Awkwafina on Why "The Farewell" Was a Role She Had Never Seen Before

Summary

The speaker recounts a personal story from 2013, when their grandmother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The family decided not to inform the grandmother, instead organizing a wedding to gather everyone. The speaker, an artist, initially hid their emotions by attempting to create a documentary. The story evolves into a reflection on cultural identity, Asian-American experiences, and the emotional ties to family, particularly the grandmother. The speaker also praises the film's production, the Chinese cast's talent, and the profound respect for elders in Chinese culture, making the experience deeply emotional and memorable.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The speaker shares a personal story from 2013 when their grandmother was sick, but the family chose not to tell her.
• 💒 The family planned a wedding as a pretext to gather and see the grandmother without revealing her illness.
• 🎥 The speaker initially wanted to film a documentary to hide their emotions but later used some of the sound in a This American Life piece.
• 📜 The speaker was drawn to the story because of its authenticity and connection to their identity as an Asian American navigating both cultures.
• 💡 The speaker found the film's story smart, blending humor with deep emotional truths, which resonated with their relationship with their grandmother.
• 🧳 Shooting the film in China posed challenges, but it was a worthwhile experience that left the speaker missing their homeland.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Working with a predominantly Chinese cast felt like being part of a family, and the actors' skills deeply impressed the speaker.
• 🎭 The speaker highlights how Asian actors, often undervalued in the West, are highly skilled and respected in China.
• 🎓 There is a strong culture of respect for elder actors in China, which the speaker admired and experienced firsthand.
• 😢 Filming emotional scenes, especially with the grandmother, was powerful, even moving locals who were watching the scenes being shot.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction of the speaker when they learned about their grandmother's illness?

The speaker was processing the information about their grandmother's illness and the family's decision not to inform her. They were initially overwhelmed and needed time to think about the situation.

Why did the speaker decide to buy a Handycam and start filming a documentary?

The speaker bought a Handycam to create a documentary as a way to cope with the situation. They hoped that focusing on filming would allow them to distance themselves emotionally and maintain an objective point of view during the difficult time.

Did the speaker end up using the footage they filmed for the documentary?

No, the footage was not usable. However, the sound from the footage was later used in an episode of 'This American Life' that the speaker worked on.

How does the speaker describe the importance of the story in relation to their identity as an Asian American?

The speaker reflects on how the story is closely tied to their personal journey as an Asian American, negotiating between two identities. Returning to China to see their grandmother triggered feelings of connection to their roots, while also grappling with their experiences as an Asian American.

What makes the character of Billie, as depicted in the story, unique according to the speaker?

Billie is portrayed as an imperfect character. The story asks difficult questions about which approach is better—telling the truth or protecting someone from it—and avoids casting Billie as a typical hero. This honesty resonated with the speaker.

Why was the speaker impressed by the script and director Lulu?

The speaker was impressed because Lulu not only sent them the script but also provided additional materials, including a link to 'This American Life' and an audio recording of her father telling a joke. Lulu was well-prepared and conveyed a clear vision for the film, making it hard for the speaker to turn down the project.

What was the speaker’s experience working with the cast, especially in China?

The speaker found the cast in China to be exceptionally talented and experienced, often surpassing the performance levels they had encountered in Western productions. The actors displayed a profound emotional depth, particularly in scenes involving family relationships.

How did the speaker feel about the cultural differences between acting in China and the West?

The speaker noted that in China, there is a deep sense of respect for older actors, and the value placed on actors is different compared to the West. Chinese actors work constantly, and the speaker admired their professionalism and dedication.

What emotional impact did filming the scene with the grandmother have on the speaker and others on set?

Filming the scene where the speaker hugs their grandmother had a powerful emotional impact on everyone present. Even bystanders from the apartment complex were moved to tears, as they understood the emotional weight of the moment.

What did the speaker learn from working with both the director and the experienced Chinese cast?

The speaker learned a great deal from the director and the cast. They were particularly struck by the respect and skill of the older actors in China, as well as the cultural differences in how actors are valued and treated in the industry.