It is a difficult moment for Chen Kaige, China's most illustrious director, whose Farewell, My Concubine brought him accolades and a global audience. He has just finished perhaps the most expensive film made in the mainland about the most controversial figure in Chinese history, the first emperor Qin Shihuang, but the response is so far disappointing.
'I still don't know whether it will be shown in China,' the director said glumly. 'It is very unusual. We have not been asked to make any changes. In the past, we used to get calls to say change this, change that,' he said.
At 47, he is an imposing figure with a shock of steel grey hair who, after a stay in New York making commercials, speaks English with a distinctive American twang. The sensitivity of Chinese authorities to his highly acclaimed work - 'I've made seven films altogether. Temptress Moon and Life On A String were banned, Farewell, My Concubine was heavily edited and Yellow Earth was banned for a couple of months' - have given him valid cause for concern that his latest film will not find favour in Zhongnanhai.
His discontent is palpable. He was incensed when a Beijing reporter asked him what foreigners would think of China if the film, which is full of bloodshed, was shown at an international film festival.
'I really don't understand some of the questions Chinese journalists ask,' he said. 'They don't pay enough attention to the film. If they had paid enough attention they wouldn't ask those kind of questions. Why do they focus on small details? Why don't they understand the images?' Even the initial reaction from Chinese guests who attended at the film's premiere in the cavernous chamber of the Great Hall of the People last week upset him. 'I am not sure whether they are going to get my message,' Chen grumbled. 'I am not very satisfied with the social situation in China. Especially with culture. No one wants to pay attention to culture. The general situation of the film industry in China is bad. Most directors don't know what to do or how to raise money.' In the past Chen has complained bitterly about the deadening hand of Communist Party propaganda officials. Added to the restrictions on what he can say are also the commercial difficulties of competing with pirated foreign films. It is also rumoured that his American-born actress wife Chen Hong wants to live in the United States.
'I am going to the [United] States for a couple of English-language films with an American producer,' he said. 'But they are not on China because I don't see any proper stories. They will be English-language films for Hollywood.' Eleven years ago, Chen began mulling ideas for an epic film. Preparations for shooting began in 1990. The result is a monumental work with huge sets, protracted battle scenes and sieges involving thousands of extras. The producers say film rights have been already sold in 40 countries, a fact which prompted the Beijing Evening News to snipe at Chen.