Let's dive into the fascinating journey of writer Laura Hankin and her transformation of a personal, emotional experience into a captivating Netflix movie, 'Don't Say Good Luck'.
The Personal Story Behind the Movie
Laura Hankin's life took an unexpected turn when, as a high school junior, she landed the lead role in her school's production of 'Moby Dick! The Musical'. Simultaneously, she faced the devastating news that her mother's terminal cancer had returned. This juxtaposition of joy and sorrow left her grappling with difficult questions: Should she prioritize her passion for theater and the excitement of the musical, or should she devote every moment to her ailing mother?
Years later, Hankin, an acclaimed novelist, channeled this experience into the script for 'Don't Say Good Luck'. The movie, starring Sunny Sandler, explores a similar coming-of-age narrative, where the lead character, Sophie, navigates her lead role in a school musical while her mother battles cancer.
Honoring Reality, Creating Fiction
Hankin emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between honoring her personal experience and crafting a compelling movie. She fictionalized certain elements, like adding an extra brother and changing the setting, to create a structured narrative. Despite these changes, the emotion remained authentic, ensuring the story felt real and relatable.
The Inspiration Behind the Adaptation
What inspired Hankin to adapt her story as a movie? It was Bo Burnham's 'Eighth Grade' that blew her mind and made her realize the inner lives of teenage girls were being taken seriously on screen. This inspired her to think about her own experiences as a teen and how they could be compelling for others.
The Power of Music and Collaboration
Hankin believed that adapting her story as a movie would allow her to capture the emotion and intensity of the experience more effectively, especially with the addition of music by Sara Bareilles. She also praised the collaboration with director Julia Hart and producer Jordan Horowitz, who helped sharpen and heighten the script while maintaining its authenticity.
On Set with the Sandler Family
Hankin had the unique opportunity to be on set during the filming, an experience she described as 'wild'. She witnessed the Sandler family's incredible energy as they juggled the production of two movies simultaneously. Adam Sandler, in particular, impressed Hankin with his involvement and guidance, pushing for natural, deeply felt performances while also contributing some of the script's funniest and saddest lines.
A Cameo and a Reflection
Hankin even made a cameo appearance in the film as an English teacher, a fun experience that allowed her to reconnect with her love for acting. Reflecting on her journey, Hankin emphasized the importance of theater in helping her process emotions during a challenging time in her life.
Conclusion
'Don't Say Good Luck' is more than just a movie; it's a testament to the power of art to process and honor personal experiences. Through this adaptation, Hankin has created a moving coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with audiences, proving that sometimes the most powerful stories are those drawn from our own lives.
