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Big Fan writer/director Robert Siegel: the readandreact interview

Big Fan opens in select theaters nationwide today (Aug 28th), after premiering to rave reviews at Sundance earlier this year.  It tells the tale of Paul Alfiero – a 35-year-old parking garage attendant from Staten Island who describes himself as the “world’s biggest Giants fan”.  One day, Paul finds himself face-to-face with his favorite player, and things don’t go quite as planned, leading Paul to question everything he holds dear.  (ed. note – our excitement for this film is already well-documented. Watch the trailer here)

Writer/Director Robert Siegel first made his mark on pop culture as editor-in-chief of the satirical publication The Onion, but really burst into public consciousness in 2008 with his screenplay for acclaimed film The Wrestler. Clearly this guy is on a roll, and he makes his directorial debut with Big Fan, which he also wrote the script for.

For some inexplicable reason that we choose not to question, Rob was kind enough to take the time to answer a few of readandreact’s questions about football, film and this wacky world we live in.

As such, we are thrilled to present you with Robert Siegel: The readandreact interview:

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Q: The trailer shows evidence of time spent in the parking lot at the Meadowglands. Being from Long Island, are you yourself a Giants fan? Have you personally attended many games there?

RS: I’m not a Giants fan. I’m a diehard, lifelong Steelers fan. Back in the late ’70s when I came of football age, none of my friends were into the Giants or Jets. Everybody liked either the Steelers or the Cowboys, and for me it stuck. But I’ve definitely spent my fair share of time out at the Meadowlands, I’ve got a lot of friends with Giants season tickets, and I usually go to one or two games a year. Unfortunately, though, they usually invite me to that crappy Week 15 game against the Texans when the Giants have locked up a playoff berth and Eli’s not starting. That tends to be the one where an extra ticket magically opens up.

Q: With Plaxico Burress heading to prison, Michael Vick returning to the game just months after getting out of Leavenworth, and Donte Stallworth suspended after DUI manslaughter, your film is incredibly relevant to today’s sports landscape.  How much of this story was pulled from the headlines?

RS: There definitely seems to be a lot of that stuff going on right now. But in reality, it’s always been happening. Ten years ago, you would’ve been asking me if this movie was based on Rae Carruth or Ron Artest. If it seems like today there’s more bad stuff going on, I think it’s just because the media scrutiny has intensified. More people are getting busted, and when they do, more attention is being paid to it. But I don’t think there ever was a time when athletes were model citizens. You think Mickey Mantle never drove drunk?

Q: You raise some vital questions about priorities in our society today, and what people are willing to forgive in the name of athletic talent … do you think our values are a bit out of whack?

RS: Singers, actors… It’s the same with all celebrities, not just athletes. They’re our heroes, and as a result, we give them a free pass. Or at least try to look the other way. I’m not really sure why, I guess it’s just human nature.

Q: What do you hope people take away from watching Big Fan?

RS: Mainly, I just want them to enjoy it. I’m not looking to take anybody down. Despite what I’ve said here, it’s not like I’ve got some agenda, some axe to grind against pro football. I’m a fan. I love football. But you can love something and still be aware that it’s flawed.

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