Chen is not an artist. Frankly speaking, I hate the name artist. I talked to Ming Dow, and he hates it. Because we think that an artist is a contemptuous name used in Chinese mainland more than 60 years ago, and he is the object of being teased, insulted and hurt. After the founding of New China, the word artist disappeared overnight and was replaced by the solemn and great title of people's literary and art workers. As far as Chen is concerned, I think he is worthy of this title. I think that any "star", any "big shot" and any "performing artist" will be disdained by Chen, and he is most willing to be defined by two words: actor.

I want to talk about this Chen I know who likes to be called an "actor".

When I first met Chen.

Yes 1985, to perform in Nanjing. At that time, I was an actor in a drama troupe in a city in Jiangsu Province. I heard that Nanjing Film Studio was filming a film about the Nanjing Massacre, The Blood Syndrome of the Slaughter City, and I rushed to the shooting scene excitedly, because the old actor who played the Japanese leader in the play was my familiar predecessor, Teacher Liu Jiang.

When I arrived at the scene, I saw a group of people busy setting up machines and lights, while Mr. Liu Jiang was wearing ancient costumes and discussing something with a "little devil" in a corner. I didn't dare to disturb the old man, so I quietly hid in a corner and heard clearly. This young actor's lines are great! I was wondering if he had ever shown his face in any movie, when I saw Yan Youliang, the production director who took me to the crew, rushing to them: "Teacher Liu Jiang, it's time to shoot you. Ming Dow, I may not be able to take your picture before dinner today. Shall I send you back to the guest house to rest first? "

The young man named Ming Dow bowed kindly and firmly: "No, thank you. Let's film the old man's play first, so that he can go back to lie down early. I'm fine. I just want to play here and recite words. " Then, he sat on the bench beside him, bent over the script and read it aloud, very seriously. I quietly asked Director Yan, "Who is he? What about the actors? "

Director Yan lowered his voice: "The actor in Beijing, Chen, is not famous, but his acting skills are excellent."

I just looked at the actor Chen who was about 5 meters away from me. He is thin, with bright eyes and a feeling of melancholy. If he changes into a suit or robe instead of a straight Japanese woolen uniform, he may be a comprador of Shanghai and Hongkong Bank or a professor of Fudan University. In a word, he is more literati.

After taking a few photos, Mr. Liu Jiang took a leave of absence while changing his seat. I saw Chen immediately pull out the bench under his ass, helped the old man sit down respectfully, and then handed a big Nestle coffee bottle to Mr. Liu Jiang-there were no paper cups and cans at that time, and the coffee bottle was used as a teacup. It was very fashionable then. Chen's voice is not high, but he is sincere: "Grandpa, I just went to the tea bucket to heat it up for you ..."

I have always respected old comrades. Seeing that Chen, who looks a few years older than me, respects his predecessors so much, and is low-key, rigorous and reserved, I can't help but admire him.

Soon after, "One and Eight" starring Chen finally appeared in the cinema after several years of shelving. I guess Chen and others didn't expect that the re-emergence of China movies was actually related to this drama, and the "fifth generation" director of China movies was really noticed by the international film circle, which also started from this movie.

Famous for Fortress Besieged.

A few years later, Chen began to gain some popularity. At this time, he met a good director, a good play, Fortress Besieged.