ecstatic. The library was sold out so I raced to Barnes And Nobles to find out it was a children's book. Can't wait for a sequel!
Well, I loved your book and I can't wait to see the movie.
I had to hide in my room while reading (the book) because it was so emotional and didn't want my guy friends to see me crying, haha.
Everything looks good so far and hopefully we'll get a trailer soon!
I was an extra in the beach scene by the bar, and it was an amazing experience, my first SAG film, even if I was just part of the background. Marley & Me is such an amazing book, and one day, if I'm a famous actress, I'll be able to say that my first real acting job was in the film adaptation of one of the best books I have ever read.
Marlee Grace, 12
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Hi my name is Virginia Howard. After being encouraged by several friends to read your book, I finally picked it up at a Wal-Mart this past weekend and devoured it in one day. I absolutely loved it and like you, I had a wonderful yellow lab named Woody who may have been Marley’s twin. I used to say that he was just like a big retarded kid, because he always had a goofy smile on his face and a love for life, but was clearly special needs as he just did not recognize normal boundaries and limits, even to his own detriment. Unfortunately, Woody never lived to his prime. We live in a farm community and the farmers didn’t appreciate Woody chasing their cattle even though Woody seemed to be having the time of his life. I was pregnant with my second child and taking my first born to daycare, when Woody got out again. As I drove down the driveway, the best thing that I could do was to stop my car, get out, grab the leash and chain, and wrap him around one of our trees, so that he could stay put until I called one of my nearby relatives to secure him. With Woody’s great strength, he broke the top part of the tree off and ran free for his last wild round-up of cattle. We have him buried in our pasture and the tree that he tore down has since grown back as a living monument of Woody’s last days. I cried at being such a failure to this dog. If only I would have taken the time to take him back and chain him up, if only I had spent more time training him, if only I had found him a better home. Your book also helped to close a chapter in my life.
On a second note, I was wondering if you would want to write a book about my cat, Tig. I have been his owner for 14 years now, and like Marley, this cat has such a presence that everyone notices him. He is a 25 pound cat, equivalent to the size of a Raccoon. I have so many stories that would make you laugh and I know that this book would appeal to the cat lover in people. Tig is the only cat I have knowledge of that fetched like a dog, begged for treats,chased me around the house, and was asked by two vet offices and one Petsmart not to return. He has also broken out of screens and torn up the siding where the sliding glass door is to use as a knocker to let me know when he wants to come in. This cat is totally loyal to me, his mother, and sits to my right, while taking his huge paw and scratching my leg and/or hand to let me know when he wants attention. He taught my eldest son, now 8 years old, how to crawl. Like Marly, my family warned me to get rid of Tig, as he also attacked several guests and one small child, but when my two boys came along he let them pull on his fur and climb on him and never once scratched them. I have plenty of heart touching, funny stories to tell. If interested in writing Tig, AKA “Nooney’s, Nooner Purr’s, and my husband’s favorite – Rat Bastard’s” story, please contact me . I am sure you get thousands of e-mails everyday. I truly do believe that you would fall in love with Tig and I don’t have a doubt when you see some of the pictures we have and the stories I have to tell that this would make an amazing book. Please let me know if you are interested at your earliest convenience.
Hi John,
I read Dave Barry's column yesterday, and the more I hear about this film, the more excited I get! I absolutely loved every page of "Marley & Me", and could absolutely relate to every destructive detail :) I too have a big chocolate lab that I adore, and have managed to keep DirecTV in business this year with all the chewed-up remote controls that had to be replaced. But, my husband and I wouldn't have it any other way - we wouldn't trade our Chewy for the world. Thanks for sharing yours and Marley's story with us all :)
I just finished Marley and Me last night. I rarely have time to read books (4 kids, enough said?), but spent every spare minute reading and finished it in four days. I cried so hard, I thought my sobs would wake my sleeping family. I just wanted to let you know how much I loved the story and grew to love Marley and his crazy antics. I can't wait to see the movie! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!
Rachel
I stumbled across your book while sitting with a client whom had a bad night. I loved the book and am looking forward to the movie. Thank you for such a delightful sharing of your love and life with a dog like Marley.
John - It must have been a very odd experience going back in time like that. How fun. Can't wait for the movie, and how about another book soon?
Having grown up in South Florida ... I've been a Dave Barry fan since forever. Thanks for the link to his article, too.
D
www.twobarkingdogs.wordpress.com
I haven't had the pleasure of reading the book yet, but have heard so much about it. And now the movie.
Hope to keep reading more behind the scenes posts.
Loved the book, I am sure you heard it a thousand times by now, but I have not aughed or cried this hard for a long time. Thanks to your story, I feel as if I was right there with you celebrating each milestone of Marley's and your life.
Keep writing!
I'm Kiki 27 years old newly wedd wife from Indonesia.I read your book about how Marley affecting your early marriage.I fall in love with Marley,his desire for life and his devotion for your family.I laughed when I read his goofy acts and cried when you wrote how much he still loyal to you in his old days.I also want to send a best compliment to you and your wife,you could handle such kind of dog with so great affection.I've always wanted so much to have a dog-who is as 'sweet' as your Marley,but these times we're still can't affort it (My husband & I live in a very small house).
Looking forward to see the movie,hope it will soon be distributed to Indonesia also.
Best regards to your wife and your children.God bless you all!
I don't remember any book making me laugh so hard or cry such big tears! As much as I believe Marley was the star, I believe it was your ability to put it to paper that made the book such a hit. My friends are all HUGE fans now also-I think we will be having a movie day together on Dec. 26. Having acquired my first (chocolate) lab Jan 2007, I can relate very well to Marley's antics. Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed that this sweet baby-faced puppy would have the ability to drag every emotion, good AND bad out of me. He knows NO Fear! He is almost 1-1/2 years old now and I can see he is forming an "adult" brain although it is going to be a very long time till we trust him alone in the house. The first icy cold day we let him on our heated back porch which gave him the golden opportunity to shred the cardboard surrounding the outside of his crate. I'm sure there would have been more damage had we not de-labbed it, removing coats, boots, etc. The one thing that helps him tremendously is letting him run off his energy each night when we get home. It doesn't matter what the weather is or what else is on the calendar, priority one is taking Chester for a walk/run through the fields. (I've lost 13 pounds!!). Without a walk, he gets into way too much trouble. As much work as he has been, I can see he is steadily worming his way into my heart and wrapping me tightly around his dew claw!! After reading your blog, I am officially excited about the movie, I am always a little skeptical thinking the movies don't do a book justice but now that your stamp of approval is on it, I can't wait to see it. ps. I saw you on Dog Whisperer too. I live in southern PA and have family that lives in Allentown and a sister-in-law that used to live in Macungie. Beautiful country living! Thanks for giving the world such a wonderful story! Michelle :0-)
I so cannot wait to see the movie!!!I just got done with the book,i laughed,I cried!I do not think a book has ever moved me in the way this one did.I am sure the movie will bring the same reaction.So i cannot wait til December to see it.I will have tissues waiting and ready!I love Marley soo much because I use to own a lab and I know the drama that goes along with owning one.Awesome book!!!
Dear John:
I just finished listening to Marley and Me on CD that you read. I loved it and at times laughed out loud. Towards the end I cried out loud!! It was a wonderful story. Thank you. I participate in the Parish in Hollywood where they rented space to store caravans used in the filming of Marley and Me. Do you go to Mass? Sally Wolfer
I just finished reading "Marley and Me", reading through tears during the final part. I never met Marley, but I have had and have known dogs who share some of his adventures.
I fell in love with him through the pages of your book and I'm still crying just a bit. I'll miss him, even though I never met him.
You were so blessed to have that adorable "pain in the ass" in your life and so wise to have learned what every pet lover learns sooner or later, that dogs (and all animals) are pure love. An animal's heart is the purest thing in existence. An animal's love is the second greatest gift we can ever receive, second only to the gift given us by God.
Animals are the best people I've ever known.
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with Marley with us and for allowing us to love him, too.
I just recently found the amusing tale of Marley when a friend of mine had suggested I take a look. I absolutely loved the book and I am so excited to see the movie. A giant kudos to you on your success on the book and now the movie. ~Judi~
I recently read "Marley and Me" and loved every word. You have a magical way of bringing Marley to life and I grew to love him. I have a small dog who is nothing like Marley was, but is everything to me. I laughed so hard at some of Marley's antics and cried like a baby in the end, even though I knew he had already passed away. Why can't dogs live forever? I can't wait to see the movie and will be sure to have plenty of kleenex on hand!
I'm curious, what's Marley's birthday?
PS I really need the Birthday!!! It's for an English project that is due Wednesday!!! Thanks!!!