At the 26th edition of the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Fred Film Radio, had the opportunity to interview Félix Chong, the director of “The Goldfinger.” The conversation started with a light-hearted question about Monty Python, revealing Félix Chong‘s admiration for the comedy group and his inclination towards injecting humor into his films. I then delved into the significance of reuniting Tony Leung and Andy Lau after 21 years, prompting Chong to emphasize the suitability of their roles in “The Goldfinger” and the evolution of their acting prowess over the years.
Transitioning to the character development in the film, I probed Félix Chong about his decision to portray Henry Shin as an enigmatic figure, drawing parallels to real-life events such as the downfall of the Carian Group in 1983. Félix Chong explained the meticulous process of character creation, highlighting the collaborative efforts between himself, Tony Leung, and the production team to bring Eric Cheen to life on screen.
As the conversation progressed, I explored Félix Chong‘s working relationship with the seasoned actors, Leung and Lau. Félix Chong described the demanding yet rewarding nature of collaborating with such professional talents, likening them to high-performance vehicles that accelerate with every challenge. He also shared insights into Tony Leung‘s transformation into his character, emphasizing the emotional depth required to drive his performance.
Reflecting on pivotal moments in his career, Chong credited “Infernal Affairs” as a defining milestone that allowed him to carve out his creative space as a screenwriter-turned-director. He expressed gratitude for the success of the film, which validated his innovative approach to storytelling and marked a significant achievement in his professional journey.
In conclusion, I thanked Félix Chong for the insightful conversation, highlighting his contributions as the director of “Goldfinger” and acknowledging the depth of his cinematic vision. Through our dialogue, audiences gained valuable insights into Félix Chong‘s creative process, collaborative ethos, and the transformative power of filmmaking.
Plot
Inspired by a real financial case, The Goldfinger pits diabolical billionaire Henry Ching against honest investigator Lau Kai-yuen, head of the anti-corruption unit, in a breathless battle played out in the shadows of Hong Kong's glittering skyscrapers. Will justice be able (and willing) to triumph? With echoes of Johnnie To, John Woo and, of course, Scorsese, who “translated” Infernal Affairs into the magnificent The Departed, The Goldfinger is an unmissable crime drama where the best of Hong Kong cinema really shines!