Action speaks volumes for Benny

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Action speaks volumes for Benny

Writer: Goh Wen Xuan

Hong Kong filmmaker Benny Chan.

Q: Tell us how you came up with the concept for "City Under Siege". This is a relatively new concept, something only Hollywood has done before?
A: Actually, we were supposed to come up with an idea for a crime flick, which I normally do. But I feel that we need to try new things, especially myself. Most of the foreign films have already included mutants, but I haven't tried it yet, so it's a good time for me to incorporate it in my movie. I also thought about how people would always 'change', whether it's their minds or heart. It's a very good subject to explore. Thus, I've 'married' both genres - drama and action together in this movie, unlike my previous action-crime films. There's also the complicated relationship between the characters; something about faithfulness that's also a brand new concept to a movie with mutants.

Q: Speaking about action, would you consider integrating more kungfu in your movies, or more special effects, judging on the sci-fi genre of "City Under Siege"?
A: I'd rather slot in more kungfu choreography than special effects, because special effects, even something that needs detailed art directions aren't our (HK filmmakers) strength. Kungfu has much more depth to it, like how we had Wu Jing fighting baddies with Tai Chi stances in the movie. This is something that Hollywood movies would seldom think about. It's more of our style in filmmaking I suppose? (laughs) By integrating kungfu, we're much comfortable with our budget as well. I can gauge how much it is possible to make this scene as real as possible. We're trying to match Hollywood's filmmaking process, but in our own way.

Q: 3D movies seem to be the hype these days. Would you consider doing one as well?
A: That needs quite a budget! (laughs) It's a step by step process, since 3D filmmaking is something that will be inevitable. I do know that some of the directors, even production companies are trying new things right now for 3D. It's all based on timing and how much we've prepared ourselves to invest in 3D filmmaking. If you don't prepare yourself well, then it's just a huge failure.

Q: How did you manage to get all these A-listers like Aaron Kwok, Shu Qi, Zhang Jing Chu, Collin Chou and Wu Jing to join the cast?
A: It might seem old-fashioned to say this, but it's all about fate really. Actors that I've worked with few years back will always have their own schedule, so it depends on who has the time to work with me. For "City Under Siege", we have Aaron initially and we move on to the other stars. For this movie, I feel that kungfu and stunts are important, so I got Collin and Wu Jing to come in since the audience know how good they are in martial arts. It's my first time working with Shu Qi and Zhang Jing Chu as well.


(l-r) Shu Qi, Aaron Kwok, Wu Jing & Zhang Jing Chu each wanted to try new things in "City Under Siege".

Q: Normally we see Shu Qi and Zhang Jing Chu in dramatic roles, but it's a very fresh role for Zhang Jing Chu to portray someone who can fight very well.
A: Well, Zhang Jing Chu was desperate to do fight scenes! She was very interested in attempting stunts as well. For Shu Qi, this time around I'd wanted her to portray someone who expresses the theme of 'change' in the movie. In order to revive her career she used Aaron Kwok's character to propel herself back into the limelight. Shu Qi holds an important part in "City Under Siege".

Cinnamon gets cosy with the action flick director, Benny Chan!

Q: Let's talk about something different. What's a day in the life of a director?
A: Very messy! (laughs) Each stage of production bears different a time schedule for me. During pre-production, I'd wake up and think of scriptwriting ideas, usually in the afternoon. During principal shoot, I'd have to follow the schedules done by the production team, depending on which scene I'd have to shoot. When the day is over, I would return home to my family. Post-production is another schedule altogether! It depends on my inspiration as well. But what's important is that I need to spend quality time with my family, since I don't get to see them that often.

Q: Any other genres that you'd like to venture into?
A: Quite a lot. Even action flicks have different elements like periodic action, contemporary action, stunts, explosions, kungfu. There's a whole lot of variety to it that you won't get bored! I'm constantly foraging for new ideas in the action genre, but I'd like to try romance movies as well!

Q: So what are your future plans?
A: I'm 'refreshing' myself right now. But I do have an upcoming movie called "Shaolin", which stars Andy Lau and Jackie Chan. It's been awhile since I did a martial arts movie. It's also 27 years after Jet Li's "The Shaolin Temple" was released. We're very fortunate to have the real Shaolin Temple opening its doors for us to film the movie. I want to show that Shaolin is not just a place for martial arts; the teachings of Zen are also something that we can learn from as well. I've also had people asking me if I wanted to do sequels to "Rob-B-Hood", "New Police Story", so now there are too many ideas for me. I need to 'refresh' and think about it.

Cinema Online, 18 August 2010