Robert Downey Jr. stars in HBO's adaptation of 'The Sympathizer,' a series that blends espionage thriller, war drama, and Hollywood satire elements. The show has been noted for its genre shifts, which, while entertaining, may detract from the protagonist's depth. In a significant casting choice, Vietnamese director-producer Phanxine makes his acting debut in the series, having joined the project after a politically sensitive decision. Phanxine initially attended the casting as a prank, intrigued by the audition's requirement for nudity.
Part espionage thriller, part war drama, and part Hollywood satire, HBO's adaptation of “The Sympathizer,” is frequently poignant and entertaining—but the wild genre shifts come at the expense of its protagonist’s interiority, @inkookang writes. https://t.co/Q7iDmqSVnx
Phanxine is an accomplished director-producer in Vietnam, but #TheSympathizer marks his acting debut. "I went to the audition to set up a prank. When they had the open casting call, they said in the description, 'Nudity required.' I just wanted to say to my friends, 'You guys… https://t.co/wF1kQtGjB6
‘The Sympathizer’: Phanxine on the Major’s Big Moment and His ‘Politically Sensitive’ Decision to Join the Show https://t.co/rsJ9kDw3mG
How 'The Sympathizer' Turned Robert Downey Jr. into the Specter of the West https://t.co/zsKa2AH4JG
How ‘The Sympathizer’ Turned Robert Downey Jr. Into the Specter of the West https://t.co/WaLYAfGXz8