Cinespot : An Exclusive Interview with Cathy Chui

An Exclusive Interview with Cathy Chui
(Part II)

Present

Cinespot: What is your criterion or condition of choosing your job (as an actor)?

Chui: My parents are very careful of choosing the right film for me. There are some conditions. First, it must not affect my academic progress. Second, the role should not be erotic or too sexy. For instance, when I was doing Time and Tide, there was a scene where I was supposed to show my back in nude. My parents did not approve it for sure. Then they wanted to employ a stunt for me, but still, my parents did not agree with it, since some people might not know that's a stunt. At last, we decided to show my shoulder only. Third, the implication brought out by the script is also very important. Moreover, I don't want to work in a horror film. I guess horror-comedy is still acceptable, but for pure horror genre, it is certainly a no. I am afraid of horror films a lot. Even if it's a horror film I have seen three years ago, I would still remember the horrific part and feel scared now.

Cinespot: Is there any role you want to try out in the future?

Chui: Hmmm...., I guess it would be something like my role in a sitcom (We do not know the English title of the series, it is literally translated as Freshman). You know, sitcom allows you to spend more time to develop a character, hence makes it a more engaging experience. Back to your question again, I really wanted to try out the character of a dying patient. I wish the character will die in the film. This kind of role is very touching. The audience will always remember your role. As an actress, I want to arouse the emotion of the audience, that is, to make them cry in a tragic story and make them laugh in a comedy. I consider it a success if I can fully command the emotions of the audience.

Cinespot: What is your favorite movie?

Chui: For Hong Kong movie, it would be C'est La Vie, Mon Cheri, because I like the script. For foreign films, it is Pretty Woman.

Cinespot: How can you keep up with your progress in both fields (academic and acting)?

Chui: The best way is to work hard. My work is always scheduled during the weekend, and I have to do my homework on weekdays, therefore, I have to sacrifice my leisure time in order to keep up with both fields. Another important thing is, you have to totally concentrate on your job and avoid any distraction.

Cinespot: Are you working on any films now?

Chui: No, it is because I will be returning to the UK soon. There is also no suitable script for me at this moment.

Future

Cinespot: If you are invited to shoot in a Hollywood film, will you give up school and go for it?

Chui: No. Actually it happened before. When I was in F.5, that is, a month before HKCEE, I was invited to shoot in a Hollywood film. The lead actor is the protagonist of English Patient. I really wanted to do it, as you know, it was a very rare opportunity, but my mother did not approve it. I had a big quarrel with her, but still, she did not allow me to go for it. She believed that if I took the job, I would not go back to school again. She told me that girls at my age should concentrate on school. Now when I look back, it seems that what my mother said is correct. Besides, I have a younger sister. I need to be a role model for her. If I give up school, it will create bad influence for her.

Cinespot: Talking about your sister, is she interested in filmmaking?

Chui: No, she didn't even come to visit me on the set. Even if I asked her to come, she wouldn't come! At first, she was little curious about what I did, but now it just doesn't interest her anymore. I guess she is not interested in filmmaking at all.

Cinespot: Have you ever thought of taking some film theory or acting courses in the future?

Chui: When I was studying for A-Level, I took a drama and media studies courses. The media studies course is partly about films. In fact, I am quite interested in film production. I would love to try screenwriting and editing in the future, I thought it would be an interesting job.

Cinespot: Thank you very much.

Chui: Thank you.

The conversation with Cathy Chui was really pleasant. She is a very nice and mature person. From what she said, we realized that she really loves the craft of filmmaking genuinely. We hope that she can fully develop her career after she has completed her college education. Once again, we would like to thank Cathy for sharing her time with us.

Thank you!

Coordinator: Paggie Wong
Host/Photography/Sound recording: Kelvin Chan
written and translated by K. Lui

Click here to go back to Part I.