Writers: Stephen Belber, Bizhan M. Tong, Selena Lee and Bonnie Lo
Director Bizhan M. Tong
Richard Linklater’s 2001 version of Tape (which was written by Stephen Belber who contributes to the current version as does Selena Lee who also performs) also became a fringe theatre adaptation in a cellar in Manchester. Director Bizhan M. Tong’s adaptation moves the storyline to the present day and shifts the action to Hong Kong and, although respectful to the point of caution, makes small innovations which have a strong impact.
In the present day Chong ( who, for professional purposes, prefers to use the western name Jon and is played by Kenny Kwan), a modestly successful indie filmmaker returns to Hong Kong for a Film Festival and takes the opportunity to meet with his school friend Wing (Adam Tin-Nam Pak). In the initial verbal sparring Jon seems to have made greater progress since their schooldays. Married and with an established career and aspirations towards the international film scene whereas Wing is a lifeguard who earns the bulk of his income selling drugs. More significantly Wing’s girlfriend has left him claiming his violent tendencies amount to bipolar disorder.
Variations in the quality of the film and Wing constantly messing with his phone are hints the conversation is being recorded. Sure enough, Wing has planned a trap. He reminds Jon of Amy (co-author Selena Lee) who Wing dated in high school but with whom Jon had sex on the night they graduated. Wing claims to have evidence Jon’s seduction techniques amounted to rape. After a certain amount of hair-splitting as to what constitutes rough but consensual sex Jon admits to not only applying verbal pressure but also constraining and undressing Amy and having unprotected sex. Wing springs his trap revealing not only has Jon’s confession been recorded but that Amy herself has been invited to give her side of the story.
An unreliable witness is an established fictional figure but Adam Tin-Nam Pak’s Wing is more an extremely unpleasant agent of justice or retribution. His permanent smirk and cocky manner have an alienating effect suggesting a narcissistic level of smug self-satisfaction at prompting Jon’s discomfort and a callous disregard for the potential emotional impact upon Amy. Wing’s motivation is close to trivial, an effort to settle a grudge against Jon for seducing his ex-girlfriend and to prove he was right about events.
Kenny Kwan’s Jon articulates the possible defences used to justify enforced sex- the man was inexperienced, the woman prudish, the roughness was not premeditated but a result of passion. Yet, although Jon appears repentant, there is an undertone of calculation. It has been established Jon is ambitious and willing to change his name for career purposes so his claim his past actions were a pivotal moment in changing his character for the better may be more to safeguard his career and marriage than genuine remorse.
Surprisingly the introduction of Amy, rather than providing a feminine perspective, continues to explore the fragility of the male ego- Wing is obviously still infatuated with her and self-deluded enough to think she might be willing to re-ignite their relationship. Selena Lee’s performance, averting Amy’s eyes and staying physically away from Jon, indicates awkwardness and that something of emotional significance occurred between the characters even if not of a sexual nature.
Director Bizhan M. Tong sticks closely to the template of the original movie but makes slight innovations. The motivation for re-making the film is at least partly to raise awareness. This becomes apparent in a conversation where the characters refer to the #MeToo-movement in way that suggests it has had little impact in Asian and Middle Eastern countries where an accusation of rape brings shame upon the family of the accuser not the accused.
A real surprise is Tong’s addition of a prologue and epilogue set on the night of the graduation clarifying the likely true events and also how recollection of them could become twisted over time. Demonstrating how Amy’s appreciation of Jon (then known as Chong) helping her out of a tight spot could develop into a crush and Chong being both a white knight offering assistance and a randy teenager who cannot keep his eyes off her chest.
A subtle but imaginative approach and strong performances makes Tape a worthy update.
Tape will be in UK Cinemas from 19th September.
