50 Facts About The Holdovers

The Inception of The Holdovers

The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, has a fascinating origin story. Let's dive into how this unique dramedy came to be.

1. The idea for The Holdovers was born when Alexander Payne watched the 1935 French film Merlusse. This classic film inspired Payne to create a dramedy set in a boarding school.
2. Payne's inspiration led him to create a dramedy that explores the lives of students and faculty at an all-boys boarding school during the Christmas holiday in the 1970s.
3. David Hemingson, the sole credited writer, drew inspiration from his own experiences at a prep school. This personal connection added depth to the story, making it more relatable and authentic.
4. Before writing The Holdovers, Hemingson had a long and eclectic career as a TV writer. His diverse background in television writing influenced the script, bringing a unique perspective to the film.
5. Some scenes in the movie were inspired by real-life incidents from Hemingson's childhood. These personal anecdotes added a layer of authenticity to the story, making it more engaging for audiences.

The Characters and Their Portrayals

The Holdovers features a cast of memorable characters, each brought to life by talented actors. Here's a closer look at the main characters and the actors who portrayed them.

6. Paul Giamatti’s character, Paul Hunham, has a lazy eye, which the actor achieved through a 'big, soft contact lens.' This detail adds to the character's quirky personality and makes him more memorable.
7. Payne intended for Paul Hunham’s lazy eye to shift throughout the film to attune the audience to the characters' personal confusion. This subtle detail enhances the emotional depth of the characters.
8. Giamatti’s experience at Choate Rosemary Hall influenced his portrayal of Paul Hunham. His familiarity with boarding school life helped him bring authenticity to the role.
9. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who plays cafeteria worker Mary Lamb, initially smoked real cigarettes during filming but managed to avoid taking up smoking in real life. This decision added to her character’s realism and helped her stay in character.
10. Joe Howell, the actual liquor store employee, played the clerk who rings Paul up in the movie. This real-life interaction added a touch of realism to the film, making it more believable.

Filming Locations and Production Details

The Holdovers was filmed in various locations to capture the essence of a 1970s boarding school. Here are some interesting facts about the production process.

11. Barton Academy, a fictional school, is actually comprised of five different Massachusetts schools. The film was shot on location at these schools, adding to its authenticity.
12. Dominic Sessa, who was cast as Angus Tully, auditioned for the role while still a student at Deerfield Academy. His performance impressed the directors, leading to his breakthrough role in The Holdovers.
13. The movie features a snowstorm, which was created artificially but was also captured during an actual snowstorm at Fairhaven High School. This blend of real and artificial elements adds to the film’s charm.
14. The Holdovers keeps with old-school sensibilities by featuring opening credits that begin nearly nine minutes before the film starts. This nostalgic touch sets the tone for the rest of the movie, immersing viewers in the 1970s setting.
15. Eigil Bryld was hired to capture the classic look of the movie, which was inspired by the cinematography of '70s movies. His work ensures that The Holdovers has a timeless quality, making it appealing to both old and new audiences.

Awards and Recognition

Despite its seemingly modest premise, The Holdovers received significant recognition, including several Academy Award nominations.

16. Despite not appearing to be Oscars fodder, The Holdovers received five Academy Award nominations. This recognition is a testament to the film’s quality and its ability to resonate with audiences.
17. David Hemingson was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. His work on The Holdovers was praised by critics and audiences alike, highlighting his skill as a writer.
18. Paul Giamatti was nominated for Best Actor, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Both actors delivered outstanding performances, contributing to the film’s critical acclaim.
19. Dominic Sessa, who received rave reviews for his first role in The Holdovers, has since been announced as a cast member in the film Tow. His breakthrough role in The Holdovers marked the beginning of his successful career in Hollywood.
20. Many of the scenes were filmed at Fair Haven High School in Fair Haven, Massachusetts, in February 2022. The school provided an authentic backdrop for the film, capturing the essence of a 1970s boarding school.

Behind the Scenes

The making of The Holdovers involved many interesting behind-the-scenes details that contributed to the film's success.

21. Dominic Cessa, who plays Angus Tully, said that the hardest scene for him to shoot was the ice skating scene. As a former hockey player, he found it difficult to fall on command, adding to the authenticity of the scene.
22. Paul Hunham’s lazy eye constantly switches from his left eye to his right eye in different scenes throughout the film. This subtle detail adds to the character’s quirky personality and makes him more memorable.
23. Dominic Sessa auditioned for the role of Angus Tully while still a student at Deerfield Academy. His performance impressed the directors, leading to his breakthrough role in The Holdovers.
24. Mary Lamb, played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph, is a cafeteria worker who becomes a central figure in the story. Her character adds a layer of warmth and compassion to the film, making it more relatable.
25. Paul Hunham, played by Paul Giamatti, is a complex character with a lazy eye and a curmudgeonly demeanor. His character adds a layer of humor and depth to the film, making it more engaging.

Themes and Emotional Depth

The Holdovers explores several themes that resonate deeply with audiences, making it a memorable and impactful film.

26. The Holdovers explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the human connection. The film delves into the personal struggles of its characters, making it a deeply human story.
27. The Holdovers was crafted by Alexander Payne and David Hemingson to be a human story surrounding three characters stuck at an all-boys boarding school over the Christmas holiday in the 1970s. The result brings together incredible talents and a story that searches for deeper meaning within relationships formed.
28. David Hemingson sat down to discuss how personal the story was and what he and Payne discussed when crafting the story. Hemingson mentioned that Mary has the biggest burden, having lost Curtis, and cannot leave because it’s the last place she was with him. This personal connection adds depth to the story, making it more relatable.
29. The three characters kind of heal each other and they kind of fall in love with each other, but in a way that is organic and appropriate to the time. This bond changes the rest of them for the rest of their lives, adding a layer of emotional depth to the film.
30. The Holdovers keeps with old-school sensibilities by featuring opening credits that begin nearly nine minutes before the film starts. This nostalgic touch sets the tone for the rest of the movie, immersing viewers in the 1970s setting.

Cinematography and Visual Style

The visual style of The Holdovers plays a crucial role in creating its nostalgic and timeless feel.

31. Eigil Bryld was hired to capture the classic look of the movie, which was inspired by the cinematography of '70s movies. His work ensures that The Holdovers has a timeless quality, making it appealing to both old and new audiences.
32. For the international release, Universal used an old-school logo, while Focus Features and Miramax received custom logos that felt like '70s title cards. These title cards enhance the film’s retro aesthetic, aligning perfectly with its period setting.
33. Despite not appearing to be Oscars fodder, The Holdovers received five Academy Award nominations. This recognition is a testament to the film’s quality and its ability to resonate with audiences.
34. David Hemingson’s writing process involved drawing inspiration from his own experiences at a prep school. This personal connection added depth to the story, making it more relatable and authentic.
35. Paul Giamatti’s performance as Paul Hunham was praised by critics and audiences alike. His portrayal of a complex character with a lazy eye and a curmudgeonly demeanor added humor and depth to the film.

Performances and Breakthroughs

The performances in The Holdovers were widely praised, with several actors receiving significant recognition for their roles.

36. Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s performance as Mary Lamb was also highly praised. Her character added a layer of warmth and compassion to the film, making it more relatable.
37. Dominic Sessa’s breakthrough role in The Holdovers marked the beginning of his successful career in Hollywood. His performance as Angus Tully impressed the directors and audiences alike.
38. The Holdovers explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the human connection. The film delves into the personal struggles of its characters, making it a deeply human story.
39. The Holdovers was crafted by Alexander Payne and David Hemingson to be a human story surrounding three characters stuck at an all-boys boarding school over the Christmas holiday in the 1970s. The result brings together incredible talents and a story that searches for deeper meaning within relationships formed.
40. David Hemingson sat down to discuss how personal the story was and what he and Payne discussed when crafting the story. Hemingson mentioned that Mary has the biggest burden, having lost Curtis, and cannot leave because it’s the last place she was with him. This personal connection adds depth to the story, making it more relatable.

Emotional Connections and Character Bonds

The relationships between the characters in The Holdovers are central to the film's emotional impact.

41. The three characters kind of heal each other and they kind of fall in love with each other, but in a way that is organic and appropriate to the time. This bond changes the rest of them for the rest of their lives, adding a layer of emotional depth to the film.
42. The Holdovers keeps with old-school sensibilities by featuring opening credits that begin nearly nine minutes before the film starts. This nostalgic touch sets the tone for the rest of the movie, immersing viewers in the 1970s setting.
43. Eigil Bryld was hired to capture the classic look of the movie, which was inspired by the cinematography of '70s movies. His work ensures that The Holdovers has a timeless quality, making it appealing to both old and new audiences.
44. For the international release, Universal used an old-school logo, while Focus Features and Miramax received custom logos that felt like '70s title cards. These title cards enhance the film’s retro aesthetic, aligning perfectly with its period setting.
45. Despite not appearing to be Oscars fodder, The Holdovers received five Academy Award nominations. This recognition is a testament to the film’s quality and its ability to resonate with audiences.

Writing Process and Inspirations

The writing process for The Holdovers involved drawing from personal experiences and creating a deeply relatable story.

46. David Hemingson’s writing process involved drawing inspiration from his own experiences at a prep school. This personal connection added depth to the story, making it more relatable and authentic.
47. Paul Giamatti’s performance as Paul Hunham was praised by critics and audiences alike. His portrayal of a complex character with a lazy eye and a curmudgeonly demeanor added humor and depth to the film.
48. Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s performance as Mary Lamb was also highly praised. Her character added a layer of warmth and compassion to the film, making it more relatable.
49. Dominic Sessa’s breakthrough role in The Holdovers marked the beginning of his successful career in Hollywood. His performance as Angus Tully impressed the directors and audiences alike.
50. The Holdovers explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the human connection. The film delves into the personal struggles of its characters, making it a deeply human story.

The Holdovers: A Timeless Tale

The Holdovers stands out for its unique blend of drama and comedy, set against the backdrop of a 1970s all-boys boarding school. Alexander Payne and David Hemingson crafted a story that dives deep into themes of loneliness, redemption, and human connection. With Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa delivering stellar performances, the film captures the essence of its characters' personal struggles and unexpected bonds. The authentic setting, inspired by Hemingson's own prep school experiences, adds a layer of realism that resonates with audiences. From its inception to its production details, The Holdovers has garnered critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. This film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of classic cinema, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted narrative.