Meeting People's Artist Viet Anh (born in 1958), he appeared at the coffee shop wearing a patterned shirt, beret, and familiar black glasses. At the age of 65, People's Artist Viet Anh used the word "lucky" when talking about himself in the profession, but in life, he sadly used the two words "acceptance".
Over the years, his life has remained the same, alone in a house rented by his students, when not performing he finds pleasure with friends, reading books, playing tennis...
People's Artist Viet Anh opens up about life at the age of 65 (Performed by: Nga Trinh).
"Artists need skill more than attitude"
Recently, people often discuss the behavior of artists. In your opinion, if we compare "attitude" and "level", which do artists need more?
- In my opinion, both are necessary for artists. People often say "attitude is more important than skill" but I don't think so. To me, artists need skill more than attitude. Because attitude can be corrected and adjusted, but skill is difficult to change because it is a perception. The audience mainly watches the artist's performance, they don't watch the attitude.
However, in reality, in recent times, Vietnamese showbiz has seen many cases of people being turned away and boycotted because of their inappropriate behavior or statements, even though they are famous artists and have made great contributions to art. So in this case, is "attitude" considered more important than "qualification"?
- In my opinion, a statement by someone must be considered in its context, and cannot be taken and attached to another space and then automatically condemn that person. I see many statements by artists being cut and pasted into negative contexts, causing things to be misunderstood.
I believe that successful artists will understand what they need to say and in what context. Many people think they have the right to judge and put other people's statements into different contexts to criticize and condemn. In my opinion, we must be sober about this, and not be subjective when talking about a person.
We have no right to judge or impose on others. Leave these matters to the authorities and responsible people to handle.
A singer once said, "If you want to sit in a position where no one else can sit, you must endure the feeling that no one else can endure." Surely artists also need to equip themselves with a "hard armor" to face negative situations in their profession?
- Of course. But I hope everyone will look at artists through the work they bring to the public. You can judge and criticize within the scope of their profession, but don't dig into their private lives and hurt them. And when evaluating artists through their work, you can praise and criticize in the spirit of constructive contribution, but don't listen to the crowd and criticize indiscriminately.
However, if artists do not live up to standards and behave badly in their personal lives, is it necessary to be condemned and boycotted?
- As an artist, you need to be aware of your words and actions. Besides your works of art, artists also have the responsibility to improve themselves. Because artists are the ones who create beauty, and strive for beauty with everyone. Artists must always cultivate knowledge and love. If you lack these two things, you cannot be an artist.
He emphasized that "artists must have knowledge", but in reality not every artist was once an "excellent student". So how is knowledge expressed here?
- Knowledge is for yourself and everyone to move towards beauty. If you study well but do not shine, it is because the opportunity has not come yet. If you have many opportunities but poor knowledge, what you bring to the audience is poor awareness.
Many artists, especially actors, are unable to make the audience admire them because of their poor awareness. Their poor awareness is shown through the way they act, the way they perceive problems, and the way they speak.
And what makes an artist perfect is knowledge, performance skills, recognition skills and always being new. Artists must find their own way and not act like others, then their work will be interesting.
I teach my students but I don't like them to be "copies" of me. They have to have their own way of acting, even acting better than me.
From a teacher's perspective, do you prefer to train a "good" student or a "good" student?
- I like good students more than good students. If they want to be good, life will teach them to be good, but to be good, they have to strive, learn and improve themselves.
"No one can replace Tran Thanh"
When mentioning the excellent students of People's Artist Viet Anh, we must mention Tran Thanh. What do you see in his journey to be able to definitively declare "Once in a 100 years there is an artist like Tran Thanh"?
- I like this question, because when I say that, many people think I exaggerate. However, I judge from my perspective and have a basis for affirming that.
I judge artists not by a memorable role or many excellent roles, but by a social perspective. Typically, Tran Thanh created two works, Bo Gia and Nha Ba Nu , which, after watching the films, made viewers startled to look back at themselves and appreciate social relationships more.
An artistic product that moves society, no artist has been able to do that in the past 100 years. Tell me, is there any artist who can do that now?
According to you, up to now, has anyone been able to replace that "number 1" position?
- Tran Thanh is getting better and better, his acting is getting more and more realistic. His perspective on art has also improved. Until now, in my heart, no one can replace that "number 1" position.
I'm not praising my students, but that's what artists should be like, not spending all day nurturing their reputation and wasting time on useless things.
What was People's Artist Viet Anh's impression of that student back then?
- I don't teach Tran Thanh in class, I only teach him in "the school of life". Tran Thanh is smart, he remembers everything I teach him. Sometimes he recalls stories from decades ago that I don't even remember.
Since he first started his career, Tran Thanh has known how to observe, research and is not afraid to learn from others to find his own uniqueness. Most people in the profession respect Tran Thanh for his intelligence and diligence.
Now, does Tran Thanh still ask for advice or opinions from him?
- No, now the student is much better than the teacher (laughs). I often tell him: "Now the teacher is learning from you, Tran Thanh". I think he is brave enough to understand what he needs to say, do and solve problems. I don't need to teach him anymore, now Tran Thanh teaches people...
However, Tran Thanh has often been the focus of public criticism for his controversial statements or for crying a lot on screen. In your opinion, does your student need to restrain himself in anything to avoid getting into trouble?
- In addition to his talent, Tran Thanh's way of dealing with people is also very beautiful. Why does Tran Thanh cry all the time? Because he is affectionate and emotional. Many people use this to mock him, but I advise my students to "just cry". Crying is a beautiful emotion of a person, so why not cry? Crying helps us become deeper. Laughter can be fake, but crying cannot be fake.
He often meets with students but rarely gathers with colleagues. Is it possible that he finds more sympathy from his students than from his contemporaries?
- Students love to listen to me talk. During meetings, I often talk a lot about my profession and my own perspectives on it.
Colleagues all have their own jobs, and when we meet, we don’t know what to talk about. When it comes to jobs, everyone has different views and perspectives, and if we don’t share the same views, it’s a hassle.
Living Alone at 65
I don't like to use the word "lonely" to ask you because people have mentioned it many times. Are you satisfied with living alone at the age of 65?
- One cannot be satisfied living alone, but I accept it because it is a part of my life. I am lucky to have been given a career by God and have lived with my passion for art for decades, so I have to accept having a complete family taken away.
I can't expect all the good things to come to me. I always tell myself "don't complain too much and accept it".
"A complete family" - do you have any regrets?
- Of course, if I could go back, I would do things differently, but how can I go back? Let bygones be bygones. If life had the word "if", then none of these heartbreaking things would have happened...
Sometimes, People's Artist Viet Anh still shares pictures of his daughter on social networks. How long has it been since you and your daughter have seen each other?
- My daughter has been living with her mother in Sydney (Australia) for more than 10 years now. She is 24 years old, has finished university and is studying for a second degree. It has been almost 4 years since we have seen each other...
My daughter is smart, studious, emotional and always thinks of others. Since childhood, she has learned to be independent, not to compete and never asks her parents to buy her this or that.
My daughter used to participate in some plays with me, she knows how to act but doesn't like acting. At that time, she told me "Dad, don't let me act anymore, let me be a director" (laughs).
The time you spend together is quite limited, and over the years you've lived apart, how have you and your daughter bonded?
- Because my son is busy with school and work, every week, we spend time calling each other a little. We still don't have plans to meet again, so my son can focus on studying in Australia first.
Every time I call home, my daughter always reminds me, "Dad, take care of your health, don't work too much, just go out and travel, don't worry about anything." It sounds so sweet!
How is the relationship between People's Artist Viet Anh and his ex-wife after many years?
- We still keep in touch but the main purpose is to talk about our daughter. Life is fine for both mother and daughter abroad. My daughter has just got Australian citizenship. During the time she studied from grade 4 to grade 12, I paid for all her tuition. On her birthday or Tet, I gave her money to spend.
At different stages, people often have different goals in life. For example, young people want to earn money to take care of their parents, while middle-aged people want to earn money to take care of their spouse and children. At the age of 65, why do you still work so hard to earn money?
- Have money to give to people, help friends and those in need...
But rarely see him share about this?
- Why share those things (laughs). I just give whatever I want, I don't like to show off or be flashy.
What is a day like for People's Artist Viet Anh?
- In the morning I drink coffee with friends, on days when I have a schedule I go to shows, if not I play tennis, read books, surf the news and still "eat 3 meals a day" like everyone else, on days when I'm diligent I cook, on days when I'm lazy I "eat out". Life has been the same for many years, nothing has changed.
At the age of 65, how does People's Artist Viet Anh take care of his health?
- I live recklessly (laughs). I don't like going to the doctor or having to abstain from many things.
Have you ever thought about finding someone to be your companion and take care of you in your old age?
- It's difficult, especially at this age. Who would come to an old man without a house or money? So, I don't dare to come to anyone.
What are you worried about now?
- I want to do many things but I can't yet. I also want to have a lot of money to help many people, I want to have a little extra so my daughter can have a better life. But anyway, life will come as it comes, I don't want to think too far and make myself sad.
Thank you People's Artist Viet Anh for the chat!
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