Friday, December 5, 2008

1,100 don masks in Marunouchi theater for special screening of virus movie

TOKYO —

1,100 don masks in Marunouchi theater for special screening of virus movie

Some 1,100 people invited to the special screening of “Kansen Retto” were given white masks to wear as they entered the Tokyo International Forum in Marunouchi this week. Actor Satoshi Tsumabuki, 27, who stars in the movie, tried not to laugh when he got on stage and saw the whole audience wearing masks. “How careful is everybody! You’re all taking care of yourselves properly. My parents and my management are here too; they’re taking care as well.”

Tsubumaki, 27, plays an emergency ward doctor who tries to stem the spread of a new virus that breaks out in Japan. Panic arises when lots of people are infected, with the major cities shut down and the country heading into a financial collapse.

Some staff at the special preview were dressed up in hazard protective gear, and were reportedly dripping in sweat despite the winter cold. They hosed down comedian Takanori Takeyama, also known as Kanningu Takeyama, with carbon dioxide before the movie started, as a “germ sterilization measure.” Tsubumaki later emphasized that the movie was not a comedy.

Rei Dan, 37, who stars alongside Tsubumaki, said: “That’s real protective gear we’re wearing in the movie. It was really tight and I got red marks on my face when I took it off. And they stayed until well after, delaying shooting of other scenes.”

Kansen Retto opens on Jan 17.

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