Earlier this week I went to an audition for a feature. The title, I will not name. I was originally called to read for the lead part but upon arriving I was asked to read for a second character as well. The characters are in a Dungeons & Dragons crew and they took the game VERY seriously. It's a quirky comedy that read to me as something along the lines of say the movie, "21" w/ Kevin Spacey, Aaron Yoo, etc. Strong characters and a bit blown into satire. I had no complaints because I was super excited to be asked to do comedy. For those who have seen my headshot know that my serious expression does not read well for a casting director who's casting the next National Lampoon's movie.
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So I got there, saw my competition and was happy with what I saw. A room full of white boys about 5'8, clean cut and smart looking. I found that it's usually a bad sign if I enter the room and everyone looks like me. I like being the dark horse. It gives me a sense of liberation knowing that they have no idea what to expect of me. I usually always submit to roles that specifically says CAUCASIAN MALE because when the casting directors are sifting through 2"x3" pictures of the same faces, my pale asian face with squinty eyes is bound to stick out amongst an ocean of blonde and blue's. They'll stop and think "Hm, why not." And I'm in!
I read for the lead the first time through and they seemed to enjoy it. Then they had an "ethnic" character they wanted me to read for next. I thought... hmm interesting.
"What nationality are you?"
"I'm Korean"
"Can you do a Korean accent?"
"Of course I can"
"Great, let's hear it"
"Anything I should know about him?"
"He's a very bright young man who is sort of the comedic slapstick relief character in the film, have fun with him"
I felt a bit weirded out initially but figured, let's have fun and show these guys how absurd I could possibly be. I blew him completely out of proportion and gave him an extreme Bobby Lee-esque accent with some medieval gestures to go along. I had them rolling on the floor. They asked me to say a few other things. They said I was perfect and offered me the part. I was just happy at that point to have been approved of anything I just did. Finding approval of any sort during an audition process is unheard of so their reaction to me was a nugget of gold. I had spent 20 minutes in that audition room, chatting with them and making them laugh and that in itself is a success because usually you're in and out within 3 minutes. And all actors know that the longer you're in that room, the more you sear yourself into their minds. When I finally came out everyone waiting was wondering what the heck went on in there. I had them in stitches. Big act to follow. I felt bad for the next person. Too bad they didn't know that I had made a fool of myself in doing so. I left not even realizing what had just taken place.
I had dinner with Stacy after and told her the good news only to find myself trying to sell her the idea that this was OK. That's when I knew I couldn't take the part. I would be degenerating everything Asian actors have been fighting for for the past few decades. Right? Who knows if the movie would have done well but would this be something I would be proud of? Would this make others proud of me? Am I misrepresenting? Or is this OK because he's such a far out character. Shouldn't I be taking what I can get? Dilemma...
2 comments:
My friend I am so proud of you.
Here's what I say having trained with you and all. We must at some point decide for ourselves what we will do and will not do, that's simple you know that. But the complexity of it is, is the job worth losing a piece of you, not selling out, more like asking yourself "if I do this role in this manner as per my direction, will I then be able to sleep at night?" "After doing this, will i be able to face my family and even though they may laugh at it, will they honestly be okay with it?"
If your answer is yes, then make that money. If your answer is no, then there is no amount of money worth your soul and the degradation of your people. Black actors have had the same compromise to make, the thug role usually, but there are others, the reason Tyler Perry has become so well favored, his making films with characters that poke fun at types of people we all (blacks) can relate to, but he is not degrading them.
So even in that maybe there is a happy medium to your exploration, find some way to poke fun at the stupid stereotypes of the Asian culture without degrading Asians, or however it was proposed to you; and keeping your self worth in tact.
I hope my thoughts have helped you in some way, but I know you Mr. Momomo, you ARE a brillant actor with imense talent and just as you slayed that group of CDs you'll slay another.
"Each audition is a lesson. Sometimes they teach you how to act, sometimes they teach you how to become better product." So Mr. Momomo what are you selling?
*This reply brought to you by toleda, the word I am to very to post*
this comment is too late but i have to say do whatever makes you sleep better at night. i personally would never think less of you for taking that kind of role because i know you'd be awesome. but if you feel like some charlie chan douche doing such a thing, then by all means walk away.
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