2046 The World Wong Kar Wai Created
WONG KAR WAI is known for being a perfectionist. One of the reasons that 2046 took five years to complete is because his style is to painstakingly create pictorial images using an improvisation technique. To make sure that each of his actors will give his or her best performance; he took time to explain in detail to them what he was seeking so that his actors could immerse themselves into the characters. In order for them to “act” the character that each was portraying sufficient time had to be taken to insure that each “became” their character.
No matter whatever doubts and speculation circulated around the film, director Wong and his team remained committed to the film. When the film had its World Premiere at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, the New York Times wrote, “2046 will start a bidding war. It is well worth the wait.” Similarly, in the U.K., the Guardian noted, “2046 is filled with mystery. It is intriguing and a film with great depth.” LE HONDE added, “2046 is a film made by WKW at his peak”
At the recent 57th Cannes International Film Festival where 2046 premiered and was widely acclaimed by critics from around the globe, Time Magazine wrote, “Wong Kar Wai is the most romantic director in the world. 2046 is one of the best films of the year.” The Los Angeles Times noted, “Tony Leung Chiu Wai is one of the world’s best actors and filled with charisma.
