Enduring seemingly overwhelming and unforeseen situations that harrowingly force you to contend with unwanted and irrevocable changes can surprisingly be turned into a positive outcome, as they can help you realize you can expand your outlooks on your life. That all-important realization is a motivating life lesson that the young protagonist in writer-director Evan Oppenheimer’s new family adventure film, ‘A Little Game,’ realizes after the devastating death of her treasured grandmother. Academy Award-winning actress, Olympia Dukakis, who plays the main character’s grandmother in the movie, naturally showcases the all-important lesson of not only cherishing those who are important in your life, but also learning to embrace life’s unpredictable changes, which can shape you into the person you want to become.
‘A Little Game’ follows 10-year-old Max (Makenna Ballard), who has been content in attending her local elementary school in New York City’s Greenwich Village. But when her parents, repair man Tom (Ralph Macchio) and cook Sarah (Janeane Garofalo), want to give her a better life, they send her to a private school, even though they can barely afford the tuition. To make matters worse, one of Max’s new classmates, Isabella (Fatima Ptacek), teases her for her lack of knowledge about chess, she seeks solace in Washington Square Park.
While at the park, Max forms a friendship with Norman (F. Murray abraham), a street player who wants to offer her guidance and solace, especially after the death of her beloved grandmother, YaYa (Dukakis). After Norman agrees to teach Max how to play chess, he aims to also show the importance of life, and discovering who she really is by comparing chess moves to an exhilarating exploration of New York. Along the way, Max discovers who she truly is, and how to best maneuver even the most unexpected obstacles and challenges in life.
Dukakis took the time recently to talk about filming ‘A Little Game’ during an exclusive phone interview. Among other things, the actress discussed how she was drawn to the role of YaYa, and the film overall, as she not only liked the journey the character took, but also the freedom Oppenheimer offered the cast in develop their arcs and relationships; and how she likes that the family film offers viewers the opportunity to really examine what’s important to them, and also think about what they would do in life-altering situations.
ShockYa (SY): You play YaYa in the new family adventure film, ‘A Little Game.’ What was it about the character, and the script overall, that convinced you to take on the role?
Olympia Dukakis (OD): Well, it was well written, and I liked the journey the character took. I also liked the other actors, and the director was really good. So I thought, I’m on board!
SY: Speaking of the film’s director, Evan Oppenheimer, what was the process of working with him on the film, especially since he also wrote the script?
OD: It was good working with Evan. He really let the actors participate in the story and characters’ development, and was interested in what we thought. He was eager to hear and see what we came up with on the set.
SY: Makenna Ballard plays YaYa’s ten-year-old granddaughter, Max, with whom she had a close relationship. What was the experience of building your working relationship with her?
OD: She was a good little actress. Since she is such a good performer, it was easy to play our scenes together. Acting is all about playing with, and off of, the other performers. That process happened very easily with Makenna on this film.
SY: Ralph Macchio and Janeane Garofalo play Max’s parents, Tom and Sara. What were your interactions with them both like on the set, as well?
OD: That process was also very interesting. They’re people you’ve seen act in many films, so to be able to finally be able to act and react in a movie with them, was pleasurable and fun. I liked working with them.
SY: The film follows Max as she learns how to navigate personal crises through her interactions during her chess lessons with an elderly man in neighborhood. Why do think it’s beneficial for movies like ‘A Little Game’ to highlight important life lessons, and the meaning of strong relationships?
OD: It gives people, especially young people who are the same age as my character’s granddaughter, the opportunity to really look at what’s important in life. The film also makes people think about what they would do in life-altering situations, and what really matters to them. It also gives us the chance to follow through on some of these things. I think it’s especially great when young people have the chance talk through and feel the effects of important issues in their own lives.
SY: Speaking of finding an authentic relatability, is that an important aspect you look for when you look for characters?
OD: I’m always looking for characters and stories that feels authentic, as opposed to contrived and exploited. It’s also great when families can watch films like this one at home, so that they can talk about the characters’ authenticity.
SY: The family adventure movie also highlights how the dynamics of where people live also influences them. Max is happy attending her neighborhood public school in New York City’s Greenwich Village, before she begins attending an exclusive all-girls private school in the Upper East Side. In films like this one, where the story’s location also plays a crucial part to the story, do you prefer working on location, as opposed to on a studio soundstage?
OD: Well, I think if you can’t be on location, it’s important that the sets are created so that the film can create the impression of the actual setting. But it’s not absolutely crucial that films are always shot on location, but that process is always great fun. That helps give the story its authentic feel, which is always good.
SY: Also speaking of working with directors, is helming a film something you’re interested in pursuing?
OD: Well, I have directed throughout my career. I haven’t directed a movie, but I have directed plays throughout my career. Theater was my first love, and I wouldn’t know who I was if I didn’t work on plays.
Written by: Karen Benardello