'I don't like being cheated, betrayed'
Even though it was not long ago that he began his career, Ferry Salim is very experienced and has quickly shot to fame as a TV film star with a very promising future. With his athletic build, Ferry is popular among young housewives because his on- screen roles usually portray a mature, patient and honest man. Traits which mirror his real-life nature.
Family is everything to Ferry and he always strives to be a good father to his children. Recently Ferry talked briefly with The Jakarta Post's contributor Asniar Sahab amid his busy schedule while shooting a new film, Ca Bau Khan.
Question: How many TV films have you starred in?
Answer: Since 1996, I have starred in 12. Not bad for a newcomer like me. Ca Bau Khan is my first wide-screen film. I thank God that, in the revival of the nation's wide-screen film production, I have been given an opportunity to take part. Obviously I'm very happy. I have long dreamt of acting in a wide-screen film.
Q: What is interesting about Ca Bau Khan?
A: The story is very interesting. I read the book before I was offered the film role. I admire the male character in the novel, Tan Peng Liang. His character traits are very interesting to me. He is principled and stubborn. Although he is of Chinese origin, he really considers himself Indonesian and falls in love with a Betawi (native Jakartan) girl.
The great attraction to me is his struggle to translate his love, for the girl and for Indonesia, into reality. He once went to Moscow but then returned to Indonesia. I find the film full of color and nuance. It is rich in cultural, human and historical values.
So, the moment I was offered the role of Tan Peng Liang, I decided to study him profoundly. The film encompasses eras of Dutch, Japanese and independent Indonesia history. It is really interesting and stimulates me to perform to the best of my ability.
Q: What are your personal character traits?
A: Capricorn is my zodiac sign. Capricorns are hard workers. They are responsible people and loyal to friends. I'm a real perfectionist with everything that falls within my sphere of responsibility. If I want something I must get it, no matter what. And I will get it in the end.
Q: What is it that you like least?
A: I don't like being cheated and hate being betrayed. It's my bad side, you know, that once I am hurt by betrayal, it's all over with whoever betrays me. Even if he is right before me, he will be non-existent to me. This means that I am deeply furious. Perhaps this person will change but it is rather unlikely that I will trust him or her again.
Q: What will make you angry?
A: Being cheated, as I have said earlier. It's better to be honest with me rather than telling a lie. Once I get angry, I will cut down him or her to death! (Ferry laughs and indicates his exaggeration.)
Q: What will make you cry?
A: I am very touched when I see films about oppressed people. I sometimes shed tears even. Perhaps because I'm a romantic person, my heart is easily moved. Take, for example, the May riot, the bombings, other rioting and the uncertain future of refugees -- I can cry when I see all of this. These incidents touch my heart of hearts.
Q: What is your favorite clothing?
A: I started out in the fashion world. I used to be a model and then a designer, before performing in TV films. Obviously I keep up with the trends in fashion. I will adopt whatever is in, of course, if it suits me. For example, though I like to see someone with colorful hair, I may not necessarily have my hair colored that way because it does not suit my personality.
If something suits me, I will use it. I like casual or sports wear. Well, I like formal wear too, but as I spend most of my time working outdoors, I prefer casual and sports wear. I also follow my mood. When I have a penchant for white, everything will be white: a white shirt, a white watch, etc. What counts is that my dress must be trendy.
Q: What film did you last watch?
A: Children of Heaven. I watched it on VCD. The story was simple but very touching. I do not watch a film only for the story. I watch a film as a comprehensive work. I will observe the typography, the setting, the lighting, the camera work, etc. I will observe everything intently.
To go back to Children of Heaven, I was moved by the depiction of the two brothers in a very poor family. Just for a pair of shoes, the elder brother had to fight for his sibling. The film is very well made indeed.
Q: What kind of film do you like best?
A: I like drama thrillers, like the films starring Michael Douglas. I don't like comedies or war films. I like a film exploring daily life because the story is based in reality and everybody can associate with it.
Q: What book did you last read?
A: Ca Bau Khan. I read it over and over again. I like the story and I can also imagine the locations. For example, from the downtown Kota area to a street in Jatinegara -- everything is clearly depicted in the novel. The novel is very interesting and very descriptive.
Q: What songs do you most like?
A: I like songs by New Ed, Kitaro. Songs like this fill me with inspiration when I hear them. Music can give me great inspiration and ideas.
Q: What do you take with you when you go out?
A: Clearly, I must have my cell phone with me. It's a must. Why? Because it is my livelihood. Then a wallet and some money, just in case I suddenly need cash. I also take my credit card and a bottle of perfume. You see, I'm out all day so after some time, the perfume I am wearing wears off. So, when I want to see someone again, I must spray on some more perfume. Then I always have my phone book, or an organizer. And last but not least, medicine for my stomach. I always take this because I often suffer from stomach-aches.
Q: Assuming that you were shooting a film on location in a desert, what three things would you have with you?
A: The first thing, of course, would be my cell phone. Of course, I can use it only where the signal can be received. If I need help, I can use my cell phone. Also, I can use it to communicate with people far from my shooting location.
Then I must take a compass with me. This is important because if the film crew and I are lost and my cell phone cannot be used, I can use the compass to direct me. Third, I must have sufficient supplies of food and drink. If things go from bad to worse, I can survive with my supplies.
Q: Have you any favorite food?
A: I like seafood -- it's delicious. This has been my favorite food since I was a small boy. Fish, prawns, squid, etc. Perhaps because I am an islander. My father is indigenous to Palembang, mixed with Buginese ancestry. My mom is of Chinese origin.
So, here I am with a great appetite for shrimps and prawns. When I dine in a restaurant, I must find something on the menu with shrimps and prawns.
Q: Would you like to be remembered?
A: Of course. That's why I always do good things for people. When I die I want people, particularly my family, to have fond memories of me. I want my children to talk about their father with pride. At least I can leave behind good things for my family.