Netflix's "Train Dreams," based on Denis Johnson's novella and already generating Oscar attention, is a film set in early 20th-century America, depicting a period of rapid growth and the brutal nature of physical labor. It tells the story of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a stoic logger devoted to his wife, Gladys (Felicity Jones), and their daughter, as he works wherever jobs take him, often away from their humble home in the Pacific Northwest.

Writer-director Clint Bentley and co-writer Greg Kwedar, creators behind the Academy Award-nominated "Sing Sing," have crafted a story that has deeply resonated with its stars. In an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, William H. Macy and Kerry Condon discussed their immediate belief in the film's potential.

Both actors were profoundly impressed by the script. William H. Macy stated, "When I read the script. The script was stunning. The script was the movie, and you don't get one of those that often. So, I jumped on this thing as fast as I could." Kerry Condon echoed this sentiment, remarking, "I think the script was so beautiful. I remember thinking, 'Gosh, if it moved me so much just reading it.'" Her confidence was further solidified after seeing Bentley's previous film, "Jockey," and knowing the same Director of Photography would be involved, ensuring the film would be "shot beautifully." Condon even compared the cinematography to that of Terrence Malick, but noted "Train Dreams" offered a much better, more story-driven plot.

The filming process for "Train Dreams" was efficient yet calm, completed in approximately 28 days in Washington state. Macy described the set as "calm, happy, and contemplative," finding that the beautiful natural surroundings naturally fostered a quiet atmosphere. Condon added that the entire crew shared a genuine love for the script, creating a positive and dedicated environment. They also touched on the challenges of shooting during "the magic hour," a period of twilight renowned for its soft, diffused light, which requires actors to deliver performances precisely when called upon, a task Condon confidently labels as "our job."

The conversation also delved into roles that significantly impacted their careers. Kerry Condon cited the TV show "Luck" with Michael Mann, not necessarily for its career-altering impact on her acting, but because it profoundly changed her life by leading her to adopt a horse, which she still cherishes. For William H. Macy, "Fargo" was a turning point for his career. However, he emphasized that his decade-long tenure on "Shameless" truly taught him how to act, allowing him to accumulate "10,000 hours" of experience, shed old habits, learn to be kinder, and better manage his time.

Addressing the approach to intense emotional scenes, such as Macy's character's death in "Train Dreams," Macy revealed an unconventional perspective. He explained that as actors, emotions are not directly controllable; instead, the focus should be on performing the character's actions truthfully, trusting that the emotion will naturally emerge. Regarding his death scene, he clarified, "it's not a scene about dying... it was about making him understand something. It was about communicating." Condon, on the other hand, prefers not to overprepare, trusting her instincts and the moment itself, especially for dialogue-heavy scenes.

The interview concluded with their favorite Stanley Kubrick films. William H. Macy chose "Dr. Strangelove," praising its genius and timeless quality, specifically recalling a remarkable, un-cut six-page scene. Kerry Condon selected "The Shining," humorously relating to the protagonist's frustration with interruptions while working.

"Train Dreams" is now available to stream on Netflix.