Aziz Ansari's highly anticipated directorial debut, 'Good Fortune,' is generating buzz, not just for its comedic take on income inequality and the gig economy, but also for the behind-the-scenes dedication of its star, Keanu Reeves. The film, which premiered at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), features Ansari alongside Seth Rogen and Reeves in a story centered around a food-delivery driver (Ansari) whose life intertwines with a wealthy tech investor (Rogen) and a guardian angel (Reeves).
Keanu's Unwavering Commitment
During the film's introduction at TIFF, Ansari revealed that Reeves suffered a broken kneecap early in the production. Despite the injury, Reeves reportedly continued to show up to work every day, never complaining and delivering what Ansari describes as a "hilarious, touching performance."
"I found out he broke his kneecap and I didn’t know what was going to happen," Ansari shared. "It was like, ‘Oh, my God, what is Keanu going to say? Is he going to need some time off? Is he going to drop out of the movie?’”
Ansari added, "And you know what Keanu said? Nothing. He just kept showing up to work and never complained, not once. He worked through what surely must have been excruciating pain and delivered a hilarious, touching performance, and he is the soul of this movie.”
The Film's Message
'Good Fortune' explores the struggles of Arj (Ansari), a character juggling multiple jobs in the gig economy, highlighting the difficulties many face in making ends meet. The film uses satire to address serious issues while maintaining a comedic tone.
- Income Inequality
- The Gig Economy
- The American Dream
The narrative follows Arj's journey as he encounters Jeff (Rogen), a venture capitalist, and Gabriel (Reeves), a guardian angel who attempts to show Arj that wealth isn't everything it's cracked up to be. The story promises a blend of humor and social commentary, making it a potentially impactful film.
Early reviews suggest that 'Good Fortune' successfully balances its comedic elements with its exploration of relevant social issues, making it a noteworthy addition to Ansari's growing body of work.