Tony Leung Discusses Acting, ‘Silent Friend’ at Shanghai Festival Masterclass
9 reported
Tony Leung Chiu-wai told a full house at the Shanghai International Film Festival that his restrained performance style requires the full cinematic experience to be appreciated, speaking at a masterclass following a screening of his film "Silent Friend." The actor, serving as jury president of the festival's Golden Goblet Awards competition, discussed his collaboration with Hungarian writer-director Ildikó Enyedi on the film, which traces a relationship across three generations of scholars and a more than 200-year-old ginkgo tree. Leung said the script did not immediately interest him, but a video call with Enyedi after watching her previous films changed his mind, as he trusted his gut feeling about her. To prepare for the role of a neuroscientist, Leung spent six months reading books on plants and neurobiology and visiting laboratories, noting that thorough preparation made shooting feel like play rather than obligation. He divided his career into three stages, including two decades of collaboration with Wong Kar-wai, and said his performance approach has shifted toward conveying emotion through minimal physical detail that only registers fully on the big screen. Leung also said he lacks the courage to pursue theater, as he still feels nervous acting in front of many people.
What’s reported
Tony Leung spoke at a masterclass at the Shanghai International Film Festival after a screening of "Silent Friend."
He is serving as jury president of the festival's Golden Goblet Awards competition.
"Silent Friend" was directed by Hungarian writer-director Ildikó Enyedi and traces a relationship across three generations of scholars and a more than 200-year-old ginkgo tree.
Leung initially was not interested in the script but changed his mind after a video call with Enyedi, trusting his gut feeling.
Enyedi wrote the role of Professor Tony Wong with Leung in mind and changed the central tree from another species to a ginkgo to suit him.
Leung spent six months preparing for the role by reading books on plants and neurobiology and visiting laboratories.
He divided his career into three stages: television, collaboration with Wong Kar-wai, and his current stage.
Leung said his performance approach now emphasizes conveying emotion through minimal physical detail that requires a cinema viewing.
He said he lacks courage to pursue theater because he feels nervous acting in front of many people.
Key figures
Tony Leung Chiu-wai: actor, jury president of the Shanghai International Film Festival's Golden Goblet Awards
Ildikó Enyedi: Hungarian writer-director of "Silent Friend"
Wong Kar-wai: director with whom Leung collaborated for two decades
Hou Hsiao-hsien: director whose work influenced Leung
Ang Lee: director of "Lust, Caution"
Carina Lau: Leung's wife, actress working in stage productions
Sources: Variety
