Jiang Wen speaks on originality at Shanghai Film Festival

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“It is said director Jiang Wen never shoot film with scripts. It is not true, at all,” said Sun Yue, screenwriter of "Hidden Man," a new film directed by Jiang Wen, expected to be released next month.

Sun shared her experience in working with Jiang Wen in the Golden Goblet Master Class on Monday in Shanghai. The class is a series of special forums arranged during the Shanghai International Film Festival. Filmmakers and producers from all over the world are invited to discuss movie making, animation production and film business model together.

June 18, 2018: Golden Goblet Master Class held at the Shanghai International Film Festival with film director Jiang Wen. /CGTN Photo

The forum held on Monday is named “Filmmaking with Jiang Wen,” joined with director Jiang Wen and nine of his film production team crews sharing stories in the production of the Hidden Man. Though only directing six movies, Jiang was regarded as one of the greatest directors in China.

“No script is a rumor. The truth is I’ve been seeking a better script all the time.”

“Director Jiang Wen is endeavored to make every detail right,” Uma Wang, the costume designer indicated. All the other members agreed to her point.

“The only time Jiang got angry in filming site I could remember is he thought the motorbike handle is too ugly to make a close-up,” said Li Fei, the screenwriter.

Poster of Hidden Man.

In the filming site, Jiang Wen required screenwriters to amend scripts for multiple times. Sun Yue remembered that they had spent three hours to cut off one actor’s line from 56 words to 32 words, to make the conversational has the right rhythm.

Jiang Wen at the Golden Goblet Master Class in Shanghai International Film Festival. /CGTN Photo

Jiang indicated that he always desire for better scripts — that’s why people joked he does not use the script while shooting.

“It is really hard to find a concrete ideology of one story. But I’m lucky enough to be given the time to seek truth in art production,” Jiang recalled. “It takes time. Otherwise, I could have four movies launched in a year.”

“We are very keen on what we are doing, which makes the cooperation successful.”

“Actors and actress in the movie had not been taking any other works during the year, which is the reason why we could make good movies,” said Xie Zhengyu, the director of photography. “They often stayed till very late even if they have finished their work. They stayed to watch and learn from others’ acting.”

Poster of Hidden Man.

The one-year cooperation has brought a close relationship between all crew members. Actors were given a chance to recreate the figure.

“This is the first time I took conversations with a screenwriter in depth and explore the different features of one single figure,” Eddie Peng, the main actor confessed in the Class. “It was a great learning chance for me.”

Poster of Hidden Man.

Jiang also called the past year a great time to be working with dedicated colleagues. “I hope all my efforts deserve their time spent with me,” Jiang said. “We are very keen on what we are doing, which makes the cooperation successful.”

“Anti-Japanese War is a major theme that Chinese filmmakers should really focus on.”

Jiang Wen at the Golden Goblet Master Class in Shanghai International Film Festival. /CGTN Photo

As Jiang answered the question what his initiative to film Hidden Man is, he mentioned the social responsibility of filmmakers.

“The war against invaders should have been one of the most important themes filmmakers should be focusing on. But Western countries have done it better than us,” Jiang answered.

“Due to the efforts of Western filmmakers, Chinese youngsters learned what happened in the World War Two in Germany. But does the world know what Japanese did in China during that time? This should be one of (the) Chinese filmmakers’ responsibilities.”

What makes a good actor?

Since Jiang’s new film “Hidden Man” is in post-production ahead of a highly anticipated late July release, his role and performance in the new film have become a big concern for media and audiences.

Apart from talking about the experience of starring in the new movie, Jiang also shared his perspective about acting.

Poster of Hidden Man.

He pointed out that actors should exert themselves to show their personality and characteristics in their actions rather than theatrical behavior. Meanwhile, Jiang said actors also needed to fully immerse themselves into the role they act and spend time in studying how to interpret roles.

What makes a good film director?

During the forum, Jiang gave his advice to young Chinese directors.

Jiang Wen at the Golden Goblet Master Class in Shanghai International Film Festival. /CGTN Photo

“I think young directors should pay more attention to the content of films. It is the content not the genre of the film that really counts. Though confronting the climate which market and filmmaking industry have a huge impact on the film, the young generation still should insist keeping some essence of cinematic art, like using great scripts and cinematic language,” Jiang said.

“They also should never forget why they start, maintain a good working attitude and persist in the professionalism when directing films.”

“Originality is the basis for a good cinematic work.”

As the jury president for the main competition of Golden Goblet Award, Jiang was also frequently asked about his criteria of how to judge the competing films.

Poster of Hidden Man.

Jiang frankly spoke that he attached great importance on the originality of cinematic works. He expressed his expectation to see more great original films during this year’s film festival.

“Originality is the basis for a good cinematic work. If a film doesn’t have originality, then it should do a better job in other aspects,” said Jiang.

We are very keen on what we are doing, which makes the cooperation successful.”