●Director: John Cameron Mitchell
●Cast: Sook-Yin Lee, Paul Dawson, PJ Deboy
●2006, United States
●Distribution/Marketing in Japan: Asmik Ace
●Image/Photograph credits: © 2006 Safeword Productions LLC
For more information see:
Shortbus' Myspace page, and/or the
Shortbus Japanese site

Profile: Sook-Yin Lee
Born in Canada, Sook-Yin Lee is a well-known media and music personality in her country. In addition to working as an actress, she currently produces and hosts television and radio programs for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Her creative musical ability as both a singer and songwriter rings out powerfully in "Beautiful" on the Shortbus soundtrack.

-- I read that the ambiance on the set was fantastic.

Everybody was great on the set. John really creates a wonderful environment. The movie was made on a shoe-string budget, so there were not a lot of fancy extra things. But we really took care of each other and had a lot of fun in the process. It's one thing to be able to create a good work of art, but it's another thing to make a process wonderful too. And he had both things happening there.

-- I think we can actually feel the chemistry between the actors through the movie as well. Who were you the closest to?

Gosh, they are all like my brothers and sisters, so it's really hard to say exactly who I'm closest with. I love all of them for different reasons. I can say individually what my relationships are. Paul Dawson (James) and PJ DeBoy (Jamie) are an actual real-life couple, and they are terrific guys. They let me sleep on their couch when I visit - they are very fun and sensitive. Paul is very intense. He's a remarkable actor, so what I get from him is like a grounded quality. And he pulls off some stuff from the acting area that I'm just blown away by! PJ has just got a big heart, and he is never judgmental. There is just a lot of care and love coming from him. Jay Brannan (Ceth) is very sarcastic, extremely beautiful, and beyond all that - he's adorable and sweet. We're both musicians too. And Lindsay Beamish (Severin), she's hilarious! She says stuff most people don't say. Where they usually put the filter on, she doesn't! People sometimes don't know how to respond (laughs), but I find her delightful because she just says it. Raphael Barker (Rob) is really great. He's very spiritual. He studied many different alternative healing arts, and he's a guy that I can talk about all kinds of meditation and metaphysics with.
　

I was attracted to many people who didn't make the final cut and also Raph. Who else? I was attracted to a number of gay men, but they weren't attracted to me (laughs).

-- (laughs) Who for example?

Oh, like Jay and Paul. PJ I knew from my home town, so he's more like a brother.
　

A bunch of people that never made the final cut, and Raph too.

-- That's why you're a couple in the movie.

Yes.

-- You had already appeared in Hedwig. What was your first impression of John?

Wonderful. Oh my god, I felt so familiar. He's somebody who's very playful, intelligent and he's socially conscious. He has a big heart. I loved seeing him performing Hedwig and being the director! He created a very progressive set with really good people. He's very good at bringing together very interesting people, who are also not divas. I think I never met a diva on a John's set - everybody is willing to work for the larger project. Everyone has a good sense of humor too. And John is amazing. I learned a lot with him about being able to respect, and care for people you work with or for. And in turn they'll give you the moon. They will really want to give their best and go to some challenging places for him. And I like talking to him about art, because he says he likes to make useful art that is also entertaining. He wants to communicate to people. He wants to make them laugh, cry - he wants to make something ultimately entertaining, but that has an important message. And to me this is the best coming together. He's really been a terrific mentor to me.

-- Which kind of audience in particular would you want to watch the movie?

Everybody, but especially I'd like get the people who are attracted to it, but also afraid. Those who want to go see it, but are uncertain. I'd like those people to go, because they have to go somewhere and take some risks. They would be rewarded by this experience!

-- Do you have any message to LGBT folks in Japan?

Hmmm, well, it seems very difficult, here in Japan, so my heart is with them. I am hoping that there will be a day where you don't have to be so hidden. To me, that's a heartbreaking situation right there, but I think it will get better. My respect and love goes out to everybody -- continue to honor yourselves!