Retrospective - Chinese Opera Masterpieces on Screen
The King of Masks
变脸 (Bian Lian) by WU Tianming
China, China-HK / 1995 / 100' / 35 mm / Color
Starring: ZHU Xu, ZHAO Zhigang, ZHOU Renying
Distributed by Cinema Public Films
Background
The title of the film Bian Lian translates literally as "to change one's face". It refers to a traditional device in Chuan opera in which actors very quickly "change their faces" to express the various emotions which they are experiencing. This tradition first began under the reign of the Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1736-1795). In the early days the actors would change the color of their faces using red, black or gold powder which they could apply easily to greased skin. The change of lianpu (the term for stage make-up in Chinese opera) represented a change in mood: red signified anger, black profound rage, etc.
This technique was first used in San Hua Bian Shen – a traditional play of the Chuan opera – in which the hero robs from the rich to give to the poor. When he is caught by the court soldiers, he disguises himself (changes his face) in order to confuse them, and manages to escape. In the 1920's the masters of the opera used masks made out of greased paper or dried pigs' bladder. Nowadays, the masters can use up to fourteen silk masks, which they are able to alternate between in a flash. The story of The King of Masks is inspired by these same masters who successfully combined dexterity with the skill of role interpretation.
The Film
The King of Masks is a moving film about a family values. Sustained by impeccable photography and empathy for its characters it tells a story of the transition and the bonds between generations. After having spent five years in the USA, WU Tianming returned to China and directed The King of Masks in 1996.
This highly acclaimed film won many awards in China and in international festivals. The film brings together three exceptional artists: the director WU Tianming, the renowned script writer and playwright for the Chuan opera known as "the writer from Szechuan of fantastic talent" and ZHU Xu, the highly esteemed actor who interprets the main role. In 1997, WEI Minglun adapts his script for a Chuan opera play.
Synopsis
In The King of Masks an old street performer is a master in the art of displaying masks. It is a tradition in his family that the secrets of his profession are only passed on from father to son. Alas, the old man, whose name is Wang, has no son. In order to pass on his knowledge he adopts an 8-year-old boy. The old entertainer and his young apprentice quickly come to share a strong mutual affection for one another, until the little boy is discovered to be a little girl...
WU Tianming (1939-)
Born on the 19th October 1939 in the Shaanxi province, WU Tianming is a director and a prominent producer. He is well known for his films such as The Wild River (1983), The Old Well (1986) or The King Of Masks, but less known as a studio head in the 1980s, who helped bring the Fifth Generation of Chinese filmmakers, such as ZHANG Yimou CHEN Kaige, to prominence. He produced ZHANG Yimou's The Red Sorghum (Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 1988).
Filmography
- Wu Tianming 吴天明
Director:
- C.E.O 首席执行官 (Shou xi zhi xing guan) (2002)
- An Unusual Love 非常爱情 (Fei chang ai qing) (1998)
- Le Roi des masques / The King of Masks 变脸 (Bian Lian) (1996)
- Le Vieux Puits / Old Well 老井 (Lao jing) (1986)
- Life 人生 (Ren Sheng) (1984)
- La Rivière Sauvage / River Without Buoys 没有航标的河流 (Mei you hang biao de he liu) (1983)
- Qin Yuan 亲缘 (1983)
- The thrill of life 生活的颤音 (Sheng huo de chan yin) (1979)
Screenwriter:
- C.E.O 首席执行官 (Shou xi zhi xing guan) (2002)
Producer:
- Le Sorgho Rouge / Red Sorghum 红高粱 (Hong gao liang) (1987)
- The Horse Thief 盗马贼 (Dao ma zei) (1986)
- Zhu Xu 朱旭 (1930-)
Actor - Role: Wei
- Han Fang Dao 汉方道 (2002)
- Sui Yue Wu Hen 岁月无痕 (2001)
- Gua Sha Treatment 刮痧 (Gua Sha) (2001)
- Beijing Herbs 黄连•厚朴 (Huang lian hou pu) (2000)
- Shower 洗澡 (Xi zao) (1999)
- Ren Jian CaoMu--Da Yi Zi 人间草木——打一字 (1999)
- Le Roi des masques / The King of Masks 变脸 (Bian Lian) (1996)
- Gratuation 毕业交响曲 (Bi ye jiao xiang qu) (1996)
- The True-Hearted 心香 (Xin xiang) (1993)
- By The High Building 高楼边 (Gao lou bian) (1993)
- Taxi at Dead of Night 午夜出租车 (Wu ye chu zu che) (1992)
- A Confucius Family 阙里人家 (Que li ren jia) (1992)
- The Last Eunuch 大太监李莲英 (Da tai jian Li Lianying) (1991)
- Unkown Love 偷来的爱 (Tou lai de ai) (1987)
- A Narrow Lane Celebrity 小巷名流 (Xiao xiang ming liu) (1985)