Anne Hathaway’s Revelations on a Landmark Scene in ‘The Idea of You’ Elevates the Movie’s Intimacy to New Heights

In a surprising twist of fate, Anne Hathaway and filmmaker Michael Showalter found themselves collaborating on the heartfelt romantic tale “The Idea of You,” set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video this May.

Despite their rom com backgrounds, these two creatives had never crossed paths until a memorable dinner at Gucci Osteria, where Jessica Chastain's Oscar nod for Showalter's “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” was being feted.

Reflecting on that encounter, Showalter admits feeling too bashful to approach Hathaway during the event, while Hathaway chuckles about her own struggle to break through her shyness barrier.

Months later, Hathaway overcame her reservations by enlisting Showalter to co-pen and direct “The Idea of You,” a narrative centered around a 40-year-old single mother entangled in a romance with a Harry Styles-esque young musician played by Nicholas Galitzine.

Despite the film's strong focus on female empowerment, the question arose about the choice of a male director.

Hathaway clarified that numerous factors led them to believe Showalter was the perfect fit due to his ability to empathize with the characters.

When it came to depicting the intimate scenes between Hathaway's character, Solène, and Galitzine's Hayes, both artists shared a mutual understanding on maintaining a tasteful approach rather than veering into overly explicit territory.

Inspired by the novel that serves as the movie's foundation, Hathaway emphasizes the importance of portraying intimacy as an expression of pleasure and mutual satisfaction.

The pivotal moment where Hayes brings Solène to climax while she remains clothed became a guiding principle for showcasing cinematic love scenes in a way that prioritizes her pleasure.

Bypassing traditional theatrical release, “The Idea of You” joins the ranks of Amazon Prime's streaming lineup.

Hathaway acknowledges her excitement over the broader accessibility offered by this platform, contrasting it with the communal experience of watching a film in theaters, especially for moms seeking a shared outing.

Showalter, echoing Hathaway's sentiments, expresses gratitude for the opportunity to create without the constraints of traditional movie distribution.

Both stars emphasize the changing landscape of movie consumption and the value of diverse viewing experiences.

Addressing the film's light-hearted jabs at Glendale, Hathaway playfully dismisses any notion of disdain towards the locale, asserting her fondness for the Valley.

Showalter chimes in with a humorous note on the relatable portrayal of Glendale residents finding humor in the film's references.

As the curtain rises on “The Idea of You,” Hathaway and Showalter navigate the intricacies of storytelling, intimacy, and cinematic choices, painting a picture of collaboration and creativity that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences worldwide.