In every relationship, there usually comes a time when you hit a snag or two. And more often than not, that hurdle has something to do with acceptance–ranging from a man’s choice in underwear to the shade of a woman’s lipstick.
In “Fever Pitch,” a new romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon, it’s a man’s over-the-top obsession with the Boston Red Sox that causes a rift between him and the woman he loves. Initially, Lindsey (Barrymore) is unable to understand Ben’s (Fallon) devotion to a bunch of guys he doesn’t even know on a personal level.
But in real life, the twice-married and twice-divorced 30-year-old Barrymore totally gets it.
“I’m a workaholic,” Barrymore said during an exclusive interview with RedEye. “So, I know that my schedule–working 17 hours a day and traveling all the time–isn’t very routine and can be very trying on a relationship.
“So, I can totally empathize with someone being open and encouraging to what I do because I’m so passionate about it. I love it so much. I love my job. And, of course, that makes me feel so good and empowered if someone is supportive and encouraging and understanding about that. How could you not just want to return that respect and say the same thing to them?”
Apparently, Barrymore’s real-life man, Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti, gives her the time and space she needs to pursue her passion. Barrymore’s schedule during the shooting of “Fever Pitch” was particularly hectic.
Although the focal point of the film is Ben and Lindsey’s relationship, the Boston Red Sox and their quest for a World Series title after 86 years is the backdrop. So, when the real Red Sox went on to play St. Louis in last year’s World Series, that meant a lot of traveling for Barrymore, who also is one of the movie’s producers.
Before making this film, Barrymore knew very little about baseball. But after having spent much of last summer in Fenway Park, Barrymore conceded that she’s now hooked on the game.
“I really did start to fall in love with that team and this game,” Barrymore said. “Being at the winning game at the World Series was just so incredible. I just thought I wanted to capture this on film so that I could give it right back out and make it be a love letter to Boston and this team.
“It was just going to be that Ben won the girl and the team just kept losing, but then the team wins, he wins and everybody wins. It’s just a miracle. If we had tried to write it this way, it would have been total B.S. But it really happened, and that’s so great.”
Despite all that she’s been through–drug addiction, the dysfunctional relationship with her mother, her failed marriages to bartender Jeremy Thomas and comedian Tom Green, her father’s recent death and existing in the shadows of the Barrymore legacy–she is a gracious and well-adjusted young woman who lights up a room when she walks in.
Given the ups and downs of her personal life, it’s no wonder Barrymore has allowed the work to sustain her. But now that she’s older and has a new man in her life, she’s more intent than ever to achieve some sort of balance.
“You just have to find that balance where you can be yourself and do the things that you need and want to do and yet maintain a relationship,” Barrymore said.
One thing she’s not willing to do right now, however, is try marriage for a third time. Her head is “so not in that place.” Instead, she’s all about enjoying life, having fun, spending quality time with Moretti and her friends.
That is, when she’s not working.
“I’d really prefer to try and build a family when I’m really selfless,” Barrymore said. “I still think if I waited a little longer, I’d be better suited for the job.”
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com)
