The Malaysian English ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ star recalls his best memories of travelling and filmmaking
Henry Golding, most known for starring in the rom-com Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and A Simple Favour (2018), is in Hong Kong for a quick visit to be a part of the House of Celebration at St Regis, the hotel’s ongoing programme that celebrates the best of culinary, cultural, fashion and dining experiences each season.
In a conversation over afternoon tea at the St Regis Hong Kong on August 14 with Bart Buiring, Marriott International's managing director of luxury for Greater China, the actor discussed his experience of shooting his upcoming sci-fi film, Daniela Forever, a production helmed by Spanish filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo, his travel essentials, and panda poop.
In Daniela Forever Golding plays a man struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of his girlfriend, who signs up for a sleep trial that enables him to recreate his life and memories of her through lucid dreams, which the actor says is “one of my most enjoyable [movies I’ve starred in]. This character goes through the entire spectrum—from joy to loss, and everything in between.”
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Golding was also creatively challenged as the shooting schedule called for the beginning and end of the movie to be shot on the first day of filming. “So [I had] to consider what his journey had been, and what state this character would be in.”
To add to his creative challenges, the actor also tried his hand at method acting (remaining in character even when not in front of the camera) for this film. “[It] was just so tiring. It’s always a learning curve. It’s always [about] finding the right techniques that work for you.”