The Paul Thomas Anderson movie Steven Yeun calls “brilliant”
Steadily solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented actors in the industry, Steven Yeun has come far since his The Walking Dead days. First garnering attention from audiences and critics for his impressive performance in the popular show, Yeun has worked with several talented filmmakers, such as Jordan Peele and Bong Joon-ho, while building his filmography.
Yeun has delivered incredible performances in South Korean masterpieces like Lee Chang-dong’s Burning, in addition to starring in many notable North American productions. After working with Peele on his latest sci-fi horror movie Nope, Yeun recently starred in A24’s hilarious limited series Beef. Featuring opposite Ali Wong, Yeun’s comedic talents are on full display as his character navigates the socioeconomic labyrinths of modern America.
Yeun’s achievements in both Asian and American cinema are reflected in the masterpieces that inspired him to enter the industry. During a conversation with Criterion, the actor opened up about his favourite movies that shaped his creative sensibilities while he searched for his identity as an artist. Including gems by Wong Kar-wai as well as David Lynch, Yeun’s eclectic selection represents the multicultural approach he brings to his craft.
At the very top of his list, Yeun placed the endlessly influential masterpieces of Japanese pioneer Yasujirō Ozu: “You look at the colours he’s working with, the stillness, the beauty. I tried not to put another Ozu on this list, but I had to include Tokyo Story also. I remember watching it for the first time and was like, man, so little happened, but so much happened, and there’s such a wise grace. I hope we can see more films like this again.”
In addition to the classics, Yeun also singled out contemporary visionaries like Paul Thomas Anderson and cited Punch-Drunk Love as a personal favourite. He said: “P. T. is awesome. I grew up watching Adam Sandler, but this performance lured me into another side of him and blew me away. You’ve just watched Happy Gilmore, and then you’re like, I’m going to watch another Adam Sandler movie, and then you see this, and you’re like, whoa, brilliant. I realise these selections are all emotional movies for me!”
Punch-Drunk Love wasn’t just an important movie for Anderson but it also played a huge role in redefining Adam Sandler’s public perception. Sandler, who had been exclusively associated with mediocre comedies, was brilliant as a man whose search for love is complicated by severe social anxiety. Anderson’s absurdist vision provided undeniable proof to the world that Sandler had immense potential as a dramatic actor.
Watch the trailer below.
