The opportunity to star as the female lead in a film by Ang Lee, an internationally acclaimed director, is a coveted dream for many actresses. But what made Ang Lee choose Tang Wei, then a relatively unknown newcomer, for the role in “Lust, Caution”?
The “One in a Million” Choice
It’s no exaggeration to say that Tang Wei was “one in a million” for Ang Lee. While that number might be a hyperbole, it’s a fact that renowned actresses like Zhou Xun, Zhang Jingchu, Zhang Ziyi, and Shu Qi all auditioned for the part.
Zhang Ziyi possesses a unique aura, like a resilient wildflower with an independent spirit and a hint of ruthlessness. This quality makes her perfect for roles like Yu Jiaolong in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” but not Wang Jia Zhi in “Lust, Caution.”
Shu Qi, on the other hand, reportedly declined Ang Lee’s invitation due to her apprehension about the film’s explicit scenes.
The Essence of Wang Jia Zhi
Zhang Ailing’s portrayal of Wang Jia Zhi depicts a young woman with a strong desire for self-expression, a naive girl easily swayed by love. However, Ang Lee imbued her with more complex characteristics. She needed to be dignified and elegant, with a pure and beautiful vision of love. Only a woman like that could be drawn to Mr. Yi’s brutal, direct, and vulgar affection.
Ang Lee remarked that Tang Wei “looked like she had been educated.”
Under the guidance of the renowned director, Tang Wei embodied the “Chinese literature teacher” persona that Lee envisioned. She transformed from a seemingly frivolous girl into an elegant and intellectual Wang Jia Zhi.
A New Face in Film
In September 2007, The New York Times featured five emerging actors with breakthrough performances in the fall film season, with Tang Wei being the first. It was said that Ang Lee instructed his assistant director, “I want the ones that others don’t want.” The assistant director interpreted this as “no oval faces, big eyes, or clothes hangers.” Tang Wei was precisely what they were looking for: expressive, appearing ordinary one moment and captivating the next. Many great actors possess this quality – not standard beauties, but individuals capable of effortlessly transitioning between ordinariness and allure.
“Lust, Caution” has gradually shed its reputation as a mere “erotic film” as audience appreciation has grown, finally receiving the recognition it deserved more than a decade later.