Callum Turner’s Unexpected Favourite: Why He Rates The Notebook

Callum Turner is not the sort to reveal all at once. His career has seen him move seamlessly from intense dramas to major studio productions, always with a quiet intensity that sets him apart. Perhaps it’s this very quality that has led to his name being mentioned in discussions about the next James Bond. As his profile rises, Turner’s choices in film offer a glimpse into his approach as an actor—thoughtful, discerning, and never simply following the crowd.

Interestingly, Turner’s admiration is not reserved for the most obvious or critically lauded works. One film he holds in high regard is often dismissed as a standard romantic drama, despite its commercial triumph and enduring popularity. The Notebook, much like Titanic, is frequently labelled a ‘chick flick’ and overlooked by some, even though it became a cultural phenomenon and propelled its stars to international fame. Turner, however, is keen to challenge this perception and give the film its due.

Reassessing a Modern Classic

In a recent conversation for Hero Magazine’s Endorsed series, Turner shared his appreciation for the film.

“I love The Notebook, it’s so good for so many different reasons,”

he remarked, highlighting the depth he finds in a film many consider overly sentimental. For Turner, the connection to John Cassavetes is key. The film’s director, Nick Cassavetes, is the son of the legendary filmmaker, and Turner sees a clear line between The Notebook and the work of Cassavetes senior, such as A Woman Under the Influence.

Turner elaborated,

“It’s born out of Cassavete’s ideology of acting, who is the godfather of indie film… He was also an actor, and Gena Rowlands was his wife, who was in all his films.”

Cassavetes placed actors at the heart of his films, and this legacy, Turner believes, is evident in The Notebook. The performances of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, in particular, are singled out for praise.

“They’re both incredible in that film,”

Turner noted, echoing the view that, while the script has its critics, the acting is widely admired.

Legacy, Performance, and Perception

The film’s impact on Gosling’s career is undeniable, and Turner is quick to acknowledge his talent, suggesting that Gosling has the ability to elevate any project. The chemistry between Gosling and McAdams is another aspect Turner finds compelling, making even the film’s more sentimental moments feel genuine.

For Turner, the film’s strengths are rooted in its connection to the Cassavetes family. Not only did Nick Cassavetes direct, but he also cast his mother, Gena Rowlands, as the older version of McAdams’ character, Allie. Her portrayal is particularly poignant, especially when considered alongside her real-life relationship with John Cassavetes. Yet, Turner feels these qualities are often overlooked, perhaps because the film’s primary audience is women and girls, and romantic dramas are rarely given the same respect as other genres.

Challenging Stereotypes in Cinema

Turner’s willingness to champion The Notebook is a reminder that films aimed at female audiences can possess depth and artistry, even if they are not always recognised as such. He sees value where others might not, and his perspective invites a broader appreciation of a film that has touched millions, regardless of its reputation.