Joel has some advice for troubled young actors

MANILA, Philippines - In the Erik Matti crime thriller On The Job, Joel Torre plays a middle-aged hitman who takes a young thug under his wing and shows him the ropes of his trade. For his performance, Joel was recently named Best Actor at South Korea’s Puchon International Filmfest, an honor he was quick to describe as a “big surprise” that “could go to anybody.” 

“On The Job is an ensemble work and the characters’ work were well-distributed,” the veteran actor told The STAR after the film’s recent presscon last week, which was also attended by cast members Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, Joey Marquez, Leo Martinez, Angel Aquino and newcomer Dawn Jimenez.

Nevertheless, the “teacher-apprentice” element in the story (with Gerald sharing the most scenes with Joel as the new recruit) somehow brought into view Joel’s real-life esteemed place in showbiz, now that he is  being looked up to and sought out for advice by the younger stars.

When asked if he is on a mentoring mode, Joel said that he is always conscious and careful not to “intrude” into his co-stars’ acting space. “It’s not my work ethic as an actor to teach other actors that ‘this is how you should act.’ For me, it’s a big no-no.”

He added, “But if they ask, I am more than willing to give my 10-cents worth of advice. If they want to learn, all they have to do is ask. But for me to intrude and say, di ganyan, ganito dapat, I’ll never do that out of respect. I read that in my acting books that you’re not supposed to do that. I can work on a scene (with a co-actor) but I’ll never impose (what I know).”

When prodded to offer some tips for the newbies, Joel shared, “You have to invest in your craft. I tell younger actors to learn, learn and learn. There’s no end to learning. There are acting books, they can go to workshops, you know, whatever they can grab a hold of. Filipino actors are luckier because in other countries, jobs come far and between. That’s why during the lull, they attend acting workshops just to hone their craft. And with all the competition, try to be the best in your field. And be happy, be thankful.”

In the light of news items on talented, but troubled young stars sadly self-destructing, either due to drug and drink addictions or relationship woes, Joel encouraged these actors to acknowledge the problem and seek help. “Maybe, they need help. There are institutions that can help them.  Alcoholism or drug addiction is a disease that should be addressed. Don’t let it be a stigma on an actor. It’s nothing shocking now. It’s just that people can be narrow-minded.”

Joel, who started his career in a community theater under fellow prominent Bacolod City native, direk Peque Gallaga, recalled his early training to develop focus: “Our training was no sex, no drugs, no alcohol on the set in theater with Peque Gallaga. And I hold on to that.”

During his younger years, he was even more cautious with things and the company he keeps. “I stay at home (to avoid temptations). I can have fun but I know when to stop, I know when to say no. You don’t people-please, that’s very important.

“So, focus on your craft. Don’t play around. Focus is part of the acting exercises. Focus on the scene, focus on your character, focus on the co-actors. It’s not a time to experiment, especially at the early ages of your life,” he added.

Meanwhile, Joel happily noted that On The Job, which world-premiered in the non-competitive section, Directors’ Fortnight, of the Cannes Film Festival in France last summer, is doing very well in the international film market.

He said, “Festivals, aside from the prestige and awards, also serve as the film market. It’s good to show your films in a festival, but the bottomline is that you get to sell the movie, which I think On The Job was very successful with.”

When was he in Cannes, he learned that “On The Job is the most successful Philippine movie sold in a film market to date. It has been bought (by distributors) in North America, France and recently, Japan. The last count was 350,000 USD. I don’t think any Filipino film has been bought in a film market for that much. I’m happy that next year, there’s already a Filipino pavilion in Cannes, which means we have a booth that sells Filipino films.”

There are already reports that the film is eyed for an offshore remake. What makes up the film’s international appeal? “It’s a crime story, it’s not an action story,” Joel reckoned.

Recalling his conversation with American director John Sayles, who megged the Philippine-American war movie Amigo (which Joel also starred in) the actor said, “John said that we have a well of crime stories. So, when I told him about this film, he said that’s about time. It’s noir and it’s happening. It’s very accessible because it happens everywhere.”

With the country’s increasing representation in foreign filmfests plus successful stagings of local independent fests like the recently-concluded Cinemalaya, Joel commented that it is “a very exciting time” for Philippine cinema.

“For me, there’s a resurgence of Philippine cinema,” said Joel who experienced part of the so-called “second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema” with his debut work in direk Peque’s Oro, Plata, Mata in the early ‘80s. He now hopes that “the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) or the government should help not just in the financing but in the marketing and distributing of the films so there will be a much wider audience.”

Joel will be next seen in the Kimmy Dora prequel and a Cinema One Originals entry to be directed by a nephew. Having done a wide range of roles, what remains to be a challenge for him? “The challenge is you try not to act anymore. That it’s just second skin. That is what every actor hopes to achieve.”    

Produced by Star Cinema and Reality Entertainment, On The Job opens in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 28.