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)
