Rumor is rife that star Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg,
has plans to make a movie based on Journey to the West,
one of the most popular Chinese literature classics. Zhang Jinlai,
a Chinese actor renowned for his portrayal of the classic's lead
character, the Monkey King or Sun Wukong, is due to meet with
Spielberg in the US in July or August to discuss the
film.?
On May 31, China Radio International reported that Spielberg,
who will serve as an artistic consultant in the design of the
opening and closing ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, had met with
several Chinese directors, playwrights, and producers in China
recently. He reportedly has a keen interest in Chinese stories,
especially Journey to the West. If there is a film to be
made based on the classic novel, he will direct it and present it
in 2008. But a specific production plan has yet to be revealed.
A dearth of original screenplays in recent years has resulted in
sequels and remakes hogging American movie screens. Industry
insiders believe that this is why Hollywood has been studying the
possibility of bringing Chinese stories to life, particularly ever
since the box-office success of Mulan, a Disney cartoon
feature released in 1998.
Journey to the West was written by Wu Cheng'en during
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It tells the story of a monk named Tang
and his four apprentices and protectors, including the Monkey King,
who travel to India in search of the true Buddhist scriptures.
During their travels, they fend off monsters and demons who want to
destroy and eat Tang believing that he is the elixir of eternal
life. The novel is based on the true story of Monk Xuanzhuang who
traveled to India during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Zhang Jinlai, whose stage name is Liu Xiao Ling Tong, has dreamt
of making a Journey to the West movie all his life. He has
apparently even submitted an application to shoot a movie to the
State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.
?
Zhang comes from a family of actors who have developed the Monkey
King character through the generations. In 1982, Zhang's father
recommended him for the lead role in the China Central Television
(CCTV) production of Journey to the West. The series was
first broadcast in 1986 and was an instant success and Zhang became
a household name. Re-runs of the series are broadcast every year on
CCTV and other stations, even today.
Hoping to replicate CCTV's success, many other adaptations of
the classic soon came out of Hong Kong, Japan and the US. Hong Kong
comedian Stephen Chow made a movie version, which was exceedingly
popular with the Chinese youth.
However, not all the adaptations have been to Zhang's liking. A
Japanese movie version that premiered at this year's Cannes Film
Festival, in particular, greatly upset and enraged Zhang. In this
version, the Monkey King is portrayed as a mad animal with super
powers and is dressed in a mini skirt. The movie also has several
sex scenes.
"Our culture heritage is being ruined!" Zhang told Chinese
Business View on May 25.
"Adaptation or artistic interpretation is acceptable, but a line
must be drawn somewhere!"
That is why Zhang is a little concerned with how Spielberg
intends to approach the project. In a telephone interview with the
Youth Times on June 7, Zhang revealed that he will be
going to the US in July or August to meet and discuss the movie
with Spielberg and several production companies.
Zhang was originally scheduled to travel to the US in
February.
"I will be there," Zhang confirmed.
He said that he hopes Spielberg's adaptation doesn't detract too
far from the original story. "I'd like to see the US version of
Monkey King. But I don't want them to make it into another King
Kong."
He added: "At first I thought I'd prefer for Zhang Yimou to be
directing the movie, but now I think Spielberg is okay as long as
the screenplay isn't too far from what Chinese audiences would
expect and will not hurt our feelings."
He also agreed that Hollywood's state-of-the-art technology
could help make a better movie.
"Chinese special effects aren't so good. So I would love to see
the combination of real Hollywood high-tech effects, traditional
images and the Monkey King opera."
But he added that he would prefer a Titanic-esque movie
that combines great storytelling and brilliant visual effects.
"However, if the special effect overwhelms the story, I have to
agree that is rubbish."
Although he hasn't yet spoken with Spielberg, Zhang hopes that
he will hear what he has to say. "The Monkey King is an important
icon, at least for the Chinese people," he said, adding that he'd
of course like to reprise the lead role in Spielberg's
production.
"I want to make Monkey King of China the Monkey King of the
world!"
(China.org.cn by Zhang Rui, June 9, 2006)
