A That's weekly series where we ask a Shanghai-based somebody to tell us 5 Things specific to their life. Local-based actor Jim Bennett recalls what it is like working with one of cinema's genuine superstars: Jackie Chan.
1. "He does everything..."
Jackie Chan does everything. OK, so he’s slowed up on some of the crazier stunts, but he did nearly die from a head injury last time round. Other than that, the guy has his eye on everything. He choreographs action, gives direction to actors whilst he himself is acting. He’s worrying about logic in the story, and half the time is making lines up or helping actors come up with dialogue during the action scenes. He is producing this movie, Dragon Blade, as well as singing a song on it. Not to mention the work he’s doing on the next movie, which begins right after Dragon Blade.
2. "Jackie hates waste..."
He practices what he preaches: Jackie hates waste. He hates water waste, food waste, wasted space in the trash. If he sees waste it drives him crazy. Not that Jackie would shout at anyone. He’s too cool for that. No, if Jackie see’s hundreds of plastic water cups in a bin, then he rolls up his sleeves and picks them out himself, stacking them away to save space. If he sees rubbish on the ground he picks it up. He makes his entire stunt crew bring labled flasks and bottles to the set and keep them there so they don’t over use plastic bottles or leave half drunk ones lying around. And you start to think, "If he can do it why can’t I?"
3. "The first time Jackie asked me if I wanted a coffee or tea was surreal to say the least..."
If he’s not working, he’s taking care of others. The first time Jackie asked me if I wanted a coffee or tea was surreal to say the least. Now I wait and watch extras do double takes as he hands out refreshments to them. If Jackie’s hot in his big costume, then he knows everyone is hot in their big costume, so he organizes fans for us all and water. Making sure we keep cool between takes and sharing his personal fan with anyone that’s close. If we have just finished a big battle scene and many guys are lying on the floor, he’s the first to offer them a hand, picking them up. And when horses started to weary on location in the desert, it was Jackie who insisted on water and rest for them. If a stunt is unsafe, it’s Jackie who’s there watching the entire thing ready to catch a falling man.
4. "Some of his crew have worked for Jackie for 13 years; most marriages don’t last that long..."
He inspires loyalty and love. His crew call him “Da Guh” (big brother) and why not? Some of them have worked for him for 13 years and counting. Most marriages don’t last that long. And this is in an industry noted for it shallow and cut-throat nature. But these guys, led by Jackie, do things differently. They never shout, and if something goes wrong, they just go back and do it again. If something needs lifting they all rush to grab a hold, and “Da Guh” is usually first there. When a young local extra was caught filming an important scene on his phone, someone went crazy at the young lad. Jackie calmed them down, then asked the boy calmly if it was his first movie, “Yes” was the young lads answer as tears streamed down his face. Jackie went on to explain why we don’t do that when we make films and that was that, on with the work. Because his philosophy is this: if you’re nervous or upset or worried, the work will not be good. Everyone from runners and extras, to directors and stars, should be happy and confident in what they are doing. That’s how you make a Jackie Chan picture.
5. "Asked why he eats the same meals as all the other actors, he replied: 'I want to sit with you guys and enjoy life.'”
He’s Jackie Chan. I know I’ve mentioned his name a few times, and perhaps I seem a little fawning, but it’s easy to forget when you work with him that he is a good candidate for “most famous man on the planet.” A billion plus Chinese adore him, Asia as a whole loves him, and if you ask my Mum to name a famous Chinese person, she would say Jackie. He has a private jet and sells out every movie he ever makes. Yet on the set of Chinese Zodiac he would eat the same meals as all the other actors. An actor friend asked him why he did this and he replied, “I could eat lobster everyday if I wanted, but I would eat on my own. I want to sit with you guys and enjoy life.” A seasoned Hollywood actor pointed out something to me that will stick: “You’re witnessing something amazing when you watch him work, like a modern Buster Keaton or Orson Welles.” Hard to keep in mind when you watch him joking around with extras, making their day, being a stand up guy.
// Dragon Blade is set for release in IMAX 3D on 19 February 2015, the first day Chinese New Year holiday period. To read more from our 5 Things series, click here.
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