Adele Lim, a highly sought-after screenwriter and accidental firebrand, is eagerly awaiting my recap of the previous night’s screening of Joy Ride, her directorial debut. This bawdy R-rated buddy comedy, featuring four Asian American leads, is a departure from the typical films that Lim has worked on. Known for co-writing Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon and the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians, Lim made headlines when she turned down the sequel to Crazy Rich Asians due to being offered significantly less salary than her white male co-writer.
During our wide-ranging discussion, Lim opens up about her love for raunch comedy and her desire to portray Asian women in a different light. Growing up, Lim saw limited representation of Asian women onscreen and wanted to create her own version of characters that she could relate to. She explains that Asian women are often depicted as exotic, which can lead to harmful stereotypes and a refusal to embrace their sexuality. Lim also reveals a shocking experience where a producer used multiple stereotypes to describe her, highlighting the need for more diverse and accurate portrayals in the industry.
We delve into the process of including full-frontal female nudity in a feature comedy and how Lim and her team navigated the boundaries to create a film that was both entertaining and boundary-pushing. She shares how working with Seth Rogen’s company allowed them the freedom to explore risqué elements without hesitation. Lim also reflects on the dominance of male nudity in comedy and the need for fresh perspectives in this area.
I inquire about Lim’s mother’s reaction to the film, given her conservative background. Lim reveals that her mother found the movie entertaining, which was a pleasant surprise. As a born-again Christian and prayer group leader, Lim’s mother typically avoids explicit content, but she was intrigued by her daughter’s work. Lim recounts a humorous moment when her mother saw a particularly shocking scene and reacted in a way that left Lim in awe of her open-mindedness.
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Lim shares about her early days in Hollywood, where she secured her first writing job through a classified ad in The Hollywood Reporter. She reflects on her struggle to break into the industry as a woman of color and acknowledges the limited opportunities afforded to individuals like her. Despite the challenges, Lim persevered and developed a successful career in television before making her mark in the film industry.
We also discuss Lim’s decision to try directing and the pressure that comes with being a pioneer for representation. Lim acknowledges that marginalized communities often bear the burden of the success or failure of diverse projects, but she urges creatives not to let fear paralyze them. She credits her experience with Crazy Rich Asians and her decision to go public about being lowballed in negotiations as pivotal moments in her career. Lim believes that speaking out about pay equity is important and hopes her actions inspire other women to do the same.
Finally, we touch on the stalled sequel to Crazy Rich Asians and how Lim feels about its delay. She expresses her love for the original film and its impact on Asian Americans, highlighting the support she received from director Jon Chu. Lim hopes for a successful sequel, even if she’s not directly involved, as she believes in the power of representation onscreen.
Our conversation concludes with Lim’s observation about Hollywood’s tendency to rely on familiar faces and reluctance to take risks on unproven talent. She acknowledges the industry’s risk-averse nature but encourages the exploration of new voices and perspectives, both in front of and behind the camera.
In conclusion, Lim is a trailblazer in the film industry, known for her bold choices and commitment to telling diverse stories. Her directorial debut, Joy Ride, challenges conventions and showcases the voices and experiences of Asian American leads. As she continues to carve her path in Hollywood, Lim hopes to inspire others to embrace their unique perspectives and fight for equal recognition and opportunities in the industry.
