Anthony Wong Chau-sang's character in the Infernal Affairs trilogy may have met a bloody end halfway through the first film, but the effect the role has had on his career still reverberates strongly.
Earlier this week, the award-winning actor was besieged by fans at Beijing International Airport when he arrived for the premiere of Infernal Affairs III. 'It's what happens when you get a little popular,' he quips, as a woman stares gobsmacked at him from a passing bus.
Thanks to the filmmakers' decision to tell the story of the trilogy in reverse, Wong has been back for both sequels. And although he has played policemen before, his portrayal of the intense, strict Inspector Wong has made him more recognisable then even his role in The Untold Story (1993), which earned him best actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards and established his credentials.
Wong says he hasn't had a film role in the past three months - nor has he any lined up for the next few months. 'I don't know why that is,' he says. 'I've had offers, but they're either from people who want you to work for little or no money, or won't give you time to get ready for the role. Some people think acting is simple - just change your clothes and you can play a different character. If you really want to do a role well, you need a year to really get into it.'
That's why the actor and some-time hard rock musician feels that his role as Inspector Wong in Infernal Affairs III will surpass his performance in the first instalment: he has had the past year to perfect it.
'Part III didn't really give me much room to manoeuvre because you pretty much know what happens. However, the severe limitations helped me add a new layer to the character,' says Wong, who describes himself as a focused actor.