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British actor Adam Palin's trip to China on business changed his life
Thirty-something British actor Adam Palin has become one of the most regular Western faces in recently produced Chinese historical dramas. He has played, among others, an interpreter of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, a Flying Tiger pilot during World War II and Edgar Snow, the US journalist who shared an uncommon friendship with Chairman Mao Zedong.
"China is one of the fastest-changing countries in the 21st century," the actor says in fluent Chinese, even with a slight Beijing accent. "Though Chinese history goes a long way back, I am glad to perform in dramas that are set in more recent history, which still has much influence on today's life."
The actor, who has a master's degree in finance from the University of Cambridge, traveled to China in 2009 for a business venture but instead found himself on the Chinese small screen.
Born in William Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-on-Avon, Palin grew up in a place known for its strong atmosphere for stage performances.
Because his parents were diplomats, he was a world traveler from childhood, which he says has also greatly enriched his experiences and opened his horizon. This versatile man had also tried modeling and formed his own band. Nevertheless, acting had remained his most cherished dream, especially after he studied performing at the renowned Ealing Studios in London.
"It's hard to say whether I'd decided to be an actor before moving to China," he says. "Accidentally or not, I was invited to play my first role in a Chinese drama as a lawyer only a few months after I came here."
Palin says it was challenging to play figures who are familiar to Chinese audiences, like Edgar Snow in the 60-episode historical TV series Mao Zedong (2013). But he maintains that he didn't feel any pressure.
On acting in Chinese shows, he says: "A unique characteristic of Chinese cinema is that it is able to draw on traditional Chinese types of performing, like Peking Opera, which is highly stylized. International audiences are more used to the Hollywood style of acting, where the emphasis is on naturalism. But I think a stylized approach can also be interesting."
His recent filmography is impressive. Palin is a crusader who escapes to China in the Sino-American coproduction Outcast that will premiere in January. The film also stars Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage. Palin will also be appearing in the upcoming all-star historical epic The Cross, which premieres in December.
"I've been fortunate enough to work with some A-list Hollywood stars and some of the top stars in China. It's also an opportunity to watch how these major stars perform and to pick up some tips."
"It has also given me a certain amount of confidence, so that I can move on to play bigger roles in such productions."
Palin may be eager to play leading roles in major Chinese films but he hopes he will not be stereotyped.
"I've acted in many historical dramas, but I want to expand my range," he says.
He will try to do so by taking on roles in low-budget cult films. One advantage he has is that he has his own financing company, which can invest in such films.
Among the most familiar foreign faces in Chinese cinema are Japanese actor Koji Yano, who often plays Japanese soldiers in World War II-related TV series, and the Chinese-American comedian Mike Sui. Apart from these Asian faces, it has been uncommon to see a foreigner play a leading role in Chinese blockbusters since Paul Kersey, the US actor known for his war dramas Grief Over the Yellow and Hong He Gu (Red River Valley) in the 1990s, even though Westerners have been active in Chinese entertainment shows and the music industry.
Nevertheless, Palin says he will stay focused on Chinese cinema and try to make a difference.
"One reason why there are not that many multicultural stories may be because most Chinese screenwriters have been locally nurtured."
He says he has written scripts for psychological thrillers from a cross-cultural perspective.
"Sino-foreign coproductions are increasing and more major Hollywood pictures are now being shot in China," he says. "Our opportunities to be cast in such films are good."
wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn
