Strangers in a Strange Land: The Adventures of a Canadian Film Crew in China

Murphy's Law: if it can go wrong it will. A 'common sense' law that is logical also in making a film. But is it logical still if almost everything goes wrong with one film? This happened to director Philip Borsos in shooting the Canadian-French-Chinese coproduction Bethune: The Making of a Hero. In 1987, Borsos started a film about the life of the legendary surgeon, Norman Bethune, who became the chinese communists' hero during the 1930s. At first sight, it is a film with great chances: a good scenario, a brilliant leading character (Donald Sutherland), and a subject that strikes one's imagination. However, difficulties very soon arose in recording in China. The film-crew went on a strike because of the bad food. Donald Sutherland clashed with scriptwriter Ted Allen about the interpretation of his role. Moreover, problems arose between the Canadians and the Chinese about the historical interpretation of a number of facts. Bob McKeown, with his own crew, made a documentary about the troubles during the shooting of Bethune. His description of Strangers in a Strange Land reads: "a primer on what can go wrong in making a movie". Without sensationalism or comment, the camera records this process. But, McKeown honestly admits: "The worse for them, the better for us". (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)