Vietnamese American Scores Film's Lead Role
Move over Bruce Lee?
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| John Wynn takes the lead |
It's not often when an Asian lands a leading role in a movie, so the folks working publicity for "Beyond the Mat" are proud that John Wynn is the main character.
More to the point: Wynn--a Virginia native born from a Vietnamese mother and a half-Vietnamese and half-French father--won't be playing any stereotypical character, they say.
I guess there'll be no scenes in a nail salon.
"An Asian-American male protagonist that is neither martial artist nor computer nerd," is how Wynn's character is being billed.
"John Wynn has that star quality that captivates you from the moment he's first on screen," said Susan Wren, head of marketing for Catch 22 Entertainment, based in Los Angeles. "His performance showcases not only a keen dramatic sense as well as athletic prowess, but also demonstrates his universal appeal."
The film's plot centers on high school wrestlers and their struggles over friendship, competition and romance. Says a press statement, the "subplot of romantic quandary places Aaron (Wynn) squarely in the middle as the object of desire."
Wait!
I thought Asians were tired of being objectified . . .
By the way, Wynn--who attended the University of Virginia--is a multi-talented dude. He's a musician, model, actor, singer and TV show host. No wonder nobody else can get a job nowadays.
You can see a clip of director Van M. Pham's film HERE.
--R. Scott Moxley / OC Weekly
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