Although the classic metaphors in romantic comedies are usually eternal, social media is the core element of this genre for all the boys I have loved. In this way, this film especially reflects the present era.
In the movie, Lana Joan Covey (played by Lana Condor) and Peter Kavensky, two lovers, exchanged many beautiful words and appeared on the screen. Peter complained that Laura Joan was absent from the photo wall (Instagram), and a mean classmate tried to ruin Laura's reputation on Ins with indecent videos. Not surprisingly, social media is actually the third member of Peter and Laura Joan's relationship, especially when most of their interactions are conducted through mobile phones.
Director Susan Johnson said that she hoped to find a balance between the ubiquitous existence of social media and the moment when Laura Jean faced her fears.
Johnson told Hollywood: "We can't live on social media, and Laura Jane can't read in the living room or bedroom." "She must go out and experience the world."
The director grew up in the peak of john hughes's romantic comedy, and she finished her directorial debut with the independent comedy Carrie Pulby on 20 16. Johnson worked in Hollywood for nearly 20 years, and made movies such as Villagers and Dogs (2004), Lover (2005), Sausage (2008) and Pet Lover (20 16).
The Covey sisters played by vultures, Jenny parrish (Pretty Little Liars) and Anna Cascade not only bring a brand-new set of Asian American faces, but also challenge the image of Asian Americans in Hollywood, such as 65,438+06 candles. Although Netflix's movie seems to be talking to the villagers of the crazy romantic comedy Crazy Asian Rich, the movie was released two days before the release of August 17, and the audience was all my favorite boys, but Qiang Sen emphasized that her movie did not stop at racial issues. Johnson said that Laura Joan's tradition may be part of her identity, but it doesn't define her.
During the conversation, the director discussed the adaptation of Jenny Han's best-selling novel of the same name, which brought pressure to the young audience of the film and brought new Asian Americans to the revival of romantic comedy this summer.
As a part of Netflix's Summer of Love, what is the most exciting part? I like Netflix's Summer of Love very much. I think it's cool that they have the ability to pick out what the audience wants through ratings, algorithms and research. This is unique to Netflix, so I'm glad they did.
For me, this story is very important, because I like that we have a diversified new cast. This is Jenny's story. We just follow the map. But I like to see new faces.
This film refers to john hughes and the classic romantic comedies of 1980s. How did the movie 16 Candle affect your work?
I really appreciate it. I grew up watching john hughes's movies in the 1980s. I remember I was about the same age as the actors in those movies, so they had a great influence on me. Even before romantic comedies; I'm a huge fan of the Philadelphia story, which was a long time ago. It taught me how dialogue and chemistry work together. This is an important part of me as a filmmaker.
When Peter and Laura Joan watched 16 candles, they described Asians as racists. How does this film fight against racial prejudice in Hollywood?
I think we need to pay tribute to them. They are Asian women, just like these three sisters, but we used to tell this story without discussing their race in detail. This is not a joke, not even real respect. In the production, we tried to make a small touch to make people feel that home is an Asian family, but I think it is important to make people familiar with Laura Joan, a role-playing person, regardless of her race.
Laura Jane's Korean-American descent has been mentioned many times, but in a subtle and positive way. What message does this convey to the audience?
I think it's important to see myself on the screen. For Asian Americans, I think casting itself is like this, but I can understand it myself. I'm not Asian-American. The proportion of this industry in female directors is very low. I know what it's like to carry that bag all the time. At some point, you just have to shrug your shoulders, move on, stay positive and find a way to tell your story and be yourself. All these, I think, are integrated into this role.
Social media has played an important role in the relationship between Laura Joan and Peter. The film will be released on 20 18. How do you use SMS and Instagram as basic elements, while keeping a balance with traditional love letters?
For me, this balance comes from the fact that every influential and important scene is a face-to-face conversation between two people. I think this is a very important balance. Laura Joan must go out and experience the world, which I think is a very important reminder for those who could have lived by social media. I just want to make sure that those scenes that don't involve mobile phones are the most touching to the audience, and I think we did it.
Do you think the online world makes it easier for Laura Joan to escape from reality?
I think it will make things more difficult. I feel too stressed. I am glad that I grew up in an era without social media and went to high school. I think it will confuse your brain. I think that's why she reads and writes letters. Neither of these contacts is the focus of social media.
Yes, you can see that when Laura Joan put up with cyberbullying at the end of the movie, the pressure began to show. What advice do you have for young female viewers who are experiencing similar things?
I think Netflix's slogan "Face your fear" is great. This is the content of this film; I think this is the meaning of many romantic comedies or adult movies. If you take the initiative to contact, try new things, or talk to people you are afraid of, it may be very helpful to you. You may eventually fall in love with your life, work, feelings or friends. All this happened because of face-to-face interpersonal communication. I hope you can face up to your fears and get out of your comfort zone after watching this movie.
The point of view is the difference between Asian girls' love view and pure Americans.