Room 213 follows the shaky relationship between an
architect (Allen Dizon) and his wife
who is a photographer (Gwen Garci). Max (Allen) and Lex (Gwen) have been married for ten years and have
lost any emotional connection with each other.
Since both want to save the marriage they start to take extreme measures
in the hopes to rekindle their passion. In Room 213 of an abandoned building,
they will push their limits--both physically and sexually.
This film, which also stars Tyron Perez and Maricar dela Fuente will be screened at Robinsons Movie World starting September 24.
Room 213 (2008)
Producer: Viva Films
Screenplay, Direction & Editing: Keith Sicat
Director of Photography: Lyle Sacris
Production Design: Sari Lluch Dalena
Music: Teresa Barrozo & Ria Munoz
Cast: Allen Dizon, Tyron Perez, Maricar dela Fuente, and Gwen Garci
Here are excerpts from an interview with Room 213 director Keith Sicat:
What is the genre of the film? How would you describe your style in terms of storytelling and lighting in particular?
"The film is a drama with a palpable erotic core. Stylistically and narratively, it's a bit experimental in the sense that it's not told in a linear fashion. There are a lot of flashbacks, fantasies, and associative ideas, so it's much more of a visual tone poem.
"Since dialogue is sparse, the film is also purposely relying on the sound and visuals to tell the story. To that end, we were very particular with the lighting, color palette, and textures seen in the frame."
What's your intention in this film?
"It was always of interest to me to construct a narrative film out of erotic elements. This was a good opportunity to do that.
"Thematically, I was curious to explore a scenario where a couple has grown so distant that their relationship's imploding. In that situation how does one keep the sparks alive?
"I think that's a question that's universal for anyone in a relationship of any length! It just turns out our characters are on the extreme end of the spectrum than most. Or maybe they're not."
What message would you want to give to the audience?
"Relationships are built on trust and trust is fragile. Secrets never remain hidden, the past is there to haunt, and playing with emotions is dangerous. The film poses the question: in the final analysis, are we really all alone?
How would you describe the lead stars, Allen Dizon and Gwen Garci, in particular?
"Allen and Gwen are amazing. They gave such understated, nuanced, and emotionally intense performances that are pitch perfect to the material.
"Allen knows that ‘less is more.' He relied mostly on his eyes and body language to convey what was going on internally with his character. Quite simply, his work is beautiful.
"Gwen was constantly surprising us in the way she would improvise during a scene. She would let the moment dictate her emotional state resulting in a remarkable, honest performance. This is a very different Gwen Garci that people are used to!
After the regular showing on September 24, what are your plans for this film? Any plans to submit it in international film festival?
"We definitely plan to share the film with as many people
who may want to see it."
Watch the sexually charged film Room 213 at Robinsons Movie World starting September 24, 2008.