The challenges in doing a movie with three timelines
WEAVING three timelines in a story for a film is truly challenging not only for the cast, but more so for its director.
That was the challenge faced by director Lawrence Fajardo in his latest sexy drama, ‘Kabit.’
“Double meaning ang gusto naming gawin dito sa Kabit,” informed Direk Lawrence. “Given as a checklist under sa Vivamax platform, kailangan namin lagyan ng konting pang-engganyo. May mga dapat kang hanapin at tanungin bakit Kabit.”
Kabit is about an aspiring actress who wants to experience stardom. As she reaches for her dream, she crosses the line between art and exploitation which subsequently destroys her dignity, self-respect and reputation.
Angela Morena plays Laura, the lead actress in a period theater play. She accepts the role in the play to rebel against her controlling and strict mother.
To the dismay of the cast and director, the play flops even on its initial preview. The company and its production have no choice but to fix the material and save the play.
“As a director, I find it appealing for a film to weave actually three timelines in the story,” Direk Lawrence said. “The first was in the 1900s, the Spanish period. Then we have a contemporary timeline and the present day.
“Very interesting that my actors are playing three, different roles. Mahirap ‘yun. First time din fo me to do that. But I’m very happy that the cast and crew delivered. It was easy for them to collaborate.
“They were very open to directions and suggestions, which constantly inspire me. It gives me hope for our future generation.”
Lead actress Angela Morena admitted she was challenged with the story of Kabit. “Sa script mismo at sa story, very challenging,” said Angela. “During the shoot, super challenging kasi first time ko gumawa ng role na theater actor. Ako si Laura.
“First time ko rin gumanap ng actor sa entablado. Very thankful ako kay Direk Law dahil nag-provide sila ng workshop at rehearsals. ‘Yung role itself pa lang, very challenging na.”
The indie film undoubtedly added pressure to Dyessa Garcia. “Sa dialogue pa lang, kailangan tama ang pag-pronounce mo sa mga Spanish words,” said Dyessa. “’Yung facial expressions mo onstage, kailangan alam mo ang pag-arte ng mga actors sa stage.
“‘Yung pag-arte mo sa stage, kailangan dala mo siya ng maayos. Pati kasuotan mo, hindi dapat modern. Sobrang na-challenge ako sa pag-arte ko at sa pag-deliver ko ng lines.”
Olyn Torres s a theater actor who joined the ast of Kabit. “Ako ang Batang Quiapo, so hindi ko talaga kailangan ng recognition,” the actor said. “There are no small parts in theater and I always carry that with me, also in film and television.”
When he was asked to be a part of Kabit, Olin didn’t have second thoughts. “First of all, two birds with one stone,” he said.
“Magbabalik ako sa teatro and at the same time, gagawa ako ng pelikula. What more can I ask for? I’m very, very thankful to be part of this film.”
Angela insisted doing a film and a play is totally different, with her experience in Kabit.
“The film became a motivation for me because I learned a lot in making Kabit,” she said. “Ang dami pong na-improve sa akin, especially with my acting skills.
Direk Law has been constantly commending his actors for the good job that they showed.
“Ang sarap sa puso na marinig mo lang na ‘good job’,” said Angela. The challenge was worth it.”
Dyessa admitted her character in the stage play within the film was really a challenge for her.
“Kailangan na mas matured ang ipakita ko,” she said. “Sa totoong buhay ko, ang kilos ko, ang pananalita ko, medyo mukha pang bata talaga.
“Pero nahirapan ako na kailangan mas mature-sounding ang boses ko sa play. Pero sa indie film, modern na siya, so real life na ‘yun. Ipinakita ko lang kung sino ako.”
For Onyl, it was fun watching Angela and Dyessa play different roles in Kabit. “It was an opportunity rather than a challenge for me,” Olin granted. “So I noted the shift of their characters from playing old Filipino to modern Filipino.
“My role in Kabit is my chance to pay homage to all the brilliant directors I’ve been working with – from Anton Juan, Zeneida Amador, Baby Barredo, Tony Espejo, Tony Mabesa.
“From all of them, I got bits and pieces of behavior and ideas and put them all together in the character that I play in Kabit.”
Kabit also stars Josef Elizalde and Victor Relosa. Now streaming on Vivamax.
