The Extras

New Wavers, Hong Kong and French ones alike, are cinephiles. They grew up watching films and the endeavor of making films is special to them. It's therefore not surprising that the first film by a New Wave stalwart is about the filmmaking process. The Extras, directed by Yim Ho, is very much a mainstream film, lacking many of the New Wave's signature markers and thus prompting doubts over claims that it was the movement's inaugural project. The story of an actor who dreams of becoming a star but settles for being an extra, is a lighthearted comedy that pokes fun at the film industry through physical gags and jocular romps. Stark contrast is made between an established star and the extra, the former a personification of vanity and the latter a devotee to film, remaining faithful despite continuous setbacks. The film industry is also portrayed with metaphoric acuity, serving as ready reference to society at large.

The Betacam tape used for this screening is the sole copy, which has an unsatisfactory quality and we appreciate your understanding.