As a queer woman who grew up in San Francisco, I can say that filming “Looking” was nothing short of a dream come true for me. The city has always been a beacon of hope and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community, and being able to contribute to its rich history through this show was truly special.
A little over ten years ago, in a San Francisco and television world vastly different from today, Patrick Murray and his friends stumbled upon HBO for the first time. The pilot opens with Jonathan Groff awkwardly cruising through a public park. The show, titled Looking, was a subdued portrayal of the lives of a group of gay male friends, played by Groff, Murray Bartlett from The White Lotus, Frankie J. Alvarez, and Doris, their straight female friend (Lauren Weedman). The characters were also played by Raúl Castillo and Russell Tovey in the roles of Patrick’s love interests. Michael Lannan created the show with close collaboration from director Andrew Haigh (of All of Us Strangers), aiming to distance itself from the soap-operatic aspects of other gay dramas like American Queer As Folk, while still addressing pressing issues in the gay community during the second Obama administration, such as PrEP, Grindr, and marriage equality. Despite not being a ratings sensation, Looking gained significant attention on social media, sparking intense discussions. Today, it is remembered fondly as a cult favorite among fans online, and its cast and crew still hold it dear.
Catch the reunion featuring Groff, Alvarez, Weedman, Lannan, and executive producer John Hoffman, with Castillo joining via Zoom, plus surprise appearances by Tovey and Bartlett. For a condensed version, scroll down for an excerpted transcript of their discussion.
Question: Michael, you wrote a pilot initially set in New York, correct? How did Looking end up on HBO?
At what moment did you decide that San Francisco would be the backdrop for your story?
How did you find the experience of trying out for the show?
Frankie J. Alvarez: I starred in a play at the Actors’ Theater of Louisville, portraying a Civil War soldier returning home, hence my large beard. Initially, I submitted an audition tape for Richie’s character, but it seemed the role didn’t quite suit me. However, they shifted me to the Agustín part instead. In New York, we held a chemistry read involving six actors: three for Jonathan, three for Agustín, and three for Dom. We were paired and re-paired, and on that day, the three of us immediately clicked, feeling a strong connection.
Jonathan Groff shared that he auditioned in L.A., and after watching the movie “Weekend,” he was deeply moved. He had never encountered a gay film or series that resonated so personally before. When he learned that the same director of that film was directing this pilot, he became quite enthusiastic. It was during the scene where Richie flirts with Patrick on the train in the pilot that he felt particularly affected. Up until that moment, Groff had not portrayed a gay character in such an intimate way before, and the experience was both intimidating, thrilling, and overwhelming. He remarked, “Wow.” He admitted to feeling genuinely flustered.
F.A.: That’s because you weren’t playing, you were revealing.
Absolutely, I concur! Leaving after that audition left me with a sense of accomplishment. It was a bit nerve-wracking though, as performing on camera can feel exposing. [Laughs] It was almost like broadcasting my sexuality for all to see. I remember thinking, “Wow, if I take this role, it’ll be like wearing a neon G-A-Y sign.” At that point in time, there was a belief that being gay and playing a gay character was the only path open to me. However, my passion for the role overpowered those concerns, and I became determined to play it.
Let me share an analogy. When you shared your truth with your parents, you said something similar to, “I won’t ever lead the Gay Pride Parade.
A.R.: Later on, we marched side by side in the Pride Parade! Back in 2009, I made my coming out, and by the year 2013, we found ourselves leading the parade!
Raúl Castillo: My auditions were quite challenging, like getting sliced ham! I ended up being cast at the last minute. I worked on a short film called Lorimer with Michael, which served as a precursor to Looking. In that project, I played the Richie character. I really loved the story, the script, and the characters, but I thought HBO wasn’t interested in me. I had already agreed to perform in an Off-Off Broadway play, thinking I wouldn’t be cast in the pilot.
As a movie enthusiast, let me share my story about creating a short film in an apartment in the bustling heart of Brooklyn. With no budget to speak of, it was a labor of love between Raúl and myself. The entire process was exhilarating, and it became increasingly evident that he possessed a unique talent.
John Hoffman: Sarah Condon, another producer on the show, introduced me to these characters who she loved. They were working on the pilot. After seeing it, I was smitten. I felt like a desperate dog trying to get inside. The entire first season was enchanting. Michael and Andrew were so welcoming, considerate, and generous. And then I made Jonathan a bit of a jerk! I wanted more viewers, so I advocated for everyone to be nude more often and have more intimate scenes.
L.W.: If you’ve got an ass, get a fork! We’re eating!
As I sat down to watch it again just the other day, I found myself exclaiming, “Wow, this film certainly doesn’t shy away from passion and intimacy!” It took me aback, remembering how deeply we delved into those themes.
In various places I went! However, I eventually made acquaintance with Shirley MacLaine, currently in her nineties. I managed to get her to watch ‘Looking’, and she commented, “This is quite an engaging series. I truly enjoyed it.” She added, “However, there seems to be excessive kissing.” [Chuckles]
L.W.: No kissing, just fucking. Is that the show’s point?
F.A.: Straight to the bottom-ing!
As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply immersed in an oral history of this captivating series. One intriguing aspect that emerged was the profound influence the actors had on their characters. To put it personally, I felt as if the characters were mirroring aspects of myself. For instance, during a casual dinner with Andrew, he casually probed about my last breakup, which eventually found its way into the intense argument between our characters at the end of the season. It was surreal to act out scenes that held shades of my personal life! Even the real-life boyfriend I had based the character on asked, “Did you tell them about it?” It was a unique and therapeutic experience to have the actors share fragments of themselves, only to see the writers and directors skillfully weave those elements into the narrative, transforming our shared experiences into art.>
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1040542733?share=copy#t=0
One significant aspect of the series “Looking” is its portrayal of Doris and Dom’s bond, a unique connection between a straight woman and a gay man. I found it fascinating to both write and act out this friendship as it evolved, revealing the complexities and tensions they experienced while learning to grow together. It was particularly intriguing for me to witness this relationship play out on screen.
Was the role that significant at the start of the series? I recall it was a main character part, and I was thrilled to be called back, thinking, “Wow! Not only does this role fit me perfectly, but it’s also a great job opportunity!” And then my manager calls with both good and bad news: “The good news is you got the role; the bad news is they downgraded it, and now you’ll only appear occasionally.
It’s interesting that the challenging questions are being asked a whole decade later! In truth, it seems to me that the production decisions, such as casting and budget, along with the studio politics, played a more significant role in that situation rather than any other factor.
L.W.: Say no more! I get it. Hollywood.
From My Perspective: As a movie critic, I must admit that when I first envisioned this romantic dynamic, it had the potential to veer into overused tropes or clichés. However, the creative minds behind this script dared to deviate from the ordinary, crafting something far more intriguing and captivating.
As a fan: You know, sometimes Dom and Doris were just the comic relief I needed amidst all that intense drama. They really knew how to lighten the mood. And even when I rewatch it now, their antics still provide a refreshing change of pace for me. Honestly, it feels like a breath of fresh air among all the gay-themed seriousness! What do you think, Jonathan?
J.G.: 100 percent.
User: The atmosphere seemed to encourage openness and authenticity, making people willing to show their most exposed selves. This sense of vulnerability brought everyone together, as if we were all swimming in a shared pool of fearlessness regarding our emotional exposure.
L.W.: And no assholes! Like, usually there’s one person who fucks everything up, right?
In the series, there’s a strong, embracing camaraderie among the male characters. A reference to ‘The Golden Girls’ is subtly incorporated at the end of the first season. How did this idea originate?
There was bound to be debate surrounding the depiction of Looking. Was it a gay version of Girls or Sex and the City? How did it feel to release this show into the world and watch people discuss and analyze it?
M.L.: We knew opinions would arise, perhaps because we’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community and tend to have strong opinions. HBO also warned us that their shows always attract criticism when they debut due to their popularity. Additionally, it was an era marked by abundant online discussions. So people had plenty to say! [Laughs] I find myself a bit peculiar about it now, because in hindsight, much of the discussion didn’t ultimately matter?
R.S.: It struck me as profound when we were at the Paley Center and people stood up, expressing their feelings of not seeing themselves mirrored in the content. It was moving because they truly cared! There’s this tiny piece of a show where they might catch a glimpse of themselves, and they yearn to be part of it. Of course, I’m not the creator. It would be much more challenging to be the creator. [Laughs] The enthusiasm – it seemed like it mattered deeply to them.
In addition, I believe our show may have been somewhat influenced by the American series “Queer As Folk.” We aimed to create an anti-melodrama, focusing on intimacy and characters who live ordinary lives, including paying rent. We were aware that this might contradict certain expectations of some viewers. Furthermore, the launch strategy was peculiar. The show didn’t clearly emphasize queerness in its marketing. Instead, it seemed more like “people,” which was quite vague. I suspect that the way a show is introduced significantly influences its reception in many ways.
J.G.: I was taken aback by the fierce responses to our gentle approach, as expressed through people’s messages. It made me realize, Lauren, that this project might be more significant than I initially thought. People seemed angry, frustrated, bored, or something else, and they felt compelled to express it loudly. The determination of Michael and Andrew to stick with their vision in the face of criticism is a testament to their convictions. They considered feedback but didn’t waver from the essence of the project. I believe that’s why we’re here now – because you held firmly to your unique perspective. It’s a valuable lesson about standing by your truth and not letting negative noise overshadow it. However, it was challenging for everyone involved, as the criticism came from all directions.
Are there any fond memories of locations you filmed in San Francisco that stand out to you? Given how drastically the city has transformed over time, those moments hold a special significance.
M.L.: We captured Patrick and Richie dancing at The Stud, and they shared a kiss right where I had my first kiss. It was incredible and breathtaking. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think, “This feels like a simulation.
J.G.: That’s the one that came to my mind, too, because I remember you being there, and I remember us dancing. It was so hot, by the way. Super-hot.
M.L.: Temperature-wise?
J.G.: No, not sexual tension! [Laughs] Let me share an experience: We were in this hip gay bar in San Francisco, and I recall you urging the director of that episode to get closer with the camera because the shot was too far off. It seemed like your intuition and emotions were guiding us to focus on this moment more intensely. I could sense it too, and I remember thinking, “Wow, I’m peeking into someone’s mind and heart right now, and I’m with this person.” It felt like a profound, transcendent artistic experience. Being part of your recollection of your first kiss was quite unique – you were tapping into something deeper. The storytelling aspect was coming alive.
In the final stages of filming, we aimed to capture the sunrise since Andrew joined us. They were interested in including those young orphans, if I’m correct about the term.
F.A.: Orphan Annies.
As a film aficionado, I vividly recall the moments we captured during our shoot for “Orphan Annies.” Stepping outside, we gathered together, perhaps in a circle, to soak in the atmosphere. The tranquility that enveloped San Francisco’s Castro district was palpable, and it struck me deeply – it was as if I could hear the whispers of every boy who had ventured there in search of salvation, their stories woven into the very fabric of the city, especially in the Castro.
Read More
- FARTCOIN PREDICTION. FARTCOIN cryptocurrency
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- Excitement Brews in the Last Epoch Community: What Players Are Looking Forward To
- The Renegades Who Made A Woman Under the Influence
- RIF PREDICTION. RIF cryptocurrency
- Smite 2: Should Crowd Control for Damage Dealers Be Reduced?
- Is This Promotional Stand from Suicide Squad Worth Keeping? Reddit Weighs In!
- Epic Showdown: Persona vs Capcom – Fan Art Brings the Characters to Life
- Persona Music Showdown: Mass Destruction vs. Take Over – The Great Debate!
- “Irritating” Pokemon TCG Pocket mechanic is turning players off the game
2024-12-20 22:56