审视 / Interrogation
Basic Instinct, the classic film that features the timeless interrogation scene with Sharon Stone, becomes an inspiration for the editorial shot by Ren Anyi. The interrogation scene is interpreted from a distinct angle suggesting a setup with more male characters to explore a new narrative. The tension is still the main atmospheric element. It develops with stylistic decisions and the art direction of the scene. The gaze of the models offers intensity and culminates with the direct stare at the camera.
Ren explains the intention to create dominance on set, ‘I talked about it a lot with the female model while allowing the male models to know little about the shooting concept.” The team builds a relationship between the characters by directing body postures and working with mirrors, in this way splitting the gaze. Voyeurism is inevitable.
The mirrors allow watching the hidden movements and facial expressions. The choice of a deep blue for the set, the black costumes, and the precise work with light create an unforgettable experience for the viewer. We speak with the team about the technicalities of shooting the story, the main inspiration, and the favorite scene.
Photographer Ren Anyi Stylist Sabina Vitter Styling assistant Shion Make up artist Annkey Deng Hair stylist Shi Hao Set Designer Tang Talents Qin Hao at Tiffany Models Lei at Shāng Model Management Tao at Paras Talent Management Clothes by Pöesy Vintage Store
‘For this shooting, I chose the classic interrogation scene as inspiration. Under 'interrogation,' I wanted to show sex appeal under control and explore the gaze between the self and others.’
— Ren Anyi
You mention the story is an inspiration coming from the film Basic Instinct directed by Paul Verhoeven. What were some of the steps in preparing the atmosphere for the shoot to achieve suspense (as in the film)?
Ren: The heroine of Basic Instinct 1992 is a screen image that I like very much. I think she interprets the sexual appeal perfectly, as I understand it. For this shooting, I chose the classic interrogation scene as inspiration. Under 'interrogation,' I wanted to show sex appeal under control and explore the gaze between the self and others. Before the shooting, I talked about it a lot with the female model while allowing the male models to know little about the shooting concept, as I wanted to add some randomness to their relationship and give the female model more dominance. In the final selection, though we cannot see much of her face, we can still feel the aura and mystery of her. For the setting, we used metallic props and blue carpet to create a futuristic feeling. Along with the cinematic lighting, the whole scene gives a surreal atmosphere. In addition, I also prepared a special playlist to make everyone ease into the mood.
‘In the shooting, we used four one-way mirrors to separate the models. From certain angles, you can see not only the self-reflection through the mirror but also the one on the other side.’
— Ren Anyi
The mirror is one of the most important elements, which provides two points of view on the characters. How were the compositions created working with basically two sets outside and in the mirror?
Ren:In the shooting, we used four one-way mirrors to separate the models. From certain angles, you can see not only the self-reflection through the mirror but also the one on the other side. This helps to present the sexual appeal from the perspective of self-examination and the perspective of others. Also, the relationship between reality and fiction provides more possibilities for composition and character relationships.
‘The main task was to make a woman dominant and feel her strength. But you have to give Ren her due. There were such thoughtful details in her head, from the light planning to the interior details.’
— Sabina Vitter
Styling of models, makeup, and the choices for interior design all work together to create the atmosphere we spoke about through powerful but very well thought of minimalism. What was the work inside the team like, which questions did you discuss?
Sabina: Due to the situation with closed borders worldwide, styling and design selection took place online. Of course, for us, it was not the first experience with the online shooting. I think even, in a sense, this is already a familiar process for the whole world. Ren and I thought a lot about what the image of the main character should be. The main task was to make a woman dominant and feel her strength. But you have to give Ren her due. There were such thoughtful details in her head, from the light planning to the interior details. We also wanted to convey the magnetism of the female model through her look, so we used most of the outfits from Pöesy Vintage Store.
‘My favorite scene is the foreshadowing before the interrogation, in which Nick comes to Catherine's house, waiting to take her to the police station.’
— Qin
What is your favorite scene from Basic instinct? Why is it memorable, in your opinion?
Qin:My favorite scene is the foreshadowing before the interrogation, in which Nick comes to Catherine's house, waiting to take her to the police station. Catherine deliberately changes clothes in front of the mirror, so Nick happens to see Catherine naked through the reflection in the mirror. This scene reveals that Nick was seriously asking questions about the case while instinctively looking at Catherine's seductive nakedness in the mirror.
‘It was quite a long filming. We started at 8 am and finished at 3 am. It’s precious. When the shooting was in progress, everyone was racing against time.’
— Annkey Deng
Which moment from this project is most precious to you?
Annkey: It's always difficult to answer this question, but I think that for every person from our team, one of the most important moments was the shooting process itself. It was quite a long filming. We started at 8 am and finished at 3 am. It’s precious. When the shooting was in progress, everyone was racing against time.
