Interview With Director Lee Thongkham For KITTY THE KILLER

Director Lee Thongkham Discusses His Latest Action Film Kitty the Killer.

Interview by Jordan von Netzer.

If you look at director Lee Thongkham’s resume, you will notice that all his films are very high concept. Whether they follow a sinister spirit (The Maid), or a giant monster (The Lake) Lee’s films are all attention-grabbing and contain a unique hook. His latest feature, Kitty the Killer, is no different. The film’s synopsis is as follows: A Highly trained teenage assassin, Dina, and her mentor Charlie, form an unlikely duo as they unexpectedly join forces to stop a sinister plot and save millions of lives. The film is an action-comedy and was greatly inspired by Kill Bill and Wanted. When discussing this inspiration, Lee explains, “Our goal was to create a movie that would deliver the same level of pulse-pounding action and edge-of-your-seat excitement, while also infusing it with a healthy dose of humor.” In the below interview, Lee discusses everything from how Kitty the Killer was made, to his love of Jurassic Park.

Kitty the Killer is available now on VOD.

Firstly, what made you want to become a filmmaker?

I decided to become a filmmaker because I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. When I moved from rural Thailand to America as a kid, I was amazed by the magic of cinema. It inspired me to be creative. Movies have this amazing ability to take people to different places and make them feel things. They push boundaries and connect with audiences. I’ve always wanted to tell stories that are unique, daring, and true to myself.

Where did you come up with the concept for Kitty the Killer?

The concept for Kitty the Killer was a blend of my passions and inspirations. I’ve always envisioned crafting an underground world filled with secrets, where young female assassins navigate their daily lives against the backdrop of Bangkok. I aimed to infuse the film with cool, adrenaline-pumping action reminiscent of Hong Kong cinema. Plus, I have a soft spot for cats.

Did you watch any other films before beginning work on Kitty the Killer to get inspiration?

Yes, definitely! Before starting work on Kitty the Killer, I watched a lot of Asian action movies for inspiration. I particularly love samurai movies in general, as a kid it was always my go-to genre. I also enjoy the fast-paced action style in Hong Kong cinema. The goofy martial arts comedy Kung Fu Hustle is one of my favorites.

How involved were you in the casting process? What was it about Ploy Ploypailin Thangprapaporn that stuck out from other actors you were looking at?

I was very involved in the casting process for Kitty the Killer. When it came to Ploy Ploypailin Thangprapaporn, there were several qualities that stood out and made her the perfect fit for the role. Her versatility as an actress was impressive, allowing her to portray both the innocence and the intensity required for the character of Kitty. Additionally, her charisma and on-screen presence captivated me from the start. Ploy’s dedication to her craft and her ability to bring depth to the character sealed the deal, making her the standout choice among the other actors we considered. Additionally, her dedication to the project was evident through her three months of training to prepare for her action-packed scenes.

What sort of conversations did you have with Kitty the Killer DP Brandt Hackney about the look you were trying to achieve?

When talking with DP Brandt Hackney for Kitty the Killer, we focused on how the movie should look and feel. We wanted it to have a mix of gritty realism and cool action scenes. We discussed using different lighting and camera tricks to set the mood for each part of the story, like the bright lights of Bangkok or the exciting action moments. We worked together to make sure the visuals matched the overall vision for the film, creating a unique style for Kitty the Killer.

DP Brandt Hackney has worked on your three other films The Maid, The Lake and The Last One. What do you like most about his work?

I really admire how DP Brandt Hackney brings my ideas to life on screen. He has a fantastic eye for detail and always captures the essence of each story perfectly. His cinematography really sets the mood for my films. Plus, he’s a great collaborator who works hard to make each project a success. It’s like we have this unspoken understanding of what we’re creating together. I’m grateful to have him on the team and excited to work together on future projects.

Do you have a favorite shot from the film?

One of my favorite shots from the film is the slow-motion sequence where Keng throws an axe at the goon’s forehead. It’s such a powerful and visually striking moment that really encapsulates the intensity and excitement of the movie as a whole. It’s the kind of shot that sticks with you long after the film is over, and I can definitely understand wanting to watch it over and over again.

You have talked about seeing Jurassic Park for the first time and the impact it made on you wanting to become a filmmaker. Can you talk about what in particular mesmerized you so much about that film?

I can talk about Jurassic Park all day but, Firstly, the groundbreaking visual effects, particularly the lifelike dinosaurs, were unlike anything I had ever seen before. The seamless integration of CGI with practical effects brought these creatures to life in a way that felt incredibly real and immersive.

Secondly, the storytelling and direction by Steven Spielberg was masterful. The film expertly built tension and suspense, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. The pacing was spot-on, with moments of awe-inspiring wonder balanced by intense action sequences.

Moreover, Jurassic Park tapped into a sense of childlike wonder and adventure that resonated deeply with me. It transported me to a world where the impossible became possible, igniting my imagination and fueling my desire to create similar experiences through filmmaking.

Overall, Jurassic Park left an indelible mark on me as a budding filmmaker, inspiring me to pursue my passion for storytelling and visual storytelling. It showed me the power of cinema to transport audiences to new worlds and evoke a wide range of emotions, and that’s something I strive to capture in my own work. Like I said, I can talk all day about this movie but I’m going to leave it as that.

Can you talk about what sort of film you would like to work on next?

Currently, I’m working on a sci-fi time travel horror film set in Thailand, which is set to release this year. We are currently in post-production and are very excited to share it with the world. Next, I’m developing more action martial arts cinema from Thailand, aiming to reintroduce Muay Thai to the world stage again with a new cinematic experience.