Between the Temples, a new film hitting theaters this Friday, dives deep into the lives of two characters at pivotal moments in their journey. Carol Kane and Jason Schwartzman, who play the lead roles, bring a unique depth and resonance to their characters, making the film a thoughtful exploration of change, grief, and the search for meaning.
Schwartzman and Kane: Navigating Life’s Unseen Crossroads
Jason Schwartzman, known for his nuanced performances, steps into the shoes of Ben, a cantor struggling to cope with the recent death of his wife. At 44, Ben is at a crossroads, although he might not fully realize it yet. Schwartzman’s portrayal of Ben is subtle, yet profound. "You don't really know what a turning point is until it's happened," he said during a recent interview. He likened life’s transitions to a family trip to Disney World, where one moment you’re at the end of the line, and the next, without even realizing it, you’re in the middle. It’s a metaphor that encapsulates the unexpected nature of life’s changes—a theme that runs throughout Between the Temples.
Meanwhile, Carol Kane, a veteran actress with a career spanning decades, takes on the role of Carla, a music teacher determined to have a bat mitzvah later in life. At 72, Carla is embracing the challenge, stepping out of her comfort zone in a way that Kane herself admires. "The easier thing to do would just be to stick to what came before, rather than take a risk of trying something new," Kane remarked, highlighting Carla’s bravery in the face of potential failure. This decision to embrace change, no matter how daunting, forms the crux of her character’s journey.
Learning and Teaching: A Symbiotic Relationship
The dynamic between Ben and Carla is central to the film. Carla, who seeks out Ben’s help to prepare for her bat mitzvah, inadvertently gives Ben a renewed sense of purpose. Through their lessons, they both learn valuable lessons—not just about music or Hebrew, but about life and moving forward after loss. Kane brought some personal touches to her role, drawing from her mother, Joy Kane, a jazz singer and composer. "I lay him down on the table and teach him what's called belly breathing," she explained, a technique passed down from her mother. This personal connection adds an authentic layer to the film, grounding it in real-life experiences.
A Journey into Jewish Culture
The film is steeped in Jewish culture, from the bat mitzvah that Carla is preparing for, to the portrayal of Ben’s family life. Producer Jesse Miller, who also served as the Jewish adviser on set, worked closely with writer-director Nathan Silver to ensure authenticity. Silver, who developed the idea of Between the Temples from Carla’s desire for a bat mitzvah, saw the film as an exploration of a small Jewish community in upstate New York.
One of the most poignant elements of the film is how it handles the theme of grief. Ben’s character is inspired by the late David Berman, lead singer of the band Silver Jews. Schwartzman delved into Berman’s music, particularly his last album with his follow-up band, Purple Mountains. The song "All My Happiness Is Gone," which combines upbeat music with melancholy lyrics, served as a significant influence for Schwartzman’s portrayal of Ben. "If you took away the vocals, you would think this is a very happy song," Schwartzman noted. The contrast between the music’s tone and the lyrics mirrors Ben’s own struggle to maintain a reassuring surface while grappling with profound sadness.
Family Dynamics and Stereotypes
Family plays a crucial role in Between the Temples. Before the events of the film, Ben’s father passed away, and his mother, played by Caroline Aaron, has remarried. Her new wife, portrayed by Dolly De Leon, is a convert to Judaism, bringing a fresh dynamic to the family. Silver cleverly uses this setup to explore Jewish stereotypes and the pressures that come with them. The two Jewish mothers, with their contrasting approaches to tradition, provide both humor and insight into the complexities of cultural identity. In a particularly amusing subplot, they take it upon themselves to create a dating profile for Ben on JDate, a well-known Jewish dating site, much to his chagrin.
Silver’s own family history influenced the film’s setting as well. The synagogue featured in the movie is actually the one his parents attend. "My mother is such a force of nature that I think she just said, 'My son's going to shoot a movie here' and made it happen," Silver recounted, adding a personal touch to the film’s production.
Music as a Healing Force
Music is not just a backdrop in Between the Temples; it’s a central theme that binds the characters together. Carla’s passion for music, despite the challenges she faces in learning Hebrew and preparing for her bat mitzvah, mirrors Ben’s own connection to music as a cantor. Their shared love for music becomes a healing force, helping them both navigate their respective transitions.
Ben’s initial introduction is both humorous and heart-wrenching. In one scene, he lies down in traffic, hoping a truck will run him over—a darkly comic moment that underscores his deep depression. Yet, the film doesn’t shy away from these darker elements, instead using them to paint a fuller picture of Ben’s internal struggles. "To Nathan's credit, it's pretty interesting to meet a character that doesn't want to be there," Schwartzman observed, noting how Ben’s reluctance to engage with the world around him adds complexity to the narrative.
Embracing the Unknown
Between the Temples is, at its core, a film about embracing the unknown. Whether it’s Carla’s decision to have a bat mitzvah at 72, or Ben’s reluctant journey towards healing, the characters are constantly stepping into uncharted territory. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has ever faced a turning point in their life, whether they recognized it at the time or not.
In the end, Between the Temples is more than just a film about Jewish culture or personal loss. It’s a celebration of life’s transitions, the unexpected paths we find ourselves on, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward, even when the way ahead is unclear. With standout performances from Kane and Schwartzman, and a story that is both poignant and relatable, Between the Temples is a must-see for anyone who appreciates a film that speaks to the heart of the human experience.
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