You’ve already read the fine words of wisdom that Bart Got a Room star William H. Macy had for me last Friday, and now it’s time to hear from his co-star Steven Kaplan, who is the actual star of this coming-of-age comedy. Kaplan barely has any screen credits to his name, but he tears up the screen with Macy, Cheryl Hines and Alia Shawkat by his side. I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing Bart Got a Room before I talked to Kaplan (you can read my review here), but after seeing it it’s clear he’s perfect for the role of a gawky yet relatable teen. Check out my way-too-short interview to get an idea of what it’s like to be a 19-year-old hitting the red carpet for the first time. And tomorrow we’ll hear from Bart director Brian Hecker, so stay tuned!
We heard you lost 150 pounds for the role.
Uh, 60 actually.
This is Brian Hecker’s first film, based on true events. Were there ever moments on the film where he was like ‘This isn’t how it was for me!’ ?
He certainly had a very specific vision in mind on how it should play out. But the entire film wasn’t autobiographical. There were parts that were exaggerated, parts that were added.
Are you telling me that movies don’t always tell the truth?
Um, yes.
Did he bring in old yearbooks or anything?
He did have his yearbook on the set. We used it in one of the shots.
Did you tease him about it or anything?
Oh, totally. I messed with him the entire time.
So this is your first feature, right? How did you wind up acting with such a great cast for your first movie?
You know, I’m still trying to figure that out. I auditioned here in New York, and I went on tape, and my tape was sent out to L.A. The director Brian Hecker saw the tape and wanted to meet me. I went out to L.A. to meet him and William H. Macy. Then I had a very stressful week waiting for a phone call.
So you’re a New Yorker—have you been to Tribeca before?
Very first time.
And it’s good? The flashbulbs aren’t too much or anything?
It’s a little overwhelming, but it’s a lot of fun.
So why should we see Bart Got a Room?
It’s not your typical comedy. It definitely has more of an edge to it, more of a bigger message. It’s not about getting laid, it’s not about partying.
Does your character Danny succeed in the end?
In some ways, and not in others. Maybe not in the way that people were anticipating, but in the greater sense.
