Page 44 - Peter Farrelly Issue

Abigail Hawk as Anna from Daruma
Goga: Tell me a little bit about the character you play in “Daruma.”
Goga: What are your thoughts about authentic represen- tation in entertainment?
Hawk: Anna. Bold, unapologetic Anna, who somehow embodies the notion of “yes, and” while simultaneously embracing the power of “no.” She frequently uses the word “sure,” subconsciously perhaps, but it suits her. That’s who she is “sure” of herself, her needs, her desires. Some vulnerability peeks through, but settling into the mind of a woman who has the fortitude to push past her trauma and grab life and love by the horns is, in a word, empowering. And, well, honest. Love rarely arrives wrapped up all nice and tied with a pretty bow. It’s messy; it’s been kicked around, lost in the mail; it shows up late or even broken. But we seek it anyway. We seek it anyway. We seek the good and keep on ris- ing. Fall down seven times, get up eight.
Hawk: Art remains humanity’s mirror, and it is estimat- ed that 1 in 6 of us has a disability. That is a significant number, and one that is severely underrepresented on screen and stage. I, for one, eagerly embrace exposure to the diversity of humanity–the more, the merrier! I think everyone deserves to see themselves, or at least some facet of themselves, represented on screen. I love when my boys are watching a show and notice someone is “different,” and they immediately (and unabashedly) ask my husband and I questions. We learn the answers together and, in turn, learn to process the world a bit more fully than before. We all learn differently, commu- nicate differently, move differently and having that diversity reflected on screen is just another golden opportunity to see someone else’s truth. As it should be.
Goga: Do you have any “behind the camera” stories about the shooting of this film?
Goga: What are your feelings about how the movie included disability without making disability the focus of the plot?
Hawk: I could gush about John and Toby ‘til the cows come home! John has never met a dad joke he didn’t like. He kept everyone on set very well lit with his pure sunshine disposition. He’s genuine, kind, and a speed demon on the 405! I barely wrapped my scenes in time to make my flight back home to NYC, and he got me to LAX with time to spare and a huge grin on my face!
Hawk: I am clearly thrilled to be part of such a revolu- tionary project, but, to be blunt, I think this concept is long overdue and I am honestly a bit flummoxed that we made this film in 2022 and we are considered “pio- neers.”
Tobias brought his A game to the role of “Patrick” and is a flawless and trusting scene partner. He listens reflexively and throws his whole heart into the work. He is brave and true. And, hot damn, does he have an envi- able knack for remembering punch lines! I absolutely loved reconnecting with both men at our world premiere at Dances With Films in Hollywood in June and I look forward to watching the expansion of their careers.
Goga: Do you think there is room for more movies like “Daruma”?
Hawk: Movies like “Daruma” are the very reason the greatest dining room tables have leaves. There is always, always room at the table. I am so excited about what the future holds.
44 ABILITY
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