Paul Feig on the Making of Another Simple Favor: "I’m a Suit Man"
In a recent interview with Esquire UK, director Paul Feig discussed his latest film, Another Simple Favor, and his approach to style and filmmaking. Feig, known for his work on screwball comedies like Bridesmaids and Spy, described his latest project as "the most personal films that I’ve made." This may come as a surprise to fans of the franchise, which began with 2018’s A Simple Favor, a pulpy suburban noir that follows the story of a mommy vlogger named Stephanie, played by Anna Kendrick, and her friend Emily, played by Blake Lively.
Feig’s personal style is certainly reflected in his films, and he is known for his impeccable taste in fashion. Meeting him at London’s Ham Yard Hotel, it’s easy to see how his sense of style might have influenced his work. Feig, 62, was dressed in a crisp three-piece pinstripe suit from Isaia, complete with an orange rosette on his lapel. He emphasized the importance of dressing well, saying, "When I talk to guys, it’s like, ‘Don’t just dress to not get arrested.’ Figure out what your style is… Your style could be a suit and tie, it could be Hawaiian shirts, but it’s your calling card."
Feig’s love of suits dates back to his childhood, when he was inspired by Cary Grant in His Girl Friday. At the age of nine, he asked his mother to buy him a three-piece Pierre Cardin suit, and he has been wearing suits ever since. As he got older, Feig began to dress more casually, but he eventually returned to his love of suits as he started working with studio executives. He now gets his suits made on Savile Row or buys made-to-measure from Isaia.
Another Simple Favor, which was released on Amazon Prime Video, adopts a mishmash of Italian luxury and American sensibilities. The film is set in Capri, which speaks to Feig’s own love affair with the Italian island. "I love Capri – my wife and I have been going there for 30 years now," he said. "It’s such a cinematic place that, forever, I was like ‘I gotta shoot something here’." The film features Lively’s character, Emily, a sexy bisexual scammer, and Kendrick’s character, Stephanie, a soccer mom who finds herself in over her head.
Feig broke his no-sequels rule for Another Simple Favor because he "just had this feeling of like, ‘I think there’s more we can do with these characters’". The original film was a box office success and found a new life on streaming during the pandemic. Despite his love of the cinema experience, Feig is happy to have the film on Prime Video, saying, "The amount of audience we get exposed to is so much bigger."
Recently, there have been reports of a feud between Lively and Kendrick on the set of Another Simple Favor. However, Feig has dispelled these rumors, saying that Lively is "one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with." He emphasized that the tabloid narrative is often far from the truth, saying, "Every star I’ve worked with works this way. The idea that a star just shows up and you go ‘Here’s the script’ – please point me to one movie star who works that way."
As the conversation turned to the current state of the entertainment industry, Feig expressed frustration with the way people consume and react to information. "Outrage is the most boring emotion humans have these days – when it’s towards something meaningful, that’s great," he said. "But people get outraged at everything. It’s like, this is what you’re angry about? There’s other things to be outraged about – please, go and help make the world a better place."
Feig’s passion for filmmaking and his commitment to style and aesthetics are clear in his work. Another Simple Favor is a testament to his ability to craft entertaining and engaging films that push the boundaries of the genre. As he said, "I just like to not be predictable with what I wear." With his latest film, Feig has proven that he is a true original, both in his style and in his approach to filmmaking.
The film’s costume design, which features a range of stylish and over-the-top outfits, is a reflection of Feig’s love of fashion. From Lively’s ridiculous couture prison suit to Kendrick’s ill-fitting suits, the film’s costumes are a key part of its tone and personality. As Feig said, "We engineer our movies for audiences – we’ll do anywhere from three to nine test screenings and adjust based on what the audience is laughing at."
Feig’s approach to filmmaking is clear: he is a director who is committed to style, aesthetics, and entertaining his audience. With Another Simple Favor, he has proven that he is a true master of his craft.
According to Esquire UK, Feig’s films are a reflection of his personality and style. His approach to filmmaking and fashion is a testament to his creativity and passion for his work.
Source: Esquire UK: Paul Feig on the Making of Another Simple Favor.
