Year Of The Carnivore

The Peak
By Nick Pannu

**Interview** with CBC's DNTO Sook-Yin Lee

Sometimes, with foreboding trepidation, people are reluctant to pursue a courting that could potentially become a serious relationship. Trust may be one of the barriers, but low self-image and esteem maybe the other issue preventing a commitment. Also, if one partner is less experienced, then non-compatibly becomes too much of a burden. The zeal and conviction of one partner to overcome their inexperience and resolve their identity crisis often manifests through various foreplay.

In Year of the Carnivore, this dynamic is exposed and put on display through the main character, 21-year-old store detective, Sammy Smalls. Sammy is very self-conscious about her looks, but strives to overcome her insecurities as well as get better at sex. Often unjustly criticized for her storylines revolving around bohemian-like characters, Sook-Yin Lee in her directorial debut uses her candid and authentic style to communicate specific issues through the turmoil of her characters. Recently, I got the opportunity to speak with accomplished filmmaker and media personality Sook-Yin Lee and delve further into her film, Year of the Carnivore.

Nick Pannu: Your main character Sammy Smalls has low self-image and a lot of insecurities, but it’s interesting how a lot of her issues in the film can relate to everyone else as well as the viewers.

Sook-Yin Lee: You can relate to this idea of an awkward love story where people make tons of mistakes. I certainly can relate to it. I have a feeling that a lot of people have been more than awkward in matters of love.

*N:* Sammy Smalls has this physical scar, we all have our own hidden scars. There’s unique ways that she deals with her insecurities and other characters do including her boyfriend by delving into these alter egos as a means to work through their insecurities and find their true identities. Could you tell us a little more about that?

SL: Sammy goes through a transformation because she’s kind of confused. It’s difficult sometimes being a chick in the world . . . when you’re surrounded by all these images of what a woman should be and you fit into none of them. Sammy tries to become that person by wearing the high heels, some slinky negliche, and blond wig. It becomes one of her alter egos and serves her in some respect, but also becomes kind of a pain in the butt, too.

*N:* What was your decision behind casting Cristin Milioti in the role, whose previous credits include The Sopranos? Did it have anything to do with having that confidence in an actress that can portray the character who is obviously insecure, but who also shows empathy for other characters in the film?

SL: That’s the trick of it. I tend to cast actors who remind me of their characters and it was really tough finding Sammy. It’s really tough to find someone who can do the comedy but also has the ability to go to a very deep emotional place where you feel something. Also, a lot of actors want to look good and put their best face forward just like everyone else . . . lighting from this angle . . . “this is my good side.” I needed to work with actors who didn’t really care about that stuff and were brave enough to portray someone who feels less than a human being. Cristin Milioti is someone special and I was lucky to find somebody who reminded me very much of the character: bold and shy at the same time.