Author Topic: Quark Henares (Read 8889 times)

Centurion Obama · « **on:** Aug 21, 2002 at 07:28 PM »

Quark Henares' new movie Gamitan has just come out. What do you guys think of it?

euphyx · « **Reply #1 on:** Aug 21, 2002 at 11:06 PM »

Yuck!

Downhill Boy · « **Reply #2 on:** Aug 22, 2002 at 01:06 AM »

Haven't seen it yet, but am not too fond of the Monsterbot "Explosive" video he directed.

I hear "Date With Jao Mapa's " really good though.

sungit · « **Reply #3 on:** Aug 22, 2002 at 02:10 AM »

i've always felt that quark "the writer" is way better than quark "the filmmaker." i've always enjoyed reading his articles and from the little i've read of "date with jao mapa." but as for his videos... well the one i've liked so far was his pin-up girls video.

GAMITAN is a bold movie quark penned originally to be directed by lyle sacris (another viva newbie). but after lyle backed out of doing a boldie, the project was handed down to quark. i've head that despite the on-set headaches and problems that usually hound first-time directors, quark's actually pretty happy (or relieved) with the movie's outcome... it being a boldie and all (i mean, how much can he actually DO to be groundbreaking in the sex flick genre?).

though i am quite curious about his debut, i don't think i'm gonna plunk down good money to see it -- as a friend said, if he gave out passes yes, rea;y money, no. i'd rather spend my hundred bucks on cinemanila and wait for it on cable. but hey, i fully support the endeavors of every new director! just not financially

commentary · « **Reply #4 on:** Aug 22, 2002 at 11:11 PM »

to copy my lengthy post from pinoy exchange...:

"Quark Henares is for real. Represent."

Joe Dallesandro · « **Reply #5 on:** Aug 23, 2002 at 12:39 AM »

I'm dying to see Gamitan. But I actually agree with SUNGIT about QUARK's grasp on the mise en scene.

I enjoyed "A DATE WITH JAO MAPA" but maybe because of the script's uncanny humor. Ditto with another film that he wrote - SLUMBER PARTY. This Guy really has a knack on writing.

But regardless whether he gets my nod for GAMITAN, I still support the man for his indie convictions. I'm troubled though as to how will he manage to produce films that really matter. If he gets Vincent's (VIVA) good remarks, the boy might be stuck with directing mainstream crap just like what Bb. Joyce Bernal is doing.
Oh well maybe in time he should produce and finance his own movies, movies that are totally within his control. Will check the movie this weekend and will definitely give my two cents worth on the said flick.

ßartmaniac · « **Reply #6 on:** Aug 23, 2002 at 02:21 AM »

I've read somewhere that Viva producers gave him guidelines on what not to do. Among others, here's what I distinctly remember:

* No flashbacks
* No non-linear story-telling

the reason? Viewers get easily confused daw. That's the biggest insult to the viewing public that feeds them.

Downhill Boy · « **Reply #7 on:** Aug 26, 2002 at 10:44 PM »

Aaargh!

Nakakainis yun! What else are the other guidelines??? I wouldn't be surprised if Quark's contract included these-

Breast exposure must be more than 9 frames long but not exceed 3 seconds unless actress' areola is covered by male lead's thumb and forefinger.

Dialogue must have at least one paragraph of swardspeak per page.

Final Act must involve one of three things- a) A song and dance number in any National Park or beach resort, utilizing male extras in violet trunks and a female dance group from a noontime show. b) A climactic fight scene which takes place in a warehouse with strategically placed metal drums to allow the actors to hide behind in and utter swear words at each other, right before the villain jumps into a 1982 Gemini (walang budget kasi for any car newer than a 1990 model), which male lead promptly blows up right after muttering the movie's title, ex: "Magbabalik Ka Sa Lupa Na Dinaanan Mo!" or c) A pivotal scene wherein rebellious child is reunited with forgiving family, accompanied by entire barkada and clan down to the great grand lolo, and hugs and lessons learned are exchanged in teary-eyed Visine induced bliss. Cue theme song by Roselle Nava.

Haaay. The industry. Someone should do an Altman and make a Philippine version of The Player. THAT I'd watch!

RidgeRacer · « **Reply #8 on:** Aug 27, 2002 at 12:05 AM »

I saw GAMITAN already and I must say "Never judge a film by its poster and newspaper photos". Gamitan is actually a pretty good movie, and it's not "another bold movie" that most people expect.

The biggest draw to this movie, even bigger than Maui Taylor, is Quark Henares' uses of modern filming techniques in presenting this Tagalog bold movie.

The result is impressive. I love the camera work and film editing. Not only that, Quark brought out very good performances from the cast, especially with Maui.

Maui is not just a sexy and daring lady in front of the camera, she is also a very good actress. You should see her most emotional scene in the film: you'll really feel the pain of heart.

Gamitan is easily the best bold movie I've seen, and as a Tagalog movie, one of the best I've seen the last few years. The film industry needs more directors like Quark, directors who studied filmaking in the prestigious NYFA.

Definitely worth the time and spent. Now I'm already looking towards the DVD release and VIVA should not screw up on that.

ßartmaniac · « **Reply #9 on:** Aug 27, 2002 at 06:39 AM »

Related Article/Review:

'Gamitan': Honest, quarky, look at sex games
by: Oliver M. Pulumbarit

except:
"Despite the restrictions of not doing flashbacks, he gets away with devices that don't confuse the viewer at all. He knows the audience has seen everything and doesn't insult their collective intelligence. You'll notice several subtle out-of-sequence elements if you watch it at least twice. Non-linear elements be damned!"

barrid · « **Reply #10 on:** Aug 27, 2002 at 07:22 AM »

I get 'invalid syntax error' when I clicked on the link.

RidgeRacer's review seems like it is 'a must see movie'. I hope they would release it on video as early as they can. Or if the movie is really that good. They may want to show it on some Arthouse in the US.

ßartmaniac · « **Reply #11 on:** Aug 27, 2002 at 09:41 AM »

Apologies for the dead link, barrid. I actually forgot to include the URL inside the tags.

na-Row 4 ako eh!

Anyway, I've corrected the error already.

clockwork chico · « **Reply #12 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 09:38 AM »

Quote from: RidgeRacer on Aug 27, 2002 at 12:05 AM

The result is impressive. I love the camera work and film editing. Not only that, Quark brought out very good performances from the cast, especially with Maui.

Maui is not just a sexy and daring lady in front of the camera, she is also a very good actress. You should see her most emotional scene in the film: you'll really feel the pain of heart.

i was already kinda worried, if i was the only person who noticed this...maui indeed gave a very good performance in this movie

as for the movie itself, did you guys notice how the last few scenes shifted in a different direction? but still the same, the story was predictable

good job by quark henares though

Papi Chulo · « **Reply #13 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:05 AM »

isn't "A date with jao mapa" a rip off of being john malkovich ? A good friend of mine is his 1st cousin (and weirdly quarck is my nephew cause his mom is my cousin but even if we're close cousins by blood I'm not close with them long story !!! hehehe so dont come down of me as being close to him

). If he was the good writer they say he is why does he have to take on a genre that doesn't amount to anything when it comes to respect. He's gotta a contract for like three movies within the same soft porn genre. Anyways if he plans on trying to revolutionize bold films in the philippines nobody is going to get it. People are just going to check out his movie cause of the flesh factor. Sweet meat if you know what I'm talkin about (sweet meat = young girl). Anyways it's going to make more to convince me that he's doing something different. He's gotta long career so he may be to pull something off. I'm not on the bandwagon yet. I may never be. But I really hope he makes it !

RitchieNolasco · « **Reply #14 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 04:52 PM »

Hey guys! I just watched Gamitan and I'm impressed. Maui rules and I think she deserves more recognition for her act in this movie. Acting awards are not far away from landing to her lap.

I think the film's story is good, it does get predictable but with the way Quark directed it, the movie is justified.

Just my opinion, had that movie been directed by someone else, Gamitan would have been a WORSE MADE movie and I don't think we would have seen good acting.

Quark has proven he can get the best out of the cast and crew members. He has 2 more Viva movies left in his contract and I want to see MORE!

I just hope he directs a movie with Regine Velasquez. Who knows, maybe we'll see Regine act more dramatically or expressively with Quark at the helm.

Quark deserves praise. He has proven that he learned many things from that certain famous film school in America.

commentary · « **Reply #15 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 10:11 PM »

"isn't "A date with jao mapa" a rip off of being john malkovich ?"

umm, have you seen "A Date with Jao Mapa"? It is in *no* way a rip off of Being John Malkovich...

Maui's acting??? If an actors voice and gestures make up her acting ability, then let's just say that Maui isn't half an actress. The former wasn't hers folks.

On top of that, I think the cuts Quark made, the editing style for Maui's big dramatic scenes, went a ways in hiding her shortcomings.

Papi Chulo · « **Reply #16 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 10:19 PM »

thanks for the reinforcement there 3 people including his cousin were telling me rip off of being john malkovich. I guess the Philippines is trying to have the Philippine version of Spike Jonez. Except our version does soft porn hahahaha

I hope we can expect bigger and better stuff from him. But I'm not expecting anything kinda gave up on Philippine cinema. But if something good comes up I'd be really happy for the industry because good lord they really need something cutting edge at this point to save this huge sinking ship.

commentary · « **Reply #17 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 10:35 PM »

Sorry, made a mistake on my post, i meant it is in *NO* way a rip off of Being John Malkovich.

the ripples are being made and the tide will turn...

a change is coming in Philippine cinema...

And Quark will be a major factor in that change.

One of the best things about him, is that he seems to churn out scripts like butter. His humor and dialogue is fresh, and should he continue to write and write, we will have a nice alternative to Ricky Lee. (he's eveywhere! not that his scripts are bad, but a change of pace is always welcome)

Papi Chulo · « **Reply #18 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 10:38 PM »

oh okay. I see ne parang spin doctor ka for him

I saw your former comments. Anyways is this his firt full length motion picture debut ?

commentary · « **Reply #19 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 10:40 PM »

"spin doctor"? what exactly are you trying to say by that?

yeah, this is his first feature film.

Papi Chulo · « **Reply #20 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:08 PM »

when i read all your comments commentary all I saw was pure hype up of the guy. Like the next big thing or "this guy is the real thing represent". Sure he maybe good and he may have went to a 3 month course in New york but I've never seen a serious director start off with his debut with soft porn. A genre in the Philippines which isn't given any respect to begin. A genre in which people come in only for "self gratification". I'm sure this guy has talent but I would like to see talent directed in another direction. I'm sure the intentions were there while writing the story. Trying to bring integrity and respect to a genre that doesn't have any. Or as matter of fact trying to hit two birds with one stone in trying to reach out to the masses with his deep and dynamic plot. But I think it was to ambitious for a neophyte. I believe he should already leave the "pop culture" story telling and move on to bigger things. I believe he's got 3 more flicks on the way which are related to soft porn again. Anyways this is all constructive on my part and I hope you understand. Thanks

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #21 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:13 PM »

"I've never seen a serious director start off with his debut with soft porn"

Um--Kurosawa Kyoshi started in porn.

Strange thing is, he took one of his early pinku films, re-edited it and added footage, then showed it again, as "The Excitment of the Do-Re-Mi-Fa Girls." It's pretty good.

Papi Chulo · « **Reply #22 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:20 PM »

Thanks for the trivia

Well i can put that to my list. But I guess my point was that soft porn in this country is totally different. I would say Japan doesn't count.ven during the early years of kurosawa. I'd love to see it though Noel. Seeing soft porn of the fifties. That would be a blast

How was the flick altogether though ?

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #23 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:26 PM »

Kurosawa Akira started out as a painter, then an assistant, before the war. He did only one scene involving anything remotely sexual, and that's in Seven Samurai.

Uh--maybe not. There's also Ran.

Kurosawa Kyoshi is the rage in film festivals today. Saw his License to Live, 1995 or 1996. He's part of The Cinema of the Comatose (my term), which includes Angelopolous, Kore-eda, Edward Yang, Hou Hsiao Hisen, and Tsai Ming Liang, who's not exactly a crowd fave around here (now you know why). Lav Diaz admires him a lot (now you know why Lav does the films he does). The softcore porn flick he made was probably in the '80s.

Haven't seen Gamitan--so I can't go pro or con. May catch it--right now my priority is the Cinemanila flicks.

Papi Chulo · « **Reply #24 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:35 PM »

haven't seen anything of kyoshi kurosawa. Should have read ur previous post it passed me lang as kurosawa by itself. Anyways thanks for the correction. Japan is still whole entire different playing field when it comes to cinema I'm guessing. And I'm pretty much sure that soft core there doesn't come out as smutty as does here. Medyo feel ko dyan everybody who is acclaimed has did a little of soft porn but i maybe wrong. And maybe coming to think about it I'm sure a local director must have started there on. So I guess commentary when it comes to directorial debuts soft porn maybe a path many have taken though I wouldn't be to sure. I stand corrected

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #25 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:46 PM »

Porn IS an art in Japan. There's the Roman Porn in the '60s, the more recent Pink Eiga. They're showing three Pink Eigas in UP this Thursday, the best one is Rustling in Bed.

The woman there reams the guy out. Shocks the audience every time.

sungit · « **Reply #26 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:59 PM »

barry sonenfeld started out as a porn director

Papi Chulo · « **Reply #27 on:** Aug 28, 2002 at 11:59 PM »

damn sounds gooood hahaha

I already made plan with my friend and she's already game na for the ring. But it would be pretty cool to give her some roman porn. hahahha.

But yeah I figured that Japan is a whole different ballgame when it comes to porn in genereal. That's why they don't count when it comes to Philippine cinema hahaha. Porn natin is cheap and tasteless I cannot speak for the former past films because I am not famillar with Philippine cinema. Though definetly I will give this flick (Gamitan) a try.

Noel_Vera · « **Reply #28 on:** Aug 29, 2002 at 03:25 AM »

We had some great erotic films in the '80s--Boatman, Misteryo sa Tuwa, Scorpio Nights, Init sa Magdamag. I prefer Scorpio to In the Realm of the Senses, myself--I prefer the psychology there.

Segurista is pretty good too.

Papi Chulo · « **Reply #29 on:** Aug 29, 2002 at 11:03 AM »

well the point i really tried to convey wasn't really to much on being a porn director

But more on the how philippine cinema looks like today. I guess the 80's was a gentler time for soft porn because then it was artistic etc. But now with the emergence of talong , itlog, etc. I mean to the ordinary viewer who watches these movies it doesn't make a difference cause all people want to see is Maui's breasts

Since he is a good writer from what I hear I think he demands more respect. And in the field of Soft porn in the Philippines I wouldn't be to sure.