Truth behind Zhang Yimou's split with producer
- By Zhang Rui & Li Jingrong
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 19, 2015
A controversial new book is set to expose how Chinese director Zhang Yimou parted ways with his longtime collaborator and producer Zhang Weiping, who is now threatening to sue the book's author.
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A cover of book "Fate: Lonely Zhang Yimou," written by Zhou Xiaofeng. [Photo/Sina.com] |
The book, entitled "Fate: Lonely Zhang Yimou," was written by Zhou Xiaofeng, Zhang Yimou's literary advisor and associate screenwriter. Excerpts from the book posted online on Sina.com.cn listed the "top 10 bad deeds" that Zhang Weiping allegedly committed against Zhang Yimou.
These incidents include Zhang Weiping's alleged attempt to break up the relationship between Zhang Yimou and actress Gong Li and Zhang Weiping's failure to pay Zhang Yimou on time for several films.
Zhou denied that the idea for her book originally came from Zhang Yimou. "I only copied several photos from his family album and got permission to use them," Zhou said in an interview with Sina.com.cn. "The writing and opinions in the book are mine alone, including any harsh criticism aimed at Zhang Yimou himself."
Zhou confessed that she is worried about her personal safety and has prepared evidence, including recordings of conversations with many people who know the two Zhangs either personally or professionally, in case Zhang Weiping tries to sue her.
"Zhang Yimou was surprised when he saw an advance copy of my book, but he didn't change a single word of it," Zhou said. "He considered everything to be my personal opinion, and he said he had no right to interfere. He is passionate about creative freedom in the arts, so he naturally respects my right to create freely."
She added, "The book does not solely target Zhang Weiping. The title of the book is 'Fate,' not 'Revenge.' Zhang Yimou has to be responsible for his own choices, and everything stems in some way from his personality and characteristics. I don't blame everything on Zhang Weiping, who had a major influence on Yimou's life and career."
One of the stories recounted in the book talks about the last time Zhang Yimou saw his dying father. His father told him, "Your collaboration with Zhang Weiping worries me a lot. When I think about it, I feel I cannot rest in peace. Zhang Weiping doesn't seem like a nice guy. If you split with him, you will surely suffer from his retaliation. You don't have enough power to fight Zhang Weiping."
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