Having gained popularity through such movies as "Zombi Kampung Pisang", "Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah", "Husin, Mon dan Jin Pakai Toncit", "Zombi Kilang Biskut" and "Werewolf Dari Bagladesh", Syed Mohamad Asri, also known as Shy8 or Usop Wilcha, returns to the silver screen with "Usop Wilcha: Menghonjang Makhluk Muzium". Before this, Usop Wilcha was often involved only as an actor in his movies. However, for his latest outing, he not only wrote the script but also produced the movie, while renowned director Mamat Khalid helmed the project. The movie follows the wax figures of famous rulers such as Sultan Melaka, Perak Man, Bendahara Tun Perpatih Putih and Datuk Maharaja Lela who come to life and attempt to stop Count Dracula from being brought to life as well. Cinema Online had the chance to talk to the cast and director of "Usop Wilcha: Menghonjang Makhluk Muzium" during the press preview recently, where Usop revealed that the movie is more than mere entertainment as it also educates on the gradually forgotten Malay history. Read on to find out more on what the cast and directors have to say. How did the idea for the movie come about? Usop: I like history but it's hard to make a serious history film that will attract moviegoers. So, I added a few comedic elements in the movie as a way to link it to historic figures that had made many contributions to the country. When I was writing the script, I tried to insert a lot of perspectives in the storyline but the core message is about independence. What I'm trying to do here is remind the nation that we are falling apart, but we've gone through this before and we must be careful so as not to repeat history.
Aren't you worried that the audience will think the movie is making fun of history as it has plenty of historical facts in it? Usop: It's my way to incorporate many historical events in one story and I think the audience will be able to understand that. In fact if you look at the cast, you will see that I am not making fun of history. I discussed this with director Mamat Khalid, we wanted to showcase these historical figures so that when people watch the movie they would be intrigued to know more about their story. Mamat Khalid, you were only directing this time around, why were you not involved in the editing process as well? Mamat: Usually when I direct a movie I will also do the editing but for this movie, Usop and the production wanted to be in charge during post-production and I agreed. This is Usop's script, after all, and I wanted to follow his pacing. Though I did take a look during the editing process and gave my opinions.
Are you satisfied with the editing? Mamat: As a director/editor, I can't lie and say I am 100 percent satisfied. I was nervous while watching because I was worried the movie might not be good, but I was surprised to hear the audience laughing and enjoying the movie. This proves that the storyline is strong and the audience doesn't care much on the technical aspect. However, I still have a few more days before the movie is screened so the editor and I will enhance it with a few special effects so that it will be more interesting.
As for Elizabeth Tan, this is your first movie, care to share your experience filming it? Elizabeth Tan: I had no problem playing my part even though I was working alongside great actors. They were very humble and helped me a lot. I feel lucky and happy to have been given this chance. Nasir Bilal Khan, Namron, Along Eyzendy and Farah Dhiya also star in "Usop Wilcha: Meghonjang Makhluk Muzium".