The Viral Factor is an action spectacle not to be missed this Chinese New Year. Director Dante Lam has made a film that is not only entertaining, but one that showcases his skill as a filmmaker of considerable flair. Stars Jay Chou and Nicholas Tse play brothers in this thrill-a-minute film. They have to race against time to save Tse's character's daughter who is kidnapped by an organized crime syndicate, and prevent the larger catastrophe that would occur if the criminals unleash a new virus into the world, of which the latter have its only vaccine.
[Image of Dante Lam during the interview]
At the press conference on Monday afternoon at Resorts World Sentosa, Jay Chou talked about his involvement in the film. (You can read our blog post here!) Now, we bring you some exclusive coverage on director Lam, who also talked about his experience when shooting the film during a closed interview.
Lam felt that Tse was the more experienced actor, not only in terms of dramatic performance, but also in performing stunts. But he had full respect for Chou, whom he challenged to do his own stunts. Of the scene in which Chou had to jump off a building from the 7th floor, Lam said, "Jay did not know that he had to jump off the building until that morning of the shoot. He was scared initially, but resolved to jump, otherwise the film would never be completed! In the end, he jumped four times for four different takes."
[Film still from The Viral Factor]
It has been reported in other media that Chou will never act in an action movie again after the traumatic experience. But when asked, Lam revealed that Chou is actually willing to consider acting in such films again after being touched by the reception the latter got from an appreciative audience during one of the premieres of the film.
(Click here to see Jay Chou tossing "Yu Sheng" for a charity reunion dinner presented by City Chain!)
Lam also said that during production, Chou and Tse frequently sustained injuries. "Everyone was very worried, especially towards Jay. He's a pianist, so we are worried that he might break his fingers!" It was also a very stressful and tiring shoot. "There was one day when we shot for 28 hours, and Jay was so tired that he slept on the ground with oil and dirt around him."
[Film still from The Viral Factor]
With so much effort invested in this film, thankfully everything turned out alright. Show your support for Jay Chou, Nicholas Tse, and Dante Lam by heading to the theaters to catch their film! The Viral Factor is an excellent action film. (You can read our reviews here!) And definitely not to be missed!
The Viral Factor opens InCinemas 19 January 2012. It is rated PG13 (Violence).
[Production still from The Viral Factor]
