Sometimes you just look at a character and you know exactly what is up; with a single glance – you are able to read volumes about them. General Chang is such a man. Robust armor, fumanchu mustache, bald head and an eye-patch that is directly riveted into the skull (!!!) suggests a man that is both without fear or regret; this man celebrates his life, scars and all.
With a mighty bone walking stick you re left wondering; what great beast or foe was it taken from, and how ferocious must the creature have been to have its skeletal remains become a prized possession of the Klingon that took its life.
Christopher Plummer actually suggested a more human (original series) looking Klingon for Chang. If I would have heard this news before the film, I would have ripped a strip off of Plummer, but hindsight has revealed the genius of his decision. Although Chang resembles a human more than most Klingons – he comes off as a king amongst them. He is a Klingon’s Klingon and you never doubt it for a second. Plummer did not need to hide behind extra makeup – he became Klingon.
General Chang’s appreciation for the literature and customs of his foe, (humans) also reveals much about him. As much as he would like to kill humans all day long, he respects them as warriors, and admires their ability. Chang venerates his enemy, because he knows that without them – there is no battle.
A true champion puts his title on the line and tests himself against the strongest of opponents. Chang does this with Kirk and also with his personal study of Shakespeare. He comes off as a scholar on one on earths most prized literary figures, committing an impressive amount of his work to memory. In the film, amongst the company of humans , Chang even has the gall to suggest that he prefers the original Klingon language version. His appreciation for all things human is great, but his belief in Klingon superiority is absolute.
The StarTrek franchise had an insanely powerful villain in Khan, and Chang sits beside him as a foe of legendary reputation and cunning. Kirk is remembered as a warrior, not only for who he was; but who he has defeated. I bet Chang himself would have deemed it an honor to have Kirk showcase his eye-patched skull in the Enterprise library.
International friends – please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions of General Chang. Together, let us celebrate this beloved character.
KAPLAH!
