Wei Jiacheng and Du Xiaoyu, directors of "Out of Order," sat down with China.org.cn recently to discuss how Chinese comedians collaborated for their new stage-to-screen adaptation, featuring unexpected contributions from cast members Kris Phillips and Ma Dong-seok.

From left, actors Huang Xiaolei, Fu Jing, Zuo Lingfeng, Song Xiaobao and Kris Phillips, director-actor Du Xiaoyu, director Wei Jiacheng and filmmaker Jia Zhangke pose at the premiere of "Out of Order" in Beijing, Dec. 27, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Taopiaopiao]

The film adapts a stage comedy by British playwright Ray Cooney, known as Britain's "master of farce." The original story, which earned the 1991 Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

The transition from stage to screen posed major challenges for the directors. They modified key elements to strengthen the film's appeal, changing the protagonist from a government official to an accomplished yet flirtatious lawyer.

"The original was a satirical farce about two married people having an affair, but we took a different direction for the film," Wei said. "We made the female character single and transformed the lawyer into a womanizer with redeeming qualities — different from the stage version's portrayal. These changes make the characters and plot more believable."

Wei and Du, who have worked together for more than a decade, describe their relationship as a harmonious partnership. Their collaborative approach allowed actors creative freedom while filming.

"Our screenplay was constantly adjusted, even during filming," Wei said. "Since the actors have their own ideas, we allow them to improvise. We just need to maintain control over the overall framework."

The directors recalled that actors Huang Xiaolei and Song Xiaobao contributed many valuable suggestions during filming. Song would creatively and passionately perform many different takes for a scene, Du said, so that he could offer abundant options for the directors to choose from. "He also cared for us, helped us, and warmed up the onsite atmosphere because he knew we were new to filmmaking."

A poster for "Out of Order." [Image courtesy of Taopiaopiao]

Kris Phillips impressed the directors deeply. The 1980s Chinese pop star has reinvented himself as an actor, notably in his role as King Zhou in Wuershan's "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms" (2023). Phillips also performed on Broadway and in musicals during the 1990s.

"Mr. Phillips took this film very seriously and thoroughly studied the script. He made extensive notes and would discuss scenes with us until 4 a.m.," Wei recalled. "He is a true artist."

Du described Phillips as "especially elegant and gentlemanly," adding, "His humor and understanding of timing differ from ours, stemming from his natural elegance."

Ma Dong-seok provided another pleasant surprise. Known for his muscular roles as an action star and serious characters, he proved a natural comedian.

"He perfectly grasped how to perform comedy in our film," Wei said. Du recalled Ma as humorous in person, unlike his screen persona. "He always has a serious expression; he once told me, 'You might think I'm angry, but this is just my face. Actually, I'm very happy right now.'"

"Out of Order" opens across China on Dec. 31, targeting New Year audiences. The directors said they feel nervous yet excited to present their film, which they likened to their child, hoping it brings joy to viewers.

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