Wished-for comeback of Mike de Leon, other directors

For 2009, how I wished good directors led by Mike de Leon would return to filmmaking. Mike’s latest movie was shown almost 10 years ago, the classic in black and white, Bayaning 3rd World. It focused on two filmmakers, Ricky Davao and Cris Villanueva, searching for the “real Jose Rizal,” Joel Torre.

But then a Mike comeback might be a pie in the sky as the director is reclusive, would rather be alone like Greta Garbo.

Surely, moviegoers miss and pine for such De Leon films as Itim (his first), Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising, Kakaba Kaba Ka Ba, Sister Stella L, Kisapmata, Batch ’81, an episode of Aliwan Paradise.

Well, who knows! Mike might just surprise us in 2009.

Other inactive directors come to mind: Laurice Guillen, Marilou Abaya, Romy Suzara, Elwood Perez, Carlitos Siguion Reyna, Gil Portes, Mario O’Hara, Peque Gallaga, Eddie Garcia.

Before Olive Lamasan, Rory Quintos, Cathy Garcia Molina and Bb. Joyce Bernal, Laurice and Marilou were the two top lady directors.

Laurice directed Kasal (her first) Salome, Init sa Magdamag, Tanging Yaman, American Adobo, Santa Santita — excellent films all. Just as impressive is the track record of Marilou: Brutal, Karnal, Moral, Muro Ami, Jose Rizal, Milagros.

Romy is one of the country’s finest action directors. Think of Rudy Fernandez’s Pepeng Shotgun. But he also excelled in dramas like Laruang Apoy, Pag-Ibig Na Walang Dangal, Uod at Rosas, Mga Bilanggung Birhen (sharing credit with Mario O’Hara).

Mario wrote and directed one of Nora Aunor’s finest films, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, giving her the first Urian Best Actress award in the mid-’70s. Other O’Hara gems: Kastilyong Buhangin, Bakit Bughaw ang Langit, Bagong Hari, Fatima Buen, which earned Kris Aquino an Urian Best Actress nomination. It gave John Regala the Best Supporting Actor trophy from the Urian and Star awards.

Gil needs another Mga Munting Tinig to put him on the international scene. The film went to the Oscars (Best Foreign-Language Picture category), Palm Springs and several US cities, Toronto, Singapore. Other memorable Portes movies: ‘Merika, Andrea, Miss X, Saranggola, Gatas and Markova.

Markova gave Dolphy and sons Eric and Epi Quizon the Best Actor/Actress trophies in Brussels, a first in filmfest history.

To date, Peque’s epic Oro, Plata, Mata remains etched on my mind, his best, followed by the erotic Scorpio Nights and the bittersweet Unfaithful Wife.

Elwood has been “threatening” for the nth time to stage a comeback. Hopefully, it will happen this year. He directed the award-winning Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit and Pacita M.

Carlitos is currently teaching filmmaking in Singapore but may he find the time and energy to direct one of these days. His credits include such fine films as Misis Mo, Misis Ko, Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, Ligaya, Selya and Azucena.

Last but not the least is Eddie Garcia, durable actor and excellent director. Aside from those hard action pictures, Eddie directed two memorable Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos movies, Atsay and Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-Ibig, respectively.

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