Made in Hong Kong, part 1: Interview with Tony Leung
When I went to see Perhaps Love last night at the Freer/Sackler Galleries, which together comprise the Smithsonian Museums of Asian Art (my favorite DC museums) at the 11th Annual Hong Kong Film Festival, they had a lovely booklet, Made in Hong Kong, that has some nice material in it. I will be transcribing the contents because I think they might be of interest to some of my flist.
A Conversation with Hong Kong Star Tony Leung
What inspired you to become an actor?
When I was young, I was not a very outspoken or expressive person. Acting became an outlet. Through the roles I undertook, I found ways of expressing various emotions.
Acting can be a therapeutic experience for many actors. Does your ability to effectively portray a character on screen stem from intense preparatory work or from drawing on something deeply personal?
I am not a Stanislavski type of actor. My approach is to construct the character from the outside in paying attention to various details. This helps to create the character.
How has Hong Kong cinema changed since you began your acting career?
Hong Kong's film industry was very active in the 1980s and 1990s, producing many films of various genres. In recent years the number of films has dropped drastically. One of the factors is piracy. However, it helped start Hong Kong film industry's collaboration with filmakers from Hollywood and Europe, thus beginning a new phase of our industry.
You have worked with many famous directors over the years. Which one challenged you the most as an actor?
For me, Wong Kar-wai has remained the most challenging filmmaker I have ever worked with. I implicitly trust him. My experience of working with him is filled with new thrills and excitements.
How is working in Hong Kong different from working other countries?
Compared with filmmaking overseas, film production in Hong Kong is fast and fluid.
Having worked with director Wong on numerous occasions, hwo would you describe your relationship with him? How have you managed to adapt ot his unique filmmaking style?
Because of our experience together and my trust in direcor Wong, we communicate very little on the set. But once the camera starts rolling, e both know what each other wants.
Upon the completion of a film, is it difficult for you to separate yourself from a compelling character such as Chow Mo-Wan, the lovelorn writer in Wong Kar-wai's In the Mood for Love?
Separating myself from my role after the shooting has always been difficult for me, especially with a character like Chow Mo-wan. But is also essential for a professional actor like me. Nowadays, I do much better in this area.
Before Ang Lee's acclaimed film Brokeback Mountain, Wong Kar-wai depicted a similar love affair in his 1997 film Happy Together, which is featured in this year's festival. The subject remains taboo, particularly in the United States. Was accepting the role a risky move for you at the time?
The DVD of Happy Together was recently reissued in Hong Kong. With the success of Brokeback Mountain, many people began to talk about Happy Together, which was made ten years earlier. Although these films are very different, they both chart two separate relationships in a very detailed manner. When I was first approached to do Happy Together, I was not worried. I was, in fact, very pleased to take on this challenge.
As mainland China's entertainment industry becomes more competitive, what opportunities are there for Hong Kong's film industry? What are the challenges?
With its sizable population and our many commonalities--linguistic and culutural--mainland China's market has huge potential. Many of our filmmmakers have already begun working with their counterparts in CHina. This will certianly lead to tighter collaboration, which may spread throughout Asia.
What opportunities are there for Hong Kong actors, such as you, in the Mainland?
Mainland China's market is one with great potential. It also has many talented filmmakers both in fron of and behind the camera. This will certainly challenge Hong Kong filmmakers to improve their skills.
For decades, Hong Kong films have been popular around the globe, from Bosnia, where a statue of martial arts legend Bruce Lee was erected in 2005, to the United States. Why do you think Hong Kong films have such global appeal?
Hong Kong cinema has always been a leader in our region. Two of the factors are the spped which we finish our films and or adaptability to changes in markets. With regard to martial arts films, they are actually a staple of Chinese language cinema and have ifluenced actioni films in many parts of the world.
What opportunities do you see for Hong Kong film talents in the United States?
Looking at the past two years, Zhang Yimou and Stephen Chow have joined the ranks of Ang lee, Wong Kar-wai, and John Woo in getting acclaim and box office success for their work. And many American producers and direcrors have come to Asian and China to look for stories. I believe Hong Kong filmmakers will have more chances to work in the States. But our main base wil still be in Hong Kon and Asia.
Do you spend much time in the United States? If so, what are your favorite cities?
I came to New York, Los Angeles, and Boston when I was in the in the United States promoting 2046. Each city has its own character and uniqueness. [A/N: Sometimes I really hate questions like these, and he answered it so diplomatically.]
A Conversation with Hong Kong Star Tony Leung
What inspired you to become an actor?
When I was young, I was not a very outspoken or expressive person. Acting became an outlet. Through the roles I undertook, I found ways of expressing various emotions.
Acting can be a therapeutic experience for many actors. Does your ability to effectively portray a character on screen stem from intense preparatory work or from drawing on something deeply personal?
I am not a Stanislavski type of actor. My approach is to construct the character from the outside in paying attention to various details. This helps to create the character.
How has Hong Kong cinema changed since you began your acting career?
Hong Kong's film industry was very active in the 1980s and 1990s, producing many films of various genres. In recent years the number of films has dropped drastically. One of the factors is piracy. However, it helped start Hong Kong film industry's collaboration with filmakers from Hollywood and Europe, thus beginning a new phase of our industry.
You have worked with many famous directors over the years. Which one challenged you the most as an actor?
For me, Wong Kar-wai has remained the most challenging filmmaker I have ever worked with. I implicitly trust him. My experience of working with him is filled with new thrills and excitements.
How is working in Hong Kong different from working other countries?
Compared with filmmaking overseas, film production in Hong Kong is fast and fluid.
Having worked with director Wong on numerous occasions, hwo would you describe your relationship with him? How have you managed to adapt ot his unique filmmaking style?
Because of our experience together and my trust in direcor Wong, we communicate very little on the set. But once the camera starts rolling, e both know what each other wants.
Upon the completion of a film, is it difficult for you to separate yourself from a compelling character such as Chow Mo-Wan, the lovelorn writer in Wong Kar-wai's In the Mood for Love?
Separating myself from my role after the shooting has always been difficult for me, especially with a character like Chow Mo-wan. But is also essential for a professional actor like me. Nowadays, I do much better in this area.
Before Ang Lee's acclaimed film Brokeback Mountain, Wong Kar-wai depicted a similar love affair in his 1997 film Happy Together, which is featured in this year's festival. The subject remains taboo, particularly in the United States. Was accepting the role a risky move for you at the time?
The DVD of Happy Together was recently reissued in Hong Kong. With the success of Brokeback Mountain, many people began to talk about Happy Together, which was made ten years earlier. Although these films are very different, they both chart two separate relationships in a very detailed manner. When I was first approached to do Happy Together, I was not worried. I was, in fact, very pleased to take on this challenge.
As mainland China's entertainment industry becomes more competitive, what opportunities are there for Hong Kong's film industry? What are the challenges?
With its sizable population and our many commonalities--linguistic and culutural--mainland China's market has huge potential. Many of our filmmmakers have already begun working with their counterparts in CHina. This will certianly lead to tighter collaboration, which may spread throughout Asia.
What opportunities are there for Hong Kong actors, such as you, in the Mainland?
Mainland China's market is one with great potential. It also has many talented filmmakers both in fron of and behind the camera. This will certainly challenge Hong Kong filmmakers to improve their skills.
For decades, Hong Kong films have been popular around the globe, from Bosnia, where a statue of martial arts legend Bruce Lee was erected in 2005, to the United States. Why do you think Hong Kong films have such global appeal?
Hong Kong cinema has always been a leader in our region. Two of the factors are the spped which we finish our films and or adaptability to changes in markets. With regard to martial arts films, they are actually a staple of Chinese language cinema and have ifluenced actioni films in many parts of the world.
What opportunities do you see for Hong Kong film talents in the United States?
Looking at the past two years, Zhang Yimou and Stephen Chow have joined the ranks of Ang lee, Wong Kar-wai, and John Woo in getting acclaim and box office success for their work. And many American producers and direcrors have come to Asian and China to look for stories. I believe Hong Kong filmmakers will have more chances to work in the States. But our main base wil still be in Hong Kon and Asia.
Do you spend much time in the United States? If so, what are your favorite cities?
I came to New York, Los Angeles, and Boston when I was in the in the United States promoting 2046. Each city has its own character and uniqueness. [A/N: Sometimes I really hate questions like these, and he answered it so diplomatically.]