Jordan Firstman on Directing Club Kid and Finding Personal Growth
The actor and director discusses his transition from online provocateur to vulnerable filmmaker.
1Rio de Janeiro Debut
Jordan Firstman is currently in Rio de Janeiro presenting his directorial debut, Club Kid. The film features Firstman as Peter, a New York club promoter forced into sudden parenthood. This project marks a significant shift in his career, moving from short-form internet sketches to a feature-length narrative exploring complex emotional themes.
2Critical Acclaim and Success
Club Kid received a seven-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Following the festival, A24 acquired the film for a reported 17 million dollars after a competitive bidding war. These early indicators suggest strong industry interest, though Firstman remains cautious about how the general public will receive it.
3Evolving Public Persona
Firstman gained fame during the pandemic with viral front-facing video sketches. However, he has faced public scrutiny for past social media posts and his polarizing comedic style. He admits that playing a caricature of himself in 2023's Rotting in the Sun negatively impacted his mental health and how audiences perceived him.
4The Motivation Behind Club Kid
The new film serves as a response to his recent struggles with public perception. Firstman wanted to present a more honest version of himself compared to his online persona. By focusing on a man thrust into an unexpected parental role, he explores themes of arrested development and the meaning of adulthood.
5Creative Inspirations and Roots
The concept for Club Kid originated at a dinner party while Firstman was interacting with a friend's child. He drew inspiration from classic films like The Kid and Kramer vs. Kramer. Additionally, he reflected on his own upbringing by two Newsday reporters to craft the emotional core of his protagonist.
6Spiritual and Personal Exploration
Firstman has explored various spiritual practices, including ayahuasca and bufotenin, to better understand his own perceptions. He views these experiences as tools for learning about life and human experience. He believes these intense personal journeys have protected him and informed his creative approach to both film and music projects.
7Professional Discipline and Growth
The demanding production schedule of 2025, including his work on English Teacher and I Love LA, forced Firstman to adopt a more disciplined lifestyle. He moved away from his previous party-centric habits to ensure he could perform at his best. This professional shift mirrors his character's journey toward greater personal responsibility.
8A Difficult Personal Breakup
A profound, unexpected breakup served as a major catalyst for Firstman's recent growth. He chose to prioritize his life path over a four-year relationship that he felt no longer aligned with his goals. This painful experience provided the emotional depth required to portray the vulnerability seen in his latest film.
9Emotional Release on Set
During the filming of a climactic scene in Club Kid, Firstman received a message from his ex-partner after a year of silence. The timing of this communication triggered a genuine emotional release, leading to the intense crying captured on camera. He describes the film as a secret love letter to him.
10Redefining His Creative Voice
Firstman feels that the validation from Cannes has reduced his need to constantly say edgy or provocative things. He is currently questioning whether his previous grittier persona was a defense mechanism. He now aims to integrate his disparate selves, seeking a balance between his provocative nature and a softer, more honest side.
11Future Creative Directions
While he has not yet started writing his next project, Firstman knows it will be a love story. Having explored familial and community love in his debut, he intends to continue examining how we connect with others. He remains committed to learning through every medium, whether it be film, music, or social interaction.
12Reflecting on Artistic Impact
Firstman’s journey from an online personality to a serious director highlights the complexities of modern fame. By channeling his personal pain and spiritual curiosity into his work, he has created a film that resonates with audiences. His transition suggests a maturing artist who is finally comfortable showing his true, vulnerable self.
Original article: GQ — Jordan Firstman on Directing Club Kid and Finding Personal Growth