When it comes to making television historical documentaries, there are few places and periods that British television audiences have not been taken by presenter Michael Wood. Earlier this year he became the first filmmaker from outside China to make a film about the life and work of poet Du Fu. The Du Fu film, featuring famous British actor Ian McKellen reading his poems, was shown on the BBC and China Central Television, and the reaction was instant and positive.
“It created a lot of interest and feedback in China and got a lot of coverage at the time, which was really touching, because when you go into a foreign culture as an outsider, to make a film about something of theirs, you want to make sure you’ve got it right.” Wood said.
As shown in the documentary, Du Fu’s works are learnt by heart by Chinese school students, but outside the country, he is not that well known. So, there is something Wood is keen to put right.
Stephen Owen, one of his leading translators from Harvard says, “Du Fu should be considered alongside Shakespeare and Dante as people who helped compose the emotional vocabulary of their culture.”
For more than 40 years, China has always held the most fascination for Wood. He first got interested in China when he was at school and picked up a book called Poems of the late Tang by AC Graham. “That book opened a window to a world that I never even dreamed.” he said. In the early 80s, it was the first time he had been to China. “I really enjoyed being with the people, who were so friendly and sociable. I remember coming back from my first long trip there feeling genuinely sad to go home.” Wood said.
Opening up discussion and encouraging cultural links is something Wood also does through his involvement. “We believe in dialogue. We try to promote mutual understanding and respect, and we want to help people in the West understand the culture of China better and to get rid of major areas of misunderstanding.” he said. “I did a series called The Story of England years ago, telling the history of the country over the centuries through the life of one village, and I’d love to try something like that in China.”
8. What makes the Du Fu film special?
A.Michael Wood’s making the film. |
B.Ian Mckellen’s reading Du Fu’s poems. |
C.Stephen Owen’s translating Du Fu’s poems. |
D.AC Graham’s writing Poems of the late Tang. |
9. What’s people’s attitude towards the Du Fu film?
A.Doubtful. | B.Disappointed. | C.Favorable. | D.Uncaring. |
10. Why are Shakespeare and Dante mentioned in the passage?
A.To highlight Du Fu’s cultural status. | B.To introduce these two poets to people. |
C.To explain the reason for making the film. | D.To stress these two poets’ cultural position. |
11. What can be inferred from the passage?
A.The cultural misunderstanding was removed through the film. |
B.People outside China know nothing about Chinese poems. |
C.Wood had a tough time during his first visit to China. |
D.Wood is likely to make a film telling Chinese history. |