CHINA / Taiwan, HK, Macao

HK director says Norah Jones has actor's 'aura'
(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-28 15:06

Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai says Grammy-winning singer Norah Jones has an actor's "aura," and that their coming collaboration, the film "My Blueberry Night," was tailor-made for her.

"Of course everyone knows her because she's a singer, but I didn't pick her for this film because she's a very successful singer. I think she's suitable for acting," Wong said in an interview with Hong Kong's Cable TV from Cannes, aired Sunday.

Wong heads the jury panel at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.

"This is instinct. It's like how I felt that Faye Wong could act when I first saw her a few years ago. There's a very special aura," Wong said, referring to the Chinese pop diva who appeared in his movies "Chungking Express" and "2046."

Asked if "My Blueberry Night" was written for Jones, Wong said "you could say that."

Wong described the film as a love story and said he has also cast Jude Law, Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz.

He said Jones' character has a romance with Law's, while Portman and Weisz portray people she meets.

Cable TV quoted Wong as saying filming will take two months. Shooting is expected to start within months.

Jones, 27, rose to fame with the success of her debut album "Come Away With Me," which won eight Grammys. She is the daughter of Indian musician Ravi Shankar.

Wong is known for subtle, richly shot movies including "In the Mood for Love." He won best director at Cannes for "Happy Together," a gay love story.