Imagine starring in a movie where your co-lead is a tree—and it's not a metaphor, it's literally the star of the show! That's the wild premise of Tony Leung's latest indie film, 'Silent Friend,' directed by Ildiko Enyedi, and it's sparking all sorts of buzz. But here's where it gets controversial: could plants really be our equals in intelligence, or is this just Hollywood fluff? Stick around as we dive into an exclusive chat with the duo, revealing how this unconventional project came to life and what profound lessons it might hold for us all.
On Saturday, Leung and Enyedi chatted with reporters about Leung's preparation for his tree-opposite role, Enyedi's reasons for crafting the part specifically for him, and the intriguing parallels between humans and the natural world. For clarity, I've polished the Q&A, and some of Leung's responses have been translated from Mandarin.
Ildiko, you tailored this role for Tony after watching his interviews. What drew you to him?
Ildiko Enyedi: You can often get a real sense of someone's essence just from how they speak in interviews. In Tony's, I glimpsed a truly extraordinary individual who seemed to resonate deeply with the film's underlying themes. For the quiet heart of the story, I needed an actor with a powerful, layered presence that could anchor it all.
I was fingers-crossed that Tony would say yes, knowing he's incredibly adaptable, but I also sensed something uniquely personal about him that fit perfectly. During our initial meeting, I brought up the idea of him shaving his head to embody a monk-like vibe—not stern, but serenely open and unguarded toward the world, much like how researchers approach their work. On the surface, this might look like exposing vulnerability, but underneath lies a rock-solid self-belief that's genuinely beautiful. That's part of why I've admired scientific pursuits since my teens; they're not only practical but reveal humanity's most exquisite side.
So, I wasn't after just a top-notch performer—I sought an authentic soul with a wise, compassionate worldview.
And Tony, what was your initial reaction to the script for 'Silent Friend'?
Tony Leung: Picture this: You open a script labeled 'sci-fi with a humorous twist,' and soon discover the lead character is a tree. Your first thought? Probably, 'That's out there.' That's exactly how I felt at first—intrigued by its uniqueness.
The script also included a quote from neuroscientist Anil Seth: 'We are all hallucinating all the time. When we agree with the hallucination, we call it reality.' It reminded me of Buddhist teachings, where nature mirrors the inner workings of our minds. This layered philosophical depth had me hooked and eager to explore further.
At this point in your career, what factors tip you toward accepting a project?
Tony Leung: For me, the director is the key element, even if the script is solid. I make choices from the gut, so meeting Ildiko was crucial to gauge our compatibility.
In our Zoom call, we skipped straight to discussing ideas from Eastern and Western philosophies, plus that neuroscientist Anil Seth from a TED Talk she'd seen. I picked up on her intellectual side—she's modest, approachable, and articulate about her goals. Knowing a director has a clear vision prevents a frustrating shoot. Oh, and I adored her previous films like 'On Body and Soul' and 'The Story of My Wife.'
With so many silent scenes in 'Silent Friend,' how did you gear up for a role with minimal dialogue?
Tony Leung: I kicked things off by delving into my character's background.
He’s a neuroscientist researching infants' early brain development, so I devoured books from Ildiko on the subject and chatted with university experts. I even brought in a coach from the UK, envisioning my character as Cambridge-educated with a subtle British inflection.
Altogether, prep took about six months, covering not just cognitive development but also plant life. For instance, I studied 'Planta Sapiens,' which explores how plants exhibit intelligence and communicate—think of it like a silent network where they share resources or warn each other of threats through chemical signals or root connections. This isn't just about memorizing facts; it built my immersion and boosted my confidence as a 'scientist.'
Ildiko, what made you pick the ginkgo biloba tree as the centerpiece?
Ildiko Enyedi: Its background and story were crucial.
The movie unfolds in a botanical garden, not wild forests, where all these plants are human transplants—foreigners in their new home. For our plant protagonist, I wanted one that stands out even among these outsiders. In the film, the ginkgo tree dwells amidst plants that nearly drove its kind to extinction.
Most global greenery today consists of flowering plants, but ginkgos belong to an ancient lineage that once dominated Earth yet almost vanished millions of years ago. Yet, they're nearly indestructible now, thriving in pollution and urban grit. They're the ultimate resilient outsiders.
And this mirrors the film's human characters, who are also strangers navigating unfamiliar worlds. Outsiders often spot things insiders miss, thinking beyond the norm. Scientists embody this perfectly, blending innocent wonder with rigorous training to unlock fresh insights. In a way, being a scientist is akin to being a ginkgo—thriving in strange soils.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are we over-romanticizing plants by calling them 'intelligent' or 'sentient'? Some might argue it's anthropomorphism, projecting human traits onto nature, while others see it as a wake-up call to respect the environment. And this is the part most people miss: viewing scientists as 'outsiders' could challenge how we fund research or value unconventional thinkers in society.
Drawing from plants enduring in alien environments, Tony, what's your advice for flourishing in solitude or isolation?
Tony Leung: Honestly, I thrive on alone time. Take my shoot for 'Europe Raiders' in southern Italy's off-season seaside—barely any crowds. I lived on a hillside with just three eateries.
Each day, I'd bike to the beach for stretches and meditation, then lunch solo at one spot, before heading back for mountain biking drills, reading, or just lounging outdoors. No loneliness here.
I even seek out cities where I don't know the language, reveling in the 'lost in translation' vibe. With tools like Google Translate today, communication finds a path—you adapt and connect.
How has this film shifted your view of plants?
Tony Leung: Before, during runs in nature, trees were just greenery. But post-role, after those plant books, I see their intelligence—brainless yet perceptive in their own ways, like sensing light or responding to touch.
Now, on runs, I feel the trees and plants as living companions, not mere objects. I'm not claiming every tree has a soul, but ancient ones might. Cultivating respect means ditching superiority; it fosters equality among all life, prompting us to ponder how our choices impact nature.
The film's biggest impact? It reshaped my worldview entirely.
The Singapore International Film Festival is underway and runs until December 7. Check out more details at their official site (https://sgiff.com/).
What do you think—could plants teach us about intelligence, or is this idea too far-fetched for you? Do you agree that scientists are society's 'ginkgo trees,' offering fresh perspectives? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you see parallels to your own life, or does this feel like a stretch? Let's discuss!
