Director: Wong Kar Wai
Activity: DINNER DATE with viewing and discussion of the film “In the Mood for Love”.
Location: Empty tutorial room at north spine.
Date and time: 27th April 2011, 7pm
Attendence: Me, Xiaoting, Peishan
We went to read up on this film before this viewing session, so that we will be able to understand the film better and share our discoveries and observations during discussion.
Following is how our whole discussion went! (Ignoring some of the very not-relevant parts where we strayed too much from the film and the topic of discussion.)
BEFORE THE SCREENING
Peishan: Read that this film by Wong Kar-Wai is a very successful film. It has won quite a number of film awards including awards at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Me: Yup, Mr. Tan mentioned this film during one of the lesson before and he showed us a short portion of the movie. I think it’s not bad!
Xiaoting: In the 2001 Hong Kong Film Awards, this film won like 5 awards!!!! Alright, I am really looking forward to this film. Let’s get started!
AFTER THE SCREENING
Peishan: Did you all notice all the beautiful Cheong Sam in the movie?? (Sounding very excited) They are so beautiful!! This film is set in Hong Kong, in the 1960’s. But I don’t think they all wear such glamorous Cheong Sam in those days.
Xiaoting: I noticed all the Cheong Sam too!! I think the movie is set in a higher class apartment with all the higher-end people who can afford to custom make such fitting nice Cheong Sam. Wahhh, and Maggie Cheung has really nice figure too.
Peishan: Agree! Wong Kar-Wai was very smart and detailed in his filming techniques. Actually this whole movie is going at a very slow, casual pace. This relaxed pace and movements of the characters in this film further enhanced the sentimental feel in this whole movie . On top of the already slow paced film, Wong Kar-Wai slowed motion some parts of the movie, especially when filming Maggie Cheung’s back view .
Me: Haha. I realized. When she walks down the dark alley to “tabao” her noodles from the street hawker, the slow motion made emphasis on her sexy back. (Giggles from everyone)
Xiaoting: Actually generally I quite like the whole set up in this movie. Not only the Cheong Sam which I totally agree that it makes woman so attractive, so much more elegant and demure, I think the props used in this whole movie has a very strong 1960’s feel. It totally allows be to me immerse into that era. I love this rusted mirror, and Wong Kar-Wai intelligently film through the mirror reflection of the mirror at an angle. Like this screen shot.
Me: It is even more interesting to know that in this short 98 minutes movie, there are scenes from all around the world. Hong Kong, Bangkok(Thailand) and Cambodia.
Peishan: By including so many essence from other countries, it probably explains why this film can travel far and across boundaries. The 2 cinematographer, Christopher Doyle and Mark Lee Ping Bin are of different nationality too. In addition, the Spanish songs by Nat King Cole and Rebecca Pan’s rendition of Indonesian “Bengawan Solo” in this film allows people from all around the world to relate to it.
Xiaoting: Speaking of the music, I read in a review of this film, saying “melody filled pictures to paint a thousand words and communicate what it would have taken hours of dialogue to convey”. After watching, I totally agree to that statement.
Me: Me too! A lot of times the music brings out the feel of the whole scene. This show is slow but does not make me feel sleepy. The plot, filming techniques, acting and most importantly music kept me engaged throughout the movie!
Peishan: I agree. Xiaoting who is always so sleepy managed to finish watching this film without falling asleep explains all. I personally enjoyed watching this film too. It is amazing how the actors are conservative but seductive. The whole movie is just romantic! But so sad that in the end they didn’t get together. (Xiaoting and I nods in agreement).
[1] http://archive.sensesofcinema.com/contents/01/13/mood.html
[2] http://www.mediacircus.net/inthemoodforlove.html
[3] http://www.brns.com/pages4/wkwai8.html
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