MANILA, Philippines - Gretchen Barretto is vocal about her admiration for John Lloyd Cruz as an actor. No wonder, she’s happy working with the Star Magic talent in The Trial, Star Cinema’s latest big screen family drama.
During the presscon at Dolphy Theater, Gretchen said it is an honor to work with John Lloyd, who is one of today’s most popular stars, especially now that she has become more selective when it comes to acting assignments and, yes, including the actors she works with.
“Now that I have finally returned to the industry that I loved most, of course, there are few actors I’d like to work with. Hindi naman natin alam kung hanggang kailan tayo pwedeng maging artista o hanggang kailan tayo kukunin. So one of my ultimate dreams, I told myself, is to work with John Lloyd because I watch his movies. I’m a big fan. I believe in his talent. And more than that, I really am the biggest fan of John Lloyd.”
When the offer came, she right away agreed and profusely thanked ABS-CBN and Star Cinema. “I didn’t feel that there was a John Lloyd on the set because he’s really into his character; na s’ya na si Ronald (his character) whenever he arrives on the set.”
Gretchen then wished to have another movie with John Lloyd to which the latter responded with a wide smile. “I’m just grateful (for this),” Gretchen added.
In the story, Gretchen plays Amanda, a developmental psychologist and wife of Julian (Richard Gomez), the lawyer who will represent the 27-year-old mentally-challenged Ronald Jimenez (John Lloyd) in court. Ronald is accused of raping his grade school teacher Bessy (Jessy Mendiola).
“This is the heaviest (acting project) that I’ve ever done,” Gretchen said. “In the beginning, I felt nervous like, ‘Oh my God, I’m a bit scared’ because I didn’t know what direk (Chito Roño) wanted me to do but later on, he’d guide you in a way na parang he’s still allowing you to do it (acting) on your own.”
Richard praised Gretchen’s approach to her role. “She’s really focused on her character.”
The Trial is the third movie of Richard and Gretchen together, after Paalam, Bukas ang Kasal Ko and Lumayo Ka man Sa Akin.
“That was a long time ago,” said Gretchen while trying to recall their scenes together. Richard butted in and said, “She was, I think, about 14 in Bukas ang Kasal and, during that time, she was the sexiest actress that I saw. She was wearing a bathing suit.” Gretchen, in turn, laughed heartily.
Asked how it feels to work again with Richard, Gretchen said that Richard has matured as an actor. “He’s very supportive in our scenes together.”
Gretchen, too, shared that everyone gave their best performance with direk Chito giving them the freedom to exercise their craft.
“Mabait naman s’ya,” Gretchen said about Chito. And Richard added, “’Well, if you are stupid, then you should be scared of direk (Chito).”
The Trial, set to open on Oct. 15 in cinemas nationwide, also stars Enrique Gil, Sylvia Sanchez, Vivian Velez and Vince de Jesus. It is written by Kris Gazmen and Enrico Santos.