CAST:   Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn, Liu Ye

WRITER(S):   Billy Shebar

DIRECTOR(S):   Chen Shi-Zheng

PRODUCER(S):   Janet Yang, Mary Salter, Andrea Miller

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER(S):   Kirk D’Amico, Linda Chiu

SYNOPSIS:   Inspired by a true story, DARK MATTER tells the story of Liu Xing
(Liu Ye), one of thousands of Chinese academics awarded special visa status
in the 1990’s to study in the United States. A promising graduate student in
physics, Liu Xing’s goal is to win the Nobel Prize.

At university, Liu Xing devotes himself to research on the origins of the
universe for the eminent and charming Professor Jacob Reiser (Quinn). He
rises quickly to the top, establishing himself as the star pupil through his
brilliant aptitude and hard work.

Liu Xing boasts to his family in China of his rapid academic progress,
sending money home and promising them a life in America very soon. But his
pride is tempered by his struggle to understand the social and political
dynamics of American university life. Joanna Silver (Streep), a wealthy
socialite and patron of the university, reaches out to befriend Liu Xing. A
woman of great passions and a fascination for China, Joanna devotes her time
to helping the Chinese students as they assimilate into American culture.

Shortly into his studies, Liu Xing fixates on the Dark Matter theory, one of
the great unchartered areas of physics. Excitedly, he announces to Professor
Reiser that he wants to pursue Dark Matter for his thesis. To Liu Xing’s
dismay, Reiser discourages him; instead, he demands Liu Xing pursue topics
that support his own research, specifically the Reiser Model. Against Reiser’
s wishes, Liu Xing publishes a brilliant article on Dark Matter, but instead
of finding success, he is hit with insurmountable obstacles. Soon, his dreams
of a brilliant career are dashed and ultimately, destroyed. With nothing, Liu
Xing lashes out at his former mentor and colleagues with tragic and
devastating consequences.

STATUS:    Post Production

resource: Myriad Pictures [us]