With the romantic comedy/drama Celeste and Jesse Forever opening this weekend, I recently got to talk with director Lee Toland Krieger and co-writer Will McCormack.  In the film, Andy Samberg stars with Rashida Jones as a divorcing couple who are having trouble maintaining their intense friendship while living together and pursuing other relationships.  In addition, Jones co-wrote the script, and it’s a great mix of realistic comedy and drama.  It’s definitely recommended.  Celeste and Jesse also stars Elijah Wood, Chris Messina and Emma Roberts.

During my interview with Krieger and co-writer McCormack we talked about how Krieger came to direct the project, sticking to the script versus improv, balancing the comedy and drama in a realistic way and more.  Hit the jump to watch.

The first trailer and poster for director Lee Toland Krieger‘s romantic comedy/drama Celeste and Jesse Forever have been released.  The film stars Andy Samberg and Rashida Jones as a divorcing couple who are having trouble maintaining their intense friendship while living together and pursuing other relationships.  The trailer isn’t particularly funny, but it’s clear that the heart of the story is the dramatic aspect of the break up.  The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to fairly positive reviews (you can read Matt’s review here), and I’m interested in seeing how far the film goes in exploring the ending of a long-term relationship that doesn’t only signal the break-up of a romantic relationship, but also the separation of two best friends.  Jones co-wrote the script with Will McCormack so here’s hoping for the best.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer.  The film also stars Elijah Wood, Chris Messina, Emma Roberts and Ari Graynor.  Celeste and Jesse Forever opens on August 3rd.

Rashida Jones is a funny, talented actress who has been confined to supporting roles.  She’s the best friend, the girl-friend, the co-worker, but never the leading lady.  Jones has sought to right that wrong by co-writing herself a fantastic role in the comedy Celeste and Jesse Forever.  The script not only provides a showcase for her dramatic range and comic timing, but also her ability to write hilarious dialogue and situations.  But in a bizarre twist, her performance ends up carrying her script’s stumbling blocks and clumsy ending.  Even when she’s her own worst enemy, Jones comes out the victor.

Emma Roberts, Chris Messina, and Ari Graynor have joined the cast of the indie dramedy Celeste and Jesse Forever.  Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg star as “a young divorcing couple who try to maintain their long-standing friendship while living together and pursuing other relationships.”  According to Variety, Roberts plays a young starlet who hires Celeste to revamp her image when her career struggles.  Messina is a financial analyst who helps Celeste get over Jesse.  Graynor will play Celeste’s best friend who has trouble supporting her relationship with Jesse.

Lee Toland Krieger (The Vicious Kind ) will direct from a script Jones co-wrote with fellow actor Will McCormack.  After a prolonged development, the casting of Samberg in March advanced the process.  Filming should begin before Samberg shoots I Hate You Dad later this summer.  More after the break:

Andy Samberg (Saturday Night Live) has signed on to star opposite Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) in Celeste and Jesse Forever.  The romantic dramedy centers on a couple that wants to remain friends following their impending divorce.  Jones co-wrote the script with long-time actor, first-time writer Will McCormack.  Lee Toland Krieger (The Vicious Kind) will direct.

Read what Jones had to say about the movie — which she compares to When Harry Met Sally and Blue Valentine — after the break.