Adapted from the graphic novel of the same name, Shortcomings marks Ant-Man and Always Be My Maybe actor Randall Park’s feature directorial debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Directed off a script penned by the original story’s author, Adrian Tomine, Shortcomings is a comedy that follows Ben Tanaka (Justin Min), through the mire of modern dating soon after a split with his longtime girlfriend, Miko (Ally Maki). The two go their separate ways, Miko to New York for her internship while Ben lingers around the Bay Area in search of whatever he considers a more fulfilling relationship.
Shortcomings also tackles issues of racial identity and culture faced by Asian Americans as Ben ventures into his newly-single life. At first, Ben wants to take advantage of his freedom, opting to date the blonder, whiter women that have previously occupied his fantasies. After a number of mishaps, his best friend, Alice (Sherry Cola), also takes off for New York to live with her girlfriend (Sonoya Mizuno), convincing Ben to tuck tail and follow after, in hopes of reclaiming the comforts of his familiar relationship with Miko.
While at Sundance for the world premiere of Shortcomings, Park, Min, Cola and Maki stopped by the Collider Studio presented by Saratoga Spring Water in Park City to talk about the film with Editor-in-Chief, Steve Weintraub. During their interview, Park shares why the graphic novel resonated with him 15 years ago, the representation he wasn’t used to seeing onscreen, and the obstacles they overcame shooting an independent film. The cast discusses Shortcomings’ themes, why the “slice of life” movie is the classic Hollywood has been missing, the significance movies play within the film, the Randall Park Cinematic Universe, and how this movie is a testament to Asian Americans in Hollywood.
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