Article

Feeling So Close to Karen Mok

i-Weekly, No. 254, September 2002

Derek Cheong

Dressed in simple outfit, she was the first to arrive at the studio. The costume designer helped her choose 3 sets of clothes. Looking at them for a brief moment, she only said “Okay” and went into the changing room. She did not raise any objections at all. During photo session, she was told by the photographers to do many different poses. Whatever was requested, she simply acceded, without any opposing views. Professionalism and confidence made the camera and clothes supplementary.

Eking out a living in the society doesn’t mean that you should harm anybody, or trounce them. It is most important that you don’t get bullied by anyone.

First Talk - 1.05pm

Actually, Karen Mok is even more beautiful in real life. 'Always felt that the camera lens fails to capture the most interesting facets of her, even though her approach to photograph taking was extremely professional, with remarkable body language.

So Close is as interesting during filming as when off-work.

In the movie, the threesome kick and punch furiously, doing some neat moves. Off-camera, there were rumours about the fierce competition between them, fighting for rankings and more screen time. Facing such a sensitive topic, Karen Mok, to this reporter’s surprise, did not attempt to prevaricate and shrug it off with a smile.

“It was great shooting So Close. I was very happy, it was very memorable. When shooting a movie, it’s not the screen time of the character, or being ranked the top, that would make the audience notice you. One should be completely engrossed in the role, and once you’ve put yourself totally into the role, the audience will never neglect your presence.”

People from all walks of life are bound to compete against each other, especially women.

She merely uncharacteristically seal her lips, so as not to let her laughter overwhelm the room.

“I have always been very mindful of my movie performances. However, I don’t compare myself with other artistes. Better or worse, win or lose, my opponent is always myself.”

Her phone rang, it was a long-distance call from Hong Kong.

Her voice was very gentle. The tone of her voice expressed sincerity. Bereft of her squiggles in front of media, the person on the line was perhaps some friend she cared about very much?

After hanging up the phone, she smiled as a signal to continue.

She likes martial arts, even though these are manly actions. But in her eyes, the way a woman fights is a sensual form of expression. “If I had the chance, I would want to do action movies again. I feel that I could still improve on my actions.”

Karen Mok, who was born under Gemini, still managed to enthrall the audience though her actions were not the most sophisticated and her make-up was not the best looking among the three in So Close.

“When I say I am going to do it, I will definitely do it. And when I do something, I demand the very best from myself. I do not like doing things on ad hoc basis. If I don’t like it, there is no need to force myself.

By chance, when she was studying abroad in USA, she saw an advertisement seeking stage actors and actresses to appear in Miss Saigon. Though she did not major in acting, she rushed off immediately for an interview, without considering anything. In 1994, she suddenly thought of the past when she used her father's shaver to shave her brother’s head. So she walked into the show business with a bald image.

A goal-driven but not exactly impetuous person, she said there are times when she feel bored, when she lacked enthusiasm. “I don’t wish to be the same as other people. That would be too ordinary. I believe in feelings. When it comes, I could not obstruct it.” She smiled broadly as she answered.
 

The Second Interview: 2.25pm

She changed into another set of clothes. Sitting in front of the mirror, waiting for the photo taking. Occasionally lapsing into silent ponder, occasionally talking to the make-up artist. The ordinary mien that changed a striking expression when in the studio.

Approached her and gently told her that the interview may be resumed. It was still that nondescript smile. With an utter of “Okay”, she immediately transform herself from a pensive to attentive look.

This time, not wishing to ask her questions, this reporter wanted her to raise questions and give answers herself. The topic: What I Wish to Say…

“Okay…” She pondered for a few seconds, “The next year is my tenth anniversary of being in the showbiz. Hahaha…” She blinked, “You are unable to tell, aren’t you?” She asked impishly. A rare expression.

Having been through all these years, having toiled hard before gaining some results. Without much turbulences, or peacefulness.

Her career over the years is neither full of turmoil or calmness. She had gone through bitterness before having a taste of sweetness. She did not achieve fame overnight. She only gained significance after appearing in Stephen Chow’s God of the Cookery in 1996.

“When the time is not ripe, whatever that is not yours would not become yours.” She simplified her development over the years. Some started off slowly initially, like when she was studying. When young, her results weren’t exceptional. Only after entering the secondary school did she emerge as one of Hong Kong’s top students.

When asked to share what she has learned in the past ten years, she burst out laughing. Feeling rather unnatural, “Survival in the society is somewhat of a rat race. You must know how to fight for chances yourself. Otherwise, people won’t generously create opportunities for you. As such, I feel that the competition in the society is not that you should harm others, defeat them. Rather, it is of paramount importance that you don’t get bullied.” When she tripped, when she failed, she would insist on starting all over again, rather than giving herself excuses. “My principle in handling matters is using direct ways to analyse the situations.”

Would she pursue her career in the entertainment field for another 10 years?

“I would never give up anything I like passionately easily. As for how many years would I stay in this field, I don’t know and neither do I want to think about it. When the feeling is gone, I would leave.” Having good qualifications, being conversant in various languages, she never felt that the dream of being a star is something to be embarrassed about. For, she has found discovered that feeling.

[ Main ]