InCinemas: You are an award-winning theatre actress and 'Forever' is your film debut on the big screen. Are there any differences acting on these two platforms?
Joanna: There are actually many differences that I didn't even consider till I actually started filming! For example, the mobility of the camera lens (from a wide shot, to close up, to varying angles) means that you have to be sensitive to an "audience" that changes positions with each take of the same scene, also the proximity that the lens allows means that the actor can play with the most subtle of expressions. In theatre, however the actor on the proscenium stage needs make sure his/her delivery is clear to even the audience sitting in the last row. They are both very different challenges. There are countless others but to spare everyone the technicalities of detail, personally the most significant difference is that film is mediated by the camera whereas theatre is a more immediate form of performance. The power of editing means that I have the benefit of saying "I think I can do better than that, do you mind if I go for another take", for theatre you just have to trust that you've done all the work you can at rehearsals and deal with whatever happens during each show, which can be terrifying but very pleasurable at the same time.
InCinemas: What are the challenges of filming 'Forever'?
Joanna: Prior to this my acting experience has largely been in musical theatre. Even though Joey sings in the movie, this is technically my first full-length acting-only role, in the sense that internal monologues are not expressed through singing, but purely dramatically. So it was a bifold challenge for me to be doing a feature film for the first time, and being out of my comfort zone (singing). The character Joey is also slightly psychopathic, which is a condition that is far more difficult for me to observe and "practice" as compared to perhaps playing someone with an injured foot for example. On top of that, bearing in mind that the script is more off-beat romantic comedy than mystery/thriller, I endeavored to create a character who was a balance between believably threatening, yet suitably endearing ( the operative word being " endeavored"!).
InCinemas: Any awkward / memorable scenes during the shoot?
Joanna: Definitely the scene we shot in an *actual* freezer (we couldn't turn?the temperature up because then our *actual* ice sculptures would?melt!) - I had to pretend that I was all worked up and couldn't feel the cold. Ironically, Mo had to act like he was freezing when in actuality he was pretty accustomed to cold weather! I had these chemical heat-packs taped to the inside of my skimpy dress and in my shoes. They also had to throw a thick wintercoat over me every time?the director shouted "cut"! That was challenging but also a whole lot of fun!
InCinemas: We got a little confused after watching the trailer. Is Joey or Cecilia the third party in the triangle relationship?
Joanna: I will quote Facebook on this! "It's complicated". Come watch the movie to find out!
InCinemas: Joey does extreme things for Gin in hope of being together with him. How different you are compared to Joey? Would you go to the extreme to woo the guy you love?
Joanna: I wouldn't say extreme, but I can be very explicit with my intentions! If I like him and I want him, he'll know it. However I wouldn't go very far to get someone to be with me, I generally hate to oblige people with something they are unwilling to do.
InCinemas: Any intimate scenes with Mo Tzu Yi? Can you share your experience working with him with us?
Joanna: We have a kissing scene, but it's more sweet than steamy lah! Mo was great to work with. As a co-actor he was very giving and collaborative - we would discuss various approaches to making a scene work, character motivations etc. Our common background in theatre meant that we shared a similar approach to acting methods which made it much easier for us to communicate. Even though he is generally rather quiet off-set, his commitment to his craft and his concern for people speak much louder than words, and make him a very charming and lovable person.
InCinemas: Joey seems to give Gin no breathable space. We had our laughs watching the trailer, especially the phone call at the end. Would you accept someone as obsessive as Joey?
Joanna: I really doubt it! I think that obsession is often driven by selfish desire. In Joey's case it was about fulfilling her own fantasy, at the cost of Gin's happiness. At many points we can't be sure if Joey is in love with Gin, or in love with the idea of marriage. Paradoxically, obsession is also self-consuming - Joey was so caught up with Gin that she lost sight of herself. Eventually she abused her talents and messed up a career that originally meant a lot to her. I've come to discover that healthy relationships need both parties to love themselves as much as they love the other person. It's a surprisingly difficult thing to do.