Through the years, the Muses know what strings to pull to herald the arrival of Philippine Tinseltown’s freshest and newest ‘It Boy.”
Some premium examples are Christopher de Leon in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Bembol Roco in Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, Aga Muhlach in Miguelito, Richard Gomez in Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit, Mark Anthony Fernandez in Mangarap Ka, Cogie Domingo in Death Row and Sid Lucero in Muli.
Now, the Muses’ choice is Tony Labrusca, he headlines the Cinema One Originals entry Double Twisting Double Back, the second film of award-winning young director, Joseph Abello.
Labelled as erotic sports thriller, the movie is about Badger, a young athlete who figures in the ultra-competitive world of gymnastics, his struggles to cope with the rigors of the sport, and how he battles with his personal demons.
Abello’s second full length motion picture will also tackle and present mental health issues and how these conditions affect the person afflicted by it and people within and outside his or her sphere.
“He is an endearing, relatable and he wants best for himself and loved ones. As a character, he makes me emotional. All of us just want our piece of victory and that part of Badger, I can totally relate to but, you know, something in him puts him down. He made me very aware of the troubles that I have. I feel really bad for him,” Labrusca says talking about his character.
He carries on, “I know, giving life to him poses so many challenges, both on the physical and emotional level. I am giving my best as I want to give a good account of myself kahit na baguhan ako. I know this is a big break for me and ayoko naman itong masayang for coming up with a lackluster acting.”
He doesn’t mind the gymnastic routines declaring, “I will do it, basta kaya ko. I know they don’t want me to get any broken bones or hurt myself in doing the routines but I want to be honest. If I can do the routine, kahit na mahirap, I will do it myself.”
Labrusca is more conscious of portraying Badger with a lot of truth, “I want to show people that I’m a new actor but I’m trying to take this seriously. I’m trying to earn my spot in showbiz and prove to people that I deserve to be in this industry.”
What else can we look forward to this? “Well, it is 90 percent erotic,” he teases.
“Joking aside, the sports scenes are aesthetically executed, the thriller part is continuous, the erotic element are tastefully done.”
He goes on, “I was not apprehensive in doing the erotic scenes since I know I am in safe hands, nothing bad will happen to me. Everyone in the film is professional. When I am not comfortable with something, I tell them and they respect my reservations. More than anything, what we want people to realize is that issues about mental health affect all of us.”
In conclusion, Labrusca states, “I know that my fans will be initially shocked but I am also certain that they are proud. From day one, they know naman na messed up ang film with an advocacy.”
Double Twisting Double Back is a Cinema One Originals official entry with play dates this October.
