Callum Turner Reveals the Unexpected Film That Inspires Him Most

Callum Turner is an actor who keeps his cards close to his chest. Whether he’s diving into a hard-hitting drama or starring in a major blockbuster, there’s a quiet intensity that defines his work. This focus has made him a frequent name in conversations about the next James Bond. As his career gains momentum, Turner’s choices reveal a lot about his approach to acting and the kind of stories that resonate with him.

Interestingly, Turner doesn’t chase after the flashiest projects. Instead, he’s drawn to films that might not always get the recognition they deserve. One movie that stands out for him is often dismissed as just another romantic drama, even though it was a massive hit and became a cultural phenomenon. The Notebook, much like Titanic, is sometimes written off as a “chick flick,” despite its huge success and lasting impact. While it may not have reached the same heights as James Cameron’s epic, it’s still a beloved classic that helped launch the career of a major Hollywood star. Turner is one of the few who openly gives the film the respect he feels it deserves.

Finding Depth in a Romance Classic

In a recent interview, Turner shared his admiration for The Notebook.

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

he said, discussing his favorite films. While some see the movie as overly sentimental, Turner views it as part of a larger legacy. The film was directed by Nick Cassavetes, son of the legendary John Cassavetes, a pioneer of independent cinema. Turner sees a clear connection between The Notebook and the work of John Cassavetes, especially in the way the actors drive the story.

He explained,

“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.”

For John Cassavetes, the actor was always at the heart of the film, and his movies were carried by powerful performances. Gena Rowlands, his wife, is often cited as an inspiration by many actors, especially for her role in A Woman Under the Influence. In The Notebook, it’s the performances of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling that truly stand out. Turner agrees, saying,

“They’re both incredible in that film.”

Legacy, Performance, and Overlooked Brilliance

The Notebook not only launched Gosling into stardom, but also showcased his ability to elevate any project he’s in. The chemistry between Gosling and McAdams makes even the film’s most emotional moments feel genuine. Turner believes much of what makes The Notebook special comes from its connection to John Cassavetes’ world. Beyond the direction of Nick Cassavetes, there’s another important link: Gena Rowlands, Nick’s mother, plays the older version of McAdams’ character, Allie. Her performance is deeply moving, especially considering her real-life love story with John Cassavetes.

Despite all these strengths, the film’s achievements are often overlooked, likely because its main audience is women and girls. Romantic dramas and so-called “chick flicks” rarely get the respect they deserve, no matter how popular they become. Still, actors like Turner recognize their value and aren’t afraid to say so.