In Philip Roth's Pulitzer-winning novel, American Pastoral, Dawn Levov is described as a woman of "complete confidence" with unforgettable courage and "truly sculptural talent and beauty."
These evocative words serve as a testament to the captivating character of Dawn, a central figure in the tale of beauty and misfortune that unfolds in the novel.
For years, Jennifer Connelly's name had been inextricably linked to the character of Dawn Levov, as various attempts were made to adapt Roth's masterwork to the big screen. Ewan McGregor, alongside Connelly, was part of these endeavors. However, after facing countless setbacks, McGregor decided to take matters into his own hands and direct the film himself, with Jennifer Connelly as his co-star, naturally.
The story of American Pastoral revolves around the 'Swede' Levov, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, and Dawn Levov, brought to life by Jennifer Connelly. Together, they represent the embodiment of the American dream in the 1950s, their lives seemingly perfect. However, the tranquility is shattered as their daughter (Dakota Fanning) rebels against the facade of perfection. She descends into the tumultuous world of the revolutionary movements of the 1960s, diving headlong into the dark, at times even, terrorist realms. She becomes incapable of seeing her parents as anything other than complacent bourgeoisie. In essence, this is the core of American Pastoral.
The film is set against the backdrop of a very specific period in American history, between World War II and the Vietnam War. It revolves around a generation that inherited a time of peace, promise, great hopes, boundless energy, and unwavering enthusiasm. Jennifer Connelly, in an interview for RTVE.es at the San Sebastián Festival, offers insight into this poignant historical context, which shapes the characters and their narratives.
Ewan McGregor's direction takes the extensive source material into the realm of classic and authentic melodrama, delving deep into the profound sense of loss and generational and cultural clashes. The differences between the Levovs and their daughter serve as a powerful illustration of the tumultuous era they lived through.
Jennifer Connelly reflects on her character, Dawn Levov, who embarks on her journey as a beauty queen but yearns to reject this image. As the story unfolds, her quest for authenticity unravels, leading to a complex and emotionally drowning character. She grapples with the question of what went wrong with her dream, left utterly shattered by her daughter's rejection and her daughter's own escape.
Philip Roth's ambitious exploration of the end of the American dream finds a worthy cinematic adaptation in American Pastoral, a film that McGregor aimed to make as authentic an adaptation as possible, capturing the essence of Roth's seminal work.
