People's Artist Viet Anh: "Now I have to learn from Tran Thanh."

Meeting People's Artist Viet Anh (born in 1958), he appeared at the cafe wearing his familiar patterned shirt, beret, and dark glasses. At 65, People's Artist Viet Anh used the word "lucky" when talking about his career, but in his personal life, he sadly accepted it with two words.

For years, his life has remained the same: alone in a house rented for him by his students, when not performing, he finds enjoyment in spending time with friends, reading books, playing tennis, and so on.

People's Artist Viet Anh shares his thoughts on life at age 65 (Interview by: Nga Trinh).

"Artists need skill more than attitude."

Recently, there has been much discussion about the conduct of artists. In your opinion, if we were to compare "attitude" and "skill," which is more important for an artist?

- In my opinion, both are necessary for an artist. People often say "attitude is more important than skill," but I don't think so. For me, an artist needs skill more than attitude. Because attitude can be corrected and adjusted, while skill is much harder to change because it's a matter of perception. Audiences mainly watch the artist perform; they don't watch their attitude.

However, in reality, the Vietnamese showbiz industry has seen many cases of artists being ostracized or boycotted for inappropriate behavior or statements, even if they are well-known and have made significant contributions to the arts. So, in this case, is "attitude" considered more important than "skill"?

- In my opinion, someone's statement should be considered in context, not simply taken and placed in a different context and automatically condemned. I've seen many statements by artists being edited and placed in negative contexts, leading to misinterpretations.

I believe that accomplished artists understand what they need to say and in what context. Many people feel entitled to judge and arbitrarily place others' statements in different contexts to criticize and condemn them. In my opinion, we must be level-headed about this and avoid making subjective judgments about a person.

We have no right to criticize or impose our will on others. Let's leave these matters to the competent authorities and those responsible for handling them.

A singer once said, "If you want to sit in a position no one else can sit in, you have to endure feelings no one else can endure." Surely artists also need to equip themselves with a "tough suit of armor" to face the negative situations in their profession?

- Of course. But I hope everyone will judge artists based on the work they bring to the public. You can judge and criticize within the scope of their profession, but don't pry into their private lives and hurt them. And when evaluating artists based on their work, you can praise or criticize in a constructive spirit, not blindly following the crowd's criticism.

However, if an artist doesn't live up to standards or behave appropriately in their personal life, is condemnation and boycotting necessary?

- As an artist, one needs to be mindful of their words and actions. Besides creating works of art, artists also have a responsibility to improve themselves. Because artists are creators of beauty, and together with others, they strive towards beauty. Artists must always cultivate knowledge and compassion. Without those two things, one cannot be an artist.

He emphasized the importance of "artists possessing knowledge," but in reality, not all artists were once "outstanding students." So, how is knowledge manifested in this context?

- Knowledge is for oneself and others to strive towards beauty. If you're academically gifted but haven't yet shone, it's because the opportunity hasn't come. Conversely, if you have many opportunities but lack knowledge, what you offer to the viewer is a lack of understanding.

Many artists, especially actors, fail to impress audiences due to a lack of awareness. This lack of awareness is reflected in their acting, their perspective on issues, and their delivery of lines.

And what makes an artist perfect is knowledge, performance skills, recognition skills, and a constant pursuit of novelty. An artist must find their own path and not imitate others for their work to be truly interesting.

I teach my students, but I don't like them to be "copies" of me. They must have their own way of performing, and even perform better than me.

From a teacher's perspective, would he prefer to train a "well-behaved" student or a "high-achieving" student?

- I prefer good students to well-behaved students. If they want to be well-behaved, life will teach them, but to be good, they must strive, learn, and improve themselves.

"No one has been able to replace Tran Thanh yet."

When mentioning the talented students of People's Artist Viet Anh, Tran Thanh must be included. What did he see in his journey that allowed him to definitively declare, "It takes 100 years to find an artist like Tran Thanh"?

- I like this question because when people hear me say this, many think I'm exaggerating. However, I'm stating my opinion from my perspective and I have grounds to support it.

I judge artists not by one iconic role or many outstanding performances, but by their social impact. A prime example is Tran Thanh, who created two films, "The Godfather" and "Mrs. Nu's House ," which, after watching, make viewers reflect on themselves and appreciate social relationships more.

A work of art that resonates deeply with society—no artist in the last 100 years has achieved such a feat. Can you tell me if any artist today has managed to do that?

According to him, has anyone been able to replace that "number one" position yet?

- Tran Thanh is getting better and better, his acting is becoming more and more authentic. His perspective on art has also improved. To this day, in my heart, no one has been able to replace him in that "number 1" position.

I'm not praising my students, but that's what an artist should be like, not constantly chasing fame and wasting time on pointless things.

What was People's Artist Viet Anh's impression of his student back then?

- I didn't teach Tran Thanh in a classroom; I taught him in the "school of life." Tran Thanh is intelligent and remembers everything I taught him perfectly. Sometimes he brings up stories from decades ago that I don't even remember.

From the beginning of his career, Tran Thanh has been observant, research-oriented, and unafraid to learn from others in order to find his own unique style. Most people in the industry admire Tran Thanh for his intelligence and diligence.

Does Tran Thanh still seek advice or opinions from him now?

- No, the student is much better than the teacher now (laughs). I often tell him, "Now I'm learning from you, Tran Thanh." I think he's confident enough to understand what to say, what to do, and how to solve problems. I don't need to teach anymore; now Tran Thanh teaches others…

However, Tran Thanh has often become the target of public criticism for controversial statements or for crying frequently on screen. According to you, does your protégé need to moderate anything to avoid facing more controversy?

- Besides his talent, Tran Thanh's way of dealing with people is also admirable. Why does Tran Thanh cry all the time? Because he is kind-hearted and full of emotion. Many people mock him for this, but I advise my students, "Just cry." Crying is a beautiful emotion, so why shouldn't you cry? Crying helps us become more profound. You can fake a smile, but you can't fake a cry.

He often met with his students but rarely gathered with his colleagues; perhaps he found more empathy from his students than from his contemporaries?

- My students enjoy listening to me talk. During these meetings, I often talk a lot about my profession and my own perspectives on it.

Colleagues all have their own work, and when we meet, we don't know what to talk about. Talking about the profession, everyone has different opinions and perspectives, and if we disagree, it's a waste of time.

Living alone at age 65

I don't like using the word "lonely" to ask you because people have talked about it a lot already. Are you happy with your life alone at the age of 65?

- One cannot be content living alone, but I accept it because it is a part of my life. I am fortunate to have been given this profession by God and have lived with my passion for art for decades, so I have to accept that it has taken away a complete family.

I can't expect everything good to be my way. I always tell myself, "Don't complain so much, just accept it."

"A complete family" - does he have any regrets?

Of course, if I could go back, I would do things differently, but how can I go back? Let bygones be bygones. If life had a "what if," then these heartbreaking things wouldn't have happened…

People's Artist Viet Anh occasionally shares pictures of his daughter on social media. How long has it been since he and his daughter last met?

- My daughter has been living with her mother in Sydney (Australia) for over 10 years now. My son is 24 years old this year, has finished university and is studying for a second degree. It's also been almost 4 years since my son and I last saw each other...

My daughter is intelligent, studious, affectionate, and always considerate of others. From a young age, she learned to live independently, without being materialistic or ever asking her parents to buy her this or that.

My daughter used to participate in some plays with me, she knew how to act but didn't like acting. Back then, she told me, "Dad, don't let me act anymore, let me be a director instead" (laughs).

With limited time to see each other and having lived apart for so many years, how have he and his daughter maintained their bond?

- Because my son is busy with school and work, we only manage to call each other a little each week. We haven't planned to meet again yet, so he can focus on his studies in Australia first.

Every time she calls home, my daughter always reminds me, "Dad, take care of your health, don't overwork yourself, just go out and travel , don't worry about anything." It's so touching to hear!

What is the relationship like between People's Artist Viet Anh and his ex-wife after all these years?

- We still keep in touch, but the main purpose is to talk about our daughter. Life for both of us abroad is going well. My daughter recently got Australian citizenship. During her school years, from grade 4 to grade 12, I covered all her tuition fees. On her birthday or during the Lunar New Year, I give her money to spend.

People have different goals in life at different stages; for example, young people want to earn money to support their parents, while middle-aged people want to earn money to support their spouse and children. At 65, why is he still working so hard to earn money?

- Having money to give to people, to help friends and those in need...

But he rarely shares anything about this?

- Why would I share those things? (laughs). I just give what I like, I don't like showing off or being flashy.

What is a typical day like for People's Artist Viet Anh?

- In the mornings, I have coffee with friends. On days when I have a performance, I go to a show; otherwise, I play tennis, read books, browse the news, and still eat three meals a day like everyone else. On days when I'm feeling energetic, I cook; on days when I'm lazy, I eat out. Life has been the same for years, nothing has changed.

At 65 years old, how does People's Artist Viet Anh maintain his health?

- I live a very adventurous life (laughs). I don't like going to the doctor or having to restrict my diet too much.

Have you ever thought about finding someone to be by your side, to keep you company and take care of you in your old age?

- It's very difficult, especially at this age. Who would want to be with an old man who has no home or money? Therefore, I don't dare get involved with anyone.

What concerns does he have at the moment?

- I want to do many things, but I can't yet. I also want to have more money to help more people, and to have a little extra so my daughter can have a better life. But oh well, life will take things as they come, and I don't want to overthink things and make myself sad.

Thank you, People's Artist Viet Anh, for the conversation!

Photo: Huu Khoa

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