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Phuong Nam recounts being bitten by a snake, crying out in pain while the film crew thought she was "acting
Báo Lao Động
21:14
Following the success of the film "Red Rain," actor Phuong Nam is experimenting with a role in a horror film for the first time.
Actor Phuong Nam in the film "Ut Lan 2." Photo: Provided by the subject.
Sharing with Lao Dong reporters, actor Phuong Nam revealed he lost nearly 6kg to embody the character of a snake catcher in the U Minh Thuong mangrove forest. Before entering the filming phase for the "Ut Lan 2" project, Phuong Nam weighed 73kg following a previous project. To meet the character requirements for Den—a river-region laborer with a lean, weathered physique—he proactively followed a weight-loss regimen, bringing his body weight down to 67-68kg before the cameras started rolling.
Beyond the physical transformation, the actual shooting schedule in the U Minh Thuong forest required the actor to expend significant energy. To ensure authenticity on screen, Phuong Nam personally operated the boats transporting crew and equipment through treacherous swampy areas.
Actor Phuong Nam stated: "There were shooting blocks that lasted from early morning until late at night, or overnight until the following dawn. The most difficult parts were the sequences where the cameras were placed on two boats carrying the director, technical staff, and the entire system of machinery, sound, and lighting equipment. In those moments, I had to use my own strength to row and push the entire cluster of boats. The heavy physical exertion from the real-life setting helped my physique become noticeably toned," the actor shared.
In addition to physical stamina, the linguistic barrier was also a challenge for a Northern-born actor like Phuong Nam. He shared that he spent about 2 hours each day practicing the Mekong Delta accent. To grasp the habits and natural pronunciation of the local people, he proactively volunteered to help at a local eatery and interacted directly with local workers before filming began.
Most of the filming took place at night in the flooded primary forest, which is home to many mosquitoes and insects. However, the most serious incident during the filming process stemmed from direct interaction with animals used for the scenes.
Phuong Nam admitted that he was naturally apprehensive about reptiles, but still had to participate in training sessions to get accustomed to handling pythons and snakes before going on location. In the controlled environment of the training room, the animal adapted well. However, when out in the field with technical noise, high-intensity lighting, and artificial rain effects, the snake became agitated and uncontrollable.
Recounting the moment of the accident, the actor said: "When I reached my hand in to pull the snake out of the basket, the animal suddenly bit my hand. I cried out in pain, but the film crew initially didn't realize it, thinking I was acting to increase the drama of the scene.
As I tried to control the situation, I was bitten a second time. It wasn't until they saw blood flowing heavily and I was forced to throw the animal onto the bank that the director and crew called for a cut so the medical team could intervene," he recalled.
Immediately after initial first aid, Phuong Nam was transported by specialized vehicle over 50km to the Kien Giang General Hospital for examination. The snake-catching expert accompanying the crew monitored him clinically based on the typical onset time of toxins. Medical test results confirmed the snake was not dangerously venomous. After having his wounds disinfected and his health stabilized, the actor returned to the set to complete the remaining segments of the project.
As of now, according to statistics from Box Office Vietnam, the film "Ut Lan 2" has grossed 40 billion VND following its early screenings from September 18 to 20 and its official release on September 25.
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