Under normal circumstances I tend not to comment on news articles about myself, but I feel I need to clarify a few points made in the Yahoo, TNP articles that were released yesterday.
With regard to the Rose Chan feature film, nothing has been confirmed thus far. I have had a few meetings with Eric Khoo about the story and overall vision of the film a number of months back, but nothing has progressed due to both of our filming schedules. I’m honored by his complimentary words and if everything falls in place I would definitely like to be involved. I believe that this story has the potential to give us Singaporeans a film that goes beyond our island and break the stereotype of a “local film”.
Another topic that has caused some debate are these quotes:
“I don’t belittle my body but it doesn’t really mean anything. What matters is our soul and what’s inside of us, not this outer shell.”
“When I entered this industry, (my body) is something I have to give up. I have to let my co-stars or strangers touch or kiss me.”
As an actress who is constantly seeking to improve my craft, I have learnt that our “tool” in this unique profession is ourselves. We have our experiences to draw on, and our bodies to help express our emotions. I admire actors and actresses who can transform themselves internally and externally to embody a character (Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep, the list goes on) and I strive to commit to such rigor someday.
In the words of Nicole Kidman in a recent interview, “as actors, we need to be thick-skinned but we also need to be vulnerable.” We don’t give our body away freely, but we do use it to create a character and portray a wide array of emotions. I believe to be a versatile actress, it is our job to recreate reality in a surreal world, not by imitating but by inhabiting the role truthfully. If done right, we can make you laugh, cry and maybe even feel love.
Where nudity is concerned, I am not opposed to it IF the story, director and overall project is good. There has to be a clear, positive and reinforcing message to make any cinematic journey worthwhile for the audience. Having said that, I believe in the potential “The Charming Rose” has as a feature film. Her story is about love, heartbreak and tragedy, all of which far exceed the physical aspect of nudity the film might have. It’s a part that many actresses, if given the opportunity, would love to play.
Ultimately, to have a part in great projects, portray multi-faceted persons, and bring their interesting stories to the screen are my desires and goals as an actress, and I will give my best to fulfill them.
Thank you all for your support.
Yours Sincerely,
Joanne
A Jolly Affair 
The truth prevails, always 🙂 I believe in you and your decisions. Will support you always! 🙂
Couldn’t agree more on what u said.. Good luck for the role.. And JiaYou =)
There is tasteful nudity, and distasteful (unnecessary) nudity. A good script, director, actor and crew is required to achieve the former.
Well done and stand strong!
Acting is an art and not all knows how to appreciate it. A good actor goes beyond an amateur mentality. If all suits you, go for it! The local scene and viewers have to grow up. Please don’t let any negativity weigh you down.
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a meaningful film about love, heartbreak and tragedy… but i feel it is not necessary to strip. Moulin Rouge have the same story line. NK did not strip but she will be remembered positively for acting in MR.
another thing is she is station in USA, in Singapore this place is too expensive to have fair opportunities for the new gen. anymore.
I will still support you but i suggest not to take up this film.
Being a successful actors/actress means you will have to do anything in/out of this world in order to be famous. And of course, never forget the ever demanding audiences will be desperately/hungry to see more than what you can give on/off screen.
I totally agree with what you said. All the best in your new film and in everything else that you do! Will continue to support you always!! 🙂
Rachelle 🙂
I am not exactly your fan but I support your decision and views. It is unfortunate that the majority of Singaporeans are still making a big fuss whenever issues like nudity and sex are concerned. Rose Chan is a challenging role and pressure from Singaporeans will be unavoidable. If you feel that you’re ready, go for it. If it doesn’t go well with Singaporeans, it really doesn’t mean anything. If the film is eventually successful overseas, you would have proven yourself as an excellent actress. All the best!
I agree on your view about “What matters is our soul and what’s inside of us, not this outer shell.” Nudity doesn’t mean exposed, it’s also a form of art if it’s portrayed correctly … I believe that Singaporeans have the ‘open-mindedness’ to accept this form of art now. At least, I don’t see any point of making the topic of ‘nudity’ too big a deal. Anyway, all the best for whatever you do =)
Hi Joanne, I admire you for your passion and courage when it comes to acting. Just want to say that if really nudity is involved, you will definitely play a major part to decide if it is necessary. You are a smart girl who knows what you want and I feel that as long as it is tastefully done ( you know how full frontal can sometimes be so distasteful) it should be acceptable to the audience.
a very well-said comment to support own’s intention (or decision) to bare !!
Well, its the wrong choice of words she used to decsribe herself + the industry.
“When I entered this industry, (my body) is something I have to give up. I have to let my co-stars or strangers touch or kiss me.” – Sound so X-Rated….as though she is telling people she is working as a Pros…….OMG! dun u think so ?
Dear Joanne,
Before I say anything else, i would just like to salute your bravery for the comment made regarding this particular issue. I rarely comment on anything online but this certainly triggered something. I think what you’re bringing is a whiff of fresh air into the local scene, and it is definitely something that this country needs in order to break the boundaries. I personally do not watch local television and I’d rather not say why, but making a breakthrough is something that is definitely going to be challenging, but never impossible. There’s so much young talent that is going to waste because there is no platform in our waters to hold their ambitions. With a strong leader others will follow!
I wish you all the best.
Well said!
Wow wow wow..smart gal to publish only the positive comments. I should have given my thumb/s up to support your baring to have it posted…thumbs up dear, keep it up !!
Hi Joanne! You’re a lady of strong thoughts & personality!
Continue to be yourself & don’t let anything influence who you are! =)
Joanne, do what you think is right and need not bother about what others say, although I am not a fan of yours but after see your latest drama, I am beginning to like you more and more each day and I love your beautiful smile so back to the topic, no matter what happens Joanne I will support you totally.
Our body is only a shell. In any line of work that we do, sacrifices have to be made. In all instances, in whatever job we undertake, we will have to put our heart and soul into it. So what more if it’s ourbody…our body portray us and especially if someone such as yourself who have to use it in your craft to bring out the best of the character, i don’t see why not? Rose Chan is real…not plucked from thin air. If whoever has to portray her, it has to be her body, soul and mind. This won’t be an easy role to portray..neither was your role in Little Nonya or any role that you have been in. But i believe that if the role was given to you, you won’t do a half hearted job but put your all into it. If your all means having to bear, you will do it because you become her. Being conservative is good but being a prude is not. If everyone is a prude and feels that it should not be done, then there is no point in doing a movie about her. If people who support you don’t understand why you need to bear, then they don’t really know what you do. If they really support you, they will support you in whatever role you do.
Hi there, would like to ask if you did anything to your teeth before going into this industry as ive noticed your teeth looks beautiful. Its white and straight, would you recommend bleaching to the teeth to enhance whitening. Thank you.
The best actors are those who make the audience forget that they are acting, and who can make the audience wonder for a while..the only weapon you have thereto, is yourself: your words, your voice, your body. To achieve that, is the sublime pureness of acting.
Did anyone say u look like Keira knightley??
Joanne, I enjoy the article in 8 days about your take on the taboo subject especially on our little sunny island. All the best to you too!
It’s a daring and smart career move as there’s a directional change in the type of movies people are exposed to. People like us arent easily satisfied. If your team pulls this off, it’ll win awards overseas. I like your confidence and feel excited for you. TCS dramas are for the households. This movie is for another set of audience the ones who can appreciate and willing to pay that $8.
Our body is only a shell. In any line of work that we do, sacrifices have to be made. In all instances, in whatever job we undertake, we will have to put our heart and soul into it. So what more if it’s ourbody…our body portray us and especially if someone such as yourself who have to use it in your craft to bring out the best of the character, i don’t see why not? Rose Chan is real…not plucked from thin air. If whoever has to portray her, it has to be her body, soul and mind. This won’t be an easy role to portray..neither was your role in Little Nonya or any role that you have been in. But i believe that if the role was given to you, you won’t do a half hearted job but put your all into it. If your all means having to bear, you will do it because you become her. Being conservative is good but being a prude is not. If everyone is a prude and feels that it should not be done, then there is no point in doing a movie about her. If people who support you don’t understand why you need to bear, then they don’t really know what you do. If they really support you, they will support you in whatever role you do. I know i do. 🙂
Hi, i will support ur boldness in getting naked for u belong to the minority who have the courage to nude yourself. anyway, is your passion and career therefore, GO GO GO!!
Hi joanne, i like your thoughts on what makes an actor, and what kind of actress you would like to be. Kudos to that and we look forward in seeing you shine and come through with different creations of character.
At first I thought you are obsessed, but after reading your comments I give you my support and hi, hi, May God Bless You.
just wanted to let you know that I had the tv on when I was in the gym just now, and your jetstar ads ran thrice in the space of 40 minutes. I was so grossed out by your fake accent (where from any way? which part of Singapore speaks like that?) that I think I’ll just stick with radio from now on.
Dear Lily,
I’m sorry it grossed you out but instead of making a sweeping declaration of tuning off TV, and to radio (which in any case has deejays and voice overs speaking with non-Singaporean accent too ie. the American accent), perhaps you might be able to find reconciliation with TV after the following understanding.
I was working with a full Australian team very intensively and the director wanted the lines to be delivered a certain way that made sense to him and his team. Also in order to give the TVC a more regional appeal, the Singaporean accent did not come natural in that instance. While it might sound fake to you due to certain preconceived notions, let me assure you that that was not my intention.
Joanne, I was with my family watching Telly this afternoon and the jetstar ad came on twice in 15 mins but they were all going “Joanne peh!” “Joanne Peh!”…wah she is in jetstar ad ah…they were suitably impressed that u were choosen to be a rep for Jetstar and there were no mention of such as what Ms Lily deem as unsuitable accent. Ms Lily must also understand that not her singaporeans speak with her notion of the Singaporean accent. I have been mistaken to be a foreigner many a times as I sometimes don’t speak with a typical Singaporean accent as she calls it but I am in no lesser way not a Singaporean. I don’t consider what u used as a “fake” accent but that u were showing respect to the English language. Besides your enunciation and modulation of the words made the words clear to the viewer. Who cares which accent is it? In fact your excitement in the ad was greatly contagious!
Hwa Hee Teo Hou…but as an uncle who watched your shows on TV, find that you need not have to go all out for that role of Rose Chan…I find that there are other roles for greater explorations…:)
We’re human afterall and you seem to be alittle too concerned to have blog this and personally i felt you expressed it in a”love me or leave it” attitude when you know chances is that it’ll not go down well in public perception but hey, you’ve got a decent lot that supports your honesty or maybe loves you hence you’re lucky in this blog aspect but unfortunately that is never a good gauge as there’ll be a whole army of sensible lot that keeps mum. For your honesty, you scored ZERO!!! Why?? There are things that as a public figure, you shouldn’t touch on it.
“I don’t belittle my body but it doesn’t really mean anything. What matters is our soul and what’s inside of us, not this outer shell.”
“When I entered this industry, (my body) is something I have to give up. I have to let my co-stars or strangers touch or kiss me.”
The above 2 sentences i would take it for real that you meant it as it would have undergone enough thoughts and maybe discussions to take that very brave step to post it. I for one prefer your blog to some other celebrities in the sense that it has more “you” than what i wish ppl to “view” me as. It has finally slowly to surface everywhere the ” other” side of celebrities and i conclude there are many truths in those reports and it’s very disappointing to know but if one is ready to deal the deal then there isn’t much to say but i hope local celebrities understands and be very proud of our chinese culture which indeed has very good values.
Hi Joanne, I like your attitude towards clarification, it is sure not easy being a celebrity (public figure) despite the fame and glamour which you all have. There are countless time of distorted facts, headlines, inaccurate reports being passed around especially at the speed of light in this internet era. I look up to you for taking one step further to make clarification on your thoughts and the openness in your blog entries.
You are one exceptional lady, who upholds the responsibility and rights in your freedom of speech, thoughts and action. And I am impressed 🙂
I get to see your blog entry link while I was browsing xinmsn just awhile ago..
and I found these meaningful, in the courtesy of xinmsn:
“Public opinion, albeit based upon exaggerated facts or inaccurate reports, remains a creative expression, unique to every individual and allows us to make sense of life. We cannot deprive one another of this need, for it will strip us bare of thoughts, thoughts that help us move forward.”
“Lack of clarification is not a sign of weakness, it is my respect for your need to be creative. Art needs creativity to flourish and this industry is all about that.”
“The inaccuracies of the press, and the banner headlines by which they are trumpeted, are soothing draughts to this thirst for the unreal.
– Jean Cocteau, 5 July 1889 – 11 October 1963”
May the strength be with you ALWAYS! =) Jiayou Joanne!
You make your choice; now go after your dreams.
ahh i just realised ‘Misleading Headlines’ is a post of yours, is in courtesy of Ms Joanne Peh not msn 🙂 i’m in abit of confusion, the weblinks are all over lol and somehow it links to here.
Anyway Great post Joanne, and keep up the good job! 😉