CHRISTOPHER de Leon, a dramatic actor, has a flair for comedy.
Now that digital filmmaking has “democratized” the local film scene, TV-movie stars have a new option to come up with thespic showcases to reveal how good they have become as actors.
All too often, major stars are limited by the very same image or persona that has made them popular in the first place. Mainstream producers are loathe to “tamper with” stars’ successful “unique selling factor,” so many luminaries play mere variations on that “defining” image for many years, and are thus unable to show what else they can do.
Costly lesson
For instance, Comedy King Dolphy was loved for his zany comedies, but when he occasionally did dramas like “Cyrano de Bergerac,” they were shunned by his fans. That was one expensive learning experience for Dolphy, so he didn’t do it again.
These days, however, filmmaking costs have radically been reduced, so it’s now possible for the veteran likes of Eddie Garcia to “gamble” on an indie movie like “Bwakaw,” and make it a “win-win” move—all the way!
Given this new reality, we hope that other stars who were limited in the past to stereotypical portrayals will now opt to star in budget yet exceptional productions that will delight and surprise their fans.
For instance, Christopher de Leon is often cast in mainstream TV series and movies that practically require him to go heavily, predictably “dramatic.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he were suddenly to star in an edgy comedy? After all, past TV productions like “Going Bananas” proved that he had a flair for comedy, so why not remind viewers of that “dormant” gift?
Better still, the movie should be both comedic and dramatic, to showcase Christopher’s unique versatility.
We also hope that Hilda Koronel will be featured in an indie film that will showcase her exceptional beauty, temperament and thespic ability.
Most of the “Best Actress” attention these days is focused on Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos, but we believe that it’s actually a three-way tie, with Hilda right there with the top female acting greats.
Exciting troika
Trouble is, she’s rarely seen on the big and small screens—but, that can easily be remedied with the production of an indie showcase for her, revolving around her great combination of thespic gifts!
We would also love to see the production of an indie showcase for Ronaldo Valdez, Tommy Abuel and Tirso Cruz III—what an excitingly combustible troika they would make!
On the distaff side, Gloria Romero, Mona Lisa, Mila del Sol and Anita Linda in full scrappy and brassy combination should be a real lulu!
Even currently popular stars should do an indie showcase once in a while, just to prove that they can do much more than just partner a bevy of popular actresses in their next blockbuster hits.
For instance, John Lloyd Cruz is the screen consort of choice of many young-adult female stars, but an indie movie showcasing his range and depth as an actor, with no famous leading ladies hanging onto his coattails, should provide some surprises!
If the top screen consort can find the right script and take two weeks off from his mainstream TV-film schedule, that’s the way he should go. Why should Jericho Rosales have all the fun—and plaudits?