Actor John Lloyd Cruz is unfazed that his latest crime-drama movie “Honor Thy Father (Conman)” may not appeal to the taste of his fans.
The film, directed by Erik Matti, opened the Cinema One Originals Festival 2015 which officially commenced on Sunday at Trinoma, Quezon City.
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“Whether they like it or not, for me that’s not the point at all. We just wanted to tell a story,” said John Lloyd in an interview.
Patronized by his supporters for his memorable romantic comedy and drama projects, John Lloyd is excited to know if his fans are ready to see him in a different genre.
“I want to know if they are ready. At the end of the day, it’s just cinema. And I happen to be an actor. Where else would I appear but on films?” he said.
“We have been hearing from people that they want something new, something fresh. This is the good answer. If that’s what you want, then you might want to consider watching this film,” he said.
“Honor Thy Father,” which will adopt the new title “Conman” for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, tells the story of a married couple Edgar (John Lloyd) and Kaye (Meryll Soriano) who find themselves in a miserable situation after getting embroiled in a Ponzi scheme, a deceitful investment operation.
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
READ: John Lloyd displays range in ‘Honor Thy Father,’ says Erik Matti
John Lloyd, who is more identified to his blockbuster mainstream projects, downplayed the idea that his appearance on an independent film signals a career move. “I just wanted to make a film and be a part of the cinema and this art. So when I got invited to be a part of it, that’s really all I’m after,” he said.
READ: John Lloyd Cruz shaves head in new film, is bravest actor of his generation
It was the first time John Lloyd starred in an independent film. He admitted that he found it challenging to adjust during the filming process.
“The changes that I had to face were hard especially when we started filming. Of course the beat is different and it was my first time with Direk Erik. The adjustment period is tough,” he said.
In the film, John Lloyd did several emotional heavy scenes and even shaved his head in just one take. He was also seen digging through a tunnel in his robbery attempt as an acetylene gang member. IDL
Email arvin.mendoza@inquirer.net
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Originally posted: 11:14 AM November 10th, 2015