7. It's a definite crowd pleaser.
Whether you're one of those art house cineastes or a plain old love-team junkie, this movie will definitely tickle your fancy. Its clever use of indie storytelling techniques ironically fits well with the cheesy song number (yes, there is a song number) and iconic one-liners, both staples of mainstream fare. We picked up some insight on how writer James Ladioray came up with the story:
James: If you're a cineaste you can try discussing the pairs [e.g. a pair of altars, a pair of tragedies, a pair of women vying for attention, etc.]. There are about 3,000 pairs there...that's an exaggeration [laughs]. When I was writing it, I was very conscious about the pairs. When I write a screenplay, I get the core intrinsic qualities of a subject. It started with a pair of shoes so I ran away with it [laughs]. I don't know... that's the nerd in me.
8. The visuals and cinematography are superb.
According to director Raul Jorolan, it took them some time to find suitable locations for their intended shots. Some of the film sequences, in fact, were modified on-the-spot to fit the sudden changes in location. Luckily, and with Ike Avellana's talented hands on the camera, they ended up with some picturesque shots of rural Philippines that show just how much untapped beauty our country has to offer.
9. It started as a Cinemalaya entry.
Picked as one of the contenders in Cinemalaya 2007 together with some award-winning films like Pisay, Endo, and Tribu, The Red Shoes (originally titled 2,999) eventually pulled out because of time constraints.
James: I have nothing but respect for those people in independent film who can do beautiful films within the time frame. Pero talagang kapos kami sa oras. Yung time na yun, yung schedules ng artista, ang hirap-hirap talaga. Unlike King Kong or Batman, [stories that] can have several reincarnations over time, my script only has one chance to become a reality. So with a very heavy heart, I pulled out of Cinemalaya. Ayokong lumabas with something that was rushed just for the sake of beating the deadline.
Ladioray's decision actually worked to the movie's advantage. The two extra years of production gave the filmmakers more time to perfect the story and its visuals.
10. It's a Unitel production.
With films like Crying Ladies, La Visa Loca, and Magnifico in its roster, James Ladioray was ecstatic that Unitel Productions decided to produce his screenplay after their short-lived Cinemalaya stint.
James: I'm so blessed that my first film was under Unitel because this is the sort of company, with Mr. Tony Gloria, and the entire culture of Unitel, they're really for creative integrity. Sobra talaga nilang inalagaan yung film. Most writers, once the producers get their script, that's it. But in this one, they wanted to respect where I wanted to take the script. I had a very active role in the creation process.
The Red Shoes opens March 10 in theaters nationwide. Read more at the movie's official site.
