rechallenged the addiction

Much has been debated over the previous weeks. Initially banned, to unbanned, to censored, to selected screening. The increasing anticipation of it has the effect of not buying any popcorn or coke for fear that the sound of crunchiness and slurpiness would affect this long-waited film.

Tsai Ming-Liang disected the glamorous Twin-Tower  city of Kuala Lumpur without the need to unconsciously shooting Twin Tower as the background. A friend commented that no one will be able to differentiate whether this was shot in Malaysia since the icon of KL is not in it. However like Germany has its Berlin wall, we have our Pudu Prison wall. It was undoubtedly the best scene to capture.

Li Kang-Seng, his prodigy, once again portrayed a questioningly complicated individual. It was exclaimed in a recent interview that the chemistry between Tsai and Li is the reason of the continuous filming effort. It is the fruit of passion. It doesn’t take long for anyone to realize the film has an impressive element. It details the much-desirable city scene, with over-populated migrants, destructive family, oddity of money-making, chaotic political instability, socio-economical disparity, comercialized sexual favors, and deafening cultures. It may be an unrecognised impact of Kuala Lumpur by the people sitting at Putra Jaya, but it is nothing new to the majority residents like you and me. In fact what the film does is to raise the familarity that we will never in any life-time see in any hollywood production.

The rest of the cast was efficiently characterized. Pearlly Chua has the indispensable aura even in her un-GLAMOROUS wardrobe. Chen Shiang-Chyi (also starred in 2005’s Tian Bian Yi Duo Yun, 2003’s Bu Jian Bu San, 2001’s Ni Nei Bian Ji Dian, 1997’s He Liu - all of which are also directed by Tsai) depicted a disturbing girl who desired to be noticed, to be touched, to be loved (don’t we all). She has that incredible feature of attracting the viewers’ eyes to follow her every movement.

And what would a review be without the needle-in-the-haystack character - Norman Atun. His cut-throat scene (spoiler) has won the admiration of the people I went to watch with, which is quite an achievement considering these people have high expectation for movies. I too was touched by his small but endearing performance. And it suddenly made clear of why Tsai selected him to play the role. The appearance does help. But it was more of a protruding definition of Norman that made him a cast instead of the satay-seller at the next stall.

This is probably a long time since I blog anything remotely close to “fun” over the weekend. Though sex does count as fun too, but sadly didn’t have any. Alexis, usually packed to the door, over some jazzy renditions. I was there with a friend, dining over the finest wine. The maitre d’ was unusually friendly and attentive. I don’t dine in fancy restaurant every weekend, so it was quite refreshing to be treated to a decorated plate and proper silverwares.

The evening started smoothly with pleasant pre-recorded music playing at the backdrop, with the occasional diners strolling in. Oddly (or to no surprise) I was extremely horny at night. I was eye-ing every guy in the restaurant. I wasn’t even aware I was doing it until my friend pointed out that I better stop it before anyone sues me for visual assault. Then the night drew on and the players got ready.

Pete Teo, the man of the house, nicely welcomed the crowd and his three other sidekicks. First to amuse the night was Azmyl Yunor. But I wasn’t the least bit amused. Though the the next player (Reza Salleh) did the trick, it wasn’t as good as I expected. An acquaimtance of mine - Jerome Kugan - took the mic. By this time I was somewhat disappointed. Perhaps it was the over-selling image of how good a songwriter he is, or perhaps it was the sound system, or perhaps it was me being over-bearingly critical of local talents (since I don’t have any). I had to visit the loo to calm my agitation.

By the time I planted my arse back on the seat again, Pete was up. I do have to admit I was slightly moved by his song. The show took a circular motion between the four guys. Azmyl was stuttering too much. Jerome was depressingly unconvincing. Pete was anticipatingly average. But Reza proved to be different. He was charmingly calm and soulful. I had mental orgasm when he sang “you are sweet and beautiful”. The tune was flawless and it was oblivious that the crowd was disgesting his every word, pleased with the piece. And I wasn’t the exaggerating or being biased. The applaud was evidently sounded!

I also bumped into Shanon Shah, in which embarassingly I had to apologize for not making for his show the other night. The night pretty much carried on after midnight. But for me and my friend, we were ready to retire. And all I dreamt of later that night is that the best is usually at the end… and of cos the fantasy of me stroking my David (guitar… if only I own one and can play) and breaking into the voice of Frank Sinatra… it shall remains a dream.