色.戒

Despite all the hype over Ang Lee's latest offering, I was not in the least bit inclined to watch it any day soon. But then Godzilla kept asking whether we have watched it, so I decided to have a go at it.

Let me first state that I am quite non-discriminatory when it comes to movies. I watch all kinds - comedy, horror, thriller, art house, animation, foreign language, etc. For me, if movies failed at being entertaining, then they must be engaging and thought provoking. If a flick is really good, I will secure a DVD and do deep analysis on it, try to figure out what message the director is trying to get through, how roles are interpreted and symbolism incorporated.

I do not, however, like movies that try too hard, with directors and actors too conscious and aware of their efforts. I dislike movies that are made for the media, not the audience. And especially detest movies that are overly remote, repressive; keeping audience at bay like a voyeur, unable to connect and resonate with true emotions. Frustrating describes these movies, while agonising captures the audience.

So, it should be no surprise that the only thing that truly intrigues me in this movie is the role played by Joan Chen. In the middle of the entire affair, yet seemingly unaware or deliberately unaffected. Which by some strange reason, I keep thinking is the exact same role Ang Lee is understudying for!

As for those much touted scenes that have the local media and my fellow citizens titillated and disaffected - what's the big deal? It's all part of characterization. The title of this very movie posts a most appropriate warning to folks flocking to the movie because they are excited by those few minutes of physical acrobatics for all the wrong reasons. Lust: proceed with caution. Gratification will be painfully slow.