Jia Zhangke, A Guy From Fenyang

Jia Zhangke, A Guy From Fenyang (2014) is an insightful documentary that puts a keen focus on one of China's most acclaimed filmmakers, Jia Zhang-ke. Directed by Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles, of "The Motorcycle Diaries" fame, this film successfully brings out the true essence of Zhangke's singular vision and his unique understanding of China's complex realities.

Providing exclusive access into Zhangke's life and work, the film offers an intimate portrait of the filmmaker as he revisits his hometown, Fenyang, a small city in the Shanxi province in Northern China. This is more than just a homecoming; it's a deep-dive exploration into the roots of the director's creativity and the most influential catalysts behind his groundbreaking narratives.

Zhangke holds an indisputable position in modern cinema as one of the most distinctive voices from China. His movies often depict the tectonic shifts within Chinese society, reflecting the traumatic landscapes of radical change, while always being deeply ensnared in the human dimension. His focus largely falls on characters from the lower socio-economic strata and he is dedicated to showcasing the raw realities of their existence. Though often met with censorship and disapproval from the Communist government, his films have been celebrated worldwide. Hence, this documentary serves the essential function of shedding light on the man behind these transformative narratives.

The structure of Jia Zhangke, A Guy From Fenyang is delightfully untraditional; the director explores Zhangke's world through a series of conversational excerpts, intimate interactions, and brilliantly curated scenes from his renowned films. These innovative directorial choices effectively highlight the shared elements between Zhangke's personal history, his distinct cinematic style, and his empathetic portrayal of a rapidly changing China.

In numerous instances throughout the documentary, the camera captures Zhangke in moments of contemplation, as he traces back the profound memories of his early life, and points out how they have impregnated his stories. Salles' filmography has always shown a deep-seated interest in narrative trajectories – the idea of a journey that shapes the self, and this film continues in that same vein.

The choice of setting, too, signifies a lot about Zhangke's work; Fenyang, with its ancient history and evolving landscapes, is a microcosm of the metamorphoses happening within China. The diversity and dissension between the past and present, the rural and urban, the traditional and modern, are all starkly evident here. Zhangke addresses these conflicting motifs with a genuine grace, just as he does in his cinema.

An additional strength of this documentary is its emphasis on the ‘micro’ over the ‘macro’. It consciously steers clear of the temptation to paint a broad stroke analysis of Zhangke’s entire body of work, and instead hones in on the finer details, letting them reveal a wider picture. Conversations, quick glances, cityscapes, on-location shots, all become conduits to understand a bit more about a master of cinema who consistently eschews the conventional in order to tell truth through his art.

Another aspect to note is the film's cinematography. Jia Zhangke, A Guy From Fenyang is cloaked in an organic aesthetic that resonates deeply with Zhangke's own filmmaking style. The landscape shots are vividly constructed, contributing to an atmospheric viewing experience. The film's music is beautifully subdued, echoing with the unspoken sentiments between the frames.

In essence, Jia Zhangke, A Guy From Fenyang is not just a cinematic tribute to a contemporary master, but also an immersive exploration of the individual’s relationship with their homeland, society, and changing times. Walter Salles’ documentary gracefully reveals the profound link between Zhangke's work and his native land while painting a compelling portrait of an auteur dedicated to reality, empathy, and the tireless pursuit of narrating untold stories. For fans of Jia Zhangke's work, this film serves as an invaluable window into his creative process and personal journey. But even beyond that, it stands as a compelling observation of an artist navigating the torrid currents of modernity, tradition, and the human condition.