Normally, news of a brand-new film from Ron Howard would garner happy reactions from film fans. Though he doesn’t always wow us with his films, when Howard is on his game, the filmmaker has the chance of turning in something special. But with the latest announcement about a new film project from Howard, at least one major film fan isn’t excited at all.
According to Deadline, Howard is signed on to direct and produce a new biopic about Chinese pianist Lang Lang. The film is said to follow the life and career of the revered musician (who is currently only 38 years old) as he grew up in China with a family that sacrificed nearly everything to make sure his talent was recognized. Filming is said to be split between the US and China. The as-yet-untitled film is written by Michelle Mulroney and Kieran Mulroney, based on Lang’s own memoir.
“Lang Lang’s story is one of determination, passion, sacrifice, and finding the inner strength to beat the odds. This film is a bridge between two cultures that share universal truths about the gauntlets we face in the pursuit of greatness,” said producer Brian Grazer and Howard. “Kieran and Michele are the ideal storytellers to help bring this story to audiences around the world.”
But not everyone is happy with this news. In fact, one acclaimed filmmaker is upset that Howard is the man that has the opportunity to bring Lang’s life to the big screen. You see, according to Lulu Wang, the filmmaker behind last year’s “The Farewell,” she thinks Lang’s story should be told from someone with a deeper understanding of the culture.
Wang took to social media and tweeted, “As a classically-trained pianist born in China, I believe it’s impossible to tell Lang Lang’s story without an intimate understanding of Chinese culture + the impact of the Cultural Revolution on artists & intellectuals + the effects of Western imperialism. Just saying.”
She continued, “I’m not saying this because I want to direct this movie. I do not. I just don’t think these are the artists to grapple w/ the cultural specificities of Northeast China where Lang Lang (and my family) are from. Or w/ the cultural aspect of the physical violence in his upbringing. Have we learned NOTHING from Mulan? I haven’t said anything because yes representation and many people I love are involved, but I just have to. Just HAVE to. Because 2020 man… and I’m fucking exhausted.”
Obviously, we can’t speak to Howard’s piano playing abilities, but last we checked, he’s definitely not of Chinese descent. So, it does make sense that Wang is pointing out that maybe Howard doesn’t have the “intimate understanding” of someone closely related to the source material like Wang or another filmmaker.
Alas, this is Hollywood and there’s likely going to be little-to-no controversy surrounding this, as Howard is generally beloved by most. But Wang does bring up a solid point and something that should probably be discussed for future projects.