Creative Discourse of short film As time goes by <As time goes by>

• Main Authors: LEONG, YEW SEN, 梁友瑄
• Other Authors: 何平
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/848fq8

碩士 === 國立臺灣藝術大學 === 電影學系 === 102 === Since the establishment of Kuala Lumpur in 1847, both Jalan Sultan and Petaling Street have been the heartland of the capital city of Malaysia until today. Over a century or so the old streets have been affected by several urban development plans. Some historical and cultural landscape have been transformed, with some old buildings demolished while some struggling to survive poor management. The old streets have been overlooked and marginalized by rapid urban development of the capital city. In August 2011, following the announcement of the newly proposed Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line to cover the old streets, the imminence of the movement to reclaim old shops and buildings looms. As far as Kuala Lumpur’s existing landscape is concerned, MRT and subsequently announced commercial buildings projects are not unlike the straw that breaks the camel’s back, prompting controversial land reclamation movement, as well as gatherings to call on the community to save the old streets from the brink of demolition. Out of a passion to preserve what may soon become part of our history, I recorded cultural heritage gatherings and today’s old streets. In 2012, together with my documentary production students, we visited the streets and spoke with the residents. Emotionally engaged, only did we realize the existing methods could not quite express our deeper thoughts. The looming idea to tell its story prompts us to start the project of As Time Goes By. In an era when capitalism monopolizes every matter, the routine of life slips into oblivion as time goes by. Swift transformation of the new and disappearance of the old – as if all are occurring out of necessity. Several years on, I have been visiting every corner as a flaneur, leaving in me the nostalgia of the old streets which I am in no part belonging to it. Following some contemplations, I decided to tell the story from the perspective of two residents – Chan Tim Fook and Chan Kam Wah. Apart from observing the ongoing disappearance of the old streets, I am also keen to present the life aspects of two generations in an era which capitalism stretches its tentacles to serve as a guideline of every matter. How do they position themselves in an age of massive transformation? What is their version of As Time Goes By stories? My comprehension and understanding of the old streets are very much different from what have been mentioned by the media, let alone the public’s simplification of the elements of old streets. It is my wish to share with the audience that urban landscape is not limited to a single outlook or two. Why is the old street area – having welcomed migrant workers and low-income locals – slowly slipping into oblivion as a landscape unacknowledged by the mainstream middle class? Quasi documentary and realistic portrayal, As Time Goes By is produced in an impromptu style. With all creative elements closing up to reality, the documentary director fills fictional storyline into the gaps of real life scene, in a hope to strike a balance between storytelling and documentary. While highlighting the vicissitude of old streets, As Time Goes By also reflects the frailty and sentiments of the people.