Interview with Randall Park on SXSW's "Brian"

Few character actors in Hollywood have had a career as illustrious as Randall Park. From ABC sitcoms to Marvel blockbusters, Park has done it all. His most recent project, Brian, just premiered last night at South by Southwest. Playing the father of a volatile, emotional teen, I was able to speak with Park this week about his latest role, upcoming projects and the importance of on-screen representation.

Randall Park, Ben Wang, Edi Patterson. Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Rua: "Good afternoon, Mr. Park. Congratulations on your film premiering this week. I grew up watching you on TV so it is so cool to be speaking with you today!"

Park: "That's very sweet, thank you!"

Rua: "I grew up watching ABC's slate of family sitcoms and for the longest time, the only Asian representation I saw on TV was Fresh Off the Boat. But now, we have Brian, this Asian-led coming-of-age movie headlining at SXSW. So I'd love to hear you to speak on what it means to be a part of that and what you hope to see from the industry in the next year in terms of representation?"

Park: "Well of course, I'm always elated to see projects, especially stories as compelling as this one and with characters as unique as these depicted by Asian folks. To me what I want to see most is more AAPI people on screen and behind the camera, but also not necessarily characters that we're used to seeing, but unique characters going through unique things to show the whole gamut of different experiences that are in the community, but are ultimately human, and that everybody can identify with. And I've never seen a character like Brian in particular depicted by an Asian-American before and I thought it was really cool that Ben (Wang) was portraying this really complex, amazing character."

Rua: "Yeah, and Ben Wang has had quite the past year I feel like he's been in everything; very booked and busy. One of my favorite movies last year was The Long Walk and he's one of the best parts of it."

Park: "Yeah he's a real character in that He speaks in a very distinct way that he doesn't do in any other movies so the kid has range."

Rua: "You two play a father and son duo in Brian, could you speak a little about what it was like working with him?"

Park: "Well, I've known Ben for a while now. I met him a few years ago I think in New York, through mutual friends. I remember a friend group karaoke-ing, and that's when I met him. I don't think a lot of people know, he's an incredible singer as well. So when he started singing, I was like, 'oh my God, this kid is so talented! This was before all of these other things really took off for him, do he is a really unique talent. Aside from being talented, he's just a super nice guy, very sweet and thoughtful. So when I first read the script and found out that Ben was playing Brian I was very excited to play his dad. And I wouldn't say there was too much discussion about this beforehand. A lot of it was there in the script, and there were discussions with Will Ropp, the director, but with Ben it was fairly easy, just kind of locking into that dynamic. I think in large part, because he is such a great actor, and also it was there in Mike Scollin's writing just the clear, unconditional love that a father has for his son, and how much the son is in his own head, which Ben plays so well. And I kind of automatically just have this desire to want to care for him so I think a lot of it was there going into it."

Rua: "I really wasn't expecting this film to be as funny as it was, but there's also a blend of serious, heartfelt moments. And I assume that because this film has you and Ben Wang and William H. Macy that it's going to gain a lot of traction after premiering. So what do you hope that people get out of it once they finish it?"

Park: "I hope that people feel. I hope that what Brian is dealing with resonates with them. I think we all can identify with that feeling of not belonging and not being a part of something bigger that we all wish we could be a part of, but for some reason there's something about us that just isn't quite the right fit. And that leads to a lot of awkward moments and a lot of cursing at yourself as you leave a situation. I think we all know what that feels like and I hope that people can really identify with what Brian's going through. He's a tough character and he says some crazy things, but I just hope that whatever empathy we have for Brian and his story we carry with us after watching this movie. I hope it inspires people to just being a little bit kinder and patient."

Rua: "Did the script remind you of Rushmore at all?"

Park: "Yeah, a little bit."

Rua: "Like even before the teacher subplot, Brian reminds me so much of Max Fischer."

Park: "Yeah, and I guess my character is a bit of Seymour Cassell, who played his father."

Rua: "That movie has always been a favorite of mine. I gotta ask, this year is set to be a banner year for South by Southwest, are there any projects you're excited to see?"

Park: "Well there's this show called The Audacity that's going to premiere at SXSW. I did do an episode of it later in the season. But I'm hearing such great things about that show and I know it already got picked up for a second season before it's even aired! So hopefully I'll have time to catch the premiere, not just as someone who's part of the cast but someone who's fascinated by Silicon Valley and that culture. I've heard such great things about this show, I'm so excited to see it."

Rua: "Amazing! Last year at SXSW I was invited to the premiere of this TV show and I didn't go because I wasn't super interested and it ended up being The Studio!"

Park: "That's right that premiered here last year!"

Rua: "I'm honestly still kicking myself over it. Well thank you so much for speaking with me today it has been so amazing meeting you. Best of luck at Southby this year!"

Park: "Thank you!"

Will Ropp's Brian made its debut last night at SXSW in downtown Austin, Texas. Make sure to keep an eye out for it when it comes to a screen near you! Thank you once again Mr. Park for appearing on our publication and thank you for tuning into Cinemasters.net, remember to never stop watching!