Filmmaking a labour of love for cinematographer Doyle
KUALA LUMPUR: For internationally-acclaimed cinematographer Christopher Doyle, work will always come first and there is no compromise. Even when his father died, Doyle had to fulfil his professional duty.
“I knew I wouldn’t be there when my father died because I was making a film. I made that choice. It’s tough,” the 65-year-old said.
Doyle is a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, having collaborated with A-list auteurs like Wong Kar Wai, Zhang Yimou, Phillip Noyce and Gus Van Sant.
The Sydney-born Doyle, who is based in Hong Kong, is in town to attend the premiere of You Mean The World To Me tonight at Pavilion here.
He collaborated with Malaysian director Saw Teong Hin on what is the first local movie in Hokkien.
On Monday, Doyle gave a talk at Wisma MCA which was organised by the Malaysian Chinese Culture and Arts Consultative Council together with Astro Shaw, Real Films and the Chinese Film Association of Malaysia in conjunction with the Blossom Arts Festival Malaysia.
In attendance was MCA vice-president and Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
Doyle spoke at length about making films that are personal, true and have integrity. For him, the point of making a film is the sharing of ideas, the energy and working together with friends.
“For example, a Wong Kar Wai film takes many years. Why would you want to spend time with someone you don’t love? It’s a long time to be with someone. I think friend- ship is an important factor. You do it because you love it not because of money or fame,” he said.
“Back then, films were expensive to make, but now you can make a film on a phone.
“That’s what I want to share in talks like the one tonight: There’s no more excuse not to make films.”
Doyle said he agreed to work on You Mean The World To Me because of the people involved in the film. Another reason was the location of the shoot – filmed entirely in Penang.
“Location is another character in film,” said Doyle.
“I have been a traveller all my life. Each location has its own stories, its own resonance. The people who live there lived in a certain way, different from us.
“That is why this film is important,” Doyle said.
Read more about You Mean The World To Me in Star2 tomorrow.