Wang Zhiwen is not a star, he's an actor. Not often mentioned in the media, his roles are always well received by audiences -- and although he's sometimes caused controversy, his acting continues to ensure a long-lasting popularity.
Normally careful to keep a low profile, Wang Zhiwen has been drawing wide attention in recent months. First, he took a role in the suspense thriller Close Your Eyes in the Dark. And then, his critical remarks about the movie Fenney's Smile got him involved in a libel law suit.
But the furor surrounding Wang hasn't seemed to affect him. All he cares about is his acting -- he devotes all his energy to his roles -- and it shows.
First making a name for himself in the 1993 TV series A Bout of Love, Wang has gone through many ups and downs in his career. His role as the easy-going young rebel in the hugely popular TV show made him one of China's first idols.
Wang next appeared in Sunshine in the East, Rain in the West, another TV love story. Although his shoulder-length hair was a refreshing image, his role as a maverick young artist was much less successful than before. The production failed to replicate the success of A Bout of Love and Wang was turned off romantic TV dramas.
In the year 2000, Wang joined the renowned director Chen Kaige for The Assassin. Although he only played a supporting role in this epic production, his portrayal of a noble-minded duke turned out to be a selling point for the film.
Judging by his size alone, few would choose Wang Zhiwen to play a policeman. But his role in the TV series The True Color of the Police won instant recognition for its innovative approach. Wang found a string of cop roles waiting for him after the show made it to the air. But, he went on to make another surprising choice and play his first bad guy in another TV hit, Black Ice. He gave a vivid portrayal of a scheming drug lord.
Wang Zhiwen is known as a dedicated method actor. By delving into the recesses of a character's mind, he conveys their feelings through convincing details. In Together, another film directed by Chen Kaige, he played an eccentric but talented music teacher. His true-to-life portrayal earned him a Golden Rooster for Best Supporting Actor, China's top film award.
And now Wang Zhiwen is breaking new ground again. Although Close Your Eyes in the Dark is his first attempt at a suspense thriller, he still found ample room to use his well-honed acting skills.
(CCTV.com May 17, 2004)
