I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 391 The gap between a true talent and an idol!

The film crew of "Coming Home" in Beijing.

When Chen Jin arrived, she saw the three main actors, Gong Li, Chen Daoming, and Zhu Yanmanz, filming a scene with a rather conflicting plot.

“Drink…drink…”

Gong Li lay there, panting, her finger trembling slightly as she pointed at Chen Daoming: "Master Fang!"

"What are you going to do?"

Her eyes were fixed on Chen Daoming, who was trying to cover her with a blanket. Her other hand was on the bed, her knuckles gripping the edge tightly. Her whole body was tense, and she looked extremely defensive.

The story of "Coming Home" is actually quite heartbreaking.

It mainly tells the story of the emotional changes of intellectual Lu Yanshi and his wife Feng Wanyu amidst the torrent of the times.

After Lu Yanshi was arrested, he was released three years later. His wife, Feng Wanyu, developed psychogenic dementia. Gong Li played the female lead, Feng Wanyu, while Chen Daoming played Lu Yanshi, who was also the male lead in the original novel—Lu "Fugitive" Yanshi!
The prisoner is a metaphor, representing forced imprisonment during a special period.

Zhu Yanmanzi plays Dandan, the daughter of the two men.

Because of Dandan's report three years ago, her father was imprisoned and her mother suffered a head injury and some memory loss.

So she didn't even recognize her husband anymore, which caused Feng Wanyu to reflexively think that the man who had given her nightmares was the one who had covered Chen Daoming with the blanket.

"Yan Shi wasn't executed!"

"Yan Shi wasn't executed!!"

I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life!

Gong Li kept repeating this, trying to encourage herself. The next second, she threw off the covers, got out of bed, and yelled at Chen Daoming, "You can't keep doing this!"

Chen Daoming's expressions were equally rich.

From bewilderment to shock, and then to utter disbelief in her pupils.

The monitor in front of Zhang Yimou captured this change in expression perfectly.

This is the skill of a veteran actor with Best Actor caliber.

Many people say that Chen Daoming plays the same character no matter what role he plays, and there's nothing wrong with that statement. However, it is, of course, wrong.

It's not because he plays himself in every role, but because... the characters he plays are too homogeneous.

In fact, Chen Daoming's acting skills are beyond doubt. Except for the emperor, he plays all the roles very well.

But the emperor is because he played the role too many times, which has created a stereotyped impression on the audience; this is actually unsolvable. All actors in the world will experience a homogenization effect if they play the same type of role too many times.

Viewers will have a physiological aversion to it, for example, Wu Jing's future role as a special forces soldier, Zhang Yi's role as a police officer, and Lei Jiayin's role as Lei Jiayin!

Playing the same type of role too many times is like an actor appearing on variety shows – it makes the audience lose immersion in the story.

Of course, the actor himself is also to blame.

Playing similar roles is indeed a comfort zone, because it's easy since I've done it before.

However, there is a risk of messing up when taking on other types of roles; even a world-renowned actor cannot handle every role.

An actor's range of roles is limited; he can only try to take on more challenging characters.

While young, actors face many challenges.

As people get older, they definitely want to enjoy life; this is true almost all over the world.

Even with Tom Cruise, audiences of the Mission: Impossible series have gotten tired of him; it's the same reason.

Even the same character can become tiresome to watch, let alone the same type; this isn't a problem with the actor's acting skills, but rather the audience's tendency to "get bored with the old and crave the new"!
Audiences naturally prefer new things.

In "Coming Home," Chen Daoming plays a prisoner, a father, and a wife who doesn't recognize her husband. This is a huge challenge for an actor.

This wasn't his first collaboration with Zhang Yimou; in "Hero," he portrayed Qin Shi Huang with overwhelming charisma.

Because this role is so deeply ingrained, he has become a famous actor specializing in playing emperors.

"Click——"

Zhang Yimou was shouting into a walkie-talkie when a scene featuring three people arguing was finally filmed.

Chen Jin could sense that Zhu Yanmanzi's performance had improved a lot compared to last year; not to mention "Under the Hawthorn Tree," even in "So Young," it didn't have the same smooth and natural feel as it does now.

Facing internationally renowned actresses and actors, she didn't frequently make mistakes due to nervousness, which is enough to show that she was at least not intimidated.

There was no tension or pressure; it was a natural performance from a young girl.

But to professionals, this naturalness showed no trace of acting, yet she... was indeed acting.

"Xiao Zhu, come here!"

Zhang Yimou waved to Zhu Yanmanzi, who was clearly still immersed in the scene she had just filmed. She was wearing an old-fashioned little girl's sweater and had her hair tied up in two buns resembling candied hawthorns. She looked very innocent and a little childish.

This is her costume in the play, which fits the image of a young girl from an educated family in that era.

"Look, who's here?"

Zhang Yimou pointed at Chen Jin sitting in front of the monitor, and Zhu Yanmanz's eyes lit up. Gong Li, who had just left the set, laughed and said, "Hey, Zhu Yanmanz's legendary boyfriend is here to visit the set!"

"Ha ha!"

Everyone knew it was a joke, and Gong Li and Chen Jin knew each other.

Zhu Yanmanzi walked behind Chen Jin, her hands instinctively resting on his shoulders. She pulled him close, hugged him tightly, and leaned her head on his left shoulder, saying affectionately, "How was that scene we just filmed?"

"Director Chen, would you like to give your comments?"

"I didn't call you here to see your boyfriend!"

Zhang Yimou said jokingly, "Look at what you just did. You showed sympathy for your mother, the tears were spot on, the steps and turning back were all designed by yourself?"

"Yes, Director Zhang!"

Zhu Yanmanz stood in front of Zhang Yimou like a student eagerly seeking knowledge.

"The design is good, but... it's not enough!"

"You must be patient!"

"Understand?"

Zhang Yimou is undoubtedly the number one director in the country when it comes to teaching actors; there is no one who can surpass him.

The premise is that he wants to teach you and wants to film you better.

For example, Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, and even Zhou Dongyu and Cunzi from the original timeline all have outstanding acting skills, especially in his movies.

This demonstrates the director's skill in directing actors.

“This isn’t the first time Dandan has heard about this; it’s just that your father found out. You need to be patient. You’ve kept this news to yourself for so long, and now that your father knows, you feel nervous and don’t know how to face him…”

Zhang Yimou patiently spoke to Zhu Yanmanzi, who nodded frequently.

"Xiao Chen, is there anything else you'd like to add?"

Zhang Yimou looked at Chen Jin beside him, and Chen Jin quickly stood up upon hearing this: "I have nothing to add, I'd be showing off my limited skills before an expert..."

"Your girlfriend, she's reluctant to say it, right?"

Zhang Yimou was also making fun of her, but Chen Jin quickly waved her hand and said, "Really not, Director Zhang, you've explained it in great detail. Unless we polish it for a few more months, this performance should be acceptable!"

Zhang Yimou is known for his fast filmmaking; the production coordinator gave him only two months to shoot this movie.

Zhu Yanmanzi's filming took 20 days.

Moreover, during those 20 days, Zhang Yimou also had to teach her how to act; you have to admire his energy.

High efficiency, excellent filming, and the ability to teach actors – that's the mark of a master director.

Chen Jin meant that if they really wanted to talk about more details, he could, but it wasn't necessary; and if they really wanted to shoot a single scene for several days like Wong Kar-wai, that wouldn't be Zhang Yimou's style.

Every director has their own rhythm. If Zhang Yimou sees something clearly at a glance, and Chen Jin adds to it, it disrupts the rhythm.

He was still the one in charge of this production team, and Chen Jin didn't want to overstep her bounds. Zhang Yimou's request for his opinion might simply be out of politeness.

If Chen Jin were to give a detailed explanation, Zhang Yimou wouldn't say anything, but there's no need for it.

After Chen Jin became a director herself, she really understood a lot of principles.

This production crew is truly a team; if you're someone who just joined halfway through, it's best to keep quiet. As for suggestions, it's better to offer guidance after the film is released.

"Sister Gong Li!"

"Teacher Daoming!"

Chen Jin greeted the two lead actors of "Coming Home" with respect.

Chen Daoming picked up his cup, blew away the tea leaves floating on top, took a sip, and then slowly said to Chen Jin, "Brother Jin is being too polite with me. Gong Li calls me 'sister,' so I become 'teacher,' haha!"

If Chen Jin hadn't known Chen Daoming's personality, most people would have thought he was angry just because of a way of addressing him.

That's a joke.

"No, calling you 'teacher' is a respectful way of addressing you. How about I call you 'brother' instead!"

"That's definitely not appropriate!"

"I heard from Xiao Zhu that Teacher Ming gave her a lot of guidance on acting, so I'm shouting along with him!"

"Xiao Zhu is a good actor!"

Chen Daoming put down his cup and glanced at Zhu Yanmanzi, who was intently watching the monitor. Even with Chen Jin's presence, she still prioritized her work.

Some emotions should indeed be restrained in such situations, otherwise it will affect the filming process.

Chen Jin is also an actress, so of course she knows this.

Just like when Zhu Yanmanzi came to the United States to visit the set, Chen Jin was mainly focused on filming.

Your visit to the set shouldn't disrupt the filming schedule of the entire crew.

Because filming is a matter for the entire crew, not something you can decide on your own, even for someone like Zhang Yimou.

"I still have a lot to learn from you, Sister Gong Li!"

Chen Jin wasn't being modest. Chen Daoming waved his hand and said, "No need to be so polite with me. We're both from the Central Academy of Drama, so I'll definitely have to mentor him, right, Gong Li?"

Chen Daoming called out to Gong Li, who was standing behind Zhu Yanmanzi. Gong Li laughed loudly and said, "Yes, senior!"

"Ha ha!"

Chen Daoming stood up and patted Chen Jin on the shoulder: "When I was reading the script, I felt that the role of Dandan would be quite difficult to cast!"

"We need a girl with a sufficiently good dance foundation!"

"I never expected that our Central Academy of Drama would have such a promising talent. After getting to know him for a month or so, Xiao Zhu truly has the flair of someone from our Central Academy of Drama!"

"Senior Brother Chen, you've made me blush with your praise!"

After watching the previous segment, Zhu Yanmanz agreed with Zhang Yimou's assessment that there was indeed room for improvement.

We'll have to do it next time. Once this shot is done, it'll be difficult to reshoot it.

That's how Zhang Yimou's films are. If you strive for perfection in every shot, it will slow down the overall filming process. In Zhang Yimou's philosophy, actors also serve the film.

While the performance was important, the overall composition and visuals occupied his mind even more.

So if he feels a shot is okay, he won't film it a second time, but he will tell the actor where they can do better, and the actor will try harder next time.

If you don't work hard or keep making the same mistakes, Zhang Yimou will basically never work with you again.

He's the kind of person who's a bit stubborn and single-minded when it comes to movies.

"I'm telling the truth!"

"It's good that you've changed your tune. Calling me 'Teacher Daoming' every day gives me the creeps..."

Chen Daoming laughed and picked up the script to prepare for the next scene to be filmed.

"Shall we continue filming?"

Chen Jin looked at his girlfriend, Zhu Yanmanzi, who was fully made up, and shook her head and nodded: "There are still two scenes today, but I don't need to film the next few!"

It features scenes between Gong Li and Chen Daoming, as well as their individual scenes.

"How is it? I feel like your acting skills have improved..."

The two sat outside the film set; having not seen each other for so long, they naturally had a lot to talk about.

But with so many people around, they could only talk about professional matters, which was actually a point of great common ground between the two of them.

"What a huge success!"

Zhu Yanmanzi rested her hands on her knees, propped her chin on her hand, and looked at Gong Li as she walked into the film set: "This is different from the movies and plays I've done before!"

"When I was filming 'Under the Hawthorn Tree,' I wasn't actually very good at acting!"

"When I was performing 'So Young' and the stage play with you guys, I didn't feel there was anything lacking!"

"But after acting alongside Gong Li and Dao Ming, I realized..."

Zhu Yanmanzi suddenly laughed and shook her head: "The difference is huge!"

"How come they can portray the same plot so richly, while I have to be taught by Director Zhang again and again, and... my life experience is completely inadequate to handle the role!"

"Although it's a natural performance, Dandan is the same age as me!"

“I made a point of learning about that period of history, but without talking to people of that age, you can’t understand why Dandan is such an annoying character!”

A daughter who reported her own father for betraying her dream of dancing.

Even though her mother developed dementia, she was unwilling to forgive her because of this.

This character is actually quite frightening to many girls after reading the script and the original novel.

Because I'll definitely get yelled at!
The character is very unlikable.

Zhu Yanmanz happily accepted the role, and now she has come to like it. She tries to understand the character and realizes that the young people of that time had their minds etched with preconceived notions.

You can't say they're wrong; they might see it as "justice"!
Watching Zhu Yanmanzi speak eloquently, she was no longer the clueless girl who didn't know her goals half a year ago.

Chen Jin was still very pleased.

"What about producing? Have you studied it?"

Chen Jin suddenly asked.

"Yes, I learned it. It mainly involves overall planning, making notices, and allocating funds..."

Zhu Yanmanz turned to Chen Jin and smiled, "Of course I will keep Director Chen's instructions in mind!"

"This year, I will make you the hottest female star in mainland China!"

Chen Jin suddenly said something.

"Is it?"

Zhu Yanmanzi showed no surprise, but after thinking for a moment, she nodded seriously: "Then I'll wait!"

"Waiting won't do; we have to work hard!"

The second female lead in "Coming Home", the female lead in "Grandma", plus "Black Coal, Thin Ice" and "Silent Witness" – these four films are enough to propel her to a new level. Not to mention the important role in "Hong Kong Trip", "The Wandering Earth", "Wolf Warrior"... the resources from China Film Academy will only increase in the future.

The arrangements Chen Jin made for her were absolutely phenomenal.

The years she spent at the Central Academy of Drama have been worthwhile, and now it's time for her to shine!
It's naturally more fulfilling to promote your own woman!
As for actresses like Dilraba Dilmurat and Gulnazar, who are very familiar with Chen Jin, their current acting skills are not enough to support these roles.

It's not that Chen Jin is unwilling to provide, but rather that she truly can't afford it!

This is the difference between a talented actor and an idol!
(End of this chapter)