Another drama test for Anne

MANILA, Philippines - “I have realized the chemistry is still there,” replied Anne Curtis when asked about her new discoveries working with former boyfriend Richard Gutierrez for the first time in GMA Films and Viva Films’ In Your Eyes. Showing on Aug. 18, the movie also stars Claudine Barretto.

“It helped,” she adds. “It wasn’t hard to get into the character’s emotions.”

After all, Anne and Richard had fond memories to look back to. However, it took awhile for Anne to get comfortable with Richard on the set.

“It was something new to me,” shares the lovely actress. “It was my first time to work with him (Richard) and Ate Claudine. First day was (challenging) because we had to shoot a kissing scene. After, we were comfortable with each other.”

What other things have Anne discovered about Richard?

“Honestly, I always view him as the boy-next-door and the superhero,” she answers. “I haven’t seen him preparing for his role and how he gets into it. He can be a dramatic actor.”

Director Mac Alejandre agrees with Anne, saying, “Richard performed way beyond expectations.”

“He is a revelation,” adds Claudine.

In Your Eyes is another drama test for Anne after When Love Begins and Baler, for which she won Best Actress in the 2008 Metro Filmfest. She is associated with comedy-romance and fantasy adventures.

“She’s very free spirited,” Anne describes her character Julia. “She has no limitations and is open-minded. She is a happy-go-lucky girl.”

Julia’s carefree personality hatches a plan to convince her boyfriend Storm (Richard) to enter into an arranged marriage with Julia’s American citizen sister Ciara (Claudine). Thus, Storm will get that US immigrant status. The change of heart takes off from there. And Anne’s Julia will grow and mature after learning from the pain of love.

Maturity in acting is what Anne will show in In Your Eyes as she pitted against Claudine in big scenes.

Anne also pushes herself by doing a daring scene — sitting on Richard’s lap while they hit the road.

“Am I ready for this (going daring)?” Anne asks herself. “It was my first time to do this kind of scene and it was my most daring (so far). If you know your capability and are mature (as an actress), you have to do it. You really step out of your comfort zone.”

“Our aim is to nail the scene,” says Richard. The two are found not wanting.

Based on the movie trailers, In Your Eyes is a must-see. Direk Mac says, “The movie explores the hearts of the actors — what they want to say.” The movie is a (rare) combination of Claudine, Anne and Richard.

Also shot against the urban landscape of Los Angeles, In Your Eyes also gave also Anne the time to bond with Richard and his brother Elvis. They dined in a restaurant, went around the area and watched a Lakers game.

But working with Claudine made the movie extra special for Anne.

“I was very vocal about who I wanted to work with,” says Anne. “I waited so long for this to work with Ate Claudine. I’ve seen practically all her movies. She’s very supportive. She’ll give way for you and add lines (for you to get) the feel of the situation.”

Let’s see for ourselves how Anne fares again in drama.