Not noisy, not dramatic, the role of Tan Minh in "The Ghost of Happiness" makes viewers "both sympathetic and frustrated". In an exchange with reporters, the male actor shared about his approach to the character, pressure before multi-dimensional feedback and professional views: not seeking love, but pursuing truth.
Tan Minh is not the type of character that stands out from the beginning, but it creates a lot of controversy. How do you explain this?
- I think because this character does not follow a clear direction. He is not completely right or completely wrong. When the audience is still hesitant in their perception, it means that the character still has vitality. For me, that is precious.
Some opinions say that Tan Minh is indecisive, even weak. How do you see it?
- I do not deny that view. There are also many people like that in real life. They understand the problem but do not have enough courage to change immediately. Hesitation sometimes makes things worse. I do not try to justify it, just try to express that psychology correctly.
Many viewers commented that he acted restrainedly, leaning towards eyes and silence. Is this intentional?
- It is indeed a calculated choice. For Tan Minh, if you express too much in words, you will lose the character's essence. This is the type of person who hides emotions, so the eyes or rhythm is the clearest place to express them.
Are you worried that this acting style will make the role lack climax?
- There is pressure. But if you try to create highlights by pushing emotions high, I think it will no longer be true to the character's spirit. There are roles that do not need to explode but need to accumulate gradually.
The role is commented to be "very realistic". How did you achieve that?
- I don't think I did anything special. The important thing is to believe in the character's situation. When you really believe, all expressions will be more natural, no need to try too much.
The film attracted attention with the direction of director Nguyen Duong. For you, what opportunities does this collaboration bring you?
- In the early days, it was quite stressful. Mr. Duong is very meticulous, many scenes had to be filmed many times even though they seemed simple. But then I understood that was how he maintained emotions for the character. I learned that.
Is there any moment that made you change your perspective on work?
- There is a sentence Mr. Nguyen Duong said that I remember: how to make the character still stay with the audience after the movie ends. That makes me think a lot about how I do my job.
After this role, what makes you most satisfied?
- It's when the audience is still talking about the character. No need for them to agree completely, just remember and think about Tan Minh and I think it's enough.
From Le Nguyen Bao's perspective, the value of Happy Ghost is not only in its momentary appeal, but in the fact that a character like Tan Minh can make viewers look back at themselves - in choices, hesitation and even things they dare not face.
Thank you for sharing!
Le Nguyen Bao graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema, is a student of Meritorious Artist Huu Chau and Meritorious Artist Minh Hanh. He once won the Champion of "Awakening Passion 2023", runner-up of "Film Face 2018", and entered the Top 3 nominations for Mai Vang 2024. Besides acting, he also works as an MC and lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House.
