Steve Coogan tells us about Penguin Lessons and centering a character that is lost.

Summary

In this insightful conversation, the speaker reflects on the evolution of his character in a film, emphasizing the journey from a cynical, disengaged man to one who finds purpose through an unexpected bond with a penguin. He discusses the broader themes of personal transformation, human connection, and standing up for what’s right, even in the face of adversity. The speaker also shares personal experiences of inspiration, including lessons learned from teachers and individuals who dedicated their lives to helping others, underscoring the importance of balance, kindness, and the power of storytelling.

Takeaways

• 😀 The character Tom in the movie starts as a disengaged, cynical man who doesn’t care about the world, people, or animals.
• 😀 Tom's transformation begins when he accidentally adopts a penguin, which forces him to engage with the world and change his outlook on life.
• 😀 The story of Tom is about personal growth, where his cynicism is challenged and eventually transformed into an understanding of the value of helping others.
• 😀 The shift in Tom’s character happens against the backdrop of a military dictatorship, showing how even in oppressive times, personal change and moral decisions matter.
• 😀 The film explores how a seemingly small event, like adopting a penguin, can lead to larger revelations about purpose, responsibility, and connecting with others.
• 😀 The interviewer asks if the actor has had a personal experience where someone or something helped them reconnect with their world or sense of purpose.
• 😀 The actor shares his experience of having an inspirational teacher who encouraged questioning authority and challenging societal norms.
• 😀 The actor reflects on how he got caught up in his career trajectory but later found inspiration in seeing individuals who were devoted to helping others in need.
• 😀 The actor highlights the importance of balance in life, not just chasing career goals for the sake of success but also focusing on meaningful work and relationships.
• 😀 The film also conveys the importance of kindness, stating that standing up for what you believe in and being compassionate can have a ripple effect, helping not just the self but others too.

Q & A

What was the initial premise of the story, and how did it evolve in the film?

The initial premise of the story had a character who was a decent guy trying to inspire kids using a penguin. However, the film's creators decided to make the protagonist, Tom, less sympathetic, portraying him as a cynical, narcissistic character who didn’t care about animals, humans, or kids. This change was made to create a more engaging story, where Tom's accidental adoption of the penguin forces him to re-engage with the world and find meaning in helping others.

How does the character Tom's journey reflect the theme of personal growth?

Tom starts as a disengaged individual, uninterested in the world around him. However, through his unexpected responsibility of caring for the penguin, he experiences a catharsis. This leads him to re-engage with the world, helping others, especially children, and ultimately realizing that doing good for others also makes him feel better about himself. His growth reflects a shift from selfishness to selflessness.

What role does the penguin play in Tom’s transformation?

The penguin serves as an unexpected catalyst for Tom’s transformation. Initially, Tom adopts the penguin out of a desire to impress a woman, but once left with the penguin, he is reluctantly forced to care for it. Over time, the penguin's presence begins to change his outlook on life, ultimately leading to Tom's personal growth and a newfound sense of responsibility.

In the interview, Steve mentions a 'walkabout' in his own life. What does this term refer to?

The term 'walkabout' in the interview refers to a period of self-reflection or a personal journey. Steve talks about a time in his life where he was driven to succeed in show business, but later encountered people who helped him reconnect with his values and priorities. These encounters helped him find a sense of purpose beyond career success, reinforcing the idea of balancing ambition with compassion for others.

What influence did a teacher have on Steve’s personal development?

Steve credits a teacher with helping him learn the importance of questioning authority and the things he was told. This teacher encouraged him to think critically, which became an influential part of his personal development, allowing Steve to gain perspective and reevaluate his life choices and priorities later on.

How does Steve view his role in telling stories that have substance?

Steve strives to tell stories that reach a broad audience while also containing depth and substance. He believes in telling stories that make people think, rather than simply entertaining them. He views storytelling as a way to engage people intellectually and emotionally, showing them that learning and engaging with society can be enjoyable and meaningful.

What does Steve mean by the statement 'What goes around, comes around'?

Steve is referring to the concept of karma, where positive actions lead to positive outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of being kind to others, standing up for what you believe in, and doing the right thing, not just for the sake of it, but because it creates a cycle of goodness that can return to you.

Why does Steve believe standing up to bullies is important, despite its challenges?

Steve believes that standing up to bullies is essential, even though it can be scary and difficult. He acknowledges that it’s not easy, but he emphasizes that it’s necessary to take a stand for what’s right. He points out that standing up to bullies or injustice is a vital part of creating positive change in the world.

How does Steve view his role in influencing others through his work?

Steve sees his role in influencing others as one of providing joy and lifting people’s spirits through his work. He mentions that although his work may not have made him wealthy, the long-lasting impact of his films, such as 'Hamlet 2,' is what matters most to him. His work has a shelf life, and people continue to find meaning and comfort in it years later, which he considers a great gift.

What lesson does Steve take from his experience with 'Hamlet 2' and its enduring appeal?

Steve takes away the lesson that films or projects with substance, even if they don’t achieve immediate commercial success, can have a long-lasting impact. He expresses gratitude that 'Hamlet 2' continues to resonate with people, especially those from everyday walks of life. The film's slow burn success reinforces the idea that bringing joy and meaning to people's lives is more fulfilling than fame or financial success.