INTERVIEW WITH TONY JAA
Sounds of Dave talking in hushed tones to interpreter.
DAVE: (Very loudly) I am so pleased to meet you Tony. I have been a fan for awhile now.
INT: Tony says he does not need you to speak so loudly. He actually understands English quite well.
DAVE: Oh. Yes. Well I actually know a little bit of Thaiwanese.
INT: Actually we refer to our language as Thai.
DAVE: Yes, yes. I learned most of it off the back of restaurant menus. Pad Thai is…
Tony speaking in hushed tones to interpreter.
INT: Tony says perhaps we should start interview now.
DAVE: Yes. Um…well. I understand that you see yourself as a sort of cultural ambassador for Thailand?
TONY: Yes this is what I want for people to experience the real Thailand. Too often people only experience Bangkok and even then it is a very stylized version. I come from a small country village.
DAVE: Yes your films are usually set in rural locales. Is that a conscious thing?
TONY: It is good to show the city but the city is a newer aspect of Thailand. The heart of Thailand are the villages where it’s traditions and beliefs have been centered.
DAVE: Where do elephants fit in?
TONY: Elephants are sacred in Thailand almost like Gods. I keep two elephants myself. We still use elephants in public ceremonies. They are very respected. My elephants are named Flower and Leaf. They are not pets. I feel it is my duty to take care of them.
DAVE: Isn’t Flower kind of a sissy name for such a big animal?
TONY: Sissy?
At this point Tony’s interpreter whispers in Tony’s ear. Tony turns red and stands up. He leaves the room and we hear the sound of a door closing. Suddenly the muffled sound of smashing wood and glass can be heard.
DAVE (to interpreter) Is Tony okay? Have I offended him?
Read more at TwitchFilm.net
Post a Comment