Jenna Fischer is best known as receptionist-turned-saleswoman Pam on the hit comedy show "The Office," but she unveils her dramatic side in "Solitary Man," a film opening this Friday in Atlanta.
In the movie directed by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, she portrays a daughter struggling to cope with what may be the world's worst dad, a role played by the venerable Michael Douglas.
His character, Ben Kalmen, was once an enormously successful car salesman who lost his empire through scandal, destroyed his marriage through compulsive infidelity and continues to make every wrong and reckless decision possible. The cast also includes Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker and Danny DeVito.
We recently spoke with Fischer about the film, family and "The Office."
Q. This film had a lot of shocking material. What was your first impression of the script?
A. I thought it was very raw and brutally honest. I feel like there are some things that Michael Douglas' character says that I've never heard a man say before, but I completely believe men would say. Almost like the truly darkest dirtiest secrets about men. ... Some make me cringe and some bum me out.
Q. Examples?
A. Oh yeah. That women of a certain age are never thin because they have a thickness about them. Ever since I turned 35, I feel like I got thicker. No matter how much I work out ... I'm just a broader person. And then I read this script and said "Oh my God, this is the truth?" This is devastating news to me. I wanted that to be in my imagination.
Q. How did you approach a role that required you to love someone so unlovable?
A. I think I just went to that place where everybody wants to have a connection with their mother and father, no matter what it is. You're willing to accept scraps at times just to keep that connection going. I feel like this character had to develop a sense of humor about her father and what he's done, and she had to be wiling to accept the relationship 100 percent on his terms. But then when she started to see what happened to her happen to her son ... she finds the strength to cut that off. It's very emotional.
Q."Solitary Man" has a number of cringe-worthy moments. But is acting out awkward situations comfortable to you given your years on "The Office"?
A. I do think I am kind of drawn to those awkward truths about people and those sort of universal awkward, "cringey" moments that we all experience. I think for whatever reason sharing your most embarrassing moment with someone and having everyone remember theirs makes you feel more human than when you just share all of the accomplishments. It's the thing that bonds us together.
Q. You've excelled in comedy and now have a dramatic role under your belt. What is your dream gig?
A. My dream gig is "The Office." It's hard to believe that I got my dream and now everything else [I get to do] is great. All I wanted as a little girl was to star on a comedic sitcom, to star on "Cheers," and I feel like I'm starring on my generation's "Cheers." I'm getting married [this summer to actor/writer Lee Kirk] and hope to start a family. When I daydream about what to do next, it usually involves having a little kid and taking a trip to the Grand Canyon. Now I'm just looking to have really awesome experiences in life.
Responses edited for length.
If you go
"Solitary Man" opens Friday at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. For tickets and showtimes, call 678-495-1424 or visit www.landmarktheatres.com and select Atlanta.
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