The comedy movie "Thelma and Louise " resolves an otherwise heavy topic with its light setting and joyful atmosphere.
directed by Wu Rina, Jia Bing, Tan Zhuo, Xiaoshenyang, Yu Yang, Dong Baoshi, the comedy movie "Thelma and Louise" starring in the movie "Thelma and Louise" was released on May 1 and has already exceeded 300 million in box office. , gained good audience popularity. The film resolves an otherwise heavy topic with its light setting and joyful atmosphere. With unique characters and down-to-earth plot settings, the film tells the story of "Iron Rooster" Jia Youwei (played by Jia Bing) who was misdiagnosed with cancer. The story of his determination to spend a million dollars in ten days unfolds, which not only contains many laughs, but also brings discussions about friendship and attitude towards life.
"Thelma and Louise" is the first feature film directed by Uzhina. When asked what it was like to be a film director for the first time, she used the word "baptism" to describe the experience. After creating it from beginning to end, Uzhina My biggest feeling is that making a movie is not easy. Everyone can unite and condense into one force to help the director do every aspect well. Everyone spares no effort to make this movie. "A movie is when everyone works together and becomes one." "It can only be made if we spare no effort"
[Exclusive Interview]
As long as the Northeastern people are together, we are happy
In the film, Jia Youwei thought he was at the end of his life due to a misdiagnosis, and thus began a life of letting himself go, making people laugh, and touching the heart. In the setting of the final journey, director Uzhina expressed the hope that the audience can find happiness in this movie and feel that life is not only about "busyness", but also friends and friendship, which are things worthy of everyone's attention. She hopes that the audience can Can find resonance in the movie.
10 days of life is the most intuitive concept, and many plots are based on reality.
Beijing News: "Thelma and Louise" mainly revolves around the dilemma of middle-aged men - lack of money, and the brotherhood of "one hero and three gangs". The inspiration for this plot is out of thin air Fiction or real life?
Uzhina: Our original story framework was to tell the story of four brothers. The male protagonist experienced a misdiagnosis. The interest of this story is more in line with my own experience. I also have three best friends, and I have always had a good relationship. The plot setting of misdiagnosis may be considered clichĂŠ by some viewers, but it is true that people around us have also experienced this kind of trouble. Dragon incident. And frugality refers to the lifestyle of the previous generation. My aunt still collects water to flush the toilet and keeps plastic bags at home. I feel that these plots together will have a good comedy effect and reflect real life.
Director Uzhina at the filming location of the movie "Thelma and Louise".
Beijing News: Many movies have used the "doomsday carnival" plot setting in the past. Why is the setting this time so that the protagonist only has ten days left to live?
Uzhina: I think the concept of 10 days is more intuitive and direct. We have all imagined how we would live if we only had these days left. This idea will bring very intuitive pressure in the drama structure, and it is also a relatively absurd creative technique, so we reached an agreement. This will cause a more direct and simpler emotional reaction for the protagonist, and if he only has 10 days to live How to spend the meeting can also start a discussion among everyone.
Jia Bing rides her bicycle too smoothly
Beijing News: Jia Bing plays Jia Youwei. From cherishing money as much as life in the early stage to helping his brothers realize their dreams in the later stage, this character becomes more three-dimensional and vivid. He is Jia Youwei. First choice?
Uzhina: Before the script was written, we had already decided to invite Jia Bing to star. Everyone likes him very much. We have seen him play various roles on the big screen, but he doesnât seem to have it. Having created a similar image of "Iron Rooster" that is closer to life and down-to-earth, we are very confident that he can surprise the audience. Whether it is Brother Bing or other actors in the movie, they have also subverted their previous images.
Beijing News: Jia Bing has played many comedy roles. What exchanges did you have with him on shaping the character this time?
Uzhina: He likes this script very much, and our creative ideas are also very similar. I told him before that I prefer performances that are down-to-earth, more realistic, and more resonant. It just so happens that he doesnât want to use the performances he used in his early days. He also wants to try to use a more natural and innovative way to shape the performance in the sketch. Therefore, we all prefer to make this character have a sense of joy that comes naturally, without deliberately creating it.
Jia Bing showed off his "especially slippery" bicycle riding skills in the film.
Beijing News: What unexpected surprises did Jia Bing bring you? For example, he rides his bicycle really well in the film!
Uzhina: Yes, for him, there is no need to practice. He rides a bicycle very well and very smoothly, so that even the filming machine cannot keep up with him because he rides too fast (laughs) . The first bicycle was even damaged. In this shooting, Mr. Jia Bing was at his best. His acting skills are very mature. What we discussed most was the psychological state of the characters. During the acting, he had a strong connection with the characters. He understands Jia Youwei very well and can express emotions very accurately. In addition, there is no incomprehensible plot in the whole movie. It all comes from the people and things around him, and everyone will have emotional resonance.
Xiao Shenyang plays Jia Youweiâs old friend Sha Baihu and contributes a lot of jokes.
Beijing News: The cast of "Thelma and Louise" are all comedians from the Northeast. Is this intentional?
Uzhina: Yes, as long as Northeastern people are together, they are very happy. When we performed on the road show in Northeast China, every audience member was very stubborn and had to shake off their baggage when speaking. They had a sense of joy within them. So these four brothers are also from the Northeast. For example, Xiao Shenyang, from what I know about him, he has the unique handsomeness of a comedian. This role belongs to him. For example, he has listened to his wife for so many years, so he basically plays his true self this time. In addition, for example, Uncle Baoshi and the others are very relaxed and natural in front of the camera, and they also show a lot of raw and true emotions in their performances. This is what we pursue most.
Money is certainly important, but more important than it is friendship.
Beijing News: You only have ten days to live, so you have to find a way to spend all your money to say goodbye. This is an absurd attitude towards life. You want to pass this story What does it convey to the audience?
Uzhina: Although money is very important, friendship is more important than money. At my age, I have also begun to think about the meaning and choices in life. Life is too complicated. You keep involving others, and others keep involving you. When will it end? I donât know, and sometimes Iâm confused. We are so busy every day that we donât take care of eating, sleeping, or even neglecting our family and friends around us. As life changes, everyone wants more and more, and everyone is too busy and working hard. I still want to express it, just like the last six words of the movie - be happy while you are alive! I also want the audience to find their own happiness.
Beijing News: Is this also your original intention in choosing the Northeastern comedy theme?
Uzhina: I think Northeastern people are quite free and easy, their attitude towards life is very relaxed, they are very enthusiastic, and they also maintain a smiling attitude towards life, and many things are passed by just joking. This optimistic and positive attitude towards life can infect others. I hope the audience can feel at ease and happy because of this story.
Director Uzhina said that she hopes that through the 107 minutes of this film, she can bring happiness to the audience and make everyone feel empowered.
Beijing News: As the only comedy released on May Day this year, "Thelma and Louise" was also very successful at the box office. It is your first time to direct a feature film. Do you feel pressured by market feedback?
Uzhina: In fact, I have been preparing to be a film director. I have filmed some short plays and commercials since 2018 to accumulate shooting experience. When filming this debut film, the producer Zhang Li also helped me. I invited the top creators in the film industry to help me complete this work. I am very nervous when movies such as
are released to the public, but I will calm down, stay calm, humbly absorb the suggestions of seniors in the industry and the audience, and push myself to continue to improve and bring better works to the audience.
This movie tells about the lives of ordinary people. It has not been easy for us these years, but we have been working hard to live. I hope that through the 107 minutes of this movie, I can bring happiness to the audience and make everyone feel empowered.
Beijing News reporter Zhou Huixiaowan
editor Huang Jialing
proofreader Zhao Lin
