TapeHead Interviews Chow Yun-Fat

Not since the influx of German directors in the 1930s has Hollywood experienced such a massive importation of talent from another country. Chinese director John Woo filled Paramount's coffers with his international action blockbuster, Face/Off, Hong Kong superstar Michelle Yeoh helped make Tomorrow Never Dies one of the highest-grossing entries in the Bond series and Jet Li made the world aware of the awesome power of Wu Shu in Lethal Weapon 4.

With the release of THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS, Hollywood has once again scored a major coup in its acquisition of one of the most respected and loved stars in all of Asia, Chow Yun-Fat.

Despite being a veteran actor with over 70 films on his resume', Yun-Fat (Chow is his last name) is considered a new kid on the block in Hollywood . . . A title that the humble and modest actor doesn't mind at all.

The Replacement Killers has Chow reprising the "moral hitman" character that made him famous . . . but this time he has an Academy Award (TM) winning actress (Mira Sorvino) backing him up and he speaks English!

TapeHead had an opportunity to chat with this gregarious and charming International Superstar, so naturally we jumped at the chance. Here's what he had to say:

Did you learn English specifically for The Replacement Killers?

CYF: Yes. The language was the most difficult aspect of the movie for me.

So did not knowing the language get in the way of your performance?

CYF: Yes, because even though I have 22 years of acting experience, I'm still a new kid in town with a new language performing in front of a camera, trying to just use expressions . . . It's very confusing.

Is Mira's Mandarin better than your English?

CYF: (laughs) Absolutely. But she was based in Beijing for a year and a half during her studies with Mandarin as her major.

What made you choose The Replacement Killers as your introduction to American audiences?

CYF: I didn't. My studio, my agent, my manager, my wife were the ones who picked it.

But you're the one who ends up on screen!

CYF: Yes. Just put me in a project, give me papers to sign, and do it. That's it. I don't need to consider what kind of character it is for me to play it. Someone gives me a script and if it's good . . . For most actors the important thing is to keep the camera rolling. No matter if it's a sad movie about reality or an action, acting is what's important.

Isn't that a lot of trust to put in the people around you, to have them make role decisions for you?

CYF: For a new kid in town I don't think there is any other choice. The most important thing for me is to get opportunity at all.

Is it scary to be the new kid in town again? I mean, here you are, the biggest star back home (Hong Kong) . . .

CYF: (laughs) You said that, I didn't say it! I'm number nine, not number one (laughs)! New adventures are always scary. But coming to Hollywood is one of my goals. I think it is scary, but I also know in this world nothing comes easy.

What surprised you about America and working in Hollywood?

CYF: My big trailer! (laughs) No . . . Every morning everybody calls me "sir, sir, sir" . . . But the S-I-R "sir" word isn't good in Chinese. It means "falling down." So every morning I hear people say "Yun-Fat, you're falling down!" I said, "Don't call me 'sir'. Call me Yun-Fat or just Fat!

Do you think Hollywood could learn a thing or two about film making from Hong Kong?

CYF: Actually, in the 70s and 80s, we were stealing from many American films. Now you see a John Woo, film, you see his trademark of holding two guns. But this isn't John Woo, this is John Wayne - his elder brother (smiles).

How was working with Mira Sorvino?

CYF: Very exciting. For a new kid, facing an Oscar winner is very nervous (sic). But she was very helpful.

Did she bring her Oscar on the set?

CYF: No, but she brought her real Oscar - Quentin - to the set all the time! (laughs)

Does it bother you to be considered only an action hero in the U.S. when the rest of the world knows of your other roles?

CYF: Just being able to act is good enough. You can hold two girls, it's a drama. You hold two guns, it's action. If from now on I only get action roles I'm still happy.

What about Corruptor (his next U.S. film)?

CYF: This is a good project. And this time I play a bad guy - a dirty cop in New York's Chinatown. It's based on a true story. But don't worry - my bad guys still have heart!

Who else is in Corruptor with you?

CYF: You know the guy in Boogie Nights?

Mark Wahlberg?

CYF: Yes. Marky Mark (slaps hands over mouth - it's Wahlberg now).

Who does Marky Mark play?

CYF: He is an FBI agent sent to investigate my character.

But you could beat him up!

CYF: Noooo . . . he's my buddy!

Do you own any guns?

CYF: No. Guns are only for one thing - killing people. Why would I need a gun? Guns are scary.

But once you get in front of the camera . . .

CYF: It's just one of my talents. A service I provide.

Have you seen the Spice Girls this weekend (in town for Spice World and staying in the same hotel)?

CYF: What are Space Girls?