The buzz surrounding the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us has not only captivated audiences but also sparked a significant controversy. As the film finally graces the big screen, it’s hard to ignore the intense debate that has erupted around its cast, especially focusing on director and star Justin Baldoni and actress Blake Lively. With comparisons drawn to the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard saga, the drama surrounding this film is almost as compelling as the story itself.
Behind the Scenes: Justin Baldoni’s Commitment to Authenticity
In a recent interview with CinemaBlend, Justin Baldoni opened up about his approach to directing the intense and challenging scenes in It Ends With Us. Determined to honor the experiences of those who have faced domestic violence, Baldoni implemented several measures to ensure that the film’s portrayal was both respectful and genuine.
“The very beginning, long before we even started filming, I brought on an intimacy coordinator,”
Baldoni revealed.
“And then the second part of that was also a stunt coordinator. Also as a male, I wanted to make sure that all of those scenes were shot and designed with a female gaze.”
His commitment to the project extended beyond mere words; he actively stepped back from the filming of these crucial scenes, giving significant control to female intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot and stunt coordinator Lauren Shaw.
Baldoni’s dedication to a female perspective in these scenes was evident in his approach.
“I did whatever I could to take myself out of it. So [we] really relied heavily on our female intimacy coordinator, on our incredible stunt coordinator, who is also a woman, for those scenes,”
he explained. His intention was clear: to create a portrayal that was both sensitive and true to the experiences of many women.
Controversies and Speculations: The Drama Beyond the Screen
Despite Baldoni’s earnest efforts, the film has not been without its share of controversies. Social media has been abuzz with speculation about the dynamics between Baldoni and his co-star, Blake Lively. Observers have noted Baldoni’s absence from cast appearances and interviews, fueling rumors of a rift between the two leads.
Fans have noticed that while Lively follows the rest of the cast on social media, she does not follow Baldoni. This has led to a slew of speculations about potential conflicts, with some reports suggesting that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, might have taken a more prominent role in the project, clashing with Baldoni’s vision.
In the midst of this drama, comparisons to the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard legal battle have surfaced. One fan’s comment on CinemaBlend’s video pointedly drew a parallel:
“Dude just keeps winning. Blake lookin like Amber Heard.”
This comparison highlights the public’s perception of the unfolding drama and suggests that Baldoni may be unfairly vilified in the narrative.
Public Reaction: Mixed Feelings and Support for Baldoni
As the film continues to make waves, public opinion remains divided. Some viewers are sympathetic towards Baldoni, praising his efforts to handle the sensitive subject matter with care. Comments on social media reflect this sentiment, with phrases like
showing support for his approach.
On the flip side, there are criticisms directed at Lively and Reynolds, with some fans expressing disappointment in what they perceive as unfair treatment of Baldoni. One user described it as
what Lively and Reynolds were allegedly doing to Baldoni, adding to the complex web of public opinion.
It Ends With Us has certainly made an impact, both on and off the screen. The film’s portrayal of domestic violence, combined with the surrounding controversies, has sparked significant debate. As audiences continue to engage with the film and its accompanying drama, it’s clear that the story of It Ends With Us extends far beyond the confines of the cinema.
As the film plays in theaters, the question remains: has the real-life drama overshadowed the important message of the film, or has it sparked a necessary conversation about how such stories are told and perceived? Only time will tell how this controversy will be remembered, but for now, it seems that Justin Baldoni’s earnest attempts to address a sensitive topic with empathy might be overshadowed by the drama surrounding his personal and professional relationships.
