My Blueberry Nights, the latest movie directed by Hong
Kong director Wong Kar Wai and starring jazzy starlet Norah Jones,
recently debuted in Chinese cinemas, arousing much interest among
Chinesefilm goers. As this is the first feature film, here is an
interview for fans to know about how the singer/songwriter now
actor feels about the movie and the director. We 'Don't Know Why'
Norah Jones hasn't been in a feature film before, but we are
convinced this will not be her last.
Here is an interview with Norah Jones at the premier of her
first on-screen endeavour from City Weekend, one of
China's most popular expats magazines.
Question (Q): What kind of person is Wong Kar
Wai??
Answer (A): He always has a lot of questions
for people. He may not be a know-it-all on Western culture, but he
always knows what kind of movie he is shooting. He sees in his mind
everything he wants for his movie.
Q: How did you feel when Wong Kar Wai told you
that you had five minutes to get ready to cry on camera??
A: Oh, yes, the cry. It was only my second day
on the crew, and I'm a zero in acting. I was advised to think of
sad stories and experiences. Fortunately, it worked.
Q: How did you shoot the famous last scene in
the film, the kiss??
A: The photographer shot the kiss from every
angle, but we all knew the (take) where (co-star) Jude Law kissed
me from the top was the coolest. For Jude, he actually had fun with
it. He thought the last scene was very artistic, and he acted like
(he was) dancing. I'm not sure if it was hard for him to kiss me
that way; it wasn't an easy job for me. I hurt my neck posing like
that! Do you think it's an American-style film? It's not an
American film, nor a Chinese film. It's a Wong Kar Wai film. The
story is set in America, and the self-discovery journey (takes)
place in America, but watching it you'll (see that the method
applied to) making the film is very Oriental. So it's a Wong Kar
Wai film set in America.
Q: If Wong Kar Wai were a musician, what would
he play?
A: He looks like a jazz drummer when he wears
dark glasses and smokes (while) shooting.
(City Weekend February 2, 2008)