Andy Lau, the venerable multihyphenate from Hong Kong, renowned for his prolific acting career and pop stardom across Asia, may soon grace Hollywood’s silver screen. However, this transition is contingent on the readiness of major studios to embrace his unique terms and talents.
In a candid conversation at the Toronto International Film Festival, Lau, who boasts an illustrious four-decade career, hinted at his desire to explore Hollywood while remaining true to his distinctive style. This marks a significant departure from his contemporaries who ventured westward.
“I’m ready for Hollywood, as long as Hollywood is ready for me,” Lau asserted with a determined resolve, sparking curiosity about the possibility of this Asian icon making waves in Tinseltown.
During the festival, where he received a special tribute award ahead of the world premiere of Ning Hao’s “The Movie Emperor” on September 15, Lau reflected on his career. He revealed his early penchant for playing antagonistic roles in movies, providing a refreshing contrast to his “good guy” image in the industry’s infancy.
Intriguingly, Lau’s journey through cinema history includes memorable appearances in crime thrillers such as Johnnie To’s “Running Out of Time” and Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s “Infernal Affairs.” The latter was reimagined in 2006 as Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed,” featuring Hollywood luminaries Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Lau, a cornerstone of China’s A-list, elucidated the enduring appeal of “Infernal Affairs,” emphasizing its exploration of intricate character relationships. He noted that while slight variations may exist between the original and its Hollywood counterpart, both films revolve around the complexities of human connections, transcending cultural boundaries.
With a filmography encompassing nearly 200 titles, Lau has masterfully traversed diverse genres, from captivating romantic leads to formidable villains. He recounted his cinematic debut in Ann Hui’s “Boat People” in 1982, a journey that began with a one-way ticket to Hainan, China, and a director’s ultimatum for excellence.
Lau’s contribution to the Hong Kong New Wave movement further solidified his place in cinematic history. Meticulously mingling with the directors of the next generation, he championed the need for fresh perspectives to advance the boundaries of filmmaking. In 1991, he embarked on his filmmaking odyssey by founding Teamwork Motion Pictures, later rebranded as Focus Group Holdings Ltd a decade later.
“Time flies,” Lau mused as he revisited clips from pivotal roles in early films like Wong Kar Wai’s “As Tears Go By” and “Days of Being Wild,” alongside luminaries Maggie Cheung and Jacky Cheung.
Lau’s cinematic journey also featured high-octane martial arts performances, notably in Zhang Yimou’s “House of Flying Daggers” (2004) and Tsui Hark’s “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” (2010). These physically demanding roles challenged him, but under the guidance of visionary directors, they yielded unforgettable choreographed fight sequences while safeguarding his physical well-being.
In the midst of his TIFF retrospective, Lau delved into the nuances of sustaining a career in the movie industry under constant media scrutiny. He emphasized the significance of sincerity as the bedrock of longevity, a virtue that enables an artist to endure the relentless passage of time.
As the world anticipates the possibility of Andy Lau gracing Hollywood, the question remains: Is Hollywood truly prepared to embrace this cinematic legend on his own terms? With a career spanning decades, marked by artistic integrity and versatility, Andy Lau’s potential Hollywood journey promises to be a captivating chapter in his storied career.
