While some dramas ride the wave of success with their irresistible plotlines and cast, others struggle with making that one crucial decision—who will be the male lead? One such drama, Contemplating Crane Notes (观鹤笔记, originally titled Eastern Yard Observation Notes), has faced this challenge, and it's easy to see why.
The Trouble with Choosing the Right Male Lead
The most recent buzz around Contemplating Crane Notes began when rumors started circulating that casting for the male lead was proving problematic. In fact, there have been online posts suggesting that the project was at a standstill due to a lack of interest from suitable male actors. One blogger commented, "After searching for a long time, it seems that no one wants to play a real eunuch. This project is indefinitely postponed." However, another official source quickly debunked this idea, saying that the script was still being fine-tuned and the project was very much alive.
The drama is based on a popular novel Contemplating Crane Notes, written by Ta Yu Deng, which delves into the life of the historical figure, the eunuch Deng Ying, during the Ming dynasty. Despite the loyal fanbase and high anticipation, finding the right actor to embody the male lead has proved to be a difficult feat.
But why is that? After all, male leads in historical dramas are a dime a dozen. So, what's different about Contemplating Crane Notes? The answer lies in the nature of the male lead's character and the genre's evolving needs.
A Unique Male Lead: The Eunuch Problem
In many recent historical dramas, male leads are portrayed as highly capable and suave figures. Whether they are cold, aloof kings, brilliant strategists, or brave warriors, these characters often follow a traditional formula of masculine strength and power. For instance, in hits like Ninefold Purple and Among Ink Rains and Clouds, the male leads are strong-willed generals from prestigious families, striking the perfect balance between intelligence and charisma.
But Contemplating Crane Notes dares to break away from these conventions with its male lead, Deng Ying, a eunuch. The character is not your typical "high-born prince" or "warrior-turned-hero." Instead, Deng Ying is a scholarly man, forced into the role of a eunuch due to family circumstances. Despite his physical limitations, he retains his dignity, intellect, and noble spirit. His life story is one of perseverance and redemption—a eunuch who still harbors the heart and mind of a true gentleman.
This choice of character makes Deng Ying a difficult role to fill, especially since eunuchs in Chinese historical dramas are often seen as antagonistic or morally ambiguous figures. The traditional "eunuch" in Chinese storytelling is frequently associated with corruption and treachery, often serving as a tool of the ruling regime. However, Deng Ying is depicted as a figure with integrity, driven by a personal mission to clear his name and redeem himself, a complex narrative that requires a very specific type of actor to bring to life.
The Male Lead's Body and Mind: Challenges for Actors
Why has this unique character made it so difficult for actors to sign on? Let's break it down. First, the role of Deng Ying is not just physically demanding; it's mentally challenging as well. To portray a eunuch who struggles with his physical deformity while maintaining a noble character requires a nuanced performance. There is the need to convey inner conflict, self-doubt, and moments of tenderness, but also intelligence and power in moments of political strategy.
Moreover, the physical limitations of the character are significant. As a eunuch, Deng Ying doesn't possess the traditional masculine attributes that many viewers have come to expect from a leading man in historical dramas. This raises concerns among both the actors and the audience about the character's appeal. Can a eunuch lead a drama in a way that is both engaging and emotional?
Actors might worry about being boxed in by such a non-traditional role. It's a dilemma for the cast—take on a role that's unconventional but potentially limiting, or pass it up for something more mainstream and "heroic." There's also the risk of typecasting. In Chinese popular culture, eunuchs are often depicted as secondary or even villainous characters. Could playing such a role hurt the actor's future opportunities in other genres?
In short, while the complexity of the character might appeal to some seasoned actors, the potential risks to their image could make others shy away.
Despite the difficulties, Contemplating Crane Notes has the potential to make a significant mark. After all, some of the most memorable performances in history have come from roles that were initially considered unconventional. A perfect example of this is the character of Rain Huatian in the movie Dragon Gate Flying Armor. Played by Chen Kun, Rain Huatian is a cold and calculating eunuch with immense power. His role went beyond the traditional boundaries of a "villainous" eunuch and turned him into a multifaceted character, praised for his emotional depth and complexity.
Similarly, Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace featured the character Jinzhong Gonggong, played by an actor who transformed a typical eunuch role into something captivating. Jinzhong's cunning and complex relationship with the lead female character, Wei Yanwan, made for some of the most intriguing moments in the series, transcending the limitations of the eunuch stereotype.
These performances show that with the right actor and a compelling narrative, a eunuch can indeed be the center of attention in a drama. But it's a delicate balance. The actor must find a way to add layers of depth to the character without losing the essence of what makes the role so unique.
