1. Let’s start off with the easiest question, where did you get the idea for The Curse?
I think it’s the same all over the world, but in recent years in Japan, I feel like there has been an increase in posts on social media criticizing people with harsher language than ever before. That’s why I wanted to depict this theme. Then, an acquaintance of mine said, “The account of a friend who passed away continues to post as if he were still alive,” and these two points inspired me to make this film.
2. I would love to talk about the effects, which look mostly like they were done practically, is that true?
Yes. I tried to make sure that as many real objects as possible were in front of the camera. I prefer it that way. However, there were many things that couldn’t be brought from Japan to Taiwan, so some of them were created using CG. Of course, he can’t spit out that much black liquid from his mouth, haha!
3. I am always curious when it comes to films with crazy death scenes, How much time do you spend trying to come up with something unique or memorable when it comes to on-screen deaths?
When you’re making a horror movie, death scenes are like a service to the audience. I have a strong sense of service, so I spend a lot of time on death scenes. This time, I spent a lot of time preparing for the dog scene at the beginning. However, the dog was so talented that we got it right in one take, so I high-fived all the staff.
4. You actually have two films that were made this year, this one, and “I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director in Brooklyn”, two different movie and genres, how was it switching your mindset when making both of them?
In fact, I also have a film called “Incomplete Chairs” that will have its world premiere at the Slash Film Festival, so I have three films that I have directed that have been released this year. Many people have asked me if this will be confusing, but I have two or three films in the works at the same time every year, so it’s not a problem at all.
5. Back to “The Curse”, what filmmakers and films were your influences when it comes to this film?
I’ve been influenced by many films, but this time I was particularly influenced by the films of director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, especially the way he creates a worldview.
6. When it comes to filming, what was the hardest scene for you to shoot ?
The temple scene was very difficult to shoot, as we had limited time, and we needed special makeup, CG, and a large number of cuts.
7. Finally, I hope people take away from your movie, that spending less time on social media is a good thing, but what do you hope they take from it?
I believe that the film belongs to the audience from the moment it is released, so they are free to think whatever they want. However, I would be happy if people could sense that there are many emotions swirling around on social media, which is not physical, and that the things written there are not necessarily true.
