Albert Martinez returns to movies via ‘Housemaid’
Albert Martinez is playing the only male character in Viva Films’ melodramatic erotic drama “Housemaid,” an upcoming adaptation of a Cannes-award winning Korean film based on a 1960 classic motion picture.
The last film that Albert did was “Panday” in 2013 as he concentrated on doing mostly soap operas for the Kapamilya channel like “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” “All of Me,” “Kadenang Ginto” and “The General’s Daughter.”
“Housemaid” is Albert’s comeback project as a film actor. Aside from appearing in TV soaps, the actor took his sweet time bonding with his grandchildren, biking, and working out to shed unwanted pounds in preparation for future projects. He remains a Kapamilya and in fact, will be starting a new drama for ABS-CBN.
“My heart is with the Kapamilya but then again, I am also open with the idea of working with other networks if there will be offers,” he said.
The actor describes his role in “Housemaid” as a self-made billionaire who harbors a secret desire for the housemaid played by Kylie Versoza.
“My character is very powerful as he controls the family. He is domineering but his acting is very minimalist,” he said.
Albert is working for the first time in a lockdown set-up. “I am very happy that we are safe on the set because Viva follows very strict protocols. It feels surreal being in lockdown but what is good about it is that we have firm hold of the characters for the 10-day lockdown schedule. I need to immerse myself in character for the entire shoot.”
“I should be clear as to the position of my character in relation to the other characters in the film. My role is very hard to read – his nuances, how he reacts to people. Since he is a minimalist, I really need to prepare well.”
Directed by Rommel Santillan, “Housemaid” also stars Alma Moreno, and Jonnalyn Bartolome.
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Cannes Best Actress awardee (“Ma Rosa”) Jaclyn Jose also lends her stellar stature in “Housemaid.” She is hoping to watch any of the film’s versions to get an idea how it looks like. It was only during the movie’s story conference last week that Jaclyn learned that the film that won in Cannes was inspired by another film.
“But since we are doing our own version, everything will depend on how the director will execute the scenes and the interaction among the cast members. Sasabay tayo sa kung ano ang magiging takbo ng Pinoy version,” said Jaclyn.
Jaclyn is playing the role of a maid. “She is the one taking care of the family, she ensures the household runs well and everyone is safe,” she shared.
This is the second film that Jaclyn is doing under the new normal. Her first was a movie directed by Paul Soriano.
“I am very particular with safety precautions before I accept any project. My daughter is pregnant and I have a granddaughter. I strictly follow the protocols and if that means staying away from my daughter and my apo, I will do that because I want them to be safe,” she related.
“There are many projects that I can audition for but before I accept any offer, foremost in my mind is my safety and that of my co-stars. Bukod sa gustong malaman kung maganda ang proyekto, importante rin na malaman ko safe ba ako pag tinanggap ko ito?”
Jaclyn added she is used to shooting under lockdown since Brillante Mendoza requires such set-up on his set.
“Since the lockdown was imposed, I refrain from getting out as much as possible. But what is good in shooting under a lockdown set is that you get to concentrate well on your character. You are more focused with your work.”
When accepting film roles, one of Jaclyn’s consideration is if her character is unpredictable. As with any movie she does, foremost in her mind is giving a good performance.
“I always give what my director wants depending on his vision. I should be able to present that the character is intelligent. That she thinks. I also love it if my role has that element of unpredictability. Masarap paglaruan pag ganoon,” she said.
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