2012-06-20

Li Bingbing: Festival and City Culture Blending as One

Li Bingbing, Jury for Goldern Goblet Award

Li Bingbing, well-known as a "model worker" among entertainment celebrities, is one of those major Chinese actresses also enjoying Hollywood success. As soon as she finished dubbing for Resident Evil V, she flew from Canada to Shanghai without rest to judge the Gold Goblet Awards. To the busy actress, seeing three films a day for a week is equal to a relaxing vacation. She told reporter from Daily News yesterday of her feelings about being a judge for the first time. She said the 15-year-old SIFF and the municipal culture of Shanghai have come together as one, where people across the city celebrate and enjoy the film feast at the same time every year, like the Cannes Film Festival to the Franch.

First time as a judge: much relieved and open-hearted
Daily News: A number of your films have been judged for awards in several film festivals. Do you have a different perspective now you are a judge?
Li Bingbing:Yes, I have never understood more about the dilemma judges face in choosing the best from excellent nominations and the feelings of candidates. But I felt very relieved and open-hearted after being a judge. I felt more responsible than being merely an actress, having to make fair decisions and pay tribute to directors, screenwriters and actors, the effort they exerted and works they produced.

Daily News: What criteria do you use in judging so many good films, some relatively hard to understand and less popular?
Li Bingbing:I used to pay more attention to the performance of actors in the first place, since I am an actress, too. Now as a judge, I force myself to evaluate the film from a more comprehensive perspective. As director Jean-Jacques Annaud said, follow your heart when making judgment. The best film is the one with the story, performances and music that touch my heart.

Daily News: What do you think of the famous director Jean-Jacques after working with him this time?
Li Bingbing: He treats life as a film and vice versa. When shooting The Lover, he stayed in Vietnam for one year. He said he is going to stay in Beijing for a couple of weeks after the film festival because he is interested in China very much and keen on experiencing native culture and life style like a local citizen.

Daily News: It must be demanding to be a judge seeing so many films a day.
Li Bingbing:Seeing three films every day is actually a good break for me. It is very interesting that judges have rather differentiated opinions. The group of judges is an "allied troupe", with people from different countries and cultural backgrounds arguing with each other from disparate points of view about the same movie.

Daily News: Since you have been here several times, what do you think of the SIFF?
Li Bingbing: I think SIFF has interacted with local citizens and wrapped the city in a mellow film culture. It is the same with the Cannes Film Festival, people getting excited about the festival and vacating their houses to accommodate film goers from all over the world when the season starts. When June comes, Shanghai goes on a spree of seeing films every day.

About Resident Evil V: not trying hard for a Hollywood career
Daily News: Could you tell us something about the Hollywood blockbuster Resident Evil V in which you star?
Li Bingbing: I just finished the dubbing in Canada and added another act scene. It is expected to be released in September.

Daily News: Similar to Resident Evil V , your Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is also a Hollywood blockbuster, although it was shot in China. What is the difference between shooting films in and out of China?
Li Bingbing: It must be the homesickness. It was the first time that I was regarded as a total foreigner in a completely different environment. The experience was new and exciting and the Hollywood team was very professional and detail-oriented. Even the direction of my waving hair had to be exactly the same as that of Ada Wong in the game. The foreign film crew put in great preparation beforehand. As a result, there was an orderly work day without many changes. Everyone just paid attention to the work they were accountable for. In contrast in China, there have to be assistant directors crying out loud to make arrangements and keep order on the set.

Daily News: Everyone just paid attention to the work they were accountable for? Could you specify with an example?
Li Bingbing: I had to wear kneecap supporters and hats in Canada because it is so freezing in the winter. When the camera was running, I asked my assistant to help to carry them. The costumer walked up and said that she would do it for me, because it was her job. In other countries, actors have their own costumers who take good care of things so there\'s no need to hire your own extra assistants. In China, a costumer may be responsible for the dresses of 10 people.

Daily News: Did you feel better acting in English after your first try in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan ?
Li Bingbing: Language is still a problem. I thought all I had to do was read the lines. But the American crew required me to pronounce exactly in English without an accent. When dubbing, I was constantly corrected for poor pronunciation. I tried my best to speak English well.

Daily News: Chinese actresses have been longing for opportunities to make it in Hollywood. Will you have more roles in Hollywood films after Resident Evil V ?
Li Bingbing: It depends. I would love to try if there are good chances. As an actress, I hope to act in films that are suitable and worthwhile for me. In fact, there are a lot of Hollywood movies which need Chinese actors. Many producers came to me but I refused because of limited opportunities for breakthrough roles. This film role is a character in a game, which I find interesting and worth trying.

About personal life: love is important in heart
Daily News: We all know that you are a “model worker” among entertainment celebrities. Sun Honglei once volunteered to be your matchmaker when you were in the cast of Yes, I Do. How are your relationships going now?
Li Bingbing:Well, I am still single. I am looking forward to a romantic relationship, and get happy for my friends who have found the true love. I am destined to wait to meet "Prince Charming."

Daily News: Did you ever make any effort to have a boy friend?
Li Bingbing: No, actually. I was a failure because I didn\'t put enough effort on it (laughs). I attach a lot of importance to relationships and take it seriously once I fall in love with someone.