The male artist believes that revenue is not the only measure, but a movie still needs to be profitable for professionals to have faith to continue.
We all have many masks for ourselves
You once shared your desire that each new movie achieves better results than the previous movie. Do recent successes put a great pressure on your revenue, even aiming for record numbers?
- Actually, I don't set a specific number for myself to call it my own success. What I hope most is that the next movie will be different, better and more loved by the audience than the previous movie. For me, any number is precious if the work is welcomed and creates emotions in the audience.
I think the biggest pressure is not to surpass my own record, but to make the audience feel that I am not repeating myself. People in the profession always want to move forward, want to experiment, want to tell a new story. If the audience watches the movie and finds themselves more mature, telling stories better, that is what makes me happy.
Of course, when I put in a lot of effort and the film is not accepted, I will definitely be sad. But instead of thinking about numbers, I focus on doing my best to limit that possibility from happening.
Many people still see revenue as the most important measure of cinematic success. How do you see this?
- I think saying revenue is the only measure is not right. Each movie is like a dish. There are very delicious dishes but picky eaters. For example, durian, fermented fish sauce or some types of cheese - not everyone likes them, but anyone who likes them is very fond of these dishes.
And above all, cinema is also the same. With art films, author films or genres that are difficult to access, the audience will definitely be less than commercial films. If you have chosen to make a "fine dining" dish, you cannot expect as many customers as selling popular rice. That is a very simple rule.
However, for me personally, although I don't take revenue as the only measure, I still hope the film must at least be profitable. When the work is profitable, professionals will have the belief that their direction is right, the effort put in is not in vain, and they have the motivation to continue making subsequent projects.
If the film is not satisfactory, it may be due to many factors: Release time, media, or the storytelling itself is not attractive enough. At that time, the director must review himself first.
The movie "Thỏ ơi!!" explores toxic relationships and the perspective that everyone sees themselves as victims. Have you ever experienced or observed similar relationships in life?
- Surely you must have experience or observation to have material to make a film. I think whether a relationship is harmful or not depends on each person's stage and each personality.
Some people are born with certain injuries or defensive reactions, sometimes they don't want to be like that either. But in a relationship, if two people don't understand each other or don't listen to each other, it can easily turn toxic.
There is no common formula to avoid that. The simplest thing is to find someone who is compatible with you. When you are compatible, everything is naturally pleasant, and if you are not compatible, negative reactions will be revealed. In dead-end moments, if you practice thinking more positively, yielding to each other more, then conflicts can be reduced. But if you meet someone who does not want to negotiate, then that is also a matter of luck in life. The important thing is that you must be alert when choosing a companion.
In the movie, many characters have a successful appearance but hidden behind them are hidden corners. According to you, each person wears a "mask" in life?
- I think it's not one but many masks. Usually there are three layers. One is the person you want others to see. Two is the person you use to face society. And three is your true self when you are alone.
Everyone lives in many different worlds, in each place they play a role. When at work it's different, when at home it's different, when alone it's different. We are all actors, just don't realize it.
The important thing is not whether you have a mask or not, but whether you use them skillfully or not? If you know how to balance, you will live more gently and not hurt others.
The change in reaction after being attacked by the audience
Previously, he reacted quite strongly when attacked, but now he often chooses to remain silent or respond gently. Where does this change come from?
- Maybe it's because I grew up and realized it myself. Before, when I was young, it was easy to refute, easy to argue. But later I found that this method was not effective. If people throw bad energy at me and I throw back worse energy, everything will only get worse.
Now I choose to avoid or respond with positive energy. Being an artist means accepting that some people like it, some don't. It's like opening a restaurant, there will always be people praising it as delicious and people criticizing it as bad.
When I understand that it is inevitable, I will feel lighter. I often think that if someone hates me, I should just be cute, maybe they will hate me less. At least I don't bring more negativity to myself.
Some viewers think that he often chooses actors who are already famous. What are the opportunities for young faces who are not yet famous?
- I think no one "gives" anyone a chance, opportunities must be found. If young people want to work with me, they must find a way to show me their talents. I cannot know everyone outside by myself.
I also don't just choose celebrities. There are many new actors who don't have fans, they are still chosen if they fit the role. For me, the most important criterion is to suit the character and I believe they can do it.
I am always open to everyone, as long as they prove their ability. When I see someone with ability, I am willing to work with them, whether they are famous or not.
Looking back at his journey, does director Tran Thanh want audiences to come to theaters because of Tran Thanh's name or because of the quality of the film?
- Those two things complement each other. I am very happy when audiences love me and come to the cinema. But the movie must be good for them to come and film it again.
When they like movies, they will like me more. And when they like me, they will also easily open their hearts to movies. These two factors cannot be separated. Filmmakers must maintain quality for the audience's feelings to be sustainable.
As an artist, how do you hope the audience will see you at the present time, especially after the controversies of the past?
- I just hope the audience loves me is enough. When people love someone, they will see that person with more tolerance. I hope the audience will understand me better and see everything more objectively in all aspects of art, film projects that their directors are passionate about and want to entrust.
