Artist Thanh Loc said that he lives a simple life, with little waste. The air conditioner at home has been broken for 10 years and has not been repaired because he sees it as unnecessary.
In early December, the veteran artist returned to cinema with the role of Councilor Linh in the work Prince of Bac Lieu . On this occasion, the "stage wizard" talked about the pressure of being the pillar of Thien Dang - the unit he co-founded, and his outlook on life at the age of 63.
- As one of the main ticket sellers of the theater, how do you balance your film and play schedules?
- Prince of Bac Lieu is one of the rare films I accepted, because I liked the script and could arrange my time. Having to prioritize the play, I turned down many film invitations when my schedule clashed, including roles I really liked. Even during the research process, if I knew that the film project had actors from my stage participating, I would secretly refuse, because I had to stay to keep the stage. Although it was a pity, I had to accept, I couldn't choose both.
Some audiences say "without Thanh Loc performing, we won't buy tickets". I am grateful but also feel pressured by that statement. Many actors will slow down at a certain stage because they feel that what they have achieved is enough. But for me, the pressure from public sentiment makes me always try to go at the same speed and energy as before. That makes me scared.
- Your main income comes from drama, how do you make a living?
-I have a funny story. My bedroom had an air conditioner, one fine day, the machine broke down. Up to now, for more than 10 years, I have not used the air conditioner anymore, only a small fan. I always think about my starting point, when I was a young actor, having to live in a cramped, hot "cage". I asked myself: "Back then when I was poor, I could still live like that, why can't I now?". In the end, I told myself not to depend on any habit.
I used to live extravagantly because I loved fashion and bought a lot of clothes. One day, I suddenly realized that I was overspending and was confused about whether I could bear it if my income decreased. After that, I adopted a simple lifestyle and realized that not much had changed. I have a balanced life because I don't have much need to spend now, if I have it, it's good, if I don't, it's okay.
- How do you feel age affects acting performance?
- There is a play I really want to perform again, but my health does not allow it, which is Beast Contract by author Le Hoang. I like that work because the story is never out of date, but it cannot move and dance like before.
I'm lucky to not have any underlying medical conditions, but my flexibility has somewhat decreased. Two years ago, during a performance Once upon a time , I had an accident on stage and sprained the ligaments in my left knee. Until now, my left knee still aches. If I want to perform long plays, I have to have a proper rest regimen.
Therefore, I am gradually handing over the plays to younger actors, because they are the ones who will take over the stage from us in the future. Besides, if I play the main role in every play, when will there be a successor?
Behind the scenes, Thanh Loc plays Mr. Hoi Dong Linh - a rich man in the old South in "Cong Tu Bac Lieu". Video : Provided by the film crew
- How did you come to play the role of Councilor Linh?
- I received a call from director Ly Minh Thang, asking to meet and discuss the script. Honestly, at that time I didn't remember who he was, the name of the film was what attracted me. I felt the producer's passion in exploiting the theme of Southern culture in the early 20th century, along with anecdotes related to the son of Bac Lieu, "Mrs. Bay" Phung Ha.
I also like the way the screenwriter directs the film towards an educational message, fatherly love, through the story between Mr. Hoi Dong Linh and his son Ba Hon (Song Luan). Hoi Dong Linh, on one hand, follows the old rules, protecting the family tradition, on the other hand, still encourages his son to approach new things, sending Ba Hon to study abroad in France. The character has lines that I like, such as "I'd rather have my father whip my butt than have life spank me in the face", "Failure doesn't mean I'm incompetent".
- Some actors often make the mistake of exaggerating when acting in movies. How do you overcome this?
- I am always aware that stage actors act in films, so I often ask film directors to restrain and "restrain" themselves on set. For example, Ly Minh Thang is very shy about giving advice, especially to seniors like me, Huu Chau, Thanh Thuy. I told Thang: "Only I can see the screen, so whenever I see you starting to "cross over" to the stage, I have to remind you immediately."
I am willing to re-shoot a scene dozens of times according to the director's wishes, because there are times when emotions are at their peak and difficult to control. I think that should be the style of a professional, experienced actor. You have to be more open-minded, know where your weaknesses are, then people will feel comfortable working with you. I often remind young actors: Experienced people will know how to tone down their acting, erasing the confusion between drama and film.
Thanh Loc in an excerpt from the play "Alo, Lo Hang" - one of the hit plays in which he played a supporting role. Video: Mai Nhat
- Nearly 10 years after the autobiography "Tam Thanh and Loc Doi", what other works are you still cherishing?
- I intend to write a book, but not about myself, but about my beloved colleagues, the people I have acted with and learned from. In the acting profession, I have many teachers, not just the bigger names. Even many juniors, like Song Luan in the recent film, I still learn from their shining moments. Thanks to them, I love this profession even more. The only thing is that I am very lazy to write, so I don't know when that plan will be completed (laughs).
Source
Comment (0)