In the golden autumn of October 1993, the Chinese film industry ushered in a cultural exchange across the Pacific. The famous actor Gu Yue, known for his superb interpretation of Mao Zedong's image, was invited to Los Angeles with "The Story of Mao Zedong". This visit was supposed to be a friendly cultural exchange, but it turned into an unexpected "confrontation" at the press conference. In the face of sharp and challenging questions from American journalists, how will Gu Yue respond? Will he be able to defuse this diplomatic crisis with his wit and humor? More importantly, why did his answer trigger thunderous applause from the audience? Let's walk into this little-known history and uncover the wonderful story behind Gu Yue's visit to the United States.
Gu Yue, formerly known as Wang Yu, was born in Ju County, Shandong Province in 1937. His acting career can be described as serendipitous and full of drama. In 1976, by chance, Gu Yue, then head of the Cultural Section of the Propaganda Department of the Political Department of the Kunming Military Region, was found to bear a striking resemblance to Mao Zedong. The discovery caught the attention of the Ministry of Culture and the General Political Department, who were searching for a suitable actor to play Mao Zedong across the country.
After layers of selection, Gu Yue was finally selected to become Mao Zedong's special actor. This decision not only changed the trajectory of Gu Yue's life, but also brought an outstanding actor to the Chinese film industry. In order to better interpret the role of Mao Zedong, Gu Yue made great efforts. He spent months traveling back and forth between libraries and archives, reading vast volumes, watching documentaries, and collecting photographs of Mao Zedong from various periods. In order to have a deeper understanding of Mao Zedong's character and language characteristics, Gu Yue also took the initiative to go to Hunan to learn the local dialect, and strive to present the most authentic and vivid image of Mao Zedong in the performance.
Gu Yue's efforts soon paid off. In 1980, he was transferred to Bayi Film Studio and began his film career. His first appearance was in the film "Xi'an Incident". Despite being only a supporting role, Gu Yue's performance left a deep impression on the audience. During the audition, Gu Yue, with her unique sense of humor and deep understanding of Mao Zedong's image, successfully defeated several other competitors and won the favor of director Cheng Yin.
During the filming of "Xi'an Incident", Gu Yue showed extraordinary acting talent and professionalism. Once, when the crew was filming in a certain place, the local leaders warmly invited "Chairman Mao" and "Premier Zhou" to dinner. At the dinner table, although Gu Yue didn't drink a drop of wine on weekdays, in order not to lose her courtesy, she insisted on drinking with Wang Tiecheng, who played Zhou Enlai. This move not only showed Gu Yue's professionalism, but also added a lot of joy to the crew.
Subsequently, Gu Yue played the leading role in "Four Crossings of Chishui". In order to better interpret this role, Gu Yue put in a lot of effort. He profoundly studied the historical background of the Red Army's "four crossings of Chishui" and carefully analyzed the strategic thinking and operational process of both the enemy and us. This conscientious and responsible attitude makes Gu Yue's performance more authentic and credible, and also lays the foundation for the success of the film.
After the broadcast of "Four Crossings of Chishui", it caused a strong response and ranked third among the popular films of the year. After watching it, many old Red Army soldiers also wrote letters to Gu Yue to express their gratitude. This film not only increased Gu Yue's popularity, but also allowed him to take a step forward in his acting career.
The pinnacle of Gu Yue's acting career is "The Founding Ceremony". In this film, Gu Yue perfectly interpreted the image of Mao Zedong on the occasion of the founding of New China with her delicate and accurate performance, and won the honor of Best Actor at the 13th Chinese Film "Hundred Flowers Award". Experts in the literary and artistic circles praised Gu Yue's performance as "accurate and delicate", believing that he successfully captured the charm of Mao Zedong.
Gu Yue's success is not only reflected on the screen, he is also widely recognized and respected in real life. In 1989, Gu Yue was invited to attend the National Day banquet and was received by party and state leaders. At the banquet, many people took the initiative to talk to him and ask for autographs. Even after seeing Gu Yue, some high-ranking generals half-jokingly said that they would salute "Chairman Mao". In the face of such a "pursuit", Gu Yue has always maintained a humble attitude, he often said: "I am stained with Chairman Mao's light, and the brilliance of his old man is refracted to me." "
Gu Yue's acting career is a process of continuous progress and breakthroughs. From the initial supporting role to the later protagonist, from the domestic screen to the international stage, Gu Yue has successfully created a screen image of Mao Zedong that is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people with her own efforts and talents. His success is not only a personal achievement, but also a microcosm of the development of China's film industry. Furutsuki's experience teaches us that if you put in enough effort with a sense of awe for your characters, you can create a memorable work of art.
In 1993, the cultural exchange between China and the United States was at a critical turning point. With the deepening of China's reform and opening up, exchanges between the two countries in the political, economic and cultural fields have become increasingly frequent. In this context, Gu Yue, as a famous Chinese special actor, was invited to bring "The Story of Mao Zedong" to the United States, which became an important highlight of Sino-US cultural exchanges this year.
The importance of this visit to the United States cannot be overstated. It is not only a recognition of Gu Yue's personal artistic achievements, but also an important step for the Chinese film industry to the international stage. As an important work reflecting China's modern history, the screening of "The Story of Mao Zedong" in the United States will undoubtedly attract widespread attention. The film not only shows the trajectory of Mao Zedong's life, but also reflects the major events in China's modern history, which is of great significance for American audiences to understand Chinese history and culture.
In order to ensure the success of this visit to the United States, Gu Yue and his team made full preparations. First, Gu Yue delved into the socio-cultural context of the United States. He read a lot of books on American history, political system, and social culture, and watched many American movies and television programs in an effort to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the United States. Furutsuki paid special attention to studying the American way of thinking and values in order to be able to better resonate with the American audience in communication.
At the same time, Gu Yue did not neglect the preparation of language. Although he played a Chinese speaking role in the film, Furutsuki spent a lot of time learning English in order to better communicate with American audiences and media. He hired professional English teachers to study every day, focusing on practicing some spoken expressions and technical terms that might be used. Gu Yue's spirit of hard work deeply touched his team members.
In addition to the personal preparations, the organization of the delegation was also carried out in an orderly manner. In addition to Gu Yue, the delegation also included the film's director, producer, and other staff. Everyone has done their homework for this visit to the United States. They studied the film market in the United States, analyzed the preferences of the audience, and developed a detailed plan for the promotion and promotion of the film.
The itinerary of the delegation was also carefully designed. In addition to their main activities in Los Angeles, they also plan to visit cities such as New York and Washington to exchange ideas with local film industry figures and academic institutions. Such an arrangement would not only expand the influence of the film, but also allow the members of the delegation to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the film industry and cultural life in the United States.
In the last few days before departure, Furutsuki and the team members conducted many rehearsals and simulations. They rehearsed a variety of situations they might encounter, including how to respond to questions from reporters and how to introduce the background of the film's creation. Gu Yue paid special attention to practicing how to express her opinions in concise and powerful language, and how to resonate emotionally with American audiences while maintaining the characteristics of Chinese culture.
On the eve of the delegation's departure, an unexpected episode added a bit of drama to the visit. The interpreter who was originally scheduled to accompany the group was suddenly unable to make the trip due to family reasons, which put the whole team in a difficult situation for a while. However, crises are often also opportunities. After urgent coordination, they found a young translator who had just returned to China after studying in the United States for many years. The translator is not only fluent in English, but also has an in-depth knowledge of American culture, and his presence has undoubtedly breathed new life into the delegation.
Finally, on a sunny morning, Gu Yue and his team boarded a flight to Los Angeles. On the plane, Gu Yue was still carefully reading the prepared materials, and from time to time she communicated and discussed with her colleagues. This kind of dedication and dedication is the key to Gu Yue's success in her acting career.
When the plane slowly landed at Los Angeles International Airport, Gu Yue's mood was inevitably a little excited. He knows that in the coming days, he will not only represent the Chinese film industry, but also serve as a cultural envoy to show the charm of Chinese films to American audiences. This is both a challenge and an opportunity. Gu Yue firmly believes that with the team's careful preparation and her own efforts, she will be able to succeed in this visit to the United States and contribute to the cultural exchanges between China and the United States.
As the premiere of "The Story of Mao Zedong" in Los Angeles approached, Gu Yue and the members of the delegation had a tighter schedule. The day before the premiere, the organizers arranged a press conference to which journalists from major American media outlets were invited. The press conference was originally intended to promote the film and introduce Chinese film culture, but it unexpectedly became the most challenging moment of Gu Yue's visit to the United States.
The press conference was held in the conference hall of a high-end hotel in Los Angeles. When Gu Yue and her team members walked into the venue, they found that the scene was already full, and the flashing lights were coming and going. Although Gu Yue has become accustomed to the attention of the media, it is the first time that such a large international press conference has been experienced. He sat calmly in the center of the podium, flanked by the film's director and producer.
After the press conference began, the initial questions were relatively peaceful. Some reporters asked about the background of the film's creation, while others expressed curiosity about how Gu Yue interpreted the role of Mao Zedong. With full preparation, Gu Yue answered these questions fluently. He detailed how he understood Mao's character traits through extensive reading and field research, and how he restored the historical truth as much as possible in his performances.
However, as the press conference deepened, the difficulty and sensitivity of the issue began to gradually increase. A reporter from a well-known media outlet suddenly threw out a pointed question: "The image of Mao Zedong you portrayed in the film is obviously positive, but we know that Mao Zedong also made some mistakes in the later years of his rule, such as the Cultural Revolution." What do you think of these historical facts? Do you think the film is an objective and comprehensive reflection of history? "
This question was like a bombshell, which instantly detonated the entire venue. The scene was in an uproar, and everyone's eyes were focused on Gu Yue. The interpreter carefully relayed the question to Gu Yue, and the room fell into a brief silence.
Gu Yue didn't answer immediately, but pondered for a moment. Then, he spoke slowly, in a calm and powerful voice: "Thank you for your question. As an actor, my job is to recreate historical figures as realistically as possible. Comrade Mao Zedong was undoubtedly a great revolutionary and statesman who made tremendous contributions to China's liberation and construction. At the same time, as you say, he also made some mistakes in his later years. These are all part of history, and we should not shy away from them. "
Gu Yue paused and continued: "Our film mainly focuses on Comrade Mao Zedong's early revolutionary career, showing how he led the Chinese people to liberation. We strive to present this history as fully as possible in the limited screen time. As for the other historical events you mentioned, although they are not the focus of this film, we also thought about and discussed them seriously during the creation process. We hope that through this film, the audience can be provoked to think and discuss history, rather than simply giving a conclusion. "
Gu Yue's answers are both frank and subtle, without avoiding sensitive topics and appropriately leading the discussion back to the film itself. His performance relieved all the members of the Chinese delegation present.
However, the reporters obviously didn't plan to let Gu Yue go easily. Another reporter then asked: "You have created so many images of Mao Zedong on the screen, do you also identify with Mao Zedong's political ideas in real life?" What do you think of China's current reform and opening-up policy? "
This question is even more intractable because it directly touches on the political realities of contemporary China. Gu Yue took a deep breath, then replied with a smile: "As an actor, my job is to shape the characters, not to judge history. Comrade Mao Zedong's thought was the guiding ideology of the Chinese revolution and had a far-reaching impact on China's development. The reform and opening up policy is to continue to develop and innovate on this basis. As an ordinary Chinese citizen, I have personally experienced and benefited from the changes brought about by reform and opening up. I believe that both Mao Zedong Thought and the reform and opening up policy are aimed at making China better and making people's lives happier. "
Gu Yue's answer not only expressed respect for Mao Zedong, but also affirmed the achievements of reform and opening up, and skillfully balanced history and reality. His resourcefulness and diplomatic skills won the admiration of everyone present.
At this moment, a young American reporter suddenly asked in fluent Chinese: "Mr. Gu Yue, do you think you have any similarities with Mao Zedong?" "
This unexpected question caused the venue to fall silent again. Gu Yue was stunned for a moment, and then laughed: "Similarities? I think it's probably because we are all from Hunan, and we all like spicy food! "
Gu Yue's humorous answer immediately sparked laughter and applause from the audience. This light-hearted answer not only defused the previous tension, but also showed Gu Yue's wit and sense of humor. The press conference ended in laughter, and Gu Yue's performance won the respect and love of everyone present.
That evening, many American media reported on the "wonderful performance of Chinese actor Gu Yue at the press conference", which created a good atmosphere for the premiere of the film the next day. Gu Yue's experience at this press conference not only shows his talent as an excellent actor, but also reflects his wisdom and responsibility as a cultural envoy.
On October 15, 1993, the famous Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles was crowded with people. The oriental building is particularly striking today because it is about to have a special premiere – the Chinese film "The Story of Mao Zedong" will have its overseas premiere here.
On both sides of the red carpet, countless reporters and photographers were waiting for them. As the luxury cars slowly drove away, celebrities from all walks of life appeared one after another. In addition to film figures from China and the United States, many representatives from the political, business and academic circles were also invited. This premiere is not only a cultural exchange event, but also a rare opportunity for people-to-people diplomacy between China and the United States.
When Gu Yue's vehicle arrived, the scene erupted in a burst of applause and cheers. Dressed in a dark blue tunic, he behaved calmly and smiled, waving to spectators and reporters on either side. Although Gu Yue was accustomed to public appearances on various occasions, standing on the red carpet of Hollywood at the moment, he still felt a special sense of mission.
Subsequently, the film's director, producer and other main creative staff also arrived. Surprisingly, several influential Chinese directors in the United States also came to the scene to express their support for this Chinese film. Their arrival undoubtedly added a bit of starlight to this premiere.
In a brief opening remarks, the Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles emphasized the importance of the film in enhancing cultural exchanges between China and the United States. He pointed out that presenting China's modern and modern history through art can help American audiences better understand China's development process. Subsequently, Steven Spielberg, a famous Hollywood producer, also delivered an enthusiastic speech, in which he praised the rapid development of Chinese films in recent years and expressed his hope that there will be more opportunities for Sino-US cooperation in the future.
When the movie began to show, the entire theater fell silent. The image of Mao Zedong played by Gu Yue appeared on the big screen, lifelike, as if he had traveled through time and space to come to the audience. The film depicts Mao Zedong's life from his youth to the eve of the founding of the People's Republic of China with delicate brushstrokes, showing his important role in the Chinese revolution, but also depicting his personal life and emotional world.
There are several scenes in the film that are particularly striking. One of the scenes is the scene when the young Mao Zedong met Yang Kaihui for the first time when he was studying at the First Normal School in Changsha. Gu Yue vividly interpreted Mao Zedong's youth and enthusiasm at that time, making the audience seem to see a flesh-and-blood young Mao Zedong. Another impressive scene is that Mao Zedong still adhered to his firm belief in revolutionary ideals in the face of difficult circumstances and enemy encirclement and suppression during the Jinggangshan period. Gu Yue's performance vividly showed Mao Zedong's perseverance and wisdom.
During the screening, the audience can be heard from time to time whispering and exclamation. Especially in some key historical moments, such as the Zunyi Conference and the Yan'an Rectification Movement, many American audiences seem to be particularly focused, and it seems that they are re-understanding China's modern history through this film.
After the movie, the audience burst into a long round of applause. Many viewers stood up and bowed to the screen to pay their respects to this excellent work. At the subsequent seminar, guests from all walks of life expressed their views.
An American historian commented: "This film provides us with a new perspective on the history of the Chinese Revolution. It not only shows Mao's political career, but also gives us a glimpse of him as an ordinary person. This comprehensive portrayal is helpful for us to understand this complex history. "
A veteran Hollywood producer spoke highly of the film's level of production: "From the cinematography to the editing to the music, every aspect showed a high level of professionalism. In particular, Mr. Gu Yue's performance interprets Mao Zedong, a complex historical figure, so vividly, which is really admirable. "
However, there are also some critical voices. An American political critic noted: "While the film is artistically impeccable, it appears somewhat cautious in its handling of some sensitive historical issues. For example, as for the reasons for the breakdown of the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, the film seems to avoid the important and trivial. "
In response to these comments, Gu Yue was very open and humble in an interview. "We welcome a diverse range of voices," he said. The purpose of this film is to provoke people to think and discuss history. Everyone may have a different point of view on history, and that's what cultural exchange is all about. "
After the premiere, "The Story of Mao Zedong" set off a "China fever" in the United States. Many American audiences have become interested in Chinese history and culture. Some universities have even organized special seminars to invite historians and experts on China for in-depth discussions.
At the same time, Gu Yue and the film's main creative team also began a tour of screenings in the United States. They visited New York, Washington, Chicago and other major cities, and everywhere they went, they aroused enthusiastic responses. At a screening at Harvard University, Gu Yue was also invited to have a face-to-face exchange with teachers and students, sharing his views on the creation of performing arts and historical themes.
This trip to the United States not only brought "The Story of Mao Zedong" international recognition, but also opened up a new market for Chinese films. More importantly, it has built a bridge of cultural exchange, allowing American audiences to learn about a more three-dimensional and real China through the screen.
At the beginning of November 1993, Gu Yue ended her three-week visit to the United States and returned to China with a lot of harvest and insight. This visit to the United States not only brought "The Story of Mao Zedong" to the international stage, but also opened up a new path for cultural exchanges between China and the United States, and its impact went far beyond the scope of the film itself.
After returning to China, Gu Yue first shared the experience of this trip with colleagues in the Chinese film industry. At a symposium held by the China Film Association, Gu Yue gave a detailed account of the screening of "The Story of Mao Zedong" in the United States and the audience's reaction. In particular, he emphasized the strong interest of American audiences in Chinese historical films and their high opinion of the level of filmmaking.
Gu Yue's report sparked a heated discussion in the Chinese film industry. Many directors and producers believe that this successful overseas premiere has provided a new way for Chinese films to go global. A well-known director said at the meeting: "Gu Yue's experience tells us that as long as we tell Chinese stories well and produce them with heart, Chinese films are fully capable of winning the recognition of international audiences." "
At the same time, the success of "The Story of Mao Zedong" in the United States has also attracted the attention of the Chinese cultural department. The Ministry of Culture immediately organized a special study group to analyze in depth the successful experience of this cultural diplomacy campaign. The research team's report pointed out that showing Chinese history and culture through films, which is popular with the public, is more likely to resonate with people abroad than traditional cultural exchange activities.
Based on this understanding, the Ministry of Culture formulated a series of policies to encourage Chinese films to go global the following year. These policies include increasing financial support for the overseas promotion of outstanding domestic films, encouraging cooperation between Chinese and foreign films, and setting up "China Film Week" at major international film festivals. These measures have laid the foundation for the international development of Chinese films.
At the diplomatic level, the successful screening of "The Story of Mao Zedong" in the United States also had a positive impact. The report of the Chinese Embassy in the United States pointed out that the film has effectively enhanced the American people's understanding of Chinese history and culture, and created a favorable public opinion foundation for the improvement of relations between the two countries. Based on this understanding, the diplomatic department began to give more consideration to incorporating cultural factors into diplomatic strategies and promoting the concept of "cultural diplomacy".
Gu Yue's personal reputation was also greatly enhanced by this successful visit to the United States. He is not only known as the "international image ambassador" of the Chinese film industry, but also has received invitations to several international film festivals. In 1994, Gu Yue was invited to attend the Berlin International Film Festival and served as a judge, which was the first time that a Chinese actor served as a judge at the world's three major film festivals, marking the improvement of the status of the Chinese film industry on the international stage.
However, Gu Yue did not stop at these honors. On the contrary, this visit to the United States made him more aware of the gap between Chinese films and the world's first-class standards. In an interview with the People's Daily, Gu Yue said frankly: "We still have a long way to go in terms of story creation, technological innovation, and market operation. But I believe that as long as we persevere, Chinese films will eventually have a place on the world stage. "
Inspired by Gu Yue's experience, some young Chinese actors and directors have also begun to actively seek opportunities for international collaboration. In 1995, the famous director Zhang Yimou's film "Alive" won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, further enhancing the international influence of Chinese films.
The success of "The Story of Mao Zedong" in the United States also provides a reference for the internationalization of other industries in China. For example, the Chinese publishing industry has begun to focus more on how to promote Chinese literature to an international audience. In 1994, the English translation of Mo Yan's novel Red Sorghum was published in the United States, which received a good market response, which is believed to be inspired by the success of "The Story of Mao Zedong".
In the field of education, this cultural exchange event also had a profound impact. Some U.S. universities have begun to add courses in Chinese history and culture, inviting Chinese scholars to give lectures. Harvard University has set up a course on "Chinese Film Studies", using "The Story of Mao Zedong" as an important teaching case.
However, this successful cultural exchange also gave rise to some food for thought. Some scholars have pointed out that when presenting China's image to the international community, it is necessary not only to show the glory of history, but also to face up to the twists and turns of history. How to comprehensively and objectively present China's history and reality on the international stage has become an important topic of discussion in cultural and academic circles.
Overall, the trip to the United States is not only a successful cultural exchange activity, but also an important milestone in the "going out" strategy of Chinese culture. It points out the direction for the international development of Chinese films, and also provides valuable experience for the improvement of China's cultural soft power. The impact and inspiration of this experience will continue to play a role in promoting Chinese culture on the world stage for a long time to come.