Tokyo Pop
"The idea for Tokyo Pop came from my travels back and forth between New York and Tokyo. The music I'd been listening to in Japan and the experiences I had seemed like an interesting subject for a film. I can't imagine having made this film without Yutaka and Carrie. They not only brought to life the story I wanted to share with you, but have also written wonderful music. This was a first for all of us, and we can truly say we helped each other find the talents we have within us! Enjoy."
-- Fran Rubel Kuzui, writer, director
Since I have yet to see her oft-praised work on stage in Rent, Tokyo Pop remains my firm favorite example of Carrie's acting ability. She plays Wendy Reed, and costars with rock and roll singer Yutaka Tadokoro.
Yutaka plays "Hiro", an aspiring Rock Star who falls in love with Wendy. The band thinks that they need a gaijin (foreigner) in the lineup to bring attention to their act. Wendy, however, is a streetwise girl from New York with ideas of her own.
All this makes for a fairly standard movie, but it is Carrie's portrayal of Wendy as a tough but sensitive girl lost in a country where she can't even speak the language that makes this movie great. She gives a very full performance, also managing to allow the humor of her situation (and fellow actors) to have their moments.
Writer Fran Rubel Kuzui (later of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame) says "The idea for Tokyo Pop came from my travels back and forth between New York and Tokyo. The music I'd been listening to in Japan and the experiences I had seemed like an interesting subject for a film. I can't imagine having made this film without Yutaka and Carrie. They not only brought to life the story I wanted to share with you, but have also written wonderful music. This was a first for all of us, and we can truly say we helped each other find the talents we have within us! Enjoy."
The song "Never Forget" that Wendy performs in the movie was written by Carrie herself.
Links
Michael Cerveris, who plays a minor part in the movie, has a website with some pictures of him interacting with Wendy, Carrie's character.
Trailer
Images
