Actor Willem De Schryver on ‘The Big F*ck-Up
- This excerpt delves into the creation of a TV show centered around a compelling protagonist: a crook who genuinely enjoys life.
- * The "Catch Me If You Can" Inspiration: the creators explicitly reference Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can as a touchstone.
- In essence, the show aims to present a protagonist who is morally ambiguous but engaging, someone who lives life to the fullest even while engaging in questionable behavior.
This excerpt delves into the creation of a TV show centered around a compelling protagonist: a crook who genuinely enjoys life. Here’s a breakdown of the key ideas and character progress explored:
* The “Catch Me If You Can” Inspiration: the creators explicitly reference Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can as a touchstone. This highlights the desire for a charismatic, initially lighthearted con artist who eventually faces the consequences of their actions. The core question becomes “How can I get myself out of this big fuck-up?”
* Tone & Title: The initial title, “The Years of Lead,” was deemed too serious and didn’t convey the show’s intended tone. The eventual title, “The Big Fuck-Up,” is deliberately bold and reflects the pervasive nature of deception and mistakes within the story.
* Jan Laureys – The Protagonist:
* Narcissistic & Self-Assured: Jan is described as good-looking, narcissistic, and believing himself to be “top-notch.”
* Running From Problems: Beneath the confident exterior, he’s actually avoiding deeper issues, notably within his family. He feels alienated from his family and that’s why he’s abroad.
* Character Arc: He starts oblivious to the consequences of his actions but matures as the show progresses, becoming someone the audience wants to understand.
* Actor’s Connection: The actor playing Jan (De Schryver) initially struggled with the character’s self-assuredness but ultimately found playing him empowering.
* Complexity & Appeal: The creators aim to make Jan more than just a shallow character. They want the audience to be invested in understanding his motivations and flaws. He’s not simply a villain; he’s a flawed individual.
* Lying as a Theme: The show explores lying on multiple levels – Jan’s cons, and the long-held secrets within his family.
In essence, the show aims to present a protagonist who is morally ambiguous but engaging, someone who lives life to the fullest even while engaging in questionable behavior. The key is to balance the “crook” aspect with a genuine sense of vitality and a compelling internal struggle.