Dark Matter

For young people growing up in China, the American dream is as bright as a supernova. A chosen few accepted to our universities attain status, freedoms, and wealth unimaginable back home. But when hopes are shattered, the disappointment is nothing short of a black hole. A 1991 event involving a Chinese science student was the inspiration for “Dark Matter,” the feature film debut of renowned opera director Chen Shi-Zheng. Chen collaborated with screenwriter Billy Shebar on the story, which took more than five years to reach production. The project slowly gained momentum, grabbing the attention of supporting actors Meryl Streep and Aidan Quinn. “Dark Matter” depicts a young man’s dreams dissolving in a Big Bang of cultures and egos.

Chinese actor Liu Ye portrays Liu Xing, Beijing University’s cosmology star, beginning graduate study in the United States. Despite his intellect, Liu appears naïve in his extreme eagerness to please and his fascination with all things American. Soon after arrival, Liu meets his mentor, Jacob Reiser (Aidan Quinn). He’d studied the professor’s theories in China, and the chance to work under him has Liu quivering with excitement. At a Bible study for foreign students, he’s befriended by university patron Joanna Silver (Meryl Streep). Patrician and compassionate, she expresses welcome to the Chinese students by being an enthusiastic student of their culture.

Liu wants to study the role of dark matter in the makeup of the universe. As Liu gets further into his dissertation proposal, he makes a move that threatens Reiser’s place as top dog, and their relationship crumbles. The viewer is drawn in to Liu’s psychic tasilspin—smiling on the outside but crushed within.

The theme of the film is one of our deepest human fears: the aftermath when we lose the favor of those who have power over us. Should we change who we are to regain the lost traction? Do we find a new dream? Or do we lose all hope?

The acting is excellent overall. The main character’s nervous-nerd persona may play to the Asian stereotype, but Liu Ye’s portrayal is multifaceted and nuanced. Some characters, such as Liu’s quick-to-assimilate rival Laurence Feng (Lloyd Suh) seem too predictable. Racial attitudes are realistic: the Chinese students face little open bigotry, but suffer condescension and misunderstandings from American superiors and peers. The Chinese students must negotiate a confusing host culture as they grapple with the existential questions raised by high achievement.

The cinematography is hit-and-miss. A few sequences are over-the-top melodrama, as you might expect from an opera director. Chen could do more to harness the subtleties of the film medium. A strong point was weaving in Liu’s correspondence with his parents, where his voice-over idealizes America as his parents go about their most mundane tasks back home.

“Dark Matter” is a young, green work, but a noteworthy first film effort from Chen. It sheds new light on the tragedy possible in academia, and the difficulties of cultural exchange. The intellectual is brought down to the average person’s level as we see the dark matter in his heart, and in our hearts as well.

Film Grade: B+

Disc & Packaging: B+

Overall Grade: B+

---

LINK THIS ARTICLE