The Next Best Thing (2000)

Director John Schlesinger was drawn to "The Next Best Thing" by the strength of the story and the dramatic and comedic possibilities it represented.

"I liked the script, and felt that the themes of the film and the nature of the relationships within the story were all things that I saw as making very compelling elements for a movie," says Schlesinger. "Interesting human relationships are very important to me, and the characters and the interplay of those characters is present in every movie I've ever made."

Set in Los Angeles, "The Next Best Thing" focuses on Abbie (Madonna) and Robert (Rupert Everett), whose close friendship is tested by a series of choices they make during the course of the film.

"The film is about an unconventional family - about how far one can exist outside the realms of convention and make things work," notes Schlesinger. "The story begins with Abbie and Robert both as rather lonely creatures, not being able to find relationships that work - except for their own, as great, great friends. And as great friends, it works - until it goes further than that, and then certain stresses are put on the relationship."

"It's a terrific story with superb writing, and very topical," says producer Tom Rosenberg. "And it's unusual in that there is a great change of tone part way through the film. It possesses great humor, but it is really a drama, similar in tone to films such as 'Terms of Endearment' and 'Kramer vs. Kramer.'"

The opportunity to work with Academy Award-winning director John Schlesinger was a major draw for cast and filmmakers alike.

"John has a long, distinguished career of such memorable films with really great performances," notes Rosenberg. "He's an amazing man, and we are so fortunate to have him on this film."

"Schlesinger is a terrific director," agrees executive producer Gary Lucchesi. "His films have been issue-oriented movies and some have been quite provocative in exploring certain issues - he's done many edgy, controversial films, and he brings that edge to this film to great effect."

"He knows a lot about acting, and he really directs the actors well," says Madonna of Schlesinger. "He's tough and relentless, and he has a great attention to detail which I think is really important."

"I have been a great admirer and fan of John's for a long time," adds Benjamin Bratt. "He has a great deal of experience and knowledge which I hope to learn from - I feel very fortunate to have the chance to work with him." Lynn Redgrave, who has known Schlesinger for years, was thrilled to finally have a chance to work with the director.

"He is one of the masters, and it's a real privilege to be on the set with him," she says.

Schlesinger is pleased with the talented cast of performers assembled for the film.

"This film is blessed with an excellent cast - one of the best I've had, I must say," comments Schlesinger. "In addition to Madonna and Rupert Everett, we are also fortunate to have Lynn Redgrave, Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris, Michael Vartan and Josef Sommer - quite a talented ensemble." "Madonna is a considerable dramatic actress as well as being able to handle the lighter stuff. She's been very good to work with, and the chemistry between Madonna and Rupert Everett is extremely good, that's an enormous plus for us because the relationship between Abbie and Robert is very key to the whole story," Schlesinger says.

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