Aziz Ansari | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #617

Aziz Ansari discusses his new film 'Good Fortune,' the challenges of filmmaking versus stand-up, his move to London, and shares deeply personal stories about his family, childhood, and mentors in comedy.

• Filmmaking presents more unpredictable challenges than stand-up comedy, despite the unique rewards of a collaborative creative process.

• Aziz Ansari's film 'Good Fortune' overcame significant production obstacles, including a strike and a lead actor's injury.

• Personal connections and early support from mentors were crucial to Ansari's career, and he cherishes a poignant childhood memory of community kindness.

Aziz Ansari joins Theo Von to promote his directorial debut, 'Good Fortune,' a film starring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, which he also wrote and produced. Ansari contrasts the complex, collaborative, and often unpredictable nature of filmmaking with the direct and controlled art of stand-up comedy, reflecting on his journey in both. He also opens up about his personal life, including his marriage, a move to London, and a poignant childhood story that highlights human kindness and connection.

Transition to Film Directing

• 00:05:37 Aziz Ansari details his pivot to filmmaking, noting that the pandemic influenced his decision to work on films rather than undertake extensive press tours. He reveals that his debut film, 'Good Fortune,' starring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, draws inspiration from real-world issues like medical bankruptcy, a topic he encountered in Theo Von's interview with Bernie Sanders. Ansari credits actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger for being 'sharp' and successful, understanding that sustained hits in Hollywood are not accidental.

Good Fortune Production Challenges

• 00:20:08 The production of 'Good Fortune' faced significant hurdles, including a seven-month pause due to the writer's strike and a subsequent incident where lead actor Keanu Reeves broke his kneecap on the second day back, tripping on a rug after a cold plunge scene. Despite these setbacks, Reeves was eager to continue filming, requiring a knee brace that was digitally removed in post-production. The crew adapted by creatively incorporating unforeseen events like fires and high winds into the script during a tight 30-day shooting schedule.

Filmmaking vs. Stand-Up Comedy

• 00:25:40 Ansari distinguishes filmmaking from stand-up comedy, likening stand-up to a straightforward race around a track, fully within the comedian's control. Filmmaking, however, is compared to securing funding and climbing a mountain, fraught with external challenges like strikes, cast injuries, and unpredictable events. While stand-up offers immediate gratification from a joke landing, filmmaking provides a unique satisfaction in seeing a written joke delivered by an actor like Keanu Reeves years later, creating a shared communal experience for audiences.

A Difficult Movie Project

• 00:30:54 Ansari shares that a previous film project, 'Being Mortal,' based on Atul Gowande's book about end-of-life issues and starring Bill Murray, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer, was shut down after three weeks of shooting. The production halted due to an on-set incident where Bill Murray was deemed inappropriate with a crew member. Ansari expressed a desire to complete the 'very special' project, acknowledging the heartbreak and the complexity of the situation.

Childhood in South Carolina

• 00:52:39 Growing up as one of the few Indian children in Bennettville, South Carolina during the 1980s, Ansari recounts facing occasional racist remarks. However, he also emphasizes the positive experiences and the kindness shown by the community. He shares a deeply touching story about his mother, who felt isolated upon moving to the US, and how two local women, 'Grandma' and 'Nana,' befriended and helped care for his family, including his sister Nafi, who passed away from Hurler syndrome.

Mentors and the Journey of a Comedian

• 01:09:09 Ansari reflects on his early career and the profound impact of two key mentors. Lucian Hold, a gatekeeper at Comic Strip Live, was the first person to genuinely believe in his comedic talent, offering him stage time despite his inexperience and giving him confidence. Similarly, Manny Dorman, owner of the Comedy Cellar, saw potential in a young Ansari and invited him to perform in the 'big room' after only three stand-up attempts. These early validations from individuals who saw his raw talent were as significant as later career achievements like winning Emmys or performing at Madison Square Garden.