'The Giver': Jeff Bridges' labor of love project

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In one of the movies new to theaters this weekend, you'll see Jeff Bridges playing the title role in "The Giver." The film, based on a popular young-adult novel, is one he's wanted to make for 18 years.

You could say "The Giver" takes place in a black-and-white world. Something from the past causes this community to shut the rest of society out.

For those who know no better, it all seems so perfect -- -but you know this is no utopia.

Jeff Bridges plays "The Giver," the guy responsible for keeping all of the community's memories.

"When my father was alive, originally I wanted my dad to play the part of The Giver -- Lloyd Bridges -- but when he passed on, the story I think is what kind of kept me engaged all these years," says Bridges.

Time passed, and Jeff stepped into the shoes originally intended for his father. But he walked onto the set with wisdom from a giver in his life: his late mother.

"My mom used to say, 'Now remember, Jeff, have fun and don't take it too seriously,' and that was a great bit of wisdom, because when you're kind of relaxed, you know, the good stuff that you got naturally can come out in an easier fashion," says Bridges.

"The Giver" focuses mostly on Jonas, the young man Bridges' character is trying to train to follow in his footsteps. But the more Jonas learns, the more he realizes something is not right.

Meryl Streep plays the domineering leader of the community.

"They told me this Meryl Streep lady was in it and I was like, 'Who?'" said Cameron Monaghan, who plays Jonas. "And they were like, 'Oh, she was in some movies,' and I was like, 'Oh, OK, yeah, let's do it.' So I went over and, you know, I gave her some advice about how to perform. And, yeah, I think she is really going to benefit from working with me, I got to say."

"The Giver" is rated PG-13.