Here we go, here we go again...Ashley Hsieh Midterm Proposal

TITLE:

Welcome to the Hong Kong Drive-Thru: how Wong Kar-Wai depicts the relationship between the transnational and the local

ABSTRACT:

In recent years, films are more and more becoming a global commodity. Films are being co-produced and distributed internationally, featuring transnational film stars and transcultural elements. However, how does transnationalism affect the idea of national identity?

I am interested in analyzing Wong Kar-Wai’s 1994 film, Chungking Express, because I am trying to find out how his works express transnational qualities and concerns. I want to show my audience how transnationalism helps a film’s international distribution and reception but also obscures the idea of the “local”.

My thesis will be aimed at a peer audience consisting of people, college-aged and older, possessing some, but not expert, knowledge of cinema. The audience will be able to engage in an interactive and experiential interface.

METHODOLOGY:

The primary aim of my thesis is to illustrate the relationship between the transnational and the local. I am arguing that transnationalism weakens the concept of national identity.

Transnationalism is a relatively new concept that has stemmed from efforts to globalize and loosen national borders. In terms of the film industry, transnationalism can be quite positive. It allows for the global distribution of films meaning that a film can seek a larger, international audience. However, transnationalism also has its downside. In order to appeal to this larger, international audience, many “local” or national qualities are watered down. Wong Kar-Wai’s films depict the tension that exists between the transnational and local, especially his 1994 hit Chungking Express. Chungking Express was internationally acclaimed and found a global, pan-Asian and western, audience; as a result, Wong Kar-Wai became a world-renowned filmmaker. This perked heightened international interest in Hong Kong films.

Wong Kar-Wai both accepts and is wary of transnationalism. He embraces his international audience and he showcases many of his transnational influences in his films. In Chungking Express, he draws from French New Wave and Hollywood Film Noir for inspiration. However, he also brings attention to the loss of national identity through his thematic depiction of characters experiencing major identity crises.

I will depict these ideas and concerns through an interactive and experiential interface. In the main menu, the audience member will be presented with three different platforms he/she can choose from: “The Mu-Shu Delight: or Hong Kong’s fictitious national identity”, “The Hong Kong Hamburger: or transnational elements”, or “The Happy Meal Prize: or international reception”.

“The Mu-Shu Delight” will explore the absence of national identity in Hong Kong, including a brief history of Hong Kong, tracing its colonial history, the international immigration to Hong Kong and relating the events surrounding its return to mainland China. I will then explore Wong Kar-Wai’s treatment of characters, desperately trying to reinvent and discover their identities.

“The Hong Kong Hamburger” will allow the audience to maneuver around certain spaces within Hong Kong. Hot spots will be present revealing transnational elements and influences present within Chungking Express.

The last platform, “The Happy Meal Prize”, will trace Chungking Express’ global reception and success.

MEDIA PRESENTATION & JUSTIFICATION:

My thesis will be presented as a DVD-ROM. I will use programs such as DVD Studio Pro to create an exploratory and interactive interface in order to illustrate the “local” Hong Kong space and the ubiquitous transnational elements that exist within this space.

In order to illustrate transnational themes present in Wong Kar Wai’s work, his transnational influences, as well as international reception of his work, the interface will have three platforms. Each platform will allow the audience to maneuver around and click on informational hot spots. These hot spots will utilize text, using After Effects, images, music, narration, and video, using Final Cut Pro.