Lim Kay Tong Shares Insights on Acting and Ageing at Tokyo Film Premiere

The Old Man and His Car, the first feature film from Singaporean director Michael Kam, tackles familiar themes of aging in Singapore: the loss of elderly friends, the isolation of widowhood, and the quietness of an empty home as loved ones move away.

But the film also explores a unique aspect of getting older: the decline of driving abilities and the decision to discontinue using one’s car.

Premiering at the Tokyo International Film Festival on November 2, The Old Man and His Car follows Hock, a widower who plans to sell his cherished vehicle and relocate to Canada to join his son.

Lim Kay Tong portrays Hock and expressed to CNA Lifestyle that agreeing to join the film was straightforward after reviewing the script. “At this point in my career, there are seldom projects that truly excite me,” he shared.

Having become more selective about roles, he felt an immediate connection. “Sometimes, a script simply resonates, and you find yourself saying, ‘I’ll do it,’” he added.

As a co-founder of TheatreWorks, Lim mentioned that he finds acting in theatre too “instantaneous” these days, preferring the slower pace of film and television. “In film, you can redo scenes and refine your emotions,” he explained.

Kam emphasized the importance of bringing together cast members who share the same passion for this “microbudget” film.

The film was filmed in 2023 and underwent a lengthy post-production process. Kam’s project also features Kristin Tiara, Richard Low, and Vincent Tee.

While typical feature films in Singapore have budgets ranging from US$500,000 to US$1 million, Kam completed his debut with just about US$50,000, mostly funded by himself.

Taking inspiration from micro-budget film initiatives in South Korea, Kam aims for this film to serve as proof that a similar movement could thrive in Singapore, promoting a wider range of storytelling.

Tiara noted, “Having limited resources often heightens creativity.”

Low echoed her thoughts, stating, “In a small market like Singapore, when the investment is high, it becomes challenging to break even.”

After directing short films like Masala Mama and Detour, Kam draws from his father’s experiences for his debut feature. “The initial spark came from my dad ceasing to drive due to age,” he shared. “The car featured in the film closely resembles his.”

The dialogue in the film includes English, Mandarin, Malay, and Hokkien, capturing the nuances of each language to reflect the values of the characters.

Kam added depth by portraying a dynamic between a husband and wife, with differing language preferences, mirroring his own experiences.

Moreover, the film employs moments of silence, allowing the camera to focus intimately on Hock. “I appreciate scenes that lack dialogue,” Lim remarked. “They let body language and inner thoughts take center stage.”

He believes that such subtlety often conveys deeper emotions than spoken words. Reflecting on his extensive acting journey, Lim noted his experiences in various international markets, learning the value of maintaining high standards.

Describing his time in Los Angeles as “somewhat disheartening,” he treasured the lessons learned while striving to compete for roles.

He relished the opportunity to portray richer characters in Singapore, having previously navigated his career as a minority actor abroad.

Sharing memories from NBC’s Noble House, Lim recounted how he only connected with fellow actors during a wrap-up dinner, which was a rare moment amid the solitary days of filming.