Paul Byrnes’s film review of Mao’s Last Dancer, published in full and extract form since October 2, took issue with the film’s dialogue, in particular quoting: ‘‘Life in China not so good. I dance better here because feet more free.’’ This was incorrect. The full quote should have read ‘‘… in China, not so easy. Tell you what to do, where to go, what can say. Maybe I can’t come back.’’ And after a pause: ‘‘You know, I must dance political ballet in China, but I dance better here, because feel more free.’’ The Herald apologises for the error.
Here’s the letter to the editor that preceded to correction.
Any dramatist will tell you what a cheap and lazy shot it is when a critic quotes a line of dialogue out of context and uses it to tarnish the work and reputation of the writer.
In his review of my film Mao’s Last Dancer (‘‘Best foot forward’’, October 3-4), Paul Byrnes has gone one step further and invented his own dialogue and then ascribed it to me, saying, ‘‘That’s a good example of how awful the dialogue gets.’’ Well, you ought to know, Paul, you wrote it!
The scene in question happens after Li Cunxin is refused permission by the Chinese Government to extend his stay in America and his mentor, Ben Stevenson, reassures him that he’ll be able to come back one day. Li then discusses it with his girlfriend (in his broken English), in my version as follows: ‘‘Ben not understand. He too much in love with China. In China, not so easy. Tell what to do, where to go, what can say. Maybe I can’t come back. (Pause.) You know, I must dance political ballet in China, but I dance better here because feel more free.’’
Paul Byrnes’s bastardised version is: ‘‘Life in China not so good. I dance better here because feet more free.’’
Shame on you. Herald readers deserve better, and so do I.
Jan Sardi
Screenwriter, Mao’s Last Dancer
Eltham (Vic)
Thanks, Steve!
