Hi, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab...
I’m going to resist the temptation to order that 2046 DVD that I’ve heard is available and wait to see the film on the bigscreen. I am. No, seriously... I am.
Hi Harry, hope you are well.
Pauly here reporting back from the London Film Festival which is in full swing and proving to be one of the best festivals in its long history from what I have heard.
I have the pleasure, if not the privalege of seeing what I believe is a premiere of the latest, and final, cut of 2046 introduced personally at Odeon West End by the director himself Wong Kar-Wai.
Though I am a regular reader I have not been around for a while so perhaps you have been covering the movie from other showings so I shall keep things brief with regard to the film itself.
2046 concerns itself with the ongoing story of Chow who we first met in 'In the Mood for Love' several years ago, played by Tony Leung. Since the events of the previous storyline Tony has changed into something of an international playboy figure, visiting many asian countries and cultivating an image of a gambler and a writer. The truth however is that Chow is still deeply affected by his love affair with Su Li (Maggie Cheung). His writing, however, has only been enhanced by the experience and he has embarked upon the novel '2046' in which he imagines himself as a Japanese traveller called Tak in that year, returning by futuristic train from a destination also of the name 2046 where people are able to relive their memories. He is one of the few people ever to return from that destination.
The film interweaves the experiences of Tak, Chow and the women on both their lives expertly over the films running time.
I'll let readers find out more about the story for themselves but needless to say the movie looks superb. From what I understand the previous cut of 2046 (as seen in Cannes etc) featured the futuristic scenes in some form of dream, and for something of a minimal duration. This version dwells expertly on the evocotive world created by Wai for as much as perhaps a fifth of the film and as such becomes a deeply affecting and vital element of 2046 rather than what amounts to 'found footage' from an aborted movie. Visually it is truly stunning, and narratively has a great deal to add to the events that are affecting Chow.
The world of 'In the Mood for Love' is returned to over 4 Christmas eve nights running up to 1969, during which we are shown the women who are now holding sway on Chows world, namely Zhang Ziyi (in a stunning and passionate performance), Gong Li, Faye Wong, Carina Lau, and Maggie Cheung (who features in new footage but is only apparent for perhaps less than 20 seconds in total). Each have their charms and influence on both Chows personal life and the stories he is able to complete, namely the stories '2046' and '2047' which he writes for Faye Wongs character - Wang Jin Wen. Wong is the surprise turn in this film - I don't have to tell you how accomplished the other actresses are but Wongs performance as both Wang, and a beautifully turned out and bewitching Android on the 2046 train is simply sublime - I must watch 'Chungking Express' tomorrow and wish that she would come and change the labels in my kitchen! Also Takuya Kimura held his own very well despite being billed with such searing screen talent - a pleasant surprise.
Also the soundtrack was as one would expect - stunningly reproduced opera themes, lush strings and a smattering of Nat King Cole Christmas standards.
Despite the late hour Kar-Wai was generous with his time and gave a great Q & A for the large audience (who were by then cramming the Odeon with 50-60 standing at the back of the theatre).
He confirmed this was the final version, although he had 'more than ten' versions in his head at any one time during recent months.
He explained that his now trademark use of differing film speeds stemmed from not being able to afford enough film for his early movies, thus pushing it through the camera at 12 frames-per-second meant he had more to play with!
The small cameo of 'Bird' Thongchai McIntyre in the film was essentially a homage to Leslie Cheung, whom his performance reminded him of.
As 2046 is in Cinemascope he could not use Maggie Cheungs older footage from In the Mood for Love and would not wish to, instead refilming her for the smaller yet crucial part she played this time round.
He does plan to work with Nicole Kidman on 'The Lady from Shanghai' or 'The Woman from Shanghai' which has nothing to do with the Orson Welles film of the same name. This should start production within 6 months.
He also plans to direct 'The Grand Master' which focusses on the trainer and tutor of Bruce Lee, to be played by Tony Leung (as the tutor, not Bruce). The start date of this film is dependant upon when Mr Leung can find the time to develop his 'Wing Chung' techniques to a point where he will be able to perform without the aid of stuntmen or wire work.
Both this and 'The Complete Japanese Showa Songbook' have been festival highlights, with only 'Izo' by Miike being the disappointment thus far...frankly it stank!
best
Pauly
Excellent report, man. Thanks!
"Moriarty" out.
