Overseasidol.com — The contemporary national security film Scare Out officially premiered today, drawing significant public attention.
In a special interview with CCTV, director Zhang Yimou and lead actors Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong shared insights into the film’s production process, particularly its striking use of extreme close-up shots.
Zhang Yimou explained that the decision to use tight close-ups was not merely a stylistic choice but a testament to the actors’ capabilities.
According to the acclaimed director, shooting an actor’s face at such close range only works if there is genuine emotion reflected in their eyes.
He emphasized that without depth in the heart and eyes, even the closest camera angle would be meaningless. For Zhang, powerful close-ups require “light and spirit in the eyes”.
Jackson Yee revealed that during filming, the cast was never informed in advance when a close-up shot would occur.
Instead, the actors focused entirely on delivering their lines and refining subtle facial expressions and micro-movements.
He shared that Zhang Yimou reassured them that even the smallest emotional shifts would be captured by the camera, which gave the performers a sense of security and freedom to immerse themselves fully in their roles.
Zhu Yilong also praised the film’s shooting approach, noting that it effectively protected the actors’ emotional continuity.
Many scenes were filmed in extended takes without frequent cuts, allowing performers to maintain consistent emotional flow.
Each take also provided opportunities for varied interpretations, enabling actors to express spontaneous feelings that emerged in the moment.
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