That portrayal of the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder was exceptional. While it deviated from her physical appearance, it captured her spirit, exuding an overwhelming aura of power. It was widely recognized as the most classic rendition of the character.
The bearded director knew that with the benchmark set by the veteran Hong Kong actors, outperforming them in acting was almost an impossible feat. He decided to forge a different path.
He had carefully analyzed the Hong Kong version. While the acting was superb and impeccable, there was still a deficiency: the external appearance.
The original novel described the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder as appearing as a very small, eight or nine-year-old girl upon her debut.
This aspect was not only missed in the Hong Kong version but also in several subsequent remakes, all of which cast actresses of older ages.
Finding an actual eight or nine-year-old child to play the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder was unrealistic. Even with voice dubbing to convey an aged tone, many crucial scenes would struggle to showcase the character's personality.
The bearded director considered broadening the age range, aiming for an actress around her early teens with a more childlike face to portray the role.
However, as he searched, no one met his standards.
Among them, some were too young with excessively green acting skills, unable to embody the character's essence from the novel. Others were hesitant, deeming the role too old and fearing it would ruin their image.
The bearded director was growing increasingly anxious.
The film crew had already commenced shooting, and every minute was a drain on resources. He no longer had the luxury of time to waste.
Even if he were willing, the investors would certainly not agree.
Just then, his assistant suddenly exclaimed, "Director Zhang, look quickly! Isn't that the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder?"
Upon hearing this, the bearded director assumed his assistant was joking and frowned with displeasure. "What Heavenly Mountain Child Elder? That's a character from a novel."
"No, really, it's the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder. She's walking towards us."
Hearing his assistant speak so seriously, the bearded director followed the direction indicated and widened his eyes in astonishment.
He saw Jiang Ling dressed in ancient children's attire. Employing one of the four great evil arts, makeup, she had significantly reduced her apparent age. Around her neck hung a gold lock inlaid with jade. Her skin was as white as snow, and she looked exquisitely crafted, like a lucky doll from a New Year painting.
However, in her eyes, which shone like polished lacquer, there was none of the childish innocence and dullness. Instead, they conveyed a sense of worldly experience and weathered hardship, a profound沧桑感 that was entirely incongruous with her age.
"She's like her, so much like her, truly so much like her!"
The bearded director was overcome with excitement, staring intently at Jiang Ling.
In terms of appearance, temperament, and gaze, she was exactly as he had imagined.
She was practically a character sprung from the pages of the novel.
This was the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder he had been searching for.
"Miss, are you here to audition for the role of the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder?"
The bearded director, a man of seasoned experience, saw Jiang Ling's attire but also the deep sense of worldly experience in her eyes that starkly contrasted with her age. How could he not guess her intention?
Jiang Ling smiled and nodded, "Yes! Director Zhang, do I look like the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder?"
Her voice paused, then suddenly became ancient, filled with an overbearing aura that showcased the imposing authority of a superior.
Jiang Ling had been a voice actress in her previous life, transitioning from behind the scenes to the forefront. Her vocal range was complex and versatile. In just one minute, she could imitate the voices and lines of numerous classic female characters, such as Grandma Jia, Rong Mo Mo, Lin Dai Yu, the Queen of the Women's Kingdom, and Pan Jin Lian, all with astonishing accuracy.
Upon hearing this, the bearded director was stunned again, muttering "holy crap" internally.
This voice, this tone, it was the Heavenly Mountain Child Elder herself.