The good and bad side of the future
FILM director Jason Paul Laxamana explores sci-fi in his latest romance-drama, ‘A Glimpse of Forever,’ with the script he also wrote.
“Mas tinitignan ko ang film as a romantic story with sci-fi elements,” Direk JP explained. “Not sci-fi with super specific technology or high-tech effects.”
Direk JP had a hand in putting together his cast in ‘A Glimpse of Forever.’ “The cast was not just simply given to me,” Direk JP said. “That was not my casting process.
“I was heavily involved in the casting. We based on their ability to portray the role and if they could give life to the characters I created.
“When the three actors finally completed the cast. Approved sa akin agad. I knew they could give justice to the role.”
Not that Direk JP is doing sci-fi for the first time. More than a decade ago, he worked at the helm of Astro Mayabang, a sci-fi film with Arron Villaflor, Megan Young and John Lapus (2011).
In ‘A Glimpse of Forever,’ Glenda (Jasmine Curtis Smith) is frustrated with her fiancé, so she tries to find companionship and cheer from virtual dating. She is presented with four types of virtual guys that she can choose to date through virtual reality (VR).
The Bad Boy, the Rich Guy, the Gigolo and the Worker are the obvious choice. However, to the surprise of the staff, Glenda picks the one that has been removed from the choices – the Boy Next Door, Kokoy (played by Diego Loyzaga) – due to low interest from the clients
Soon, Kokoy becomes the best friend that Glenda needs, even as her fiancé, Dante (Jerome Ponce) gets to know Glenda seriously.
“It feels younger and it feels fresher for me to play a role like this and to do a story like this,” said Jasmine, who plays the role of Glenda in A Glimpse of Forever. “Much like Direk JP, I wanted to do something different.”
Diego, Jasmine and Jerome worked together in a film for the first time, although they hardly had physical interaction on the set.
“It’s nice to work with somebody new, somebody I haven’t worked with before.,” Diego alowed. “Whatever my expectations of how she works, Jasmine excelled those expectations. I have to admit, though, I was not on the set as much as they were.
“I wish I had more time working with Jerome, Jasmine and Direk JP. There’s nothing you could hear from them. We didn’t have a bad day or a bad scene. Everything was perfect.”
While the lead stars essayed their roles excellently, Jasmine is not one artist who will rely on AI (artificial intelligence) to ease her heart problems.
“Iba na kasi ang panahon ngayon na pumapasok ang virtual reality sa mundo natin,” she granted.
“Madali din talagang ma-hook, especially those who live alone, like the role of Jerome in this film na may social anxiety disorder. May pinagdadaanan siya. Nagiging comfort siya sa lahat.
“I know I’m prone to relying on technology to ease what I’m feeling, distract myself and disappear momentarily.
“I’m so afraid to totally rely on virtual reality who responds with feelings through technology. I don’t think I will rely on AI or VR. It’s still robot. It’s too scary for me.”
Neither will Diego. “I have enough of the bad as it is,” he smilingly said.
Jerome, meanwhile, admitted it was his first time to shoot a sci-fi film. “When we were filming, hindi ko naman naramdaman masyado ang pagka-sci-fi,” Jerome said.
“Maganda lang talaga ang situation that I want to spoil sana. It was presented very well. The future of possible things.
“I’m not a fan of too much futuristic stories. It kills jobs, hobbies, sports and everything.”
