Leon Miguel in Sean Ellis' METRO MANILA

Leon Miguel as White Eye in Sean Ellis' Metro Manila

The indie thriller and Tribeca-winner Graceland (2012), directed by Ron Morales, has earned rave reviews around the world not only for its strong narrative, but also because of the impressive, naturalistic performances of almost the entire cast, including that of Leon Miguel, who played Visel, the kidnapper.

We sat down with Leon Miguel for a short talk and the down-to-earth, humble actor could only thank God for the success of Graceland and the international praises he is getting for his intense performance as Visel, saying how much he enjoyed the experience, how much he loves his Graceland family, also giving high praises to director Morales, "He's really something else. Ron is brilliant."

Having appeared in numerous TV shows and international productions, Leon is usually typecast as the bad guy-- which he doesn't mind, as long as he delivers a credible performance. Indeed, because he usually gets noticed by international filmmakers. In fact, Leon has a cameo role in Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated director Sean Ellis' Metro Manila, which will compete against 11 other films at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2013.

When we asked how was it like working with British film director Sean Ellis, Leon beamed, "Wow, it was a wonderful experience working with Sean. He is a patient and highly meticulous director, making sure each scene is perfect and according to his norms and standards. I like his approach, because it suits an obedient actor like me."

His role in the film?

"I'm a bad guy in this movie," Leon chuckled. "I played the role of White Eye, a bank robber."

Metro Manila will compete against 11 films in the
World Cinema Dramatic Competition,
Sundance Film Festival from January 17 to 27 in Park City, Utah.

Leon then explained how much he enjoys people's reactions when they meet him in person. "At international film festivals for Graceland, people would come up to me, talk to me, and are really surprised how I am completely the opposite of Visel. Some of them even hugged me! " the actor laughed. "I guess the Visel character was just too intense and scary that it's a relief for them to see that I am just an ordinary, cheerful person!"

Leon Miguel as Visel in the indie thriller Graceland (2012), with Ella Guevara.
Photo credit: Janella Denise Guevara.

True. In real life, Leon doesn't have the celebrity attitude. Talking to him, it felt like he's just your regular guy who happens to have raw, impressive talent in acting and an undying passion for the craft, which gets him noticed internationally.

"It's just that usually they mistake me for an Indian. Or even Mexican," the long-haired actor laughed good naturedly, and with a smile, he added, "And I always proudly tell them that I am a Filipino."

Indeed, Leon Miguel, with his humble disposition in the midst of international recognition due to his impressive performances, will continue to grace the big screens, locally and internationally.

Watch Leon Miguel's interview in Kababayan LA