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| ▲ This photo provided by CJ ENM on July 10, 2024, shows Korean actor Ju Ji-hoon, starring in Kim Tae-gon's latest film, "Escape: Project Silence." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 11 (Yonhap) -- Kim Tae-gon's latest film, "Escape: Project Silence" (hereafter "Project Silence"), set to be released on the 12th, is a disaster movie that tells the story of people isolated on a foggy sea bridge after a catastrophic chain-reaction collision.
The film vividly portrays events like the crash of a rescue helicopter, the collapse of the bridge, and the attack of secret killer dogs through visual effects (VFX).
However, "Project Silence" does not overly rely on computer graphics (CG). The actors' physical performances combined with CG deliver an immersive experience for the audience. One scene, where tow truck driver Jo Park (played by Ju Ji-hoon) dives into the trunk of a moving car while being chased by the killer dogs, exemplifies this blend.
"I thought my shoulders were going to break then. It was really tough, trying to wedge myself into that trunk," Ju Ji-hoon said with a laugh during an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 10th. At 187 cm tall, fitting into the cramped trunk was more challenging than many other action scenes for him.
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| ▲ This still photo of Kim Tae-gon's latest film, "Escape: Project Silence," provided by CJ ENM on July 10, 2024, shows lead actor Ju Ji-hoon. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Another scene where Jo Park breathes strong alcohol into a torch to create a massive flame was also shot without CG. Ju Ji-hoon explained, "The production team said it could be dangerous and suggested using CG, but I didn't want to fake the emotions I wanted to express through the performance."
In "Project Silence," which maintains a dark and heavy atmosphere, Jo Park is almost the sole character providing comic relief. Ju Ji-hoon described Jo Park as a character who offers a refreshing sense of release when he expresses imagined emotions.
Ju Ji-hoon further elaborated, "While disasters evoke heavy emotions like fear, 'Project Silence' is a commercial popcorn movie. Jo Park's role is to ensure the audience can enjoy the film with a light and fun mindset." He joined the project because he wanted to participate in a popcorn movie and enjoyed the functional role Jo Park plays.
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| ▲ This still photo of Kim Tae-gon's latest film, "Escape: Project Silence," provided by CJ ENM on July 10, 2024, shows lead actor Ju Ji-hoon (far L). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
With his long dyed-yellow hair, orange jacket, and jeans, Jo Park stands out visually. Ju Ji-hoon said he envisioned the character based on gas station attendants he saw in the early 1990s during his childhood. Despite Jo Park's selfish nature, fixated on making money by any means, he harbors a deep humanity. His affectionate care for his pet dog, Jody, highlights his warm side. Ju Ji-hoon humorously noted, "Maybe because I'm born in the year of the dog, I don't have trouble communicating with dogs."
"Project Silence" is also the final film of the late Lee Sun-kyun, who tragically passed away last year. Lee played the protagonist, Jeong Won, an administrative officer at the Blue House's National Security Office. The studious and composed Jeong Won starkly contrasts with the rough and carefree Jo Park. Ju Ji-hoon fondly remembered Lee as a good colleague, mentor, and actor, and enjoyed working with him. He praised Lee's attention to detail and dedication to maintaining plausibility in the story.
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| ▲ This still photo of Kim Tae-gon's latest film, "Escape: Project Silence," provided by CJ ENM on July 10, 2024, shows lead actors Lee Sun-kyun (L) and Ju Ji-hoon. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
As the biggest Korean film released this summer, "Project Silence" carries significant pressure to succeed at the box office. Now 42, Ju Ji-hoon shared that he has become more resilient to the film's success or failure over the years, understanding that making a movie or drama is a collaborative effort.
When asked about his plans for starring in a romance film, Ju Ji-hoon smiled and said, "I love the genre and would like to try it, but I haven't received any offers yet." He added, "I always keep the desire to do a classic romance film alive."
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