Judging by the screaming fans and a frenzied rush for the cordoned-off area at the Bing Theatre last night, unsuspecting passersby may have speculated that Justin Bieber was striding down the red carpet.
In fact, the object of their passion and desire was Southern Korean Movie Star - Lee Byung-hun - who first sprang onto the International scene playing an ultra-sexy border guard in the box-office hit "Joint Security Area".
Lee (remarkably low-key in an elegant understated charcoal-grey suit teamed with a crisp white dress shirt) did not disappoint when he strolled out at the special event – a premiere of his new movie “Masquerade” - sponsored by the New York Times and Film Independent at LACMA.
Whenever he posed for a publicity still at a handful of perches along the runway, a swarm of giggling girls immediately rushed the handsome actor impromptu, anxious to get an up-close glimpse of every bodily nuance, grin, raise of an eyebrow, or glance in their direction.
“Masquerade” is a lush historical drama set in the opulent Palace of Korea’s ancient Joseon Dynasty which traces the political intrigues that ensue when King Gwanghae hires a body double to prevent a rumored assassination attempt.
Of course, both parts – that of a lowly working-class village performer and the King – are played admirably by Lee Byung-hun.
At the Q & A after the screening, Lee – a down-to-earth approachable superstar if ever there was one – fessed up that he preferred tackling the role of the underdog (or, as he put it, the fake King).
“Playing the two characters was quite challenging for me,” he admitted to the host who was fumbling and gushing all over the rising superstar.
For the record, Lee noted that while he was particularly keen on the humor in “Masquerade”, in spite of the fact the subject matter in those particular scenes was a bit “risky” in his estimation for this period piece.
I wholeheartedly agree.
Scripted material dealing with flatulence isn’t always easy to pull off (although it usually gets a guffaw or two from some buffoon in the audience).
Although the director (and actor) walked a tightrope, in this instant case, they struck a comedic balance which succeeded.
Audiences were roaring in the aisles!
At times, the host was bit cerebral when posing questions to Lee, which the cunning performer used to his advantage to spark the otherwise dry one-on-one interview with a bit of humor as it dragged on.
"I understand that you are a fan of actors like Steve McQueen who don't speak much," the moderator quizzed at one point.
"Yes," the popular actor quipped, with a twinkle in his eye, and without skipping a beat.
Next question, please!
As to his preparation, well, it appears to be a piece of cake for Mr. Byung-hun.
"I try to fall into the role," he fessed up.
It was the "humanity" of the King that triggered Lee's decision to accept the role(s) in "Masquerade".
The opportunity to work with director Choo Chang-min (again) was another plus.
"We're real close," Lee noted for the record.
"But, we're not lovers or anything."
Uh-huh!
It was evident from the gales of laughter - that Lee was not only at the top of his game last night - but had the world in the palm of his hand.
Congrats on the Bruce Lee upcoming gig, Lee Byung-hun! (RED 2)
Videos of Red Carpet Event (YouTube)
http://youtu.be/Fr8hg4lkZKk
http://youtu.be/OAPneVnJOZs
http://youtu.be/-QEySjgD6-4
http://youtu.be/uN3Xf9qLJQY
(YouTube Account / Julian Ayrs)
Handler mops superstars brow at frenzied premiere at LACMA
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