Stareastasia interviews Chinese-American actress Bai Ling, with Q&A about her role in upcoming action movie Crank 2 (in theatres on April 17) and a bit about her past, present and future.
1. Tell us a bit about your role in the upcoming move, Crank 2.
B: Ria is the fire and the delight of the movie. She dances and walks on the edge of life and is from the hood. She has this hilarious personality and craziness that is so extreme, you’ll not only want to be her, but hang out with her and have her as a girlfriend.
Ria is so much fun to watch and she’ll also break your heart. She follows Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) throughout the film because he saved her life. Ria exclaims “You saved my life and I am yours forever!” She will make you want to jump off a cliff in a dangerous, but beautiful way. And I did my own stunts. A car hits Ria – but she is immortal…
2. How is it working with the team in Crank 2? With the directors, Jason Statham etc.
B: It was the most fun and freestyle shoot I’ve ever had. The whole production was like a fun, crazy game with nonstop surprises.
First, the directors wanted my character to be funny. I read what was on the page, then after I asked to try something that came to my mind. They said, ‘Go for it.’ From that point on the filmmakers were basically allowing me to do whatever came to mind, because everything I said or did was just funny.
Our two young directors are so daring, free and fun to work with. We were really having a great time — just playing, laughing and going crazy without limits. I really enjoyed working with them. They gave Ria to me as a gift — to have fun with in a crazy way.
And Jason is such a dedicated actor. He is real when I watch him and act with him. He just makes me feel that I am in a real life dangerous situation and that there is no pretence. I had so much fun playing with him and chasing after him, because Chev saves my life.
It was really a joy working on this film with those young, fun dedicated artists. I will work with them again in a heart beat in any role they want me to play. I will jump into the fire or jump from the 86th floor window, because simply I know it is going to be fun and it’s going to be an open creation without barriers. They are just like me — daring with the fire burning on their sleeves with no fear but a joy.
3. Asian roles in Hollywood are pretty limited, and things were probably tougher when you first started there; what gave you the courage to take the challenge in America back then?
B: It is simply because I am a dreamer and I believe in dreams. It is also simply because I don’t see the obstacles. I am like a child walking on the road of life and art. I only see and believe the beauty in things, there is no darkness, even the pure black of the sky is so beautiful because the pure black is there for the stars and the moon to shine their bright lights. When your heart is pure and innocent then there is nothing you cannot reach because the universe is open and nourishing to those who believe in its magic……
4. What are your favorite movies or series that you have worked on? Why?
B: The movie I have worked on that really touched my heart was “Red Corner” because the character I played, Shen Yuelin, is the most beautiful, intelligent, Asian female character ever seen in the history of Hollywood. She has everything a woman should have to be the most beautiful, sensitive, loving, giving, intelligent, modern, independent sexy person who will help, protect and give her heart. She’ll do anything and die for you. She is the most romantic character that I have ever created, and given my heart and soul to and danced with. Of course, I was lucky to seduce and be seduced by the most charming, sexy super star Richard Gere. It was the most beautiful romantic memory that I will cherish in my heart forever. I wish to meet more parts like that for me to give my magic to.
And I love my character in “Lost” and in “Entourage” because they are both super sexy, intelligent and ass kicking in an alluring way that will make you want to meet her again and again even if it’s just in a dream.
5. Who is your favorite actor or actress that you have worked with? Why?
Of course all of them, because I have been lucky to work with so many talented sexy superstars. I can’t say who is better than the other. They are all equally brilliant in their own way. But who jumps to mind now is Angelina Jolie, because it’s dangerous to think of her romantically. She is a sexy female just like me, but I like who she is as a unique, sexy, talented wild creature that carries fire with her wherever she lands – from her feet to her other half Brad Pitt. I use to fantasize one day that I would be with him. And of course, the most sexy Richard Gene. I will never forget what we have shared. He is a walking, sex symbol, a wild beautiful animal with a smile that will melt you to water, with the wind in the air that will capture your soul like a drug forever after you’ve been touched by his light.
6. You have starred in various roles with different personalities, is there any particular kind of characters that you hope you can play in the future?
Yes, I would like to do a movie like “Casablanca” about a beautiful, unfulfilled love story between an Oriental woman and a western man, but forever touched and remembered by millions and for centuries to come. I would also love to entertain people for life by starring in a female “James Bond” like film. Currently, I have a script for myself in development called “Rose 13.”
7. You did very well in Chinese movie “Dumplings”, but we have not seen you in any Chinese film since then, what happen?
B: Don’t really know. It’s a mystery to me. There were scripts offered to me, but not as good, and maybe the good directors I want to work with are in the process of developing a great script just for me, like Ang Lee and Wong Kar Wai. I would love to work with them, even play a man’s part. I know if we touch the screen together, we will make magic.
8. We heard that you are working on an album? Tell us a bit more about the project.
B: Yes, I love to sing. I made an album with a very talented producer. I am waiting for him to find the best way to open it up to the world. It’s very rare and unique work of art featuring the contemporary colors of the world coupled with love, life, media and the colorful Bai Ling and her eight little spirits.
I am making my own movie right now called “Nipples Pieces of Dream.” I wrote, directed it and acted in it with my eight little spirits dancing along next to me throughout the film. I used all 11 songs from my album as the music in my movie. I hope to find the best way to let its magic shine in front of your naked eyes very soon.
9. Thanks to Lionsgate for arranging the interview; best of luck to Crank 2, and we wish Bai Ling all the best with her future endeavours.