Course:ASIA355/2023/Zhang Yimou's film 'Keep Cool' (1997)
Exploring the Unraveling Cultural Shifts in China's Post-Socialist Era Based upon Zhang Yimou's 1997 film Keep Cool (Chinese: 有话好好说)
Group Members' Contributions
| Introduction | FD |
| Behind the Film Production | AN |
| Reception of the Film | CV |
| Scholarly Literature Reivew | FD |
| Comparative Analysis | RS |
| An Alternative Interpretation | CV |
| Conclusion | AN, RS |
Introduction
Zhang Yimou’s movie Keeping Cool was a major departure from the kinds of works that he had been known for before then. While his past films had been epic and looked at major themes in Chinese history and culture, Keeping Cool was more of a low-budget comedy farce. This was partly because he had been cut off from foreign financing and chose to make something that was fast and easy to shoot (Time Out, “Keep Cool.”). However, the film still has insights into relationships and values that were coming out of China in its post-socialist era.
Keeping Cool was released in 1997. It was directed by Zhang Yimou and starred Li Baotian, Jiang Wen, Ge You, and Qu Ying. The story centers around a man named Zhao Xiaoshuai who continues to try and win back his ex. This then leads to trouble with local thugs and being responsible for replacing a laptop after having caused trouble with these people. The end of the movie is of the main character claiming that he will change his ways in the future. Overall, Keep Cool is probably one of Zhang Yimou’s lesser known films. However, it is still a major transitional movie between his historic epics and his more commercial films.
Stories Behind the Film
The production of Zhang Yimou's film "Keep Cool" involved several factors that shaped its unique characteristics and contributed to its overall impact. This section delves into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film's production, shedding light on the socio-political and creative elements that influenced its creation.
One significant factor that influenced the production of "Keep Cool" was the socio-political and historical context in which it was made. The film was released in 1997, a time of transition in China's history as the country was undergoing post-socialist reforms. Zhang Yimou, known for his previous epic and historical films, took a departure from his usual style and opted for a low-budget comedy farce. This shift in genre and approach was partly due to financial constraints and a desire to create something that was fast and easy to shoot (Time Out, "Keep Cool").
Despite the limitations imposed by the budget, Zhang Yimou managed to infuse the film with insights into relationships and values emerging in China's post-socialist era. "Keep Cool" captures the changing dynamics of a society influenced by rapid modernization and technological advancements. The film highlights the increasing reliance on technology and its impact on interpersonal communication. For example, the broken laptop becomes a central plot point, symbolizing the attachment to modern devices and how they shape interactions between characters. By exploring these themes, the film reflects the evolving cultural landscape and the challenges of communication in a changing society.
Additionally, the production of "Keep Cool" employed certain creative techniques and stylistic choices that contributed to its distinctiveness. Zhang Yimou utilized handheld digital cameras and opted for a less formal blocking style, resulting in a more casual and naturalistic approach to filmmaking. The use of handheld cameras allowed for a sense of immediacy and unpredictability, creating a unique visual experience for the audience. This unsteady cinematography technique mirrored the instability and fluidity of communication depicted in the film.
Furthermore, the casting choices in "Keep Cool" played a crucial role in shaping the film's narrative and capturing the essence of the characters. Zhang Yimou selected Li Baotian, Jiang Wen, Ge You, and Qu Ying to portray the central characters, each bringing their own interpretation and depth to their roles. The diverse backgrounds and personalities of these characters represented different social groups and experiences, highlighting the societal divisions and information asymmetry prevalent in the urban landscape of 1990s China.
"Keep Cool" marks a departure for the director from his previous historical films, as he states, "This is the first contemporary movie I've made. I needed a change." He expresses contentment with the comedy, featuring actor-director Jiang Wen, despite the customary demands for alterations from authorities, stating, "I'm really quite happy, though as we know, the authorities always ask for changes and I had to change a lot of things." While a happy ending was added, he believes that the film maintains his original style and concept with its inclusion of hip slang and dynamic handheld camera effects. (Dupont and Tribune)
Expressing his admiration for Jiang Wen, the director breaks into a smile, stating, "He's the best actor in China today, and intelligent. I saw the movie he made ['In the Heat of the Sun'] and took a video back to my hometown for my parents. We all laughed." Considering it his funniest work, he mentions, "I think 'Keep Cool' is the funniest film I've ever made. When they screened it at the Film Academy, the public enjoyed it. I don't know if foreign-language subtitles will translate the fun." (Dupont and Tribune)
Regarding the exclusion of "Keep Cool" from the Cannes festival, Zhang suggests, "They gave us no reason, but as you know, Chinese authorities don't give reasons for not letting a film go abroad. But I think it's because they didn't like the film: There's too much that's about an individual and his philosophy — it's me expressing myself, and maybe there's too much of me in it, it's too strong. I really believe they feel, like when you see someone, and that person makes you ill at ease? You know? They can't think of any specific reason, but they feel uneasy, and the impact of my films may be too big." (Dupont and Tribune)
To negotiate the film's entry, Marco Muller, director of the Locarno festival and a longtime friend of Zhang, utilizes his connections within the Chinese industry and the Venice festival. Zhang explains, "Once I knew 'Keep Cool' wouldn't be going to Cannes, I alerted Venice. We have to see if our diplomatic efforts will be fruitful, but I know that the last thing you should do when dealing with Chinese censorship is to respond with declarations on freedom of expression. My motto has been, get them to let the film out first, make statements later." (Dupont and Tribune)
Histories of the Film’s Reception
"Keep Cool," directed by Zhang Yimou and released in 1997, received divergent responses from the general public, reflecting the socio-politico-historical context of the film and the time of its release. The film's stylistic departure from Zhang's previous works, such as his classical dramas "Raise the Red Lantern" and "Ju Dou," surprised Western followers (Stratton, 1997). Zhang's shift to an aggressively modern comedy set in contemporary Beijing and filmed with a hand-held camera intrigued some viewers, while others found it alienating (Stratton, 1997).
Examining the histories of reception, we can explore various sources that shed light on the public's attitudes toward "Keep Cool." Online reviews on IMDb provide insights into different perspectives. A review by addgarlic23 highlights the film's captivating portrayal of Beijing's ambiance and its ability to capture the essence of the city and its people (addgarlic23, 1999). Similarly, funang8 praises the film's realistic account of modern Chinese urban sensibilities and its use of black humor (funang8, 2009). gtramsay221 commends the film's inventiveness in plot and its departure from Zhang's usual elegant formalism (gtramsay221, 2005).
These reviews from IMDb demonstrate convergent attitudes towards the film's strengths, including its portrayal of Beijing and its engaging narrative. The use of handheld camera techniques and the energetic performances of the cast were appreciated by viewers. However, there were also divergent views regarding the film's narrative, with some considering it repetitive or thin (Stratton, 1997).
Additionally, the Wikipedia entry for "Keep Cool" provides valuable information about the film's reception. It highlights the initial scheduling of the film for the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, which was later withdrawn by Chinese censors. The censorship incident, along with the request for changes to the film's story, including the addition of a happy ending, reflects the socio-political climate surrounding the film's release (Keep Cool (film), 2023).
Considering the socio-politico-historical background, "Keep Cool" presented an allegorical depiction of the bewildering changes in Chinese society during a time of rapid transformation. The film represented different social classes and reflected the chaos of everyday life, resonating with the historical setting within the film and the time of its debut (Stratton, 1997). The fusion of foreign influences with unchanged traditions fascinated Western viewers, as it captured the tensions and complexities of the era.
Overall, the reception of "Keep Cool" among the general public was characterized by a mix of divergent and convergent attitudes. The film's departure from Zhang Yimou's established style, its portrayal of contemporary Beijing, and its socio-politico-historical context played significant roles in shaping these attitudes. Through examining reviews, discussions, and social media reactions, we gain a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and preferences when engaging with a film that challenges expectations.
Scholarly Literature Review
For scholars who have studied the works of Zhang Yimou, Keeping Cool is difficult to place. It has come between his earlier more serious works, and his more commercial works that have come in his later filmmaking period. Part of it is because of the lack of funds that he had at the time, but it was also for creative reasons. In her article about the book, Zhang Yimou: Globalization and the Subject of Culture by Wendy Larsen, Kun Qian writes that there was a need for the filmmaker to try and bring together the realities of a post-socialist society with the optimism that could help people (Larsen, p. 319). The focus of this work is to examine the role of culture in the movies of Zhang Yimou. With Keep Cool, culture is shown as being modern and bound by technology in many ways. For example, there is a lot of drama that emerges because of a broken laptop. This reflects the way that people were starting to become attached to modern devices, and that they pushed forward the way that people would interact with each other. The film shows the way that the culture has changed but in a positive and even optimistic approach. The writer focuses on how Zhang Yimou’s movies show that even though changes in society can be difficult and will change the culture as well, it does not mean that people will not be able to manage.
In contrast, the writer Evans published in his work the way that Zhang Yimou’s films have shifted over time to be more accessible to wider audiences, and this movie can be an example of that. Zhang Yimou’s films became more commercial just as he was becoming a filmmaker with international prestige (Evans, 291). He was then able to take on different kinds of movies because it would be assumed that there would be interest in them, especially from international audiences (Evans, 291). From that point of view, a film like Keep Cool is not seen as a movie that stands alone. Instead, it is a movie that is part of a career change that Zhang Yimou was going through. It is clear to see that the author makes good points. For example, it was shot in a very casual way, with no blocking. It was also shot with younger actors and in a modern setting, which was the first time Zhang Yimou had made that kind of movie until then. This reflects that the movie was part of the internationalization process that many filmmakers were doing, and it is a more cynical interpretation of the film than other scholars have taken.
Lastly, the film could be interpreted by scholars as a genuine attempt by Zhang Yimou to make a movie that was universal instead of being played for international prestige. This is the argument made in the book Fifty Contemporary Film Directors, by. Yvonne Tasker. Some of the criticisms that Zhang Yimou has faced is that he does “self-orientalization”, in which he makes movies to try to cater to western tastes (Tasker, 437). However, Tasker argues that this is not the case because Zhang Yimou’s prestige in the international film world has actually helped tell more Chinese stories (Tasker, 437). The movie Keep Cool is a good example of how Zhang Yimou has been able to use his international prestige to get films made that would otherwise not be made. It is also an example of a film that was made for Chinese audiences, even if it was accessible to people from other countries. Since Zhang Yimou has had so much success with his films, it is natural for western audiences to wonder how his movies are really authentic, but the scholars argue that his films have actually been helpful in creating a Chinese cinema, and not just something that is being made for international audiences.
Overall, there is not much scholarly literature on the movie Keep Cool, because it is not as well known as Zhang Yimou’s other films. Furthermore, there are differences in the ways that the scholars interpret the film. Although some scholars view it as something that was unique to make at the time, others see it as part of a career change that the filmmaker was making. However, thematically, there is agreement in the scholarly literature that it was a movie that reflected the post-socialist reality and that also showed optimism in China. The film used a lot of new techniques, such as handheld digital cameras and less blocking. It was very different from the kinds of films that Zhang Yimou had made before, and this showed his versatility in filmmaking. It is possible that in the future there will be more reviews of the movie as a major part of the career of Zhang Yimou.
Comparative Analysis
"If You Are the One" is a 2008 romantic comedy film directed by Feng Xiaogang. The movie explores the complexities of love, relationships, and the importance of communications in contemporary China. Through a mix of humour, romance, and social commentary, both "If You Are the One" and “Keep Cool” offer an engaging and insightful look into the challenges faced by modern China urban dwellers in their search for meaningful connections through effective communications.
Both films revolve around a core male protagonist. In “Keep cool”, it is Zhao Xiaohuai, a lower class labour who is pursuing a relationship. "If You Are the One" centres around the character of Qin Fen, a wealthy businessman who decides to find true love by participating in a dating show.
One of the “If You Are the One” prominent themes is the shifting attitudes towards love and marriage in contemporary China. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the movie explores the impact of societal expectations, traditional values, and the influence of media on individuals' pursuit of romantic fulfilment. The core issue of the film “Keep Cool” is "communication". The protagonist Zhao XiaoShuai's stutter is a metaphor for his inability to communicate normally. “I don't even understand myself. You understand me?” Zhao XiaoShuai knows that it is difficult for him to communicate with people. For example, when chasing Anhong before, he even hired people to shout for him, because he is incapable of. This implies the unstable mental state of ordinary people in China's big cities in the 1990s, related to China’s reform and opening up policy. Both movies delve into the complexities of love and relationships while dealing with societal pressures and cultural norms.
Humour and satire play a significant role in both films. The movie “If Your Are the One” infuses comedic moments that provide comic relief and lightheartedness amidst the serious themes. It satirises the dating show culture and pokes fun at societal expectations related to love, marriage, and personal success. In the movie “Keep Cool”, Some people use computers in the 1997, some people sell books and do not read books, some people rely on the rich woman to complete the original capital accumulation, some people are rich, and some people shout at the whole community for only thirty dollars. The humour serves as a commentary on contemporary Chinese society, offering a light-hearted perspective on the challenges of love and companionship in a world influenced by media and materialism.
Visually, "If You Are the One" captivates audiences with its aesthetically pleasing cinematography. Feng Xiaogang's directing style shines through in the visually engaging scenes, capturing the vibrant urban landscapes and creating a visually stimulating experience. The film employs symbolic imagery and creative camera angles to enhance the storytelling, creating a visual narrative that complements the emotional and comedic aspects of the film. However, in the movie “Keep Cool”, the camera is hand-held in the entire process. In order to set off the restless mind of the characters, it is very bold to use the hand-held shooting method (very unique at that time whether good or bad). The camera operator carries the machine and runs with the actors throughout, shaking, close-ups, following and moving, as if the news reporter is capturing emergencies. The camera “calms down: when the characters calm down. The emotional transition of the characters and hand-held shots matched well.
Beyond its entertainment value, both movies offer cultural observations and social commentary on various aspects of modern Chinese society. It touches on the influence of materialism, gender dynamics, societal pressures, and the impact of media and technology on relationships. These observations provide valuable insights into the complexities and contradictions of contemporary Chinese culture, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and societal norms.
In conclusion, both movies are delightful romantic comedies that go beyond the surface to explore the intricacies of love, relationships, and societal expectations in contemporary China. With its blend of humour, romance, and social commentary, both films offer an engaging and insightful portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals in their search for meaningful connections. Through its character development, visual aesthetics, and cultural observations, "If You Are the One" and “Keep Cool” stand as the testament to directors Feng Xiaogang and Zhang Yimou's storytelling prowess and their ability to entertain, provoke thought, and capture the essence of modern Chinese society.
Alternative Interpretation
Challenging the existing interpretations of Zhang Yimou's film "Keep Cool," we aim to provide a layered and complex analysis of two distinctive scenes that will further expand on the interpretations presented (Larsen, 2005; Qian, 2008). Our close reading will encompass the actors' performances, setting, music, lighting, characters' behaviour, and dialogue to offer a thought-provoking analysis that echoes or challenges the existing scholarly literature.
Scene 1: The Broken Laptop
In revisiting the interpretation of the broken laptop scene, we delve deeper into the formal elements to shed light on its thematic implications. While existing scholarship emphasizes the limitations of technology and virtual interactions (Qian, 2008), we propose a more complex view that explores the characters' emotional vulnerability and their search for connection in a rapidly changing society.
The actors' performances play a crucial role in conveying this complexity. Through subtle facial expressions and gestures, they communicate a deep longing for meaningful human connections. The setting, an intimate yet cluttered room, reflects the characters' internal struggles and emotional complexities (Qian, 2008). The use of dim lighting enhances the sense of intimacy while also creating an atmosphere of introspection and contemplation.
The music in ‘Keep Cool’ serves as a poignant backdrop, emphasizing the characters' emotional states and their yearning for connection. The delicate interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the scene, symbolizing the complexities of human relationships and the challenges individuals face in navigating them. The characters' dialogue, filled with longing and vulnerability, further reinforces the nuanced exploration of their emotional landscape.
Scene 2: The Dance Sequence
Building upon the interpretation of the dance sequence, we delve into the formal elements to uncover its deeper thematic resonance. While the existing literature identifies the tension between tradition and modernity (Larsen, 2005), we propose a more nuanced view that examines the characters' search for identity and their negotiation of cultural heritage within a changing world.
The actors' performances in the dance sequence showcase their physicality and embodiment of cultural expressions. The choreography serves as a medium through which the characters reconcile their traditional cultural roots with contemporary influences. Their movements convey a sense of both resistance and adaptation, reflecting the complexities of identity formation in the face of societal transformation (Larsen, 2005). The setting, a juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements, symbolizes the collision of different cultural forces. The lighting design enhances the dynamism of the scene, illuminating the characters' struggles and highlighting their individual journeys of self-discovery. The dialogue, although minimal, speaks volumes through its subtext, revealing the characters' internal conflicts and their search for authenticity in a rapidly evolving world (Larsen, 2005).
These scenes, through their formal elements and thematic analysis, provide a more layered and complex understanding of the film. By delving into the actors' performances, setting, music, lighting, characters' behavior, and dialogue, we offer a fresh interpretation that adds depth and richness to the existing scholarly literature (Larsen, 2005; Qian, 2008).
Conclusion
"Keep Cool," a Chinese-language film directed by Zhang Yimou and released in 1997, had an interesting history of reception, influenced by various factors such as its socio-political context, thematic content, stylistic departure, and international appeal. The film's reception among different audiences, both domestic and international, highlights the complexities of film reception in a global context.
The film was initially scheduled for a world premiere at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival but was unexpectedly pulled by Chinese censors, reflecting a larger retrenchment of Chinese control over the film industry. Despite this setback, "Keep Cool" was warmly received by viewers, particularly in Beijing, who appreciated its authentic portrayal of life in the city and its capturing of the essence of Beijing's atmosphere and characters.
The film's departure from Zhang Yimou's usual epic and historical works was seen as a stylistic shift, incorporating elements of black comedy and a contemporary setting. This shift attracted audiences who appreciated the film's simplicity and its ability to create a compelling narrative from an ordinary slice of life.
"Keep Cool" also found favor with international audiences, despite its specific cultural details. Its humor and inventiveness made it accessible and enjoyable for non-Chinese viewers, demonstrating the film's ability to bridge cultural boundaries.
Scholars have offered various interpretations of the film. Some view it as a reflection of the post-socialist reality and an optimistic portrayal of a changing Chinese society. Others see it as part of Zhang Yimou's career transition towards more commercial and accessible films, influenced by his international prestige.
Overall, "Keep Cool" represents a transitional film in Zhang Yimou's career, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker and his ability to capture the complexities of Chinese society. The film's reception and critical analysis shed light on the evolving nature of Chinese cinema, the impact of socio-political context on artistic expression, and the challenges and opportunities of catering to diverse audiences in a globalized world.
References
addgarlic23. (1999, July 23). [Review of the film Keep Cool, by Zhang Yimou]. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0214643/
Dupont, J., & International Herald Tribune. (1997, August 20). Zhang Yimou, Keeping Cool in the Face of Censorship. The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com/1997/08/20/style/IHT-zhang-yimou-keeping-cool-in-the-face-of-censorship.html
Evans, J. (2014). Zhang Yimou's Blood Simple: Cannibalism, remaking and translation in world cinema. Journal of Adaptation in Film and Performance, 4(3), 283-297.
funang8. (2009, February 8). [Review of the film Keep Cool, by Zhang Yimou]. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1968879/
gtramsay221. (2005, December 22). [Review of the film Keep Cool, by Zhang Yimou]. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1277581/
Keep Cool (film). (2023, June 19). In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 19, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keep_Cool_(film)
Larsen, W. (2005). Zhang Yimou: Globalization and the Subject of Culture. Asian Cinema, 16(1), 318-320.
Qian, K. (2008). The Role of Culture in the Movies of Zhang Yimou. Journal of Chinese Cinemas, 2(1), 87-89.
Qian, K. (2017). Zhang Yimou: Globalization and the Subject of Culture by Wendy Larsen. China Review International, 24(4), 317-321.
Stratton, D. (1997). Keep Cool. Variety. Retrieved from https://variety.com/1997/film/reviews/keep-cool-1200451096/
Tasker, Y. (2010). Fifty Contemporary Film Directors. New York: Taylor & Francis Group.
wiseman-415. (2004, June 6). [Review of the film Keep Cool, by Zhang Yimou]. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0889816/
Keep Cool. (2012). Time Out. Retrieved from https://www.timeout.com/movies/keep-cool