“Our friendship began in darkness.”

With his flair for theatricality, Patrick attempts to demonstrate to Maisie and Grant the proper way to tell a story. When the kids are at a loss to articulate anything meaningful about their mother, Patrick steps in. His dramatic opening is emblematic of his early approach to relating to his niece and nephew—the Guncle way is the only true way, just as his memories of Sara are the only genuine ones.

“THAT’S HOW YOU DO IT!”

This catchphrase from Patrick’s successful sitcom becomes both his ticket to fame and an albatross around his neck. When he tries to have an intimate conversation with his brother in the airport, a fan recognizes him and urges him to say the phrase, not letting up until Patrick gets angry and walks away. Rowley captures the paradox of Hollywood—the fame sought by so many comes with intrusions on one’s privacy and the assumption that an actor is always ready to perform like a trained animal. Patrick often hates the business, and yet, his acting earned him recognition and a prized Golden Globe.