Wu Lei, interesting life is like this

There is a kind of life at the age of 19, with only a vague desire, and I can’t tell what moved me. Wu Lei has made it very clear, “I can’t imagine a life without acting.” Reach out and grab, step forward and do it. This is what an interesting life is like.

Wu Lei watched the stage play “War Horse” last summer and took the subway home on the way back. Wearing a baseball cap, a black mask, a cross-body bag, black trousers and a black and white striped shirt, there were not many people in the carriage, so there was no need to worry about being recognized. “It’s so late, everyone on the subway is looking at their phones, no one is looking at you. It doesn’t matter even if I’m recognized, I’m not… a wanted criminal, right?” He smiled slyly.

He recorded a short video for himself, like a trophy of stolen time. “All the anxiety comes from myself. It’s okay to be recognized, but I still want to travel comfortably. I long for some quiet time alone.” He once had a seven-day vacation, alone in the mountains, riding a horse and chopping wood. The morning sun shone on the sides of all objects, including leaves, green mangoes, stone steps and grass.

After that, when he entered university, he went to military training, morning exercises, playing ball games, and eating in the cafeteria with his classmates. He could always tell which window and which dish were delicious. He doesn’t need to wear makeup in class, and the acting department teacher doesn’t allow it. He enjoys appearing without makeup.

Like all people of his age, he is also keen on digital products. Recently, he has been shooting vlogs to record his life and travels. Under his lens, there are sunny beaches and exotic customs along the way, the playground and horizontal bars at sunset, and the tranquility brought by the stacks of books in the library. “I am also following the trend,” Wu Lei said, “It’s very interesting to record some small clips in this way.”

He also wrote a diary when he was a child. At that time he was more inclined to record his life, thoughts, what movies he had filmed, what difficulties he encountered, etc. “Text is a good form. It is powerful and requires patience, and video is the most direct method at the moment. Sometimes when I look back, I recall my state of mind and emotions at the time. From the initial embarrassment and small mistakes, I gradually got used to it and let it go. Sometimes I don’t know what to say, but I really want to share, so I repeat one sentence: “I’m doing this now…”

Draw energy from the character

When he was young, filming was very simple. He laughed when he was happy and cried when he was sad. But child actors are very different from adult actors. Under the systematic teaching of the school, Wu Lei learned theoretical knowledge and rethought his performance. As an “old actor” who has been acting for more than ten years, he has recognized the torment that must be faced in performance creation.

“Every time I act, I feel like acting is like being sick. It is uncomfortable and hard to endure, but just like being sick, you have to cure it. Every time I act, I feel like I am cooperating with a doctor to treat my illness. I tried my best to achieve the effect the director wanted. When they thought my performance was up to standard, my illness got better and I felt much better. But every time I finished filming, I didn’t hope that this serious illness would get better. I don’t think the treatment was thorough enough.”

He also draws energy from his own roles, and sometimes hopes to be like Li Cu in “Sand Sea”, who has a mischievous side, is afraid of right and wrong, but still bravely walks into the desert. From a confused student who didn’t know what was ahead, to a behind-the-scenes mastermind who protected his companions and marched forward, he completed the transformation from a boy to a man. As it says – making yourself a new self is a long story.

Q&A

How long did it take you to learn the song “We Are All Dreamers” performed in the Spring Festival Gala?

From the time I received the job, I learned songs, rehearsed, recorded and prepared tapes, and did live broadcasts. I have been practicing singing for three months. After all, singing is not my specialty, and I don’t have as much confidence in it as acting. The Spring Festival Gala is in front of Chinese people all over the world, so of course I want to prepare better, so I sing whenever I have time

Was that short dance difficult for you?

Although it looks simple and short, I actually practiced for six hours. Compared to learning a new fighting move and practicing a move with the martial arts instructor, it took me much longer. I also put my best effort into the dance at the birthday party, and after I finished it, I felt that I’m still an actor after all.

Have you set small goals for yourself this year?

I don’t really like small goals like daily check-in. I think everything should go with the flow, and as long as I move towards my big goal, things will get better and better.

What do you do in your spare time between filming and studying?

Listen to music, play games, read books, play basketball. This year, I went to college, so I read professional books and extracurricular readings recommended by teachers. The school will give me a reference book list. Before going to bed, I read my favorite books, usually novels, biographies, etc.

In the vlog, it says that men must carry a wallet. So what do you think are the three things that a tough guy must have?

I think about this question mainly when I am traveling. I will definitely bring my wallet, headphones, and mobile phone. Of course, a tough guy may not wear headphones, but he will also bring a grateful heart.

Why do we have such an obsession with wallets when payment is becoming more and more convenient?

As for wallets, I feel a little safer to have cash on you. And most importantly, you need to bring your student card to enter and exit our school. Without a student card, I cannot enter the school at any time, and we also need to swipe the card to enter our dormitory. Although the dormitory teacher is always very happy to see me. “Oh, are you going to film?” I said, “Teacher, you saw me yesterday…” Sometimes, before I even took out my card, the dormitory teacher opened the door.

Share your experience in choosing headphones and burn-in*.

I usually bring two pairs of headphones when I go out, and I have already adjusted them very well. I have chosen headphones that I’m very satisfied with, and they are good enough to make me “cool down”. So I would like to say to audiophiles that if you have the financial means, you should upgrade in one go, and don’t upgrade bit by bit, which will waste too much energy and money. Of course, it’s also good to keep working and earning money, and get closer to your dream headphones step by step.

Source: L’OFFICIEL Hommes