Chow still trying to inspire losers via humour
BEIJING: Director Stephen Chow is still trying to do what he does best - inspiring losers through humour.
He and leading actor Wang Baoqiang plus several other cast members have appeared on stage in Beijing to promote The New King of Comedy.
Chow is best known for the 1999 comedy drama King of Comedy. He had starred in it and co-directed it with Lee Likchi. The film, now saluted as an all-time classic, is a semiautobiographical portrayal of Chow’s early life when he was a struggling movie extra.
Describing his latest movie, Chow said: “I have also condensed my reflections on life for the last 20 years into two words and put it in the film, which I hope will give everyone hope and inspiration”.
The New King of Comedy stars Wang Baoqiang, E Jingwen, Jing Ruyang and Zhang Quandan. Only Wang is the only instantly recognisable star.
On why he had chosen Wang, Chow said there hadn’t been anyone else in his mind from the start. “Our story is about extras, so we had to find a man who is a big star now, but had early experience as an extra. Wang fits the job description perfectly.”
He noted that both he and Wang had similar experiences in showbiz.
Wang disclosed that when when he was just an extra, he watched Chow’s King of Comedy over and over again for inspiration whenever he suffered a setback.
He longed to collaborate with Chow. On his role, Wang said he is a cross-dressing character, even putting on a Snow White costume. Added Wang: “I tried many things I never tried before, and this film is the most brilliant production in which I ever starred. “
He also praised Chow for his devotion, directorial skills, professionalism and perfectionism. “He has great patience to direct every actor to present their best performances,” Wang pointed out. He had to do 50 takes for one particular scene.
Added Wang: “Very few directors would love to give you so many opportunities to try so many different possibilities.”