MANILA, Philippines—Horror movies should not always look ugly or decrepit,” says Rico Ilarde, son of ’60s radio and TV icon Eddie Ilarde and director of “Villa Estrella.”
Ilarde says that while gore and hideous images are considered essential ingredients of horror films in general, he made “Villa Estrella” different. “It was a conscious effort to make this a lush-looking horror film with a different palette,” Ilarde tells a group of writers. “We wanted to make something eerie, at the same time, modern.”
“Villa Estrella,” produced by Star Cinema, is about Ana, who sets out to find the answer to her disturbing dreams and ends up in a resort that houses tormented souls. Ana is portrayed by Shaina Magdayao. Jake Cuenca plays Ana’s ex-boyfriend Alex. Maja Salvador and Geoff Eigenmann are the former couple’s friends Giselle and Dennis, respectively.
Ilarde says the film was difficult to undertake. “It’s a dramatic film, which means you have to spend a lot of time encouraging actors, getting believable performances, and at the same time it’s a horror flick, with complicated effects, stunts and production design,” he explains.
Ilarde reports that the actors took a crash course on diving, specifically for the underwater scenes they had to make. He also consulted Marissa Florendo, who is recognized for her expertise in underwater cinematography.
Louie Quirino, the film’s director of photography, wanted the film to have “some sensuality,” says Ilarde. “This movie has two gorgeous women in it. We wanted them shot very beautifully and lit very well. Extra attention was also given to their performances, which were very passionate.”
Adolf Alix Jr., Joel Mercado and JP Abellera co-wrote “Villa Estrella.”
What would be the perfect horror movie?
Ilarde: I’d say the elements that make a perfect horror movie would be: A) an original and intriguing story line; B) main characters that you will care for, so when you put them in danger, the audience can empathize and get behind them wholeheartedly; C) when the film provides the visceral thrills in a smart manner, but doesn’t appear condescending to the viewer. Lastly, the horror films I’m partial to also have a strong technical and artistic base with regard to cinematography.
Who’s your favorite horror filmmaker?
I think every horror filmmaker owes a debt to Alfred Hitchcock. All of them, from Polanski to Spielberg to Shymalan to Carpenter, cribs from Hitch. He brought the craft to another level. Before him, horror films were considered lowbrow or disposable, until he came along and made the genre respectful and even artistic. I guess he’s the giant among giants in this particular genre.
Why does “Villa Estrella” have three writers?
Star Cinema is no different from a typical Hollywood studio where writers make a name for themselves within the studio system for a specific field. In this case, Joel was known for delivering the thrills in the horror series “Nginiig.” Adolf is known for writing very real and gritty human drama, while JP is an expert of the “Star Cinema touch,” being a creative manager himself. The studio executives left no stone unturned with regard to the material.
“Villa Estrella” is Star Cinema’s 16th anniversary presentation. It also features John Estrada, Celine Lim and John Arcilla. It opens nationwide starting today.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph
