An interview with Cinematographer Jimmy Wong

We sincerely thank Cinematographer Jimmy Wong for accepting Cooke’s interview in Taiwan and sharing his creative insights from the film The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon. We would also like to extend our gratitude to reseller Infratrans Vision Co., Ltd.. and Taiwan Hekuan Equipment Co., Ltd. for their support, which made this interview possible. The lenses and camera equipment used for this interview are consistent with those used in the film The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon.

“Cooke Anamorphic lenses present an ‘imperfect’ beauty,” said Jimmy Wong. “This is exactly what I pursue.” He emphasised that Cooke lenses excel in contrast and depth, achieving an ideal sense of focus. In chase scenes and underwater fights, they successfully create a unique visual effect that reflects the tension of the story.

When discussing the contrast requirements during shooting, Jimmy Wong pointed out, “If a lens can’t achieve the high contrast I need, I won’t choose to use it.” He stressed that the perfect contrast and depth provided by Cooke lenses allow details to be maintained even in highlight areas, filling each frame with tension.

Jimmy Wong also mentioned that he focuses on the balance between the lens and the camera when selecting equipment. He chose the RED camera, believing that combining a “perfect” digital camera with “imperfect” lenses can yield unique visual effects where 1+1>3. “This combination allows me to express my creative concepts more freely.”

In The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon, Jimmy Wong utilised the primary colours of red, green, and blue to give each scene a unique atmosphere. “These colours are the foundation of all colours,” he said. “They not only enhance emotions but also provide a sense of immersion for the audience. At the same time, I also love black-and-white imagery, and merging these two has become a symbol of my work.”

During the shooting process, Jimmy Wong encountered various challenges. Particularly while shooting at the seaside in Kaohsiung, strong winds and sand made filming difficult. “The conditions were quite harsh at the time, but this is part of filmmaking,” he recalled. “We had to overcome every challenge to complete each shot.”

Jimmy Wong’s creative philosophy and unique choices led to the remarkable visual success of The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon. Through his distinctive perspective and techniques, the film not only tells a story but also conveys profound emotions through light and shadow, allowing the audience to feel his passion and dedication to art in every frame.