The cast of ‘I Love My Father’ will create a heartbreaking comedy: ‘It’s either success or failure’

The cast of ‘I Love My Father’ will create a heartbreaking comedy: ‘It’s either success or failure’

On paper, the prerequisite for this I love my dad He is not only ambitious, but clearly determined. Inspired by the true experiences of star writer-director James Morosini, the film follows a desperate father (Patton Oswalt) who accidentally deletes the Catfish of the Century because he’s pretending to be someone else online to check in and stick around. to his estranged son Franklin (Morosin).

“I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t know if it was going to work until I saw it in front of an audience,” Oswalt said. the hollywood reporter Thursday at the film’s West Hollywood premiere. “I’d like to see this alone, but that doesn’t happen until you’re in front of a group of people and [can] listen to people if they laugh, but also [they] A sort of grimace and thunder, and some look at it with their fingers. It was amazing that I was a part of it. ”

The comedian not only showcases his comedic skills in the film, but is also appreciated for his emotional performance as a father seeking a bond with his son.

“I had to go in with both feet and not think about it too much,” Oswalt said of diving into these heartfelt scenes. “There were some scenes that were so emotional that if I had changed my mind, you would have seen me thinking about it. it sounds so weird [but] You think acting is too technical. But often the best thing you can do is clear your mind.”

As if the premise wasn’t obsessive enough, the film’s script pushes the actors to their limits, which is enough dirt to go too far.

“There were bits in the script that I remember reading and thinking, ‘I don’t know how they’re going to pull this off,’” Oswalt recalled. “How will it be a success or a fiasco. There will be no break. We aim at something and hit or miss. I love that style of filming.”

Patton Oswalt (left) and James Morosini attend the Los Angeles red carpet premiere of ‘I Love My Dad’ at Largo Coronet on August 4, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

David Livingston/Getty Images

“Honestly, reading the script was one of the quickest reads I’ve ever had,” added Claudia Sulewski, who plays Franklin’s online girlfriend Becca in the film. “Because you just can’t believe what’s happening when you read or see it. So personally, when I get to this sexting scene, I have to see how it’s going to be done and how it’s going to be filmed.”

He points to a scene in the movie where Oswalt’s character has sex with his son to keep the cat fishing. “James dances that fine line,” Sulewski said of the director. “Almost going too far, but never crossing. It’s exciting to be a part of it.” The aspiring actress is new to the Hollywood scene as I love my dad marks his film debut. Before that, he built a huge following on social media as a YouTuber and amassed two million followers on Instagram.

As Franklin’s imaginary dream girl, Sulewski effectively plays the same role as Oswalt for most of the film. “There were so many games for the imaginary Becca,” she explained. “I mean, for starters, I’m literally his dad. I also play with the masculine gaze of how an imaginary girl looks and talks.

Claudia Sulewski and her boyfriend Phineas

David Livingston/Getty Images

For Morosini, writing, directing and acting in this ambitious story was always what he intended. “I wanted to put as much skin into the game as creatively as possible,” he said. The sex life of university students. said the actor. “And I wanted to put every ounce of me into the film from every angle.”

The R-rated comedy debuted at SXSW 2022, where it won the Jury and Audience Awards in the Narrative Feature Film Competition.

“I was so FOMO I couldn’t be there,” said Amy Landecker, who plays Franklin’s mother, after missing the festival. “I got goosebumps all over and I’m telling you because I’m not a big part of it, but it’s so brilliant and fun. I’m not being hyperbolic when I say the only other time I’ve been to the theater was in front of a crowd, like at the premiere. go outside. It had such a visceral reaction from the audience. “

“It’s beyond that, isn’t it?” Landecker added. “Prepare to be so hard you can barely stand it. the best way. If you like embarrassing comedies, this is terrible. [James] He will be like the new King of Kring.”

“It’s not really a broad comedy,” Morosin said of the awkwardness factor. “I would call it discomfort.”

In addition to the cast and crew, celebrities such as Bob Odenkirk, Billie Eilish, Phineas, Dylan Minnette and Lewis Pullman also attended.

I love my dad It opens in cinemas on Friday.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

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