Imagine a movie where a renowned actor shares the screen with a ginkgo tree—and the role was crafted exclusively for him. But here's where it gets intriguing: Tony Leung’s latest indie film isn’t just a quirky concept; it’s a profound exploration of humanity, nature, and the unexpected connections between them. In a recent interview, Leung and director Ildiko Enyedi revealed the fascinating journey behind this unique project, shedding light on how Leung prepared to act opposite a tree, why Enyedi tailored the role specifically for him, and the deeper lessons humans can learn from the natural world. Their conversation, edited for clarity and translated from Mandarin where necessary, offers a glimpse into the creative process behind Silent Friend—a film that challenges conventional storytelling.
Ildiko, what drew you to Tony Leung when crafting this role?
Ildiko Enyedi: When you watch someone’s interviews, you catch glimpses of their essence. I sensed Tony was someone extraordinary—someone who could embody the philosophical core of this film. For the silent heart of the story, I needed an actor with a profound and captivating presence. I hoped Tony would accept, knowing his versatility, but I also felt there was something uniquely personal about him that aligned with the character.
During our first meeting, I asked if he’d be willing to shave his head. I wanted a monk-like quality—not in seriousness, but in calm, cheerful openness to the world. Scientists, after all, approach their work without shields or defenses. Beneath this apparent vulnerability lies a deep faith in oneself, a beauty I’ve admired since my teenage fascination with scientific inquiry. It’s not just about utility; it’s about the elegance of humanity’s pursuit of knowledge. So, I needed more than a brilliant actor—I needed someone truthful, wise, and tender in their view of the world.
Tony, what was your initial reaction to the script?
Tony Leung: Picture opening a script labeled as ‘sci-fi with humor’ and discovering the protagonist is a tree. You’d think, ‘This is unusual,’ right? That was my exact feeling. 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 philosophy, where nature mirrors the mind. The script’s layers of philosophical depth immediately piqued my curiosity.
At this stage in your career, what makes a project appealing?
Tony Leung: For me, the director is paramount, regardless of the script’s quality. I follow my instincts, so meeting Ildiko was crucial. Our first Zoom call wasn’t about the script or my character—we discussed Eastern and Western philosophies and neuroscientist Anil Seth, whom she’d seen on a TED Talk. I sensed her intellect, humility, and clarity of vision. I need to trust that a director understands their vision; otherwise, the process becomes painful. Plus, I admired her previous work, On Body and Soul and The Story of My Wife.
How did you prepare for a role with minimal dialogue?
Tony Leung: I started by researching my character’s background. As a neuroscientist studying infant cognitive development, I read books Ildiko recommended and consulted university neuroscientists. I even hired a UK-based coach to develop a subtle British accent, imagining my character as a Cambridge-educated scholar. Over six months, I immersed myself not only in cognitive science but also in plant intelligence, reading books like Planta Sapiens. Each step deepened my connection to the role, giving me the confidence to embody a neuroscientist authentically.
Ildiko, why the ginkgo biloba tree?
Ildiko Enyedi: Its history and symbolism were key. The film is set in a botanical garden, where plants are outsiders to their environment. Among these outsiders, the ginkgo is the ultimate stranger—a species that nearly went extinct millions of years ago but is now practically indestructible. It thrives in smog-filled cities, a testament to resilience. This mirrored the human characters, who are also outsiders navigating unfamiliar environments. Outsiders, I believe, see more, think differently, and discover more. Scientists, like ginkgo trees, operate outside conventional systems, bringing fresh perspectives and leading us to new paths.
Tony, how do you thrive in solitude?
Tony Leung: I genuinely enjoy being alone. For instance, while filming Europe Raiders in southern Italy, I stayed in a secluded area with few tourists. I’d bike to the beach, meditate, and explore local restaurants solo. I love visiting cities where I don’t speak the language—it’s a liberating experience. With tools like Google Translate, communication is always possible.
How has this film changed your relationship with plants?
Tony Leung: Before, I saw trees as mere plants during my runs. But after researching plant intelligence for this role, I realized they possess a different form of consciousness. Now, when I run, I sense their sentience—it’s like having companions. While I can’t prove every tree has a soul, I believe older ones do. This film shifted my perspective: I no longer see humans as superior to plants. I now view all living beings as equals and consider how my actions impact nature.
And this is the part most people miss: Silent Friend isn’t just a film—it’s a call to rethink our relationship with the natural world. What if plants are more aware than we assume? Could this change how we treat them? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the boundaries of consciousness and our place in the ecosystem. The Singapore International Film Festival, running until December 7, is the perfect place to explore these ideas. Visit https://sgiff.com/ for more details.
