When presented with the opportunity to write about SF Sketchfests’ Superstar screening, I thought about watching the movie once before to refresh myself. I ultimately didn’t and went in remembering how much joy the film brought me and that I still do the “armpit move” today. This also happened to be my first time at the Alamo Drafthouse in San Francisco and can honestly say I’m a fan. Not only are you able to watch some of your favorite films, but you can do so with the option of ordering from a pretty nice food and drink menu. I really appreciated the wide range of food and drinks and being greeted by a waiter ready to take your order. I especially appreciated that they took the time to explain the process for a first timer like myself. They offered everything from traditional movie theater snacks to avocado toast and mixed drinks, all without leaving your seat.
The lights went out and we gradually got silent. Charlotte Caffey’s “Beautiful” starts to play and as soon as Molly Shannon’s name hit the screen the theater erupted with cheers of joy. I was 7 years old when this movie first came out and still laughed just as hard today. From the “making out with the tree scene“ to the inspirational quotes from Mary Katherine Gallagher. But It wasn’t until tonight that I understood how important this movie was for Molly Shannon at the time. A female comedian coming from SNL in 1999 with a leading role in a film was not like getting a Netflix comedy special today. We didn’t see Will Ferrell in leading roles until 2003. Molly Shannon was breaking barriers!
Once the movie was finished the lights switched on and two employees carried out a small coffee table and set up two chairs. The stage is ready for Q&A with Molly Shannon and Bruce Muculloch. They walk up to the stage and the crowd goes crazy, some standing with excitement. As soon as Molly came to her seat she did the Superstar armpit move for us. Such a treat.
Bruce Muculloch, director of Superstar is best known for his work on the Canadian sitcom, The Kids in The Hall and writing for Saturday Night Live.
Brian: Was it complicated when making this movie?
Molly: I had broken up with a boyfriend during filming and was super excited. I did have doubts about being older and playing high school students in the movie. A lot of stress around getting Bruce [Mcculloch] to direct the movie.
In fact, Brian continued to turn down the movie until he learned he could work 4 day work weeks.
Brian: Is there a connection between you and the character?
Molly: Definitely. Didn’t realize at the time but we were on the way to creating a feminist story of our own. The character was a mix of an exaggerated version of myself and my friend with a lazy eye from school, created while attending NYU for a class and continued to develop it throughout my career.
Brian: Where did the armpit move come from?
Molly: A real moment I use to have with my friends.
It was at this moment Director, Bruce Muculloch let us know that Molly Shannon is one of the best actresses that he’s ever worked with.
Brian: Tell us a bit about your childhood?
Molly: I had a rough start. My family was involved in a terrible car accident and only my dad and I survived. Dealing with those different emotions very much so made me feel like a freak or geek compared to everyone else. I found my way…
Brian: Religion for you?
Molly: I grew up Catholic and clung onto the thought of heaven since I lost my mom and sister so young. I was always told they went to heaven and I held onto that thought a lot. Today I’m just grateful… I look around and have the family I created around me.
Brian: In fact, I remember wanting to add more funny religious stuff to the movie and getting the NO from you.
Molly: I was very spiritual. Holding on to the different ideas of religion was how I coped with what I was going through. That, and going into fantasies very similar to the character Mary.
Brian: How did you keep yourself going?
Molly: Positive reinforcement all the time. I’ve always given the emotional truth and wanted that to come through in my comedy.
Brian: Favorite line or scene?
Molly: The tree kissing scene. In fact, I do it with my daughter and when I go into kiss her I snort.
At this time Molly showed us an example on Brian and it honestly melted my heart. It was really amazing to witness this perspective to Superstar. If you haven’t seen in awhile, I highly suggest you give it a try. And with that, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite lines from the movie.
Hi, I just wanted to say I think you did a really good job up there tonight, you showed a lot of energy and enthusiasm and I really like your choice of costume. But I feel really bad for you because I guess you didn’t realize you were competing against a SUPERSTAH – Molly Shannon
Well written. The movie quote at the end was perfect.