LESLIE SAID  ita


I love the film Gone With The Wind. And I like Leslie Howard. The name can be a man's or woman's, it's very unisex, so I like it.
(Time)

I didn't intend to become an actor. When I had a chance, I said: "OK, let's try."
(Positif)

I don't think I'm playing any role. I should say it's my true self. I, myself, and Leslie as an actor are overlapping. I must say I have the qualities and talent for being a star.
(All About Leslie, edited by CHITOSE SHIMA)

I don't think there are any theories in acting. (...) I just want to be natural, like what I'm doing every day.
(All About Leslie, edited by CHITOSE SHIMA)

I have some unique quality. The audience identifies with it. Maybe a kind of sensitivity. Especially in romance. Something soft.
(STANLEY KWAN, Yang ± Yin: Gender In Chinese Cinema)

I don't agree with all those directors who desperately want to shoot in Hollywood. Why? There are better opportunities to work comfortably in Hong Kong, even in Asia, rather than going to Hollywood, making second-rate works, ruining their career, their fame, their good reputation.
(Positif)

We are the stars, right? I'd rather be one of the best in Asia than just a stand-in in Hollywood.
(FREDRIC DANNEN - BARRY LONG, Hong Kong Babylon)

I am Chinese, and I want to do something good with Chinese culture. I want to be a great actor in China.
(Time)

I was disappointed Farewell did not get the Oscar for Best Foreign Picture. There must be some politics involved.
(FREDRIC DANNEN - BARRY LONG, Hong Kong Babylon)

Chen Kaige is a very meticulous director on the set, but sometimes I disagree with him on some points.
(Positif)

Wong Kar Wai: I love him so much and I hate him terribly. I think that man is awfully talented, but it's difficult for an actor to play in his movies. He doesn't give you any directions about what comes next, any script. I made three movies with him, and every time it's more difficult. I don't want to work with him for the fourth time. After all, maybe! He is so awfully talented!
(Positif)

He is a genius, in a sense, but I hated him. Sometimes I say "Wong Kar Wai, I don't want to make movies with you any more", but on the other hand it was a pleasure to work with him.
(Positif)

I have to do something to become more relaxed. I have too little time for personal life and too much work. But after a month of doing nothing I would go crazy. Life without work means nothing to me.
(Los Angeles Times)

I may be a little passé in Hong Kong. The place is so extravagant, vulgar, expensive. I may be too soft for Hong Kong. I don't always count myself as one of them.
(Time)

Maybe I'm a bit old-fashioned. I believe in fate.
(All About Leslie, edited by CHITOSE SHIMA)

"Positif" translated from French by Leslietango.


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