Unless you have resigned yourself to superhero films and horror films, you have likely already become a fan of productions which are often classified as “Indie.” Don’t be dissuaded by this moniker though, the major studios have all embraced and copied the Indie film approach in many of their most lauded films; an obvious indicator that this is a direction that the public desires and appreciates. That’s great news for movie fans who are seeking the kind of unique and thoughtful stories of films like TT Entertainment’s Darling, You’re So Mean To Me.
A dark comedy about relationships, it’s impossible to deny that the couple at the center of this film (portrayed by Petteri Lassila and Maria Tuner) possess a chemistry and talent which is transfixing. Darling, You’re So Mean To Me garnered massive praise at events such as the Queen Palm International Film Festival (which has a history of presenting numerous Academy award nominated films) and earned nominations and awards for the film and its leading duo (Independent Shorts Awards).
Petteri Lassila (as Phil) both starred in and shares a writing credit on the film. He brings one of the most unique and magnetic performances of recent years. Leading man looks, a wicked sense of comedic timing, and an ability to balance charisma with quirky makes Lassila a huge asset to this film and any subsequent productions.
What happens to that couple who should break up but for some reason can’t bring themselves to do so; those people who seem to thrive on the drama and vitriol that most people run away from? Lassila and Tuner (as Bonnie) manifest the kind of danger that exists between improv and script, love and hate. The toxic couple is portrayed in their later years by Tim Landfield (of the Primetime Emmy Award Winning TV Series Monk) and Betty Karlen (from the original Primetime Emmy Award Winning Fame TV Series).
It’s amazing that a white prius and a red bra can be the source of contention for forty years but more incredible is that Phil and Bonnie are tied together with an honesty that is at their very core. For his part, Phil is a hopeless romantic, emphasis on hopeless. He is sarcastic and spoiled but wants to believe in the power of love to supersede all transgressions and problems.In his performance as Phil, Petteri achieves the unimaginable, making us root for a man who seems petty and untrustworthy.
Lassila finds affinity for the character in his forthrightness and declares, “He will definitely say what’s on his mind and it was very interesting and almost freeing to play someone who doesn’t really have any kind of filter. Even though it can be quite easy to judge Phil and the way he tries to manipulate, I think an open-minded viewer will be challenged to reflect on their own behavior: ‘How many times am I actually saying I love you just to hear I love you in return? Is my motivation to give this gift to my spouse just so they’d compliment what an amazing person I am?’
People love to talk about unconditional love, but how often are we actually manipulating other people even with our good deeds and behavior? Would you still give a homeless person money if you couldn’t post about it to social media?” In Phil, Petteri has displayed to the audience that unattractive part of themselves but adds the caveat of whether we are sincere in our words and actions or simply playing a part ourselves?
The framework of a romantic relationship in distress has certainly been the template of many films, so what makes Darling, You’re So Mean To Me so original? There’s something in the DNA of the performances that is key to its appeal. Additionally, there’s an unspoken quality to Petteri’s performance that is striking. The sense is that there’s much more below the surface of Phil than is fully revealed. Lassila’s co-star Maria Tuner proclaims, “Petteri is never afraid of trying something new and that is a great quality to have, especially when working with others.
And he is also very creative. That man has a million great ideas in his head and I’m anxious to see what he creates next.” What’s next in the immediate future for Lassila is a role as the main antagonist in an upcoming film by Matias Raassina. Making note of the heritage he brings to his work, Petteri remarks, “I’m excited about bringing a Finnish voice to Hollywood. I think we have such a unique culture that’s full of interesting stories.”
Writer: Coleman Haan