Already Famous. Then What?

 This was a local movie to watch, because of Michelle Chong (The Noose).

As I walked into a fully occupied cinema hall on a weekday afternoon, even though it was not the one with the largest capacity in the cinema multiplex, there was no doubt that I was not alone in the reason to catch this movie.

After the show, I tweeted ‘一泡而红 #AlreadyFamous 是绝对诚意之作，且极富巧思。喜欢结尾的处理。’ (Already Famous is a sincere piece of work with some nice thoughts. Like the ending.).

Hence I was quite amused to be sitting next to a few local film makers some days later and hearing their fierce criticisms on this film. Some of the points I picked up:-

1. Story line was formulaic and not funny

2. Age difference between two leading casts is too obvious

3. Michelle did not give herself a role to showcase her talent enough

4. The directorial language is still more TV like than movie

I found myself not disagreeing with their views. Yet, I still stand by my tweet.

I stepped into the cinema with a frame of mind that I was going to watch a ‘local mass market’ movie by a theatre-turned-TV-turned-movie-artist, not forgetting this was her directorial debut (and possibly screen play debut). Having involved in two local productions in the past, I am guilty of having a lower expectation and benchmark when deciding on watching local movies (whether positioned as mass market or artistic).

But I was also genuinely touched by the movie when watching it, despite all the shortcomings. The writing while formulaic, did not feel forced. Being a Malaysian by birth, I could identify with the scenes set in Malaysia a lot. The actings were delivered mostly true to the characters (except for some caricature portrayals of Singapore entertainment circle). And the ending showed me the auteur in Chong.

In the chat with the local film makers, many bemoaned the disappointment that Chong did not capitalize on her popularity to create a piece of work which would bring her followers to a new level of film appreciation – instead she chose to create one that appeals to the current taste.

I am not sure if I can expect that from any film makers. But that would certainly set Chong ahead of other TV-Celebreties-turned-movie-artists in Singapore, if she is to do that with her next film effort.

If The Noose is a good indication of what Chong is capable of doing, then we can be hopeful that her next film work will not be Already Famous 2.

Watch Different

The slogan found on the programme booklet of the 24th Singapore International Film Festival, 2011 is ‘Watch Different’.

I’m not sure if it is a derivative from Apple’s ‘Think Different’ slogan, but from the many negative comments I read on the internet with regards to issues encountered (e.g. numerous cancellation/postponement of films, change of venues, quality of film copy), it has uncandidly fulfilled its slogan.

The fact that I could not get hold of a programme booklet from Sistic counters until the festival has started had made me lowered the expectation on the organization and attendence of this years festival. In addition to this, as well as partially due to difficulty in pre-determining whether I would be in town during the festival period, resulted me in choosing a different tactic:- I would just turn up at the various venue and buy tickets at the door to whichever shows that are being screened (and still available).

That turned out to be fine for me, in terms of not getting too much disappointment. In fact, many pleasant surprises to the shows I managed to catch.

1. Saha (The Precinct), Azerbajian 2010 – a you-can’t-run-away-from-your-past tale told in a strange tongue (to me). It has an exotic sense of humor (to me). An enjoyable watch on a Saturday morning at Arts House with less than 10 audience.

2. Little Ghostly Adventures of the Tofu Boy, Japan 2011 – Japan’s answer to Monster Inc. In 3-D! Love the Japanese touch of monsters and the adventures in 3-D.

3. Pina, Germany 2010 – I was told at the door that one last ticket was left. I consider that as one of the biggest blessings in my life, to be able to catch this unforgettable document on Pina in 3-D. That is as close to an actual performance by a legendary choreographer who refused to perform in Singapore due to our ‘lack of respect for artists’. If this documentary ever come to a cinema near you, do not hesitate.

4. Matching Jack, Australia 2010 – I caught this because the other show (Bunny And The Bull, UK 2009) which I intended to catch was postponed. A very touching story about two children fighting terminal illness. Great performance from cast, especially the young actors. What was even more touching for me was the post screening talk with director Nadia Tass. She shared with the audience the hard decision of forgoing the film production via Hollywood studio in exchange for artistic integrity, for this film.

5. Snabba Cash (Easy Money), Sweden 2010 – if you enjoy Scandinavia film, you will enjoy this. A rather main stream movie but made with typical sleek ness that one can find in many Scandinavian products, such as furniture.

6. Abel, USA 2010 – I have seen this listed on the Singapore Airline inflight entertainment programme many times but never actually tuned into it. A proper cinema environment proved to be a more inviting premise to enjoy a strangely moving tale of a young child who decided to fill the big shoes of an absent father figure.

7. Super, USA 2010 – I have read about this movie before and was glad to have caught it eventually. When ordinary people try to play super heroes … it has a dark and at times twisted humor played on the super hero genre films. Much to ponder about but not for the weak hearted though (but a good one to end my 3-movies-day after Easy Money and Abel).

8. Hell and Back Again, UK/USA 2011 – How real can a civilian living in a peaceful island (read: me) get to know about a war and its impact? Through a documentary by a photojournalist who followed a troop through an actual war, and subsequently followed an injured soldier back to his hometown to document his (attempt) recovery. One of the precious find in this festival, for me.

9. Hi-So, Thailand 2010 – Thanks to Eva who FB me the evening prior to the screening of Hi-So, I ended up catching this gem. Nothing epic about this tale of two relationships of a Thai film star who returned from USA. No big statements announced nor message forced. Yet, the impact of globalization on modern human relationship was illustrated beautifully via the eye-candy casts.

10. Donor Unknown, UK 2010 – An enjoyable documentary to end my second 3-movies-day and this festival for me. Interesting topic and interesting case presented.

In the end, I did enjoy this year’s film festival.