Suki Low and Azman Hassan are among the major names who lend their voices to the Malaysian edition of Disneys live action Pinocchio. DENNIS CHUA has the story
EIGHT decades after Walt Disney Productions came up with the animated movie Pinocchio, the puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy is back in live action.
The new Pinocchio movie which has a mix of real actors and Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) is directed by Robert Zemeckis and has a star-studded cast headlined by Tom Hanks, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cynthia Erivo and Luke Evans.
Pinocchio also has a Malaysian voiceover edition, which premieres on Disney+ Hotstar on Thursday (Sept 8), coinciding with the English edition's worldwide release on the platform.
ICONIC SONG
While the original has Hanks play Pinocchio's woodcarver father Geppetto and Erivo play the Blue Fairy, the Malaysian edition in Malay stars veteran actor Azman Hassan as Geppetto, singer-songwriter Suki Low as the puppeteer Fabiana and her marionette Sabina, Sabahan singer Liana Jacklon as the singing voice of the Blue Fairy and 9-year-old Khaireel Akasya as Pinocchio.
"It's my first time singing for a character and I'm excited to be part of it," said Liana in a recent online interview.
"I watched the cartoon as a child and fell in love with its main song, When You Wish Upon A Star.
"Over the years I familiarised myself with this iconic tune, and now I sing its Malay version which is just as beautiful."
MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD
Liana said that When You Wish Upon A Star was not easy as it required "lots of passion".
I had to understand the story behind the song, namely Pinocchio's longing to be a human, and put myself into his and the fairy's shoes."
While the Malay and English versions of the song are similar, the Malay lyrics are more straightforward.
The Malay version is close to home, and easier to remember. I love it!"
NEW CHARACTERS
Suki said: "I, too, grew up watching Pinocchio and other Disney cartoons. It's a dream come true to be voicing a Disney character."
Suki added that Fabiana and Sabina were created for the live action film, and they are friends of Pinocchio in a puppet show.
Since Fabiana and Sabina are new, I have more freedom giving them a Malaysian flavour. Nevertheless, it was a challenge to get my words within the stipulated seconds, based on the script.
MEMORABLE PROJECT
Another challenge was to match the tone of my voice with the characters' expressions, for instance if my characters are scared, I has to make them sound scared," said Suki.
Suki found that the locally-produced songs for the movie were "as good as the English ones".
It is a memorable project that I will cherish forever."
GOOD LESSONS
Azman also watched the Disney cartoon and described it as a heartwarming story with good lessons.
I can easily identify with Geppetto, he is a good father who wants a son. Even though Pinocchio mixes with bad company, the lessons that Geppetto taught him are embedded in him and he finally does the right things," said Azman.
DIFFERENT BALL GAMES
Azman also said that acting and voiceover work were "different ball games".
When I act, I use my limbs, facial expressions and voice. In voiceover work however, I only have my voice, and it has to match the expressions and emotions of my character," he said.
Azman enjoyed singing Geppetto's songs even though he was "not a singer".
Geppetto's songs express his love for his son and his prayers that Pinocchio gets his wish."
THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS
Khaireel, who is making his voiceover debut, said that he viewed the cartoon Pinocchio thrice in order to understand the wooden hero's thoughts and feelings.
I can easily relate to Pinocchio as he is a boy. He is easily influenced by bad company, but he is kind and compassionate, and loves Geppetto," he said.
Khaireel credits his mother for helping him rehearse for the role of Pinocchio.
My mother did a great job bringing out the expressions of Pinocchio in me. For instance, when I had to laugh, she tickled me nicely!"
The official trailer for Pinocchio