Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Filmthreat - YOUNG MAN KANG: CORRECTING CUPID'S MISTAKE
Filmthreat
filmthreat.com
YOUNG MAN KANG: CORRECTING CUPID'S MISTAKE
June, 25, 2000
For every film playing in a theater today, there are literally hundreds (if not thousands) which never get the chance to find their way into the projector of a commercial venue. The vast majority go unseen for a very good reason: they are so awful that don't deserve to be seen. But there are a precious few which, for a variety of reasons, are suffering under the injustice of not getting the attention they are truly deserving. One of the most delightful unseen gems in today's indie cinema is "Cupid's Mistake," a wonderful Los Angeles-based love quadrangle which explores the agonies and ecstasies of romance. Filmed on a teeny $980 budget (yes, $980!!!), this cross-cultural comedy of missed passion and unexpected surprises provides a unique casting opportunity for Asian-American actors, most notably the beautiful Toya Cho as a model who can decide between two suitors and the muscular Ken Yasuda as the bodybuilder who is more focused on building his biceps instead of warming his heart. At a time when the Asian-American presence in films is basically limited to martial arts chopping and token supporting role sidekicking, it is a wonder to experience this unique non-stereotypical big-screen presentation of this community. "Cupid's Mistake" is the creation of Young Man Kang, a 34-year-old filmmaker whose training and experiences straddle two worlds. Born in Korea, he studied fine arts at Hong-ik University in Seoul and taught fine arts at a prestigious prep school there which bears the Beckettian moniker of Godot Art. He moved to New York in 1994 to study filmmaking at the New School and created several short subjects including an animated film. Moving again in 1996, he came to Los Angeles and began work directing commercials, with duties as a storyboard artist and camera operator thrown in for good measure. "Cupid's Mistake," on which he wore three hats as director-writer-producer, was shot in classic Cassavetes-style guerrilla cinema: a shoestring budget (no money for filming permits), the bare bones of a story outline but no written script, and a remarkable free reign for improvisation among his actors. Unlike many indie films in waiting, "Cupid's Mistake" has a distributor: Phaedra Cinema, which is best known for its foreign films "The Terrorist" and "La Separation." However, the production was shot on digital video and has yet to be transferred to film stock--a technological situation which has hindered a wide release (although plans for a few exhibition and an Internet pay-per-view screening are in the works). To date, the film has had exactly one public screening, at the weekly Light+Screen Film Festival held in New York City's celebrated Siberia Bar--to overwhelmingly positive audience reaction.
THE PAN AMERICAN
THE PAN AMERICAN
Student,Faculty Films Presented in Festival
By LUIS E. SAAVEDRA
The Pan American
Korean director Young Man
Kang had a similar experience to
Saavedra’s while filming “Cupid’s
Mistake.” For its production, Kang worked
with a budget of barely $1,000.
“I want to be a World Guinness Record
holder as a filmmaker,” he said in an e-mail
interview.
Because the record holder for the highest
budget in film making is “Titanic,” Kang set
up to do the opposite. And he accomplished
it. “Cupid’s Mistake” recently made it to the
Guinness World Record for the least
expensive feature film.
Even more exciting than filming on a low
budget was working without a script.
“I gave the actors the basic idea,” he said.
“That’s why they look so natural in the film
because 100 percent of their acting is
improvised.”
From carefully planned film productions
risky adventurous projects, UTPA students
and faculty had the opportunity to enjoy a
variety of films during Independent Film
Week.
“It’s a shame that we hadn’t seen these
type of events before,” Saavedra said. “But
I’m glad to see they are starting to have them
more often.”
Student,Faculty Films Presented in Festival
By LUIS E. SAAVEDRA
The Pan American
Korean director Young Man
Kang had a similar experience to
Saavedra’s while filming “Cupid’s
Mistake.” For its production, Kang worked
with a budget of barely $1,000.
“I want to be a World Guinness Record
holder as a filmmaker,” he said in an e-mail
interview.
Because the record holder for the highest
budget in film making is “Titanic,” Kang set
up to do the opposite. And he accomplished
it. “Cupid’s Mistake” recently made it to the
Guinness World Record for the least
expensive feature film.
Even more exciting than filming on a low
budget was working without a script.
“I gave the actors the basic idea,” he said.
“That’s why they look so natural in the film
because 100 percent of their acting is
improvised.”
From carefully planned film productions
risky adventurous projects, UTPA students
and faculty had the opportunity to enjoy a
variety of films during Independent Film
Week.
“It’s a shame that we hadn’t seen these
type of events before,” Saavedra said. “But
I’m glad to see they are starting to have them
more often.”
Good and Bad review 'Cupid's Mistake'
BROOKLYN SPECTATOR
CUPID'S MISTAKE
(Phaedra /Dearfilm: Not yet rated by the MPAA)J
September, 5, 2001
Here's a sweet little independent movie from Korean-American filmmaker Young Man Kang who wrote, produced, and directed this, his first feature. 'CUPID'S MISTAKE' is a "la ronde' type of love venture that has each individual rebuffed by the other, who is in turn equally rebuffed when the shoe is on the other foot.
Susan(Susan Petry) is an actress who is in love with filmmaker Gil (Everado Gil), but he doesn't respond with similar feelings. Rather, he is entranced by Toya (Toya Cho), a Korean-American model who doesn't respond to his overtures of love. She in turn loves Ken (Ken Yasuda), a Japanese-American body builder and personal trainer, but is nixed by him when he is made aware of her love. He finds Susan, who completes the cycle, only to be rejected by her when he expresses his feelings.
It's Gil who comes to his senses concerning Susan, but now it may be too late.
Against the backdrop of Santa Monica, love and relationship turn out to be fickle and fleeting, and matches aren't always in the making. Pain, frustration, and heartbreak are readily seen in these encounters.
Running an hour and ten minutes, "CUPID'S MISTAKE" has ordinary dialogue between ordinary people in ordinary situations - nothing of the glossy Hollywood variety.
The film well demonstrates finding, keeping, and losing love is all part of the love game.
Shot on digital video and a $980 budget, with improvisation by the principles in this love quadrangle, "CUPID'S MISTAKE" appears more real in its situations than a lot of the romantic dribble that has come out of Hollywood with enormous budgets.
Easy Reader
South Bay Newspaper Weekly
Cupid's Mistake
Sep 25, 2000
This little (70 minute) “jewel” is much like a cinematic poem celebrating the ups and downs (hey, let’s face it - usually overwhelmingly downs) of UNREQUITED LOVE. Writer/Director Young Man Kang gives us a fresh, hip retelling of the basic equation of “unrequited-ness”. namely A loves B, but B loves C, but C loves D, and… well - you’ll have to see for yourself where the chain ends in the hands of Kang and his talented, attractive, offbeat young cast. Filmed along the Santa Monica/Venice Beach magical strand of the West Los Angeles Pacific coastline, there’s an electric, “happening”, almost upbeat feeling to the story, which is told in sweetly framed and segued subchapters -- all despite the fact that no one seems to be actually getting the object of his or her affection, -- not to mention, lust. The end result is a film that will make you mist-up knowingly and cathartically if you’ve recently lived through the experience, and smile wistfully, if you’ve had time to heal, but still recall those “head-over-heals” past days when you were miserable, but oh-so alive. “CUPID’S MISTAKE” opens Sept. 15/16 at Laemmle’s Sunset 5 (8000 Sunset Bl., W. Hollywood). Program information/Times: (323)848-3500
By Joseph Sirota
New York Post
nypost.com
CUPID'S MISTAKE
August 24, 2001
KOREAN-American director-writer-producer Young Man Kang's comedy, shot on video for just $980 (yes, $980), is no mistake. The California-set tale of a love quadrangle isn't perfect. For one thing, it goes on too long. But it looks good, the cast is perky (especially Toya Cho, as a model who can't decide between two suitors), and Kang shows lots of talent. It will be interesting to see what he can do with a real budget. Running time: 70 minutes. Not rated. At the Two Boots Den of Cin, Avenue A and Third Street.
by V.A. Musetto
New York Times
nytimes.com
Stammering Through Generic Moments of Rejection
August 24, 2001
Cupid's Mistake" begins with a character issuing a voice-over advisory: "This is a story of relationships, and how caring for someone doesn't mean that person cares for you. You know what I'm talking about." So we do, which is probably why most of us will not feel a compelling need to experience generic moments of painful personal rejection as played out by a group of young Southern Californians with limited verbal skills. One character is compelled to finish every statement she makes with "or something"; another giggles hysterically through most of her speeches and at one point, describing the beaches of her youth, says, "I so remember it would be like mud and sand and stuff." With such alluring patter, it's hard to believe that anyone could be lonely in Los Angeles, but apparently a few people still are. For example, there is Gil (Everado Gil), an aspiring filmmaker whose work ? nice if you can get it ? seems to consist of photographing pretty girls as they frolic on Venice Beach. Gil is in love with Toya (Toya Cho), a chattering Korean-American model, but Toya is in love with Ken (Ken Yasuda), a Japanese-American bodybuilder. Closing the circle in this no-sex "La Ronde" is Susan (Susan Petry), a German-born model who is in love with the oblivious Gil. In this land of perfect bodies, all Gil has going for him is some Johnny Depp-ish facial hair, which may be why he became an artist. He becomes the emotional center of the piece, though his emotions are limited to self-pity and anger. He begins stalking Toya, following her in his car and peeping through her windows. The film finds such behavior adorable. Film, actually, is a misstatement, because "Cupid's Mistake" was shot on video, and not video of the highest quality. Mostly, the picture looks and sounds like a public-access soap opera, with flat lighting, tinny dialogue and a loopy synthesizer score. The Korean-born writer and director has a terrific marquee name, Young Man Kang, but his natural gifts seem to stop there. Like Gil, the would-be filmmaker, Mr. Kang has discovered the effects button on his camcorder, and he relies upon it to provide what style his work has: a pixilated movement here, a fade to monochrome there. At 70 minutes, "Cupid's Mistake" is short, but then, so is our time on this planet.
by Dave Kehr
The Village Voice
villagevoice.com
Circle Jerk
August 22, 2001
Made with $980 and about as many brain cells, Cupid's Mistake is more cute than clever. A tale of titillation and rejection, Young Man Kang's debut feature follows four unfulfilled twentysomethings in the City of Angels. Susan, the anguished actress, loves Gil. Gil, the tormented filmmaker who makes videos of frolicking women on the beach subtitled with Hallmark sentiments, longs for Toya. Toya is the model whose heart is lifted by bodybuilder Ken, her personal trainer. The star of Ken's romantic drama is, you guessed it, Susan the thespian; the sexy circle is complete. Cupid's Mistake Written and directed by Young Man Kang Pioneer Opens August 24 The dialogue, which was wholly improvised, includes the "like"s, "uh"s, and general feeling of contrived spontaneity native to The Real World. The we're-friends-but-I-love-you scenes are either drenched with provocative sunlight or packed with candles; these techniques seem to be borrowed from the tamer selections of late-night Cinemax.
by Sasha Statman
New York Metro Magazine
newyorkmetro.com
Cupid's Mistake
Guerrilla filmmaker Young Man Kang's improvisational love story, which was shot in Los Angeles and cost $980 to produce. (1 hr. 10 mins.; NR) Opens August 24
CUPID'S MISTAKE
(Phaedra /Dearfilm: Not yet rated by the MPAA)J
September, 5, 2001
Here's a sweet little independent movie from Korean-American filmmaker Young Man Kang who wrote, produced, and directed this, his first feature. 'CUPID'S MISTAKE' is a "la ronde' type of love venture that has each individual rebuffed by the other, who is in turn equally rebuffed when the shoe is on the other foot.
Susan(Susan Petry) is an actress who is in love with filmmaker Gil (Everado Gil), but he doesn't respond with similar feelings. Rather, he is entranced by Toya (Toya Cho), a Korean-American model who doesn't respond to his overtures of love. She in turn loves Ken (Ken Yasuda), a Japanese-American body builder and personal trainer, but is nixed by him when he is made aware of her love. He finds Susan, who completes the cycle, only to be rejected by her when he expresses his feelings.
It's Gil who comes to his senses concerning Susan, but now it may be too late.
Against the backdrop of Santa Monica, love and relationship turn out to be fickle and fleeting, and matches aren't always in the making. Pain, frustration, and heartbreak are readily seen in these encounters.
Running an hour and ten minutes, "CUPID'S MISTAKE" has ordinary dialogue between ordinary people in ordinary situations - nothing of the glossy Hollywood variety.
The film well demonstrates finding, keeping, and losing love is all part of the love game.
Shot on digital video and a $980 budget, with improvisation by the principles in this love quadrangle, "CUPID'S MISTAKE" appears more real in its situations than a lot of the romantic dribble that has come out of Hollywood with enormous budgets.
Easy Reader
South Bay Newspaper Weekly
Cupid's Mistake
Sep 25, 2000
This little (70 minute) “jewel” is much like a cinematic poem celebrating the ups and downs (hey, let’s face it - usually overwhelmingly downs) of UNREQUITED LOVE. Writer/Director Young Man Kang gives us a fresh, hip retelling of the basic equation of “unrequited-ness”. namely A loves B, but B loves C, but C loves D, and… well - you’ll have to see for yourself where the chain ends in the hands of Kang and his talented, attractive, offbeat young cast. Filmed along the Santa Monica/Venice Beach magical strand of the West Los Angeles Pacific coastline, there’s an electric, “happening”, almost upbeat feeling to the story, which is told in sweetly framed and segued subchapters -- all despite the fact that no one seems to be actually getting the object of his or her affection, -- not to mention, lust. The end result is a film that will make you mist-up knowingly and cathartically if you’ve recently lived through the experience, and smile wistfully, if you’ve had time to heal, but still recall those “head-over-heals” past days when you were miserable, but oh-so alive. “CUPID’S MISTAKE” opens Sept. 15/16 at Laemmle’s Sunset 5 (8000 Sunset Bl., W. Hollywood). Program information/Times: (323)848-3500
By Joseph Sirota
New York Post
nypost.com
CUPID'S MISTAKE
August 24, 2001
KOREAN-American director-writer-producer Young Man Kang's comedy, shot on video for just $980 (yes, $980), is no mistake. The California-set tale of a love quadrangle isn't perfect. For one thing, it goes on too long. But it looks good, the cast is perky (especially Toya Cho, as a model who can't decide between two suitors), and Kang shows lots of talent. It will be interesting to see what he can do with a real budget. Running time: 70 minutes. Not rated. At the Two Boots Den of Cin, Avenue A and Third Street.
by V.A. Musetto
New York Times
nytimes.com
Stammering Through Generic Moments of Rejection
August 24, 2001
Cupid's Mistake" begins with a character issuing a voice-over advisory: "This is a story of relationships, and how caring for someone doesn't mean that person cares for you. You know what I'm talking about." So we do, which is probably why most of us will not feel a compelling need to experience generic moments of painful personal rejection as played out by a group of young Southern Californians with limited verbal skills. One character is compelled to finish every statement she makes with "or something"; another giggles hysterically through most of her speeches and at one point, describing the beaches of her youth, says, "I so remember it would be like mud and sand and stuff." With such alluring patter, it's hard to believe that anyone could be lonely in Los Angeles, but apparently a few people still are. For example, there is Gil (Everado Gil), an aspiring filmmaker whose work ? nice if you can get it ? seems to consist of photographing pretty girls as they frolic on Venice Beach. Gil is in love with Toya (Toya Cho), a chattering Korean-American model, but Toya is in love with Ken (Ken Yasuda), a Japanese-American bodybuilder. Closing the circle in this no-sex "La Ronde" is Susan (Susan Petry), a German-born model who is in love with the oblivious Gil. In this land of perfect bodies, all Gil has going for him is some Johnny Depp-ish facial hair, which may be why he became an artist. He becomes the emotional center of the piece, though his emotions are limited to self-pity and anger. He begins stalking Toya, following her in his car and peeping through her windows. The film finds such behavior adorable. Film, actually, is a misstatement, because "Cupid's Mistake" was shot on video, and not video of the highest quality. Mostly, the picture looks and sounds like a public-access soap opera, with flat lighting, tinny dialogue and a loopy synthesizer score. The Korean-born writer and director has a terrific marquee name, Young Man Kang, but his natural gifts seem to stop there. Like Gil, the would-be filmmaker, Mr. Kang has discovered the effects button on his camcorder, and he relies upon it to provide what style his work has: a pixilated movement here, a fade to monochrome there. At 70 minutes, "Cupid's Mistake" is short, but then, so is our time on this planet.
by Dave Kehr
The Village Voice
villagevoice.com
Circle Jerk
August 22, 2001
Made with $980 and about as many brain cells, Cupid's Mistake is more cute than clever. A tale of titillation and rejection, Young Man Kang's debut feature follows four unfulfilled twentysomethings in the City of Angels. Susan, the anguished actress, loves Gil. Gil, the tormented filmmaker who makes videos of frolicking women on the beach subtitled with Hallmark sentiments, longs for Toya. Toya is the model whose heart is lifted by bodybuilder Ken, her personal trainer. The star of Ken's romantic drama is, you guessed it, Susan the thespian; the sexy circle is complete. Cupid's Mistake Written and directed by Young Man Kang Pioneer Opens August 24 The dialogue, which was wholly improvised, includes the "like"s, "uh"s, and general feeling of contrived spontaneity native to The Real World. The we're-friends-but-I-love-you scenes are either drenched with provocative sunlight or packed with candles; these techniques seem to be borrowed from the tamer selections of late-night Cinemax.
by Sasha Statman
New York Metro Magazine
newyorkmetro.com
Cupid's Mistake
Guerrilla filmmaker Young Man Kang's improvisational love story, which was shot in Los Angeles and cost $980 to produce. (1 hr. 10 mins.; NR) Opens August 24
indieclub.com interview
Indieclub.com interview
Who wrote the screenplay? How long did it take? How many drafts did he/she go through?
I wrote 'Cupid's Mistake'. There's no screenplay format. I just have a few pages written out. I thought about the story for a few months, then I wrote it out on paper in a few days. It's really a simple story. A likes B but B doesn't like A, B likes C but C likes D....It's like nobody gets anybody. Mostly the scene is dating scene A&B, B&C, C&D and D&A...
Was the screenplay strictly followed in the filming?
I just let the actors improvise, ... just like natural dating.... I asked them, "what would you do when if you guys were dating. Then the camera just followed them.
How did you finance the project?
My budget was $980. I used some funds from money made on a TV commercial I directed.
Did you story board your scenes? And if so, did you use a program or an artist or?
The funny thing is I used to be a storyboard artist. But this project is no storyboard, the camera just follows the actors.
How did you find your actors? What kind of pay if any did you offer your actors and crew?
All my friends. They're good actors. I cast them a few times on my TV commercial projects before this filming. 4 actors... Gil, Susan, Toya and Ken.... I paid them $100 each. Gil. I paid him $200, because I rented his apartment for the shooting.
Did you create a budget and did you stay on target throughout the process? What was your budget?
There were no headaches, no one involved with the budget. I did whatever I wanted for this film.
Did you shoot with DV, 16mm, 35mm, other?
DV. DV is cheaper, the camera is small. It's easier and faster to move around a location without a permit.
Did you rent, buy or borrow? Was it a one camera shoot?
Just one camera that I have. The Canon XL-1. Did you shoot wide screen?- 1: 1.31, I changed it 1: 1.81 in post-production.
How did you handle sound on the shoot?
Most of the scenes I rented pin-mike(Wireless), some scenes I used just the camera mic.
What kind of lighting did you use and how much of the indoor and outdoor scenes were lighted?
Outdoor no lighting. Indoor just 1-2 lightings . 1k
What type of obstacles did you encounter when shooting outdoors?
Background sound, especially near the ocean and street.
What were the obstacles you encountered while shooting? Any Advice?
Choose quiet locations unless you have a big budget sound package.
What kind of shots, dolly shots, crane shots, steadicam or other types did you use and what resources did you use to accomplish these?
None of them, most of the shots were handheld. The handheld shot makes the scenes appear natural.
What other equipment did you find useful on your shoot? Is there anything you wish you would of had and didn't?
I wish I had a better sound package.
How did you edit the film? What system did you use to edit?
I edited this film in Media 100. Media 100, Later I made the film wide screen through Final Cut Pro.
What were the obstacles you encountered while editing? Any Advice?
I don't have much Hard drive space.
Where did you get the music for the film?
I used music from a CD my friend Oliver Lyon supplied. I gave him a Video, and I got a CD from him.
How much Foley will you end up incorporating in the editing process?
No Foley in this film.
What are the main suggestions you would give other filmmakers, based on your experiences on this film? In planning, in post production, in scoring, in editing, in pre production, etc.-?
Just shoot, these days it's much easier to make film, because of DV filmmaking.
What were the obstacles you encountered while marketing it? Any Advice?
Money. In order to keep costs down, I have forgone newspaper ads and promoted my film on the internet and by word of mouth. I have also kept the movie alive on video, avoiding the costly blow up to film $40,000 - $100,000.
Have you struck a deal with any distributors?
Though Phaedra Cinema is technically the distributor, it appears that I am still footing the bill for ads and shipping costs.
Have you returned any profits from the movie as of yet?
I broke the even through the box office. Next step I'm working with Angelpop.com e-commerce site which was selling CD's, Video's and DVD's through the internet. They'll launch 'Cupid's Mistake' in May 21. Hopefully I can make some money through that avenue.
Have you tried the film festival route and if so, how is it going?
Screening at Light + Screen Film Festival in NYC (01/25/2000) Screening at Cult Movies Convention 2000(10/22/2000) Audience reaction was very positive, then FilmThreat.com interviewed me. Cult Movies Magazine reviewed this film also.
What are your future plans for the film?
Cupid's Mistake next stop is the Pioneer Theater in New York City, where it will play on August 24.
What do you have in the works after this film?
I just finished my second digital feature film, 1st Testament: CIA Vengeance starring Ron Becks and Soo J Kim, a first-time Black/ Korean co-production. An Asian/American action drama, it is stylistically reminiscent of Le Femme Nikita. I shot it on a budget of $10,000 in just 7days, it was first presented in pre-release form at the AFM in Santa Monica a few weeks ago, and is currently being marketed at the Cannes Film Market 2001.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Brooklyn Spectator review Cupid's Mistake
BROOKLYN SPECTATOR
CUPID'S MISTAKE
(Phaedra /Dearfilm: Not yet rated by the MPAA)J
September, 5, 2001
Here's a sweet little independent movie from Korean-American filmmaker Young Man Kang who wrote, produced, and directed this, his first feature. 'CUPID'S MISTAKE' is a "la ronde' type of love venture that has each individual rebuffed by the other, who is in turn equally rebuffed when the shoe is on the other foot.
Susan(Susan Petry) is an actress who is in love with filmmaker Gil (Everado Gil), but he doesn't respond with similar feelings. Rather, he is entranced by Toya (Toya Cho), a Korean-American model who doesn't respond to his overtures of love. She in turn loves Ken (Ken Yasuda), a Japanese-American body builder and personal trainer, but is nixed by him when he is made aware of her love. He finds Susan, who completes the cycle, only to be rejected by her when he expresses his feelings.
It's Gil who comes to his senses concerning Susan, but now it may be too late.
Against the backdrop of Santa Monica, love and relationship turn out to be fickle and fleeting, and matches aren't always in the making. Pain, frustration, and heartbreak are readily seen in these encounters.
Running an hour and ten minutes, "CUPID'S MISTAKE" has ordinary dialogue between ordinary people in ordinary situations - nothing of the glossy Hollywood variety.
The film well demonstrates finding, keeping, and losing love is all part of the love game.
Shot on digital video and a $980 budget, with improvisation by the principles in this love quadrangle, "CUPID'S MISTAKE" appears more real in its situations than a lot of the romantic dribble that has come out of Hollywood with enormous budgets.
imdb.com newsgroup review Cupid's Mistake
Cupid's Mistake (2001)
reviewed by
James Brundage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cupid's Mistake
Directed by Young Man Kang
As Reviewed by James Brundage
We all know the feeling. We love them, but they love someone else. All right, it might not even be that we love them, but we at least have a vested interest in finding yourself snuggled next to them late at night. It happens all the time, and there isn't a damn thing that anyone can do about it. With all of the times Cupid's arrow has misfired, let's be glad he doesn't like to do a William Tell on all of us.
In fact, Cupid may strike gold and make us love the one that loves us everyone once in a while, but in the general he's got all of the accuracy of a Brittney Spears song... he hits everything but the mark, get's everyone all riled up over nothing, and makes us turn out a lot of Hollywood dribble in the hopes of getting further in a relationship that is going nowhere.
Such is the subject of Young Man Kang's (not a typo, it's really his name) film Cupid's Mistake, in which girl number one likes guy number one who likes girl number two who like guy number two who likes girl number one. Yes, we're back in geometry class studying this love rectangle, hoping that it doesn't turn to dribble like just about every other Hollywood romance.
Filmed on a budget of $980, Cupid's Mistake works off of improvisation, bizarre videography techniques, and incredible acting from complete nobodies in the acting world. Yet it still ends up keeping us from being sick to our stomachs, only has one time that we see the reflection of the videographer, and is romantic besides... all of which makes us wonder why the hell we pay for a $10 million Julia Stiles/Freddie Prinze Jr vehicle that does none of the above and makes us feel like we're going to vomit from its utter lack of quality besides.
Kang deserves credit for conceptualizing an editing a no budget film on no budget, finding a distributor (Pandera Cinema) despite having no budget, and also making a film that actually entertains on said budget of zero. The slick videography techniques Kang uses are readily available using almost any video editing software, and Kang edits his movie so smoothly that the 90 minutes of it fly by.
Yet I'm really not praising the emperor with no clothes because he saved the cost of fabric... really. The quadrangle behind Cupid's Mistake is well set up, the story solid and the acting as solid as you would expect from actual professionals (they are all credited actors, just none you would recognize), and the improvisation lends a real credo to the dialogue (although there is no "Gillian's Island" monologue, this kicks the shit out of the Blair Witch Project's conversations). I would go so far as to venture that Cupid's Mistake would be a pleasant art house romance without it being the up and coming poster boy of the digital video revolution that it is.
Of course there are flaws. Although the acting is solid and the conversation real, the actors still come off as slightly fake. At points it becomes clear that the dialogue is attempting to reach predestined points, and that the story has needed trimming here or there, and some of the visuals just don't work as well on video (which tries to compensate for natural lighting that could have served great purposes at certain points) as they would on film, but all of these flaws would have been eliminated (at the efficiency Kang works on) with an extra grand or two in the coffer. All in all it's a solid indie flick, not perfect, not bad, and definitely worth a view.
Cult Movies review Cupid's Mistake
Cupid's Mistake
Written, produced, directed by Young Man Kang, 1999.
Featureing Susan Petry Toya Cho, Everado Gil, Ken Yasuda.
Pity poor Gil. He makes one girl cry because he DOESN't love her, and another girl cry because he DOES love her. It's a movie about vapid people who can't communicate, and relationships where no one relates. It's an "I love her, but she loves him, but he loves her..." chain-gang of young people searching. Each link passes the unrequited love bug on to the next without indulging in its joy along the way. Everybody is seeking something else. When lovely Toya tells Gil, "It's very unfair of you to tell me that you love me!" we sense the ghosts of many one-sided love affairs rising all around.
It's a beautiful young cast of relative newcomers, in a film shot around the splendor of Venice Beach with virtually no script. Renegade filmmaking hasn't been this experimental since the 1960s. Korean-born director Young Man Kang let his cast get the feel of the situation, then improvise their scenes, with a variety of results. And did we mention this is essentially a light hearted story, not a soap opera?
Reviewed by Frankenstein
click2asia interview Cupid's Mistake
Interview
1. Age? 33
2. Where were you born? Korea
3. What is a typical day like for you?
I work on film distribution during the day, do some drawings, go to movie screenings and parties, and hopefully find time to take a walk.
4. You list Travel as one of your favorite hobbies, can you tell us one of your most memorable trips?
I went to Montreal 3 years ago, when the international jazz festival was on. So many people packed the city with Jazz music.
5. You started a club under the Music, Movie and TV category entitled, "Cupid's Mistake". Can you tell us more about your club?
'Cupid's Mistake' is a cute film about the problems and happiness of dating. I wanted to share these small subjects with people through the media. This film has special meaning to me. Also there was a super low budget and no actual script, just actor's improvisation, that's why their character has the same name as the actors in the real world.
6. I want to watch "Cupid's Mistake", where can I find it?
Phaedra Cinema (distributed Yellow, Gonin) will release it soon within a few months. But before this takes place, a few film festivals will show 'Cupid's Mistake'. The first screening is January 25 at the Light+Screen Film Festival in NYC. Also I'm currently shooting 'Cupid's Mistake' sequel.
7. How did you get into film making?
When I was in the Art College in Korea, I loved film. I thought to myself, I want to make "total" art. What is the ultimate art - it's Film.
8. Is being a director in Hollywood as glamorous as it sounds?
I'm not a director in Hollywood like James Cameron, but rather an independent director. I like being independent, I have the freedom to create art. 9. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
9. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Continuing to make even more beautiful films which will inspire people.
Interviewed by Click2Asia.com January 17, 2000
click2asia interview Cupid's Mistake
Interview
1. 나이는? 33세입니다.
2. 어디서 태어나셨나요? 한국에서 태어났습니다.
3. 평상시 어떻게 하루를 보내십니까?
영화배급과 그림도 좀 그리고, 영화관이나 파티에 참여하거나, 산책할 수 있는 시간을 갖을 수 있다면 더없이 좋겠죠.
4. 가장 좋아하는 취미가 여행이라고 하셨는데, 기억에 남을만한 여행이야기를 들려주실 수 있나요?
3년전에 몬트레일에 국제 재즈 페스티발에 참여하고자 갔었습니다. 너무나 많은 사람들이 재즈뮤직과 어울려 하나가 되었지요.
5. 음악,영화&TV 에 속해 있는 "Cupid's Mistake"이라는 클럽을 만드셨는데, 저희에게 소개해 주시겠습니까?
'Cupid's Mistake'는 데이트에 얽힌 행복한 이야기와 문제들에 대한 작고 귀여운(?) 영화입니다. 미디어를 통해 사람들과 이런 작은 주제들을 함께 공유하고 싶었습니다. 이 영화는 제게 특별한 의미이기도 하고, 초저예산 영화에 사실상 대본도 없고, 단지 배우들의 즉흥과 감성에 의해 연기되어 졌습니다. 그렇기에 그들의 실제 이름을 그대로 영화에서도 사용한 것이기도 하고요.
6. 저도 "Cupid's Mistake" 를 보고 싶은데, 어디서 볼 수 있나요?
Phaedra Cinema (distributed Yellow, Gonin)에서 몇달안에 상영될 예정입니다. 상영 전에도 몇몇 영화 페스티발에서 'Cupid's Mistake'가 소개되어질 것입니다. 첫번째 영화 상영는 1월 25일에 뉴욕에서 열릴 the Light_Screen Film Festival에서 상영되어 질 것입니다. 계속해서 'Cupid's Mistake'을 찍을 예정이고요.
7. 어떻게 영화제작에 뛰어들게 되었습니까?
한국에 있는 미대에서 공부할 때, 영화를 무척이나 좋아했습니다. 혼자 생각했지요. "total 아트"를 만들고 싶은데, 어떤 것이 좋을까.. 바로 영화였습니다.
8. 헐리웃의 영화감독이라고 하면 우리가 알고 있는 것처럼 그렇게 멋진가요?
저는 제임스 카메론은 아니지만, 독립적인 감독입니다. 저는 예술을 만들 수 있게 독립적인게 좋습니다.
9. 10년 후의 모습은 어떨 것 같습니까?
사람들을 감동시킬 영화를 계속 만들고 있길 기대합니다.
CUPID'S MISTAKE(1999, 미국, 영어, 아시안 아메리칸 영화)
감독 : 강영만
배경은 로스엔젤레스, 남녀의 데이트 과정에서 엇갈리는 희비를 그린 영화. "Cupid's Mistake" 는 도시에 사는 4명의 이야기이다.
인터뷰 : Click2Asia.com 2000년 1월 17일
Cupid's Mistake synopsis
Synopsis
“No one said love was this easy…”
A refreshing and humorous take on dating in Los Angeles, Cupid’s mistake follows the lives of four of the city’s inhabitants.
Toya, a Korean-American model, is unable to choose between the two men in her life. Susan, an actress going though a personal crisis, is in love with Gil. Gil is a struggling filmmaker who’s attempting to document the true meaning of love but can’t see true love until it hits him in the face. Ken, the object of Toya’s affection is a Japanese-American bodybuilder and personal trainer who expresses his angst through his work is oblivious to Toya’s advances.
Shot against the backdrop of Santa Monica this story about love and relationships isn’t your typical, glossy Hollywood version but a real life look at the pain and frustrations of meeting your mate only to have your love be unrequited. It is also about what happens when love comes your way but you miss it only to wake up and find it’s too late to recapture the romance.
Funny, witty and ironically heartwarming Cupid’s Mistake probes into the nuances of finding, keeping and losing love.
Cupid's Mistake
CUPID'S MISTAKE
Guinness World Record
for the least expensive feature film
Nominee Best Independent Feature
Ammy(Asian-American Film) Awards 2000
Official Selection
2000 Light + Screen Film Festival, NYC
Opens at Pioneer Theatre, The Two Boots Den of Cin, NYC(08/24/2001)
Opens at Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatre, LA(09/15/2000)
Screening at Light + Screen Film Festival, NYC (01/25/2000)
Screening at Cult Movies Convention 2000, LA (10/22/2000)
Screening at UTPA The Pan American Film Festival, TX(03/19/2003)
DEARFILM & PHAEDRA CINEMA present
CUPID'S MISTAKE
A Film by Young Man Kang
Cupid’s Mistake was produced with a principle cast of four and a crew of the same number. The script was only an outline with no set dialog and of course there was no budget, which meant no filming permits. Young directed the actors to improvise each scene giving them room to explore their characters. He was able to capture the heartfelt performances as they unfolded before the camera. The cast and crew loved this style of filming, especially the actors who found that they could express themselves in ways that a typical script wouldn’t allow for.
www.youngmankang.com
Guinness World Record
for the least expensive feature film
Nominee Best Independent Feature
Ammy(Asian-American Film) Awards 2000
Official Selection
2000 Light + Screen Film Festival, NYC
Opens at Pioneer Theatre, The Two Boots Den of Cin, NYC(08/24/2001)
Opens at Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatre, LA(09/15/2000)
Screening at Light + Screen Film Festival, NYC (01/25/2000)
Screening at Cult Movies Convention 2000, LA (10/22/2000)
Screening at UTPA The Pan American Film Festival, TX(03/19/2003)
DEARFILM & PHAEDRA CINEMA present
CUPID'S MISTAKE
A Film by Young Man Kang
Cupid’s Mistake was produced with a principle cast of four and a crew of the same number. The script was only an outline with no set dialog and of course there was no budget, which meant no filming permits. Young directed the actors to improvise each scene giving them room to explore their characters. He was able to capture the heartfelt performances as they unfolded before the camera. The cast and crew loved this style of filming, especially the actors who found that they could express themselves in ways that a typical script wouldn’t allow for.
www.youngmankang.com
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