As the oldest son of Hollywood actor Dustin Hoffman, it comes as no surprise that Jake Hoffman has immersed himself in all aspects of movie production. From his debut in Rain Man at age seven to his leading role in Click in 2006, Hoffman has experience portraying a variety of characters and acting in both big budget and indie productions. In 2009, he appeared in a reworked version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead, and worked alongside his father in and I Heart Huckabees (2004) and Barney’s Version (2010).
Despite his impressive filmography, Jake Hoffman finds his passion behind the camera. Hoffman, most recently credited with a cameo appearance in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, views acting as a way to experience directorial decisions first hand. “Actors are one of the only people on sets that get to ask the director as many questions as they want,” Hoffman explains. In addition to acting and directing shorts, Hoffman attended film school at New York University.
“I’ve always felt more in my own skin in New York—the city has more spontaneity.” This affinity for the Big Apple fueled Hoffman’s feature length film,Asthma. Although he has directed short films and music videos, Asthma is Hoffman’s first foray into fiction and will be shown at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this summer.
[blockquote]“I’ve always felt more in my own skin in New York—the city has more spontaneity.”[/blockquote]
While there was not one clear-cut moment that drew Hoffman directing—it was more of an evolution—he explains that working on Asthma rekindled his passion, “When trying to make it [as a director], you can lose sight of what you’re making.” The movie is partially a love song to the city and partially a coming of age story, “It evolved into something much more personal. It’s fiction but it explores the key themes—relationships, addictions—that forced me into adulthood,” says Hoffman.
The film follows a young rock ‘n roller, played by Benedict Samuel, who steals a Rolls Royce and journeys with a local tattoo artist, Krysten Ritter. Together they explore the boundaries of the city in a manner closely connected to Hoffman’s own experience in New York. For Hoffman, the film “ties it all together… being in New York City for college was a unique time when I was trying to figure out who I am—I didn’t really understand the consequences of a lot of things—which is dangerous—but a lot of fun as well.”
The movie reflects New York City’s electric atmosphere as well as the angst of an indie rock musician’s life. “Making the film was the best experience I’ve ever had.” Says Hoffman, “When you’re making your first film, you want it to be really great for itself but also really great so you can continue to make films.”
With regards to Asthma’s upcoming festival debut, Hoffman “is really excited how it came together” and “feels incredibly lucky and happy to have collaborated with such talented actors.” Despite the film’s indie budget, Hoffman’s cast includes the breathtaking Krysten Ritter, newcomer Benedict Samuel, Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes, iconic musician Iggy Pop and the late René Ricard.
Hoffman feels especially thankful to have had the opportunity to work with René Ricard, the famous poet, painter and art critic who passed away in February. “He is someone I looked up to and a true character,” explains Hoffman. Even after the debut of Asthma, Hoffman does not plan to take any time off, “making feature [length films] is the dream. I plan to get right back to work—I’m not good with too much free time.” And we’re not ones to complain.