Juno Mak resurrects his career in Rigor Mortis

there was a talented young man who appeared to be so dazzled by the spotlight that he was willing to become just another frivolous Canto-pop singer to get there.

That was a decade ago, and Juno Mak Chun-lung has since moved on to more respectable projects. But the redemption narrative for this 29-year-old - once ridiculed for his wealthy background and awkward fit with the mainstream idol-making system - is, apparently, still too convenient for entertainment writers to pass up.

Mak has done his reputation no harm with the horror fantasy Rigor Mortis. His long-time critics will be shocked to find that the singer, fashion ambassador and actor-writer-producer has made his directorial debut without giving himself a part - let alone a starring role - in the movie.

And if viewers stay until the end credits, they may be able to share the last laugh with Mak when a black-and-white portrait of him - a "director signature", he says - flashes on the big screen for a split second.

Beneath Mak's subdued demeanour, it's hard to overlook the air of assurance he's had since Rigor Mortis' international premiere at the autonomous Venice Days section of the Venice Film Festival in late August, as well as its September screenings in the Toronto festival's Midnight Madness and at the Fantastic Fest in Texas.