Adapted for the screen by Philippe Falardeau—the Oscar-nominated director of Monsieur Lazhar and Chuck—My Salinger Year premiered as the opening film of the 2020 Berlinale and opened in theaters around the world in 2021. The film stars Margaret Qualley as Joanna, Sigourney Weaver as her boss, Douglas Booth as Don, and Hamza Haq as Karl (or, as he’s called in the book, “my college boyfriend”), and features Yanic Truesdale (Michel on Gilmore Girls) and Brian O’Byrne in supporting roles. Joanna served as a consultant on the script and the film, as a whole, weighing in on everything from the costumes–which are based on her actual clothing from 1996–to the set, for which Falardeau and his crew created a simulation of Joanna’s office, modeled on descriptions in the book and Joanna’s drawings. The film was shot by award-winning cult cinematographer Sara Mishara.
Watch the 2020 Berlinale press conference, in which Joanna discusses the process of adapting the book, and Sigourney and Joanna talk about Philippe Falardeau’s decision to hire an all-female director-level staff for the film, a rarity in Hollywood.
Or watch the press conference highlights.
Watch Joanna talk about the film at the 2020 Berlinale.
Or watch her discuss the film with Joe McGovern following a Lincoln Center screening.
Watch Joanna and Philippe talk with Hollywood First Look’s Law Sharma.
Watch Joanna talk with the Ragdale Foundation about adapting the book for film.
Watch Joanna talk with Marco and Erica of BritaliansTV.
Watch Joanna discuss the film with MyLibrarian’s Michelle Zaffino.
Watch Joanna discuss the film with Jenna Blum and Caroline Leavitt on A Mighty Blaze.
Watch Joanna discuss casting the film on Deepest Dream.
Watch Joanna and Philippe at the OFFA International Women’s Day Festival.