Hello r/movies! Amy Wang and Shirley Chen here from SLANTED, a coming-of-age body horror sci-fi satire that many have described as MEAN GIRLS meets THE SUBSTANCE. It won the Narrative Grand Jury Award at last year’s SXSW Festival and is now playing in theaters!
Check Out the Trailer Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRYAuKuzmn0
Official Synopsis:
Joan Huang idolizes the popular girls and dreams of being prom queen, but fears the only way to win is to look like all the past queens whose portraits line her high school halls. Enter Ethnos: a mysterious cosmetic surgery clinic that makes people of color appear white. Joan undergoes the procedure and wakes up a beautiful blonde destined for the crown, but at what cost? Blending sharp satire, sci-fi, and body horror, and starring Shirley Chen (Dìdi), Mckenna Grace (Regretting You), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever), Slanted proves that identity is never only skin-deep.
More Info and Tickets Here:
http://bleeckerstreetmedia.com/slanted?showtimes
Ask us anything – we’ll be back today at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET to answer your questions.
by SlantedAMA
43 Comments
Fun! Can’t wait.
I guess my question would be what’s the most fun you had on set?
I can imagine with a satire like there are going to be some quite serious moments but their might be space for some really fun improvisation and joyful on and offset camaraderie.
Amy, does your cat have a cameo?
Hi 👋
When working on a film like Slanted, how do you balance the satire and horror so that both feel authentic?
Hey! This is the first time I’ve heard about Slanted but now I’m excited to check it out. Shirley, was there a costume or wardrobe detail that helped you get into character while filming? Amy, was there a piece of wardrobe or costume design that you felt was especially important for any character?
Hi, I have a question for you, Amy. What were the challenges in writing the script for this film? And what was it like working with McKenna Grace?
I haven’t seen the movie yet, though; I’m waiting for it to be released in Thailand. I’ll definitely go see it when it’s released.
So hyped for this tbh, body horror is my absolute favorite genre. as a writer/director, how do you find the exact line between “this is brilliantly disturbing satire” and “okay this is just way too gross for audiences” ngl? also how many hours did the makeup take everyday lmao?
Why did you want to tell this story? Whose idea was the story, and how did they come to the idea?
How did you pitch this concept in the room without it coming off the wrong way?
The Animorphs-esque ad had me dying.
What movies or tv shows inspired your work? And can we get “It’s Good to be White” released?
Assuming that every film production teaches new lessons, what’s the biggest one you’ll take away from making this film?
Hi Amy and Shirley, thanks for joining us 🙂
I was wondering what the SXSW experience was like? Were both of you there? Any cool moments/highlights from World Premiering there?
What do you feel has changed about the Asian-American, specifically the Asian-American female, high school experience now compared to when you were growing up? Where there any parts of your own high school experiences that inspired this movie?
Even though I’m male, I really resonated with the feelings that Joan was going through as I’ve had them myself. My question is actually related to Mckenna Grace. I was impressed with the Mandarin she spoke, was that all her or ADR?
Hi Amy, saw your movie recently and I’m so glad you made it. It’s a trailblazer of a film that surfaces themes and questions for the Asian American community that I’m honestly not sure have ever been presented in this medium before, and it’s so important that this film exists.
My interpretation was that the ending is somewhat optimistic. I’m curious if you ever considered other endings and if so, what were they?
Just saw this a few days ago, had a great time. I recommend it to anyone here. Great examination of growing up Asian-American and of racial politics in a white supremacist society.
Second-gen Viet immigrant and the karaoke segment took me out 😂
Question for Amy and Shirley, what advice can you give for Asian people who want to break into Hollywood? Are there any networking opportunities you would recommend?
Amazing movie! I am curious from the beginning process of developing to the final distribution how the film may have evolved or changed (or how the two of you may have changed/grown in the process!h
Amy, how much, if any of this, was inspired by real experiences you’ve had and were there any specific moments that led to specific scenes?
Going into it I thought this was going to be 70% The Substance/30% Mean Girls, and I think it actually went more the other way, but it worked well. Nice job.
How has your family and friends responded to your respective contributions/work thus far in your career, especially with this film? My GF and I loved both of your work btw. Keep up the great stuff.
I watched Slanted movie yesterday, it was phenomenal. Especially I loved Shirley Chen’s acting. Shirley Chen is so Pretty and did Amazing Acting. I really loved the whole film a lot. Shirley Chen is my new Crush 😍
Amy Wang’s direction is so realistic, top notch and beyond Outstanding. The way movie conveyed so many aspects they are so real in this world. Thank you Amy Wang for directing such a real and Amazing film
Sorry it’s not a question, I just want to appreciate the whole team, because I’m completely Obsessed with the whole movie. Once again Thank you for creating an Absolute Masterpiece 💯
Amy and Shirley: How much does Slanted reflect your feelings coming of age?
Shirley: Vivian was one of my favorite characters in Didi, did you relate to her?
In your view, it what ways can Asian American filmmaking evolve beyond the tired tropes of cut fruit, smelly lunchboxes, and demanding parents? Put another way, how do we evolve the art beyond just shallow commentary/satire on the proximity to whiteness?
Great job with the movie! I appreciate you tackling the subject matter head on. And I thought the father was a great Asian male character and role model. How do you foresee this getting released digitally and ways to reach a larger audience after the theatrical release?
Hi Amy I’m Chinese American and I really enjoyed Slanted. I like how boldly it leans into satire while still telling a very human story. One thing that really stood out to me was Joan’s parents (portrayed brilliantly by Vivian Wu and Fang Du!) Even when the premise gets absurd their reactions and struggles felt very grounded and sincere, which kept the emotional core of the film serious. Also their perspectives as immigrant parents really anchored the story and made Joan’s identity conflict feel real.
I especially liked the scene where Joan has dinner at her friend’s house, eating bland food in a bright sterile setting. It contrasts beautifully with when she returns home to a warm, cozy house filled with colorful Chinese food and the comforting presence of her parents.
When you were writing the film, was that contrast intentional? Were Joan’s parents designed as a way to ground the satire and give the story an emotional counterbalance to the more extreme elements of the premise?
Thank you for making such a thoughtful film!
I watched it on Saturday and it was great. Did any news stories or media influence the writing or the performances in the film?
Thank you for the parents who took pride in their culture. When I was growing up there was pressure to assimilate as much as possible.
How do you respond to “Azn” Asian Americans who only saw the trailer and think 1) the main character is white worshipping and 2) the lead Asian actress was only in 50% of the film? Do you just wish that they take the time to actually see the film? Do you welcome their controversial discourse?
>!*Disclaimer: I’m excited to see this film address internalized racism, the still prevalent pressure in the community to assimilate (though some people think Asian women being “highly valued” in the dating pool aka fetishized is a good thing), and the push for more narratives featuring Asian Americans!!<
For shirley : did any of the preparations and making of slanted helped you prepare for your new role in netflix psychodrama the body?
Shirley Chen question “ you were absolutely spectacular in this movie and I truly feel that become award season your name should be right there, my question is specific to the movie. Do you believe the ending allows for a sequel?
There seems to be a comparison between The Substance(quoting the trailer) as well as Jordan Peele’s Get Out. The substance seems to challenge beauty standards and the mental illness that comes with upholding that standard while Get Out is a film about racial injustices and exploitation black people were still facing during the Obama Era.
Without spoiling what would be the lens or stance you’re trying to convey in Slanted from the Asian American perspective?
I absolutely loved this film!!! it was brutal and touching and so funny. my first question is that I noticed some different aspect ratios and maybe types of film used for different scenes, like in moments with her family especially, that made some scenes even more emotionally impactful. I was wondering what your process was or why you made those choices?
second, I loved how personal the story felt and how all the themes and events worked interdependently to build off of and strengthen each other. I’m wondering what media or experiences influenced the story?
Loved the trailer! As minority women in Hollywood, have you found any particular production company more welcoming to diverse voices than others? No need to point fingers at those who don’t but I’m interested in those who “walk the walk” about promoting women’s and Asian-American films
Hi! I was wondering if the Big reference/ feel were intentional. From the beginning and Joan’s line about mom’s birthmark above her left knee, I was thinking of Big the whole time. It was the movie I wanted to watch after this despite all comparisons to Substance or other teen/horror films.
I saw the movie this past weekend and really loved the satirical elements, and especially appreciated all the background details like the store names and the school mascot! And in addition to that, the family story is also beautifully done, with great performances from everyone in the cast. I have a couple questions:
1. Given the crazy premise, how difficult was it to get the movie green lit, and assuming it was an uphill battle, was there a moment when you felt the tide turn in your favor?
2. How much collaboration was there between Shirley and Mckenna in forming the character of Joan/Jo? Were there choices in the performances you both agreed on to keep the character consistent and/or choices to differentiate her before and after the surgery?
You used the song “The moon represent my heart” by Teresa Teng pretty prominently in the movie. What does that song mean to you?
Thank you for such a poignant film. I relived my childhood and young adult years watching this.
Firstly, are there any personal experiences that you brought to the film? If no, can you speak to how you connected with the script?
Secondly, my understanding is the film was well into development when The Substance was released. Was there anything in the film changed in reaction to that?
Thirdly, after the surgery we are treated to a series of scenes as Joan (now Jo) walks home. Was there any consideration given to never showing her new face? For a few minutes I thought that was what was happening and I was excited to see how the rest of the film would be shot around that.
Lastly, is there anything about the film that will always stay with you?
Thank you so much in advance and I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
Hello! I want to start off by saying thank you both for being open to an AMA! I have a few questions for you!
1. Who were some of your role models growing up?
2. What is some advice you would give someone following in your footsteps?
3. What does a typical “workday” look like?
4. What’s a movie you’d recommend?
I don’t have a question, but wanted to add that I loved the movie!
Greetings Amy and Shirley!
Saw Slanted last week, and bits of it are still swirling around in my head. I grew up in a pretty accepting suburban world in the midwestern US in the 80’s/90’s. Being the son of a Chinese Mom and a White Dad, I have felt “split” throughout my life, like I straddle the line and can’t fully fit into either mold.
Questions for Amy: Joan’s longing to be Prom Queen is a dream of hers as a young girl, but were there other story considerations you had in mind for Joan to consider doing the Ethnos treatment, such as perhaps to win over a guy she was interested in, or college considerations? Also, is there a general idea of where the story takes place in the United States? My best guess was Texas. >!Also was curious as to why Ethnos keeps the closed barbershop entry setup after they are doing brisk business and expanded. Is it all just part of the presentation like how it was presented to Joan? !<
Question for Shirley: I saw one interview where you mentioned that Amy felt you might not be right for the role of Joan. What was it that made you really push to be this character?
I got a big laugh out of the ads and store signs. Were those already in the script, or did they come from the set/production design?
Hi looking forward to watching it!
My questions:
1. What was the writing process like, as in how long did it take to write the script and get it going?
2. Was there an experience that pushed you to write it?
shirley, what were some of the things you did at harvard that you attribute to you becoming such a good actor? did you enjoy taking playwriting? i remember you just being so much better than the average harvard student at acting that it made me realize there really is a skill gap between the pros and the normies. im basically wondering how you trained to become so good haha
hey amy and shirley!!! idk if this is a dumb question but when is the movie coming out outside of the US? i’m really looking forward to watching it!!
I don’t have a question, I’m just here to shout AUSTRALIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!
Saw this last year at sff, thank you
hi Shirley!! congrats on everything! just one question, the body and slanted in the same year… r u traumatized..?