Patton Oswalt is a ubiquitous figure when it comes to comedy, regularly turning heads in small film roles and appearing in various TV series, Appear as a guest star in person or voice. That said, Oswalt gets the occasional lead role on the silver screen and has a new film and VOD that hit theaters last week: I Love My Dadstars a father whose attempts to reunite with his son via social media are terrifying and embarrassingly unsuccessful.
His current work schedule on his upcoming Apple TV+ seriesManhunt makes his promotional opportunities relatively short and sweet, but Decider is I was able to speak with Oswalt on the phone for a few minutes. At that time, we gave him a new movie, the aforementioned new series, and Sandman, Space Force, modoc., and Curbing Enthusiasm
Decider: Previously Unable to Stream I Love My Dad Thankfully I hopped on the phone with you, but I wish I could have seen it in theaters as I didn't exercise the option to pause when it was getting serious. cringing.
Patton Oswalt: [laughter] Yeah, it's quite an experience seeing this in the theater. Hearing people around you react to it… oh good.
How did you get into the film in the first place? Did James [Morosini] approach you directly?
Script arrived through agent. I read it and loved it and was like, 'Oh let me meet James. We met, we talked, we clicked a million movies I loved, but seeing a script that was willing to risk… complete catastrophic failure was really the green light for me. This script either worked or failed. I thought that was my favorite roll of the dice and it worked really well the way I needed it. I was really happy.
I didn't realize until I saw the film that James not only starred, but also wrote and directed it.
Yeah. And it actually happened to him. That's quite a feat.
As I say, I was numb from beginning to end, but heartwarming in the end.
Thank you. Wow, we have it on the poster: "'Ultimately heartwarming.' – Decider. ''[Laughter]
I especially liked how the film tapped into her Becca directly, rather than someone on the other side of the text. That's what makes the movie work so well.
Yes, it's Claudia [Sulewski]. Basically, she had three roles. First, she's playing what I'm typing, without her personality or intonation. And she's playing what she wants Franklin to say to him. She plays the version of herself that he dreams of. It's no longer Chuck, it's the fantasy version. And, of course, she plays Becca, who is the real-life Becca. She's Becca clearly loved for it all, just a nice person living her life with an emotional Armageddon about to run into someone she doesn't know. So when you put it all together, it's amazing.
My wife and daughter are avid Catfish viewers, so this is her one of the movies they would have seen all this stuff. is one. But I didn't.
[laughter] I'm sure it wasn't.
This is one of the relatively rare movies where you first appear on the call sheet. Do you enjoy the occasion once in a while rather than all the time?
Well, I mean… well, it depends. I don't really see it from the perspective of "the size of my role." I just want to do something interesting. It could be an animated short that someone thought was really cool, it could be an indie like this, it could be a blockbuster. I'm cool with… If it's interesting and original to me, I like it. If that interests me, I do a good job.
More frenetic between Franklin and "Becca" play a moment.
Well, luckily it was a run-and-gun shoot. I didn't have time to think about it. "Stand and shoot" I think this was very useful. [smile. ] I haven't had time to dwell on what's to come...and I'm so grateful for that.
Like Sidebar, Rachel Dratch gives a wonderfully entertaining performance in the film.
As usual. she is always great
And she was nice to meet you Amy Landecker is your ex-wife.
Oh yeah, I've always been a fan of her Serious guyShe's amazing.
I would like to briefly ask you about your experience working on The Sandman. It must have been crazy to be on that series, as I'm a huge fan of the work of .
Oh yeah, we've been friends for a long time. I was in line to get my copy ofSeason of Mistin his '92, but the fact that they asked me to be Raven's Matthew is a big deal. I was very, very happy. So I'm on cloud nine.
As a fan, do you think the movie was a success?
I think they did a great job. Combining "The Sound of Her Wings" and "Men of Fortune" to tell a larger overarching story about friendship and humanity, it's one of the greatest when you see Episode 6...all episodes are Great, but the episode is especially beautiful. beautiful. And it's such a great taste cleanser after episode 5, being a "24-7" diner, that... [starts laughing.
I look forward to the opportunity to be a fanboy.
Oh, you'll love it.
And as far as Netflix is concerned, I would like to especially commend your work on Season 2 ofSpace Force
. Thank you very much. I had a lot of fun doing it.
That episode was moving.
Hi. Thank you, dude, I appreciate that.
This was one of the series that really took hold in its second season, so I was upset that it didn't make it into a third season.
Yes, me too. They really got that angle into the world, but it was too late. the worst. Very frustrating. Technically, my character is still drifting among the stars.
But what shall we do?
Exactly. [laughter] Ashes to Ashes…
Being As Me 'I'm a fanboy, butM. O. D. O. K. I am also disappointed. did not get a second season.
Yes, but we had to do the episodes we wanted. I couldn't be happier.
On a one-off,Curb Your Enthusiasm
Oh, wow. I loved everyone on that show and was able to do a scene with Vince [Vaughan] and especially with Larry but also with Richard Kind. Watching Larry try to get his shit together while Richard Kind talks... I mean, there were so many outtakes in that scene. [Laughter] I'm literally laughing just thinking about that scene right now. “I was in a bookstore…” just as he says it turns out to be the most boring story you’ll ever hear. Oh I loved doing that.
I know you will always tell me to wrap up, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity to create a historical epic.
Yes. I'm playing Manhuntand it's a great book. I heard it on tape. oh my god. They thought John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln, but they finally caught him. No, the whole country was on the balance. If they hadn't caught the man, he was about to go down south and restart the Civil War...and probably will. it was huge. Oh my god We've been filming it and so far I've been very lucky.I was able to shoot with directors like Carl Franklin – One False Move and Devil in a Blue Dress – and Red Rock. West's John Dahl and The Last TemptationSo I'm in movie nerd heaven. I am very happy.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.