Home · Entertainment · Nov 4 archive
I was partying too much': Jordan Firstman knows firsthand about being a 'Club Kid
· Confirmed
In Short: Jordan Firstman's feature film debut, 'Club Kid,' premieres in theaters on November 6, marking a significant milestone for the actor and comedian.
Jordan Firstman's feature film debut, 'Club Kid,' premieres in theaters on November 6, marking a significant milestone for the actor and comedian. The film, which he wrote, directed, and stars in, delves into the life of Peter, a 30-something gay club promoter who discovers he has a son, Arlo, from a drug-fueled night a decade earlier.
Firstman's journey into the Berlin club scene, where he was known as 'the angel of Berghain,' heavily influenced the film's narrative. 'You’ve got a kid.
' Firstman's character is told by a woman who reveals he is the father of Arlo, played by young breakout actor Reggie Absalom. This revelation sets the stage for a poignant exploration of identity, responsibility, and the aftermath of a life lived in the shadows of the club scene.
The film's authenticity resonates with the queer underground New York rave scene, which Firstman describes as dark and disorienting. 'I was doing drugs from Thursday to Monday when I was in Berlin,' he says. 'Then it becomes Monday morning somehow. Monday and Tuesday, you spend in bed wanting to kill yourself.' This candid portrayal of the club scene's toll on mental health adds depth to the film's narrative.
Firstman's personal experiences extend beyond the film. He became a biological father, or as he describes it, an 'Uncle-Daddy,' last year after donating sperm to his sister's wife. This personal journey parallels the film's themes of parenthood and responsibility. 'What a blessing that we have art and we get to make things,' Firstman reflects. 'We get to make things that change us.'
Firstman's commitment to authenticity extends to the film's cast and crew. 'No shade to background actors, but they don't look like club kids,' he notes. The film was shot on 35mm in New York City with a team of backers including Oscar-winning producer Alex Coco and nepo filmmaker Olmo Schnabel.
As Peter navigates the challenges of fatherhood, the film explores the complexities of caring for a child without shielding them from the world's discomforts. 'Caring for your kid doesn’t mean shielding them from what is uncomfortable about the world, but being present when they have questions about what they experience,' Firstman notes.
The film's premiere coincides with the release of Firstman's HBO comedy series 'I Love LA,' and the birth of his niece or nephew, born the same week he wrapped 'Club Kid.'
Background
The 35th Philadelphia Film Festival set an attendance record, with 'Club Kid' and 'Queen at Sea' earning top honors.
The Club Kids were a New York City-based artistic and fashion-conscious youth movement composed of nightlife personalities active from the late 1980s to 1996. Coined by a 1988 New York cover story, the Club Kids crossed over into the public consciousness through appearances on daytime talk shows, magazine editorials, fashion campaigns and music videos.
What's confirmed
- Jordan Firstman's feature film debut, 'Club Kid,' premieres in theaters on November 6, marking a significant milestone for the actor and comedian. The film, which he wrote, directed, and stars in, delves into the life of Peter, a 30-something gay club promoter who discovers he has a son, Arlo, from a drug-fueled night a decade earlier.
- Firstman's journey into the Berlin club scene, where he was known as 'the angel of Berghain,' heavily influenced the film's narrative. 'You’ve got a kid.
- ' Firstman's character is told by a woman who reveals he is the father of Arlo, played by young breakout actor Reggie Absalom. This revelation sets the stage for a poignant exploration of identity, responsibility, and the aftermath of a life lived in the shadows of the club scene.
- The film's authenticity resonates with the queer underground New York rave scene, which Firstman describes as dark and disorienting. 'I was doing drugs from Thursday to Monday when I was in Berlin,' he says. 'Then it becomes Monday morning somehow. Monday and Tuesday, you spend in bed wanting to kill yourself.' This candid portrayal of the club scene's toll on mental health adds depth to the film's narrative.
- Firstman's commitment to authenticity extends to the film's cast and crew. 'No shade to background actors, but they don't look like club kids,' he notes. The film was shot on 35mm in New York City with a team of backers including Oscar-winning producer Alex Coco and nepo filmmaker Olmo Schnabel.
- As Peter navigates the challenges of fatherhood, the film explores the complexities of caring for a child without shielding them from the world's discomforts. 'Caring for your kid doesn’t mean shielding them from what is uncomfortable about the world, but being present when they have questions about what they experience,' Firstman notes.
What's still developing
- Firstman may not be playing himself this time, but he is playing a version of that self, having, as he says, spent enough years in Berlin to be labeled “the angel of Berghain” by his new friends, but now ready to put the days-that-became-years of GHB, MDMA, and other letters of the alphabet behind him.
- He also stars as the protagonist of his hugely crowd-pleasing, excruciatingly funny, and poignant first film — one that plays to all sides of the room despite being brazenly, unapologetically queer — which will prime Firstman-savvy viewers to immediately interpret “Club Kid” as autobiographical.
- A24 will release “ Club Kid ” in theaters on Friday, November 6.] While that reputation might have Firstman on guard as he debuts his feature writing/directing debut “Club Kid,” as it will certain circumspect corners of the audience, this terrific movie should put any of those nervous feelings to rest.
- “Club Kid” is exactly about what happens when the lights go up on the party, the shameover of the morning after that becomes a way of being, and the need to do it all over again to stave off last night’s aching after effects.
- In May, Club Kid was awarded Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival.
- It's a surreal moment for Firstman, who put so much of himself into the movie.
- At the latter’s stop, hours before he was set to introduce the film and receive the Breakthrough Award, Firstman spoke with RogerEbert.com at the Ritz-Carlton, where the writer, director, and star spoke about choosing the film’s soundtrack, the enduring influence of author Bruce Wagner on his creative life, and discerning when it is time to leave the party, adapt to the party, or start a new one.
- Director Jordan Firstman ’s “ Club Kid ” hums with the kind of specificity that would make the chronically online (ideally those who are also in the queer nightlife scene in NY) feel seen.
- Those who enter this cinematic dance party aware of Firstman’s online persona might understandably expect something more irascible and obnoxious than the final product, which laces its sincerity with carnality.
- Firstman’s film explores these questions with a dizzying rhythm, soundtracked by classic and modern club hits you can’t help but groove to.
- Firstman stars as Peter, an underground party promoter who runs a successful club with his business partner, Sophie ( Cara Delevingne ), but the years of late-night partying, whirlwind hookups, and incessant drug consumption have taken a toll on his body and mind.
- After being the life of the party at Cannes, Firstman invited many others to partake in the film’s cinematic riches across TIFF, NYFF, and the Chicago International Film Festival.