THE actors selected to play the important roles in the next Brillante Mendoza film are one in saying that the shooting was definitely an unforgettable experience. Raymond Bagatsing, Angel Aquino, Ronnie Lazaro, Mon Confiado and Sid Lucero have only good words about the project, its director and the people involved in the huge production.
The French producers are still deciding on the final title of the movie, but whether they choose to call it “Prey” or “Captured”, it does not really matter to these thespians who blocked off their busy schedules for three weeks just to focus on their respective roles for this much talked-about movie.
The actors were transported to the terrains of Rizal, the shorelines of Batangas, and the jungles of Subic, vital locations for the many difficult scenes of the film.
“Working on the project took me out of my comfort zones as an actor,” shares Angel, who plays an abducted nurse. “Brillante gives very specific instructions, but he allows his actors to take on the scenes as we most naturally deem them fit. That sort of gives us artistic freedom, and I appreciate that.”
Angel, one of the most photographed subjects in the country, made sure that she looked plain and simple in her role. One of her most unforgettable scenes required her to deliver a baby. “The staff searched for a mother who was about to give birth, and we timed everything. When the mother started to have more and more contractions, the camera started rolling and there I was, pulling out the baby from the mom. That was such an overwhelming experience.”
Fitting comeback
FOR his part, Raymond Bagatsing says he is grateful for the trust that the director and his team have given him. He considers this as his comeback film after living in the United States for almost five years.
Raymond plays an Abu Sayyaf leader, and he prepared for his role from the look to his movements. “I actually did a lot of research and spoke with some real-life subjects. The role is difficult, since it requires the actor to delve deeper into the character so that I could understand his motives, his fears, his strengths and his core.”
Before he sought solace in the United States, it was reported that Raymond started to feel the monotony and shallowness of the films being produced in the country. “I was getting frustrated, and the movies they were making then did not satisfy my cravings as an actor. Maybe that was one of the more compelling reasons I decided to find my place in the United States. I am glad that the independent movie circuit has blossomed into a real industry while I was away, and coming back to be part of such a brilliantly conceived and wonderfully executed project is something that I would give up stuff for.”
Character actor Mon Confiado is a constant fixture in many independently produced movies. He accepts offers as long as his schedules permit. “I am not really choosy with roles. As long as I see that the producer is fair, the director knows his craft, and the role has weight, then I say yes.”
This experience has allowed Mon to also observe his coactors. “Not only did I concentrate on my role and its requirements, but I also watched how my coactors got into their respective roles, how they prepare, how they interpret the scenes. I guess that is how I learn, too. Being with the likes of Ronnie, Raymond, Sid and Angel in one project is priceless.”
Ronnie Lazaro says he almost did not make it to the shoot. “A week before principal photography was about to take place, I had to sort out problems with a major TV network since the production staff for a soap opera that I was part of did not allow me to take three weeks off to do the film. In the end, I chose the film.”
One of the most admired actors in independent cinema, Ronnie adds that he is amazed at how everything came together. “I think this film will revolutionize local filmmaking in a way.”
Meant to be
Perhaps no one among the actors is more excited than Sid Lucero. He admits that he has always wanted to work with Brillante, but he feels that most of the big roles in the director’s films are reserved for Sid’s friend Coco Martin. Coco was the original choice to play the part, but ABS-CBN did not allow Coco to do the film since it will affect his work schedules for his new daily drama. So the role fell on the lap of Sid.
“I guess it was meant to be,” he shares, adding, “When I was told that I would replace Coco, I was so happy that I finally can be directed by ‘the’ Cannes [Film Festival] Best Director Brillante Mendoza. There were a lot of things that I had to give up, including a month’s worth of TV work, but it was all worth it,” he enthuses.
The Urian and Thessaloniki Best Actor winner only has good words for his director. “He is such an amazing person. He is not loud, which is a welcome thing in this ego-laden industry, but he knows what he wants and his vision is clear. I like that. When needed, he does not mince words, but you know that he is a team player.”
Sid also cherishes the fact that he got to act with French actress Isabelle Huppert, who was the head of Cannes jury when Brillante was honored with the Best Director plum for Kinatay (2009). “I don’t get that chance to work with the best of the world very often, so the experience was something that was both humbling and inspiring. Isabelle was a real trooper; she is fun although she is serious. I learned a lot just by watching her.”
There is already buzz that the film is being considered as the main competition entry in one or two prestigious international film festivals. When that happens, Raymond, Mon, Ronnie, Sid and Angel will move heaven and earth to free their schedules so they can all walk at the red carpet with Brillante.
