Before the premiere of the movie inspired by his teenage years, singer, composer and now first-time director Dick Lee talks to Zara Zhuang about how far he’s come.
“Fried Rice Paradise Nasi Goreng very nice That’s her speciality Ninety-nine varieties”
THIS EARWORM HAS returned (and if the chorus is now stuck in your head, you’re welcome). The quirky tune from 1986 about a down and-out but shrewd restaurateur has been remade with a full music video, but instead of its composer and original singer, Dick Lee, fronting the four-minute clip, we see Benjamin Kheng, the singer–keyboardist–guitarist of local band The Sam Willows, portraying the Singapore music icon as a teen — bowl cut, thick plastic rimmed glasses, 1970s wide-collar printed shirts and all.
Kheng also spends a full 95 minutes playing Lee on the silver screen. In Wonder Boy, which premieres August 3, we are brought back to the beginning for an almost-firsthand look at events that led up to Lee’s first album, Life Story (1974), in all the era’s sepia-toned glory.
This time, Lee stayed behind the camera for his directorial debut. “It’s so late in my career, but it’s never too late,” says Lee, who turns 61 on August 24. He has spent decades as a prolific singer, songwriter, composer, playwright, designer and fashionista extraordinaire, but to make up for his lack of familiarity with movie-making, Lee invited Daniel Yam to be his co-director (it was Yam who insisted on backup takes, which Lee would later concede its wisdom).
“Everyone told me before I started that I was going to hate the long filming schedule,” Lee says of the 18 days spent shooting in Penang. “It was gruelling, but it was really enjoyable, so I didn’t feel it was tough. Filming in Penang was amazing, because Penang laksa was a daily [meal],” he laughs.
Denne historien er fra August 2017-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2017-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.