How does it fit in with the cinematic lineage of failed dads?
Not all dads are created equal.
Some parents are supportive and moving, while others are like Patton Oswalt’s character inI Love My Dad.
Patton Oswalt and James Morosini in ‘I Love My Dad.'.Magnolia Pictures
In other words, he catfishes his own kid.
“I loved the idea of following someone who was doing something wrong for the right reasons.
Oswalt was quickly impressed by the material’s fearless exploration of unlikable characters.
Peter Simonischek in ‘Toni Erdmann.'.Everett Collection
“His script blew me away,” Oswalt says.
That kind of filmmaking has always fascinated me.
I Love My Dadis part of a storied cinematic lineage: the bad dad flick.
Dudley Moore in ‘Micki & Maude.'.Everett Collection
EW asked Morosini and Oswalt which horrible movie dads from the past inspired their film.
He also acknowledged the formative impact ofMrs.
Doubtfire, in whichRobin Williamsstars as another father character “doing the wrong thing for the right reasons.”
But then when he gets back they won’t wake up.
It’s heartwarming but devastating at the same time.
Those are the two I probably thought about the most.”
Despite mentioning Kubrick, Oswalt contends thatJack NicholsoninThe Shiningisnota compelling father character.
“From the very first shot of the movie, Jack Nicholson looks like an axe murderer.
You’re like, ‘That guy’s gonna kill his family.’
There’s no arc for that character.”
Watch the full interview above.I Love My Dadis currently playing in theaters, and available on VOD.
