Actor Ryu Jun-yeol conveyed the reactions of those around him who watched "Revelations."
On the morning of the 26th, an interview with Ryu Jun-yeol, the lead actor of the Netflix film "Revelations" (directed by Yeon Sang-ho), took place at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.
"Revelations" is a work that depicts the story of a pastor who believes that punishing the culprit of a missing persons case is a divine revelation, and a detective in charge of the missing persons case who is tormented by the spirit of his deceased brother, as they each pursue their own beliefs.
In the film, Ryu Jun-yeol plays the role of Seong Min-chan, portraying a pious pastor who suddenly descends into madness with a duality that he captures through heartfelt performances. When asked if there were aspects he referenced while playing the role of a fanatical pastor, Ryu Jun-yeol said, "When I thought about what fanatic acting entails, it feels like faith. It varies whether one sees madness depending on how far they believe. I thought everyone has their own form of madness. Therefore, I sought inspiration from around me. I referenced the stubbornness felt during conversations over drinks. Doesn't everyone talk about themselves? Explaining one's logic ultimately comes down to faith. In everyday life, conversations with a boss or friends involve stubbornness and belief, and whether those bend or remain unyielding is akin to a beginning and an end. I think that's where the madness might have been expressed."
Ryu Jun-yeol, a practicing Protestant, noted that he sought advice from pastors for the prayer scenes. He said, "What I considered important was realism. I couldn't show the entire script to the pastor, but I clearly explained the situation and edited the prayer text I received. I asked to have it recorded for tone, and I found the authenticity of the tone to be amusing. Some parts were interesting and used, while others were not, but the stories from the recording session were very intriguing." However, in response to a question about the pastor's reaction after watching the movie, he remarked, "I'm curious too. Some people have seen it, but there's still no response. It's a very anxious moment. Why haven't they responded?" which elicited laughter.
When asked about his feelings regarding receiving praise from director Alfonso Cuarón, who is also a producer of "Revelations," Ryu Jun-yeol said, "I'm so happy. Director Alfonso Cuarón is someone I studied during school and a world-renowned master. I'm delighted just that he watched my work, and he even gave comments," adding, "However, I think the video he commented on hasn't been made public. Even if it is released, I do not intend to watch it. I always feel embarrassed when receiving compliments and get sweaty. It's embarrassing. I think about it while taking walks, recalling that he saw it and said good things, and it brings a smile to my face."
He said, "When preparing for the next project, it can be quite tough, but sometimes moments like these feel like solutions. Recently, I spent time with a close director, and he shared some great insights, resolving my worries for the next project. It can be both a source of courage and a moment to take a break, and I'm grateful for such words, though I tend to avoid them."
In particular, when asked if he had boasted about it to his family, Ryu Jun-yeol said, "My family doesn't know director Alfonso. My mother even said, 'You must have felt very distressed about portraying someone like that.' She mentioned that it was hard to focus on the movie, thinking of her son that way. I heard that for the first time." He added, "It's common to joke around with friends and subtly mention things, but it's so embarrassing. I try to change the subject repeatedly. However, there's a friend who hasn't watched it yet, and they are meticulously writing it down in their Death Note. They are thoroughly keeping track. The younger teammates in my soccer team are hastily trying to watch it, and I want to spread the word through articles that there isn't much time left," bringing a cheerful atmosphere. (To be continued in Interview②.)
[Photo] Netflix
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