‘My Old Ass’ director Megan Park on advice to our younger selves
Sep 30, 2024
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Megan Park, director of 'My Old Ass', joins fellow actors Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella to explore transformative experiences through film. Their discussion centers on a teenage girl meeting her older self during a mushroom trip, revealing insights about identity and family dynamics. They reflect on personal journeys in acting and directing, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling. The film's whimsical moments, including a nod to Justin Bieber, enrich their conversation on youth and adulthood.
The film 'My Old Ass' emphasizes the importance of understanding one's past for effective self-growth and present navigation.
Through the character of Elliott, the podcast challenges traditional coming-of-age stereotypes by showcasing grounded happiness and self-acceptance.
Deep dives
The Duality of Self-Discovery
The film portrays a unique narrative where the protagonist, Elliot, embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of her older self. This intriguing twist allows younger Elliot to gain wisdom and insight from her more experienced counterpart, played by Aubrey Plaza. The younger Elliot, being on the cusp of adulthood, grapples with her identity, family dynamics, and burgeoning sexuality, while the older version reflects the lessons learned through more complex life experiences. This creative framing emphasizes the importance of understanding one's past to navigate the present effectively, illustrating that self-growth is a continuous process that transcends age.
Authentic Representation of Youth
The film challenges stereotypes commonly found in coming-of-age stories by presenting a protagonist who is not defined by angst or discomfort but rather by her grounded happiness and self-acceptance. Unlike traditional narratives where characters often struggle with insecurity, Elliot is shown as secure in her identity and supportive of her family. This portrayal counters the stereotype of the 'angsty teenager' and reflects a more positive and realistic view of modern youth. Through the lens of this character, the film celebrates optimism and resilience in younger generations, shining a light on their strengths rather than their vulnerabilities.
Lessons Through Generational Perspective
The interplay between the younger and older Elliots provides profound commentary on the lessons earned through life experiences. As older Elliot learns from her youthful counterpart, the film suggests that wisdom does not solely come with age; instead, it can evolve from youth’s unfiltered perspective. This dynamic highlights a more complex relationship with time and experience, emphasizing that each stage of life carries valuable insights. The narrative structure invites audiences to reflect on their own life journeys, prompting a deeper exploration of how past experiences shape our present choices and outlook.
In Megan Park’s new film ‘My Old Ass,’ a teenager named Elliott (Maisy Stella) meets her 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza) on a mushroom trip. The experience gives young Elliott perspective: her “old ass” tells her to wear her retainer, and be nice to her family before leaving for college. But it’s the older Elliott who gets the bigger lesson, on the stories we tell ourselves about the past. Today, Megan joins Lilah to discuss the concept of the film, and what it was like to work with a crew of mostly Gen Z actors.