The Fallout from a Broken Industry Norm
In recent weeks, the film industry has been abuzz with controversy, particularly centered around Xu Zheng's (徐峥) new film, "The Inverse Life" (逆行人生). The film has faced unexpected hurdles, including a notable cinema chain's refusal to screen it. The roots of this dispute can be traced back to 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the film "Lost in Russia” (囧妈)—produced by Xu Zheng—was sold to Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) for a staggering 600 million yuan. This move was perceived as a breach of industry norms, sparking widespread backlash from cinemas that had invested in promoting the film but saw their efforts undercut by Xu's direct-to-streaming sale.
Fast forward four years, Xu Zheng, having returned to directing after a hiatus, faces a mixed reception for "The Inverse Life". Is this film worth the hype, or has Xu's controversial move overshadowed its merits?
A New Perspective on Everyday Struggles
Xu Zheng's career has been marked by a series of impactful works, most notably "Dying to Survive", a critically acclaimed film about a cancer patient's fight against the pharmaceutical industry. However, in recent years, Xu's output has diminished, and his new film "The Inverse Life" marks a significant return to his directorial roots. The film attempts to tackle contemporary issues faced by ordinary people, focusing particularly on the lives of delivery workers.
From the film's opening moments, Xu Zheng employs a dramatic and almost suspenseful style to portray the daily grind of urban workers. The protagonist, Gao Zhilei (played by Xu Zheng himself), is an experienced software engineer who finds himself unexpectedly laid off. The irony is that the very system used to terminate his employment was designed by him. Gao's subsequent struggles with unemployment and personal crises are portrayed with a raw intensity, using grim visuals and a tense soundtrack to underscore his plight.
However, the film's portrayal of Gao Zhilei's shift from a white-collar worker to a delivery person has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that the film's depiction of the gig economy is overly dramatized and lacks genuine empathy. The narrative juxtaposes Gao's middle-class turmoil against the stark realities faced by lower-income workers, but some view this as a superficial attempt to portray class struggles.
One of the central criticisms of "The Inverse Life" is its handling of the working-class experience. Gao Zhilei's transition to being a delivery worker is marked by exaggerated conflicts and melodramatic scenarios. The film depicts Gao facing a series of increasingly absurd challenges: he encounters hostile customers, demeaning former colleagues, and even experiences multiple accidents, all framed in a way that some viewers find overly sensationalized.
This portrayal has been criticized for its lack of authenticity. While the film aims to shine a light on the difficulties faced by gig economy workers, the exaggerated and sometimes farcical situations have led some to argue that it undermines the real struggles of these individuals. For instance, the portrayal of Gao's interactions with customers and colleagues often feels more like a caricature than a genuine representation of the working-class experience.
Moreover, the film's depiction of Gao's personal and professional setbacks has been criticized for not offering a nuanced view of the systemic issues within the gig economy. Instead, it portrays a series of unfortunate events as the result of personal failures or misfortunes, which some feel detracts from a more meaningful critique of the industry's systemic problems.
One of the film's more thought-provoking elements is its critique of capitalist exploitation, particularly within the gig economy. "The Inverse Life" highlights how platforms impose stringent delivery deadlines on workers, leading them to engage in dangerous behaviors to meet these demands. This aspect of the film resonates with real-world issues faced by delivery workers who are often forced to cut corners to maintain their income.
In the film's climax, Gao Zhilei's new app, designed to optimize delivery routes, ironically perpetuates the cycle of exploitation. The app, while intended to help workers, ultimately contributes to their continued overwork and increased pressure. This meta-narrative underscores the perpetuation of systemic problems, even as technology and innovations attempt to address them.
The Reactions and Future of Xu Zheng's Directorial Career
The reception of "The Inverse Life" has been polarized. While some appreciate its attempt to address important social issues, others find its approach to be lacking in genuine insight and empathy. The film's struggles in the box office and the controversy surrounding its release highlight the complex relationship between commercial success and artistic integrity.
Xu Zheng's career, marked by both critical acclaim and controversy, reflects the challenges of navigating public expectations and industry dynamics. As he continues to explore themes of social relevance, it remains to be seen whether future projects will successfully balance dramatic storytelling with authentic social commentary.
"The Inverse Life" has sparked significant debate, not just about its content but also about the broader issues of industry practices and societal representation. Xu Zheng's film offers a lens into the lives of ordinary people grappling with systemic challenges, but its execution has left many questioning the depth of its portrayal. As the film industry continues to evolve, the discussions surrounding "The Inverse Life" serve as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and sensitivity in addressing social issues through film.
