Jackie goes dramatic

Tired of kicking ass and all that jazz?

In The Foreigner (released nationwide by Viva Films International starting on Wednesday, Oct. 18), his new film which he produces and for which he has tapped Pierce Brosnan as co-star, Jackie Chan shifts gears and, for a welcome change, goes dramatic.

Based on The Chinaman, a 1992 novel by acclaimed crime writer Stephen Leather, The Foreigner is described by screenwriter David Marconi (Enemy of the States, Live Free or Die Hard) as “a story of revenge where Quan, the main character, is a man who has had a tragic past. Two of his daughters were killed in terrible circumstances several years ago, and his wife dies soon after they have established a new life of safety in the UK; and now 15 years later, his only daughter is killed, so he has nothing left to live for.”

Martin Campbell, touted as “a master of the smart action genre” (Casino Royale and Goldeneye), directed the movie which is, added producer Scott Lumpkin, about justice. “It’s about paying a price for what you do. Quan is wrestling with tragedies in his past. He’s wrestling with his history and he’s had enough. He’s ready. It’s time to pay back those that have done wrong for everyone. And that’s really what this film is about.”

As Quan searches for the people responsible, he seeks the assistance of Irish Deputy Minister Liam Hennessy, an ill-fitting government official whose own troubled history comes to bear down on him.

“This is a fantastic role for Jackie,” Brosnan was quoted as saying. “He worked extremely hard not only physically but emotionally and mentally. I think he has created an enormous character for his body of work here. I think he will just be applauded greatly and celebrated as I hope this movie will be.”

Here’s Jackie in an e-mail interview:

What did you find appealing about the role?

“Quan is a lovely father. I find his story heart-rending.”

It’s your first serious role as a drama actor, right?

“Yes, you’re right. It’s a new challenge for me. I wanted a change. I don’t always want to do the same kind of film. Chinese Zodiac is an Indiana Jones-type film; Shinjuku is a tough film; Skiptrace is a comedy. So every year, I try to do something different. I want to be an actor so this is a big change and it will give audiences a chance to see another side of Jackie Chan.”

How was it working with Brosnan for the first time?

“I’m so honored to have the chance to work with him! He’s one of the world’s biggest movie stars, and so talented. He helped me a lot on the set, not just with my acting but with my English as well. In the film, I have to pretend that I’m a British citizen so it was really helpful. He’s a very patient person. At the end of the shoot, he even gave me a painting that he had made. He’s a true artist.”

Why did you choose Brosnan for the role of Irish Minister Liam Hennessy?

“He is the legendary James Bond! Who else? He is Irish and such a gentleman. So he brings a sense of balance, coolness and class to his character. He is perfect for the role.”

How is your character Quan different from your past characters? Anything in your character that resonates with you?

“This is a serious dramatic role. The character that I play, Quan, has secrets in his past. Although he is now a good guy, he was once a guerrilla fighter in Vietnam. After his daughter was killed in a bomb blast, he becomes emotionally devastated. But he uniquely knows how to find the answers and to seek justice. It was a chance for me to play a very different character. But as in my past roles, I am a peacemaker and stand against terrorism. In his own way, my character condemns terrorism.”

How do you usually prepare for a role?

“How I prepare depends on the character and the film. For this role, I really had to do a lot of preparation because English-language scripts are still difficult for me. I spent a lot of time practicing. This is a serious dramatic role. I had to take time to adjust my emotions before every day’s shoot. There is a scene in which I cry hard for my lost, beloved daughter. It really took a long time for me to build up the emotions for that scene.

“The action scenes are still easy for me, but on this film I designed the action with the JC Stunt Team. Since my character has had military training since he was young, his body movements must be very unique.”

You have different action/acting styles. How did you combine your styles to come up with something new that works?

“You really need to design the action based on the character. You cannot just throw everything you know into one film or one character. It won’t work. This time, my character has a military background, so his movements are very fast and very precise. But since he is not young anymore, the action is not as dangerous as before. This is a very serious movie, so I didn’t design any comedic elements in the action scenes. Every film, every character is different.”

I presume that you have seen Brosnan’s movies. What do you like about his work? Which of his movies is your favorite?

“It would be the 007 series. He is one of the best James Bonds! He is very charming.”

Being veterans, did you still learn anything from each other during the shoot?

“Yes. I remember when we were filming, Pierce came on set to help me rehearse my dialogue. He did not have a scene to shoot that day! He just came on set to help me rehearse! I was really impressed.”

You are fit. How do you take care of your body (diet and workout)?

“I never diet. I eat whatever I want. But I still go to the gym every day and run for an hour.”

If you were to do a Pierce Brosnan movie, what would it be? Can you be Agent 007 (Bond)?

“Perhaps! That would be nice to try, too!”

You have done everything. Anything else that you want to do?

“There are still a lot of things I want to do! Filmmaking is my life and I want to make more movies. I believe I can still make movies for another 10 or 20 years! And I want to do more charity work, promoting peace and the protection of the environment. There are still a lot of things I want to do!”

Who is the better ass-kicker between you and Brosnan?

“I don’t know; we didn’t battle that out. Me, I guess! Hahahaha!!!”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)