Chapter 420: Chapter 332: Playing a Character Alone
Although Zhou Yun always considered herself capable of empathizing with most people in the world, in reality, she could not deny that she was not that empathetic.
She just mistook "understanding" for "empathy," and when it really came down to specific situations, she did not treat everyone or every profession equally.
Of course, she could speak eloquently, as long as it didn’t hurt anyone, people could do whatever they wanted.
But when it came to actively seducing someone, even if it was just acting, she could not overcome this mental barrier.
The character Dong Zhimei was different from the four female roles she had played before; although their professions and personalities varied, they were all in line with mainstream values, positive and affirmative. Dong Zhimei, however, was not someone who could easily be admired or idolized.
At heart, Zhou Yun had doubts about the "legitimacy" of a woman actively trying to seduce a man. Dong Zhimei’s motives were purely driven by personal desire, which was not endorsed by mainstream values. Therefore, Zhou Yun hesitated; no matter how much psychological analysis she did, and no matter how meticulously she crafted even the smallest facial expressions, it was only a superficial mimicry.
Zhou Yun needed to conquer her own psychological barriers.
She repeatedly practiced with Wan Zhiliang and Shen Yao.
Wan Zhiliang and Shen Yao were very cooperative. This scene was one of the most important ones in the film, and Zhou Yun was willing to adjust repeatedly to optimize its effect, which Wan Zhiliang and Shen Yao were more than happy with.
Shen Yao could clearly feel Zhou Yun progressively embodying the character of Dong Zhimei in performance after performance.
She was getting familiar with the role, closing in on it, merging into it.
"You don’t need to stay, I won’t seek you anymore." Zhou Yun stared into Shen Yao’s eyes, her gaze cold yet slightly scornful with a smile, but from her steady gaze, one could see her desire for Shen Yao and her determined confidence—which stemmed from her self-assurance.
Shen Yao felt his heart tugged by Zhou Yun’s gaze.
For a moment, he felt a tingling sensation.
At that instant, Shen Yao couldn’t tell whether it was his character’s feelings or his own physical reaction.
This woman seemed proactive and humble in bringing him back, yet she was disdainful towards him.
This disdain stemmed from the attitude other women had shown him during the day.
With just one look, Zhou Yun unambiguously communicated to Shen Yao that she wasn’t in for anything long-term with him, she just wanted an impulsive thrill.
Shen Yao’s scalp tingled.
He stuttered instinctively, "Then, what are you trying to do?"
Zhou Yun suddenly chuckled shortly, her voice akin to the instant fizz when a soda can is opened, her posture suddenly blossoming open like a bud, she said: "What else can I do? If you are a man, shut up and get on with it!"
Her tone was domineering, but her gaze and expression were tender, seemingly embracing all the hints of spring within them.
Shen Yao was mesmerized.
...
"Cut! That’s a wrap!" Wan Zhiliang shouted.
Zhou Yun dismissed the expression on her face and turned around.
Shen Yao looked back at Wan Zhiliang.
Wan Zhiliang’s expression was somewhat excited, as he came over and said, "That take was really good!"
Shen Yao knew that the excellence of the take was mostly due to Zhou Yun.
That scene was all about her actions. The entire scene was built on her movements. Maybe his every reaction was meant to amuse the audience, but the volume of the audience’s laughter was due to Zhou Yun’s performance. Common actors might play such scenes more openly, forthrightly, making him look like an unlucky fellow trapped among wolves; this is one style of acting, a way to amuse. But Zhou Yun’s brilliance lay in playing Dong Zhimei with layers; underneath the absolutely genuine pretense and desire, each of her proactive actions made it both amusing and unfathomable, providing a realistic foundation for his awkwardness and clumsiness rather than just a mere comedic reaction.
Shen Yao had not watched Zhou Yun’s films before; even after she won awards, he had not expected Zhou Yun’s performance skills to be remarkable.