Based on Jennifer Vogel's memoir "Flim-Flam
Man", the film centres around her relationship with her father
John, a petty criminal turned counterfeiter.
Penn first read Vogel's book as a teenager and at the time
firmly rejected her father's offer of the lead role.
"He asked me when I was around 15, 16, and I solidly said 'no'.
I never thought I wanted to act and I just felt like I was too
young," Penn, now 30, said.
"And then, 15 years later, I think after having real life
experience I felt like 'OK, I can draw from my life, reference
my experiences and maybe colour this character a little bit
more'."
"Flag Day" sees John Vogel starting ambiguous business projects
and stumbling in and out of the lives of his children.
Interspersed with flashbacks to Jennifer's childhood, the film
tries to peel back her deep-rooted admiration for her father,
while recalling the exuberant show he would put on for the July
4 holiday, or Flag Day - his birthday.
Like its subject matter, the movie is a family affair. Penn's
real-life brother Hopper plays Jennifer's brother Nick and their
father directs and stars as John Vogel.
"It's the first time I've worked with both of them, my brother
and my dad, and I just had so much fun playing with them.
"We really used the script as more of a guide than anything
else. There was a lot of room to improvise and ad lib and I
think that makes for a more interesting movie."
The film does not get into detail about Vogel's illicit affairs
but focuses on the impact his absence has on his family and
Jennifer's transformation from an angsty teen into a respected
journalist.
For Penn, Jennifer's ability to forge her own way in life
resonated with her own ambitions.
"I carry this name and I know that I'll always be associated
with my parents," said. "Especially because I'm now in the same
business, it makes me feel even more the need to be independent
from that and to have my own identity is really important and
crucial."
"Flag Day" is out in U.S. cinemas on Aug. 20.
(Reporting by Hanna Rantala; Editing by Alex Richardson)
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