In her six decades in front of the camera, her role in the gripping “Uninvited” still managed to challenge and excite iconic actress Vilma Santos.
Ate Vi, the “Star for All Seasons,” shared her thoughts on the difficulties she faced portraying the character of Eva Candelaria at the media launch of “Uninvited” in Cebu City.
“Playing the role of Eva Candelaria is not easy,” she confessed. “Even the time when we were conceptualizing the story, that time pa lang alam ko ng medyo metikoloso ‘yung role ni Eva Candelaria, but then again, I was so excited with this movie kasi very challenging ‘yung character niya.”
Ate Vi went on to explain that her preparation for the role, as well as the guidance from director Dan Villegas, were crucial in bringing her character to life.
“I think ‘yung preparation ay malaking tulong … [at] support and motivation of my director, Direk Dan Villegas, kasi in every scene that we do ay well guided po ako ng aming director.
“I heard he said that this time, I want to see you as a mother and then in this scene, I want to see you as Eva Candelaria. So, doon ko kinukuha ‘yung motivation on how to react as Eva Candelaria as a mother. Kaya napakalaking tulong and guidance ng aking director to play this meticulous character in the movie Uninvited,” she explained.
Aside from her mom, Ate Vi looked to her own experience as a mother in portraying Eva.
“Because now I’m a mother at dito ko lang masasabi sa harapan ninyo as Vilma Santos this time. I will do anything and everything for my children,” she asserted.
She went on to explain how this maternal instinct reflected in her character.
“Kaya kung anuman ang ipinakita ni Lilia o Eva Candelaria ay ito ‘yung sinasabing may kinalaman sa mother’s love, may kinalaman sa injustice, and then may kinalaman din sa pagiging abused or abusive. Dito iikot ‘yung gusto naming ipakita sa inyo because ‘yung mga nabanggit kong salita ay palagay ko nangyayari rin sa lipunan natin ngayon.
“So, looking forward na sana mapanood ninyong lahat ang ‘Uninvited,’ we’re gonna offer you something different. It’s kinda dark but with a beautiful message, that’s ‘Uninvited’,” she related.
“Uninvited” received an R-16 rating from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) due to certain scenes deemed inappropriate for viewers under 16. MTRCB representatives suggested cutting or editing some of these scenes, but producer Bryan Diamante of Mentorque and Direk Dan refused to make any changes.
“Hindi po pumayag ang aming director at producer ay dahil, isang eksena lang ang tanggalin mo ay hindi mabubuo ang istorya. Ganu’n kabuo at kaganda ang pelikulang ito, so, we settle for R-16 and I assure you na hindi po kay magsisisi,” said Ate Vi.
The seasoned star also expressed her gratitude for being part of “Uninvited” in celebration of the golden anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival, which kicks off on December 25.
“Sampung pelikula po ‘yan na ipalalabas sa Christmas Day as part of the golden anniversary of Metro Manila Film Festival at masuwerteng kasama po ang pelikula naming ‘Uninvited’ at sana po ay masuportahan ninyo,” she said.
“Uninvited” is produced by Mentorque Productions, Warner Bros., and Project 8 Projects and will open in cinemas on December 25.
