In Failed State, Tamika Katon-Donegal embraces a story fueled by humor, critique, and intentional absurdity. In this interview, the actress reflects on shaping Lucinda, finding emotional truth within the film’s exaggerated world, and hoping JDIFF audiences leave the screening entertained, challenged, and ready to keep the conversation going.
Failed State has a very distinct energy, blending humor, critique, and imagination. What attracted you most to this project as an actress?
The humor! Matt’s incredible writing, and multidimensional storytelling has a Sorkin-esque quality; it is so unique, always timely, and truly funny. Like my character Lucinda, I am very particular about my Tupperware, so this resonated deeply! The world Failed State reflects is chaotic, and unrelenting, but there’s always humor in the minutia. As an actor, I would give an eye-tooth to work on projects like that consistently. Fortunately, I was able to do that on Failed State, and keep all of my teeth. If there are other food container enthusiasts, who want to find community, and know what I’m talking about, check out Failed State at ohkeydoh.com
In a story this eccentric, how did you find the balance between embracing the absurd and keeping your character believable?
I always felt like I was the straight person in this film, so I had the opportunity to just tell this story, and play. The pressure was off to “be funny”. I left that to the professionals, but I was the Kristen Wiig of the group, trying my darndest not to ruin a take by laughing. What it truly comes down to is Sanford Meisner’s quote, “Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” This is my approach to my work regardless of the medium.
The film deals with power structures in a satirical and exaggerated way. How do you see that approach, and where does your character fit within it?
Like I mentioned before I felt like I was the straight man [sic] in this whirling dervish of a tale, just trying to keep it all together, while making the world, and the film industry a better place. Needless to say, I didn’t fit in, and that was ok – like in life. You have to navigate the powers that be, not just to fit in, or get ahead, but to survive.
Comedy often requires freedom, but also a great deal of precision. What was that process like for you on set?
Working with such outstanding and professional actors, made my process easier. Honestly, there wasn’t a lot of time to worry about finessing every single moment! This was guerilla filmmaking at its finest, and with Matt at the helm, I was in such good hands – there was freedom to work with abandon and a safe place to land and redirect if we failed. A rising tide lifted all boats.
Was there a particular scene or moment that, for you, summed up the irreverent spirit of Failed State?
The monologue where I tell Pam ALL about Jane (after she coaches a CYO soccer team even though she’s not a parent), while almost hanging off the window of her car, and as she speeds off I have my Braveheart moment as I scream, “You want IP? I’ll give you f*cking IP!” It makes me laugh just thinking about the absurdity of it all, yet given the last three years in Hollywood, IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE. Also, Lucinda being vindicated when it comes to her stol… err, um lost Tupperware. My husband even appreciated how that hit really close to home. Check it out on ohkeydoh.com!
When audiences at JDIFF watch the film, what kind of reaction would you most like to provoke: surprise, laughter, recognition, or a bit of everything?
I want audiences to be entertained! If they are inspired, challenged, and need to continue the conversation later… even better.
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