1905 movie network feature Mainland audiences are mostly familiar with John Cusack from the famous disaster movie. In the upcoming Spring Festival of 2015, the Hollywood star will appear in Jackie Chan’s new film "God Will Hero", incarnated as the ancient Roman general Lucius, and Huo An (Jackie Chan) jointly built an ideal country on the Silk Road. Everything about coming to China to film for the first time left a good impression on Cusack. And being able to partner with Jackie Chan in the movie made him feel very happy and unforgettable.
"Jackie Chan is a magician, a unique artist"
After reading the script of "The Master of Heaven", Cusack was attracted by this large-scale and highly emotional historical work. But what made him even more excited was his first collaboration with Jackie Chan. For the Chinese kung fu superstar, Cusack gave very high praise: "Jackie Chan’s performance style and ability are unmatched by others, and his creativity and imagination are also very outstanding. In my opinion, he is like a magician."
After this collaboration, Cusack has even more admiration for Jackie Chan, calling him a "unique artist": "Every day he has to worry about a lot of situations and pay attention to a lot of details. He knows there is only one Jackie Chan in the world, so at any time he will give 100% of his strength to do things."
1905 Movie Network: What were your thoughts on getting the script for the first time?
John Cusack: I think it’s an epic, romantic, and very moving piece of history. It’s very moving and emotional, so I’m very happy to receive such a good script. In addition to that, I’m very excited to be able to work with Jackie Chan to film such a Chinese-language film in China, and I’m very happy to be one of the first Americans to partner with him in this way.
1905 Movie Network: What do you think of this movie?
John Cusack: Jackie Chan has a lot of the message he wants to convey in this work. In the movie, people are at war, but their hearts yearn for peace. The story of "The Master of Heaven" contains many of these powerful and profound themes, and it is also quite entertaining. Of course, the production scale of the film is also very large. It can be regarded as the largest production film I have been involved in since I have been in the film.
1905 Movie Network: What is the most satisfying part of "Heaven Will Hero" for you?
John Cusack: One detail is that the Chinese soldiers are training for a kung fu competition, and the Roman army is also training at the same time. The two teams begin to observe each other and learn from each other. Hoan and Lucius also develop a sympathetic friendship in the process, and there are many such touching moments between them. In another scene, the little prince "Publius" sends off the Roman soldiers to the front with a sad song, hoping that they will be safe and triumphant. This sad story is also very touching.
1905 Movie Network: How does it feel to film with Jackie Chan?
John Cusack: Fantastic! For most Americans, Jackie Chan is already an iconic figure, just as people think of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton when they think of traditional silent comedy. Jackie Chan’s acting style and ability are also unmatched by others. To be able to star and produce a work at the same time, his creativity and imagination are undoubtedly outstanding. In my opinion, it is like a magician. To complete "The Master of Heaven", we followed Jackie Chan to his home country. I can see that he gave his all to the shooting, because in China, audiences understand the meaning of Jackie Chan’s work. So I enjoyed every moment of filming with him, and I hope I can always remember those moments, because these are very exciting memories for me.
After this collaboration, how do you evaluate him?
John Cusack: Jackie Chan is the hardest working actor I have ever worked with. He is not only very attentive to the film, but also knows how to take care of the people around him. He is a unique artist. Many times, Jackie Chan has "amazed" me because his mind is both simple and very meticulous: every day he needs to worry about many situations and pay attention to many details. He knows that there is only one Jackie Chan in this world, so at any time he will give 100% of his strength to do things.
"Chinese filmmakers are more passionate than Hollywood."
Although Cusack had worked with Gong Li before he starred in "Heaven Will Hero," this is his first time shooting in China. Compared with his experience in Hollywood, Cusack bluntly said that he saw more enthusiasm and passion for creation in Chinese filmmakers. From director Li Rengang and Jackie Chan to every staff member on the set, everyone was full of energy.
The positive and free working environment makes Cusack very satisfied and unforgettable for this trip to China. He regards the filming of "Heaven Will Hero" as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". At the same time, Cusack also looks forward to the opportunity to come to China to cooperate with more Chinese filmmakers.
1905 Movie Network: What’s your opinion on the first Chinese director you worked with, Li Rengang?
John Cusack: It was a pleasure working with him. He is like a Pandora’s box, creating virtual worlds and beautiful scenes in all movies. The excellent screenplay of "The Master of Heaven" was also written by Li Rengang. When I arrived on the set, he also invited me to help him improve the English part of the lines, and asked me for my opinions on the characters in many ways. We collided with a lot of artistic sparks in the process. This very open communication between the creators made me not only honored to be involved in this collaboration, but also very much recognized the way Director Li Rengang works. I am very happy to have the opportunity to shoot "The Master of Heaven" and hope to have the opportunity to work with him next time.
1905 Film Network: What is the greatest difference between filming in China and in Hollywood?
John Cusack: I find that Chinese filmmakers are more enthusiastic and passionate about their creations than Hollywood. Every day when I arrive at the scene, everyone is full of energy, as if they are doing something really amazing. Since I haven’t had the opportunity to work with other Chinese directors and producers, I don’t know if this crew atmosphere is related to Jackie Chan and Li Rengang directors. But I think we have lost that passion when we make movies in Hollywood. For example, when we shoot the big scenes, the whole crew will be watching you with all their attention, and you will feel their dedication. It really helps the actors, you can feel that your team is very attentive and cares about your efforts. " The working atmosphere of the entire crew of "The Will of Heaven" is really good, and they will stick to their posts every moment as always. Although there are still many differences in filmmaking between Hollywood and China today, in my eyes, it makes no difference who you make a movie with, what matters is your work attitude. When everyone works hard together, we can achieve results.
1905 Movie Network: Do you like filming in China?
John Cusack: This was my first time filming in China, and I had a very enjoyable time. Director Li Rengang and Jackie Chan sincerely entertained me, and created a very convenient environment for my work and life. Working with the Chinese team made me feel very free, and it was very easy to act, which I really liked. At the same time, I was able to follow the crew to experience the different scenery in various parts of China and meet people from different places. During the filming, I also brought my family to China. This is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to come to China to film again.