The King of Directors 2000

Chapter 518 The most shining man in Cannes

At Cannes in May 1993, "Farewell My Concubine" turned out to be the winner and won the Palme d'Or in one fell swoop, filling the gap in this honor for Chinese-language films. This award greatly encouraged practitioners in the Chinese-language film and television industry.

Over the next ten years or so, directors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Wanwan successively produced masterpieces that have been passed down for generations. They won extremely high honors in the three major European campaigns.

As far as Asia is concerned, except for island countries that can surpass China in international film awards, other countries are far behind.

Including Korean movies that are praised by many filial sons.

Lao Mouzi has won two Golden Lions, one Golden Bear, one Silver Lion, one Silver Bear and the Cannes Grand Jury Prize.

There is no need to include Wong Kar-wai, Kai Zige and others. Among the three major European films, his honor alone exceeds that of all Korean film directors.

As far as art films are concerned, mainland directors are actually very good.

However, after entering the new millennium, Lao Mouzi, Kai Zige and others began to make commercial films.

Mainland art can only rely on Wang Xiaoshuai, Section Chief Jia, Lou Ye and others.

They are naturally talented people, but compared to Lao Mouzi and Wong Kar-wai, their talents are a bit inferior.

After the turn of the millennium, mainland art films have received far fewer honors.

Lee Sheung Yew has been hailed by the media as Asia's most successful commercial film director. In the field of commercial films, he no longer needs to prove himself.

Now that he's in Cannes, he wants to showcase his talents in another area.

He hopes to make a film that will win awards and box office.

"1937" is an attempt. The film has not yet been released, but it has won the Palme d'Or, completing half of the task.

Li Shengyao was very happy.

At this time, he stood on the podium, enjoying the applause of the audience.

He felt that the light was a little dazzling and even a little hot, but standing at a high place, looking at more than two thousand people, and seeing the eyes of admiration, surprise, bitterness, and regret, he felt very happy.

When Terrence, the director of The Tree of Life, finished his speech, Lee Sheng-yew took the microphone and said: "Thank you to everyone in the production team of "1937", thank you to our great ancestors who successfully resisted the invaders, thank you to my motherland, It gave me a safe and peaceful environment to grow up.”

"This is our second Palme d'Or in China. It's been 18 years. To be honest, I think it's a bit long."

He paused and then said: "I know some of the history of Cannes. There has never been a director in Cannes who won the Palme d'Or three times, and there has never been a director in Cannes who won the Best Director Award four times."

"I hope I can come more often in the future and I can be the one to set the record."

In the history of the Cannes Film Festival, three directors have won two Palme d'Or awards.

These three big guys are Coppola, Shohei Imamura, and Alf.

There is also a pair of brothers, the Coen brothers, who have won three Best Director Awards.

This is a Cannes Film Festival record.

It is undoubtedly very difficult to break these records.

But you won't die if you get high.

Li Shengyao's words drew thunderous applause from the audience.

Director Li then raised the trophy in his hand and walked off the stage with Terrence.

"Director, you are so awesome, you still want to win the Palme d'Or."

Zhang Yi couldn't help but say something when he saw Li Shengyao coming over.

"This award is nothing special. The trophy weighs two pounds. It's normal to win it a few times."

……

After the award ceremony, the organizer had a celebration banquet.

Lee Sheung Yew won the Palme d'Or, so he naturally wanted to celebrate.

He asked his assistant to take the trophy back to the hotel, and then took the "1937" crew to the celebration banquet venue.

His appearance immediately attracted the attention of the host, who then asked him to take the stage to deliver a speech.

Li Shengyao said a few more words of thanks.

After he stepped off the stage, there were groups of actors, directors, and producers holding glasses of wine to chat with him, take photos with him, and some asked him for autographs.

This situation lasted for about 10 minutes before the scene became better.

Dapeng has the potential to be a dog-legger, so he stood by and took photos of Director Li.

In the photo, a group of elites from the world's film industry surrounded Lee Sheng-yao and looked at Director Lee with admiration.

"Director, do you think these photos show your style?"

"is acceptable."

"Director, I also want to film."

"Okay, let's start with the short play."

While Dapeng was in a daze and Bi Gan was envious, a little old man holding a wine glass walked towards Li Shengyao with a smile.

When the others saw the little old man, they all automatically moved out of the way.

This little old man wears a pair of black-rimmed glasses, is small in stature, and has a small head. He looks a bit like Chaplin. He is today's film master - Woody Allen.

The old man has a good temper. Although "Midnight in Paris" has a poor reputation in Europe and he knows that the film has no hope of winning awards, he still came to attend the closing ceremony.

He is a person who has a beginning and an end.

"Hi, Li, congratulations on winning the Palme d'Or. You are the king of Cannes tonight."

Lee Sheung Yew is not Lao James, who likes to call himself the king. He smiled, raised his glass and touched it with Woody Allen.

"How does it feel to win the Palme d'Or?"

"It's very good. I feel like I just floated on the clouds."

Woody Allen's style is obvious, and his movies are just like Naomi Kawase's movies. They are the kind of movies with a petty bourgeois sentiment, light characters, light conflicts, and beautiful scenery.

Their movie environment is the protagonist, and the characters and events are the supporting roles.

The story of such a movie is a bit bland, it is difficult to profoundly reflect human nature, class, and social changes, and it is almost impossible to win the best movie.

But it is very popular among academics.

Just like Woody Allen's movie, it is either the opening ceremony film of the Cannes Film Festival or the opening ceremony film of the Berlin Film Festival. Even if it cannot win an award, the organizers of the major film festivals are still very welcoming.

Woody Allen won the Oscar for Best Director, but his movies have never won the three major European awards.

Hearing this, the old man glanced at Li Shengyao enviously, and then said, "I just came over there. There is a very delicious grape cake over there. You can try it."

"I'll go take a look later."

The old man said this as if the two people were good friends who had known each other for a long time.

Li Shengyao didn't react at the first moment. He came to his senses and then responded.

Woody Allen continued: "I watched "The Hangover" and I felt that the movie was a bit noisy, but "Sicario" is different. Although there are constant gunshots, it is not noisy and it is very cool. As for "1937" It’s even cooler. I can imagine that the scene when the photographer chased the two actors with a Steadicam stabilizer must be very magical, and it is something worth remembering.”

Li Shengyao nodded, "It was indeed very interesting during the filming. We watched the photographer keep chasing the two actors. This work was very tiring and required constant replacement."

Woody Allen nodded, "This is a great movie. I will tell my friends and family and let them watch it."

"Thank you."

The old man was so enthusiastic that Li Shengyao felt that the old man might have other ideas.

"Li, I traveled around Europe. I made movies in London, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, and Paris. I heard that there are many beautiful cities in China. I hope I have the opportunity to shoot movies in China in the future."

"Of course you'll be more than welcome."

The movies made by the old man are generally very good. No matter what the story is, the pictures are absolutely beautiful. His movies can be used as city promotional videos.

When Woody Allen heard what Li Shengyao said, the smile on his face grew wider, and then he revealed his true purpose, "Li, I plan to go to Rome to make a movie next. Do you have time? I want to cooperate with you. "

"Cooperate with me?"

"Yes, I know you are very good at writing screenplays, and I want to create a screenplay with you."

Woody Allen is also a creative master. He has won three Oscars for Best Screenplay. Most of his movies are written by himself.

This is somewhat "similar" to Li Shengyao.

But the old man is really talented and practical, and Director Li is just learning to adapt.

Working with such a script master, there should be great growth. If it were ten years ago, Lee Sheng Yew would be happy, but now there is no need.

Li Shengyao smiled when he heard this, and then said: "Alan, I'm glad you have such an idea. I also want to cooperate with you, but I don't have time. I am now in the creative period. I have many ideas and want to continue to work with you." of making movies.”

When Woody Allen heard this, there was some regret in his eyes. He quickly concealed this, "Lee, can you give me some advice?"

"of course."

"I want to make a romantic comedy movie, shot in Rome, just like "Roman Holiday", but it's too difficult. Classic movies cannot be copied. I have some ideas now, but I feel like I can't start."

In Lee Sung-Yew's previous life, Woody Allen would next produce a romantic comedy filmed in Rome called "With Love in Rome."

The movie is average. Among Woody Allen's movies, it's neither outstanding nor bad, just average.

Hearing this, Lee Sheng-yew laughed and said: "Movies like "Roman Holiday" cannot be copied. It is actually difficult for us to create new ideas in love movies. I think you can conceive more characters and more couples, such as three or four couples. A couple’s story.”

Woody Allen's small eyes hidden behind his black-rimmed glasses flashed brightly, and he nodded repeatedly, "Li, your idea is very good. A couple really cannot meet my task structure. Shoot more love stories and arrange more More couples, this is a very good direction.”

This is the story structure of "With Love in Rome".

What Li Shengyao admires most about Woody Allen, a little old man, is not that he can take pictures of beautiful scenery, but that he still maintains a high level of creative aspirations after decades of working in the industry, and he can still direct movies at the age of 87.

Being a director is not an easy job. Others lie in bed at the age of 87 and live with a urine bag.

And this little old man can also direct the filming on the set.

Although in Lee Sheng Yew's previous life, the little old man was involved in scandals and was even banned from Hollywood later, Lee Sheng Yew admired him very much.

Director Li then revealed some information based on the plot of "With Love in Rome" in his previous life, which shocked Woody Allen.

"Li, you are a genius screenwriter. I provided a scene with no character structure, but you were able to complete a rough story concept in a few minutes. The quality is very high and very interesting. It is so rare. You are the best I have ever seen. Screenwriter, this time I came to Cannes, the luckiest thing is that I met you."

Li Shengyao smiled modestly.

Everyone nearby saw the scene of Li Shengyao talking with Woody Allen, just like a teacher giving instructions to his students.

No one thought that Lee Sing-yew, who was so young, and 76-year-old Woody Allen would listen carefully.

He is indeed a talented director who won the Palme d'Or.

……

Woody Allen chatted with Li Shengyao for about half an hour, and then left happily, saying that he would go back and record all these inspirations.

Before leaving, he did not forget to ask, "Li, let's work on a movie together. It will be very interesting." "Alan, I really don't have time. Let's talk about it later."

After Woody Allen left, there was a lot of excitement around Director Li again. Actors, directors, and producers all wanted to get to know Director Li and have a deep chat with him.

At this time, John from Raymond Pictures came over with a wine glass.

When the star directors saw this big boss, they automatically made way for them.

As the manager of the largest film company and theater company in Europe, his reputation is still very high.

"Li, congratulations, you really won the award."

John was still looking the same as Li Shengyao before they met. He was wearing a crisp suit, his hair was meticulously combed, and his body was upright. He looked like an elite.

Li Shengyao nodded, "Hello."

John looked at Li Shengyao's calm appearance and sighed in his heart.

As the manager of the largest film company in Europe, he has always attended the three major film festivals: Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. There are few directors as young as Lee Sung-yew who can win awards.

Directors like Lee Sing-yew, who is young, talented, has won awards, and is so calm, are not the same.

He secretly praised it in his heart and became even more sure that contacting Lee Sheng Yew was the right choice.

Such a young and outstanding director is worth wooing. Director Li is only 31 years old, and there are endless possibilities in the future. Not to mention that Li Shengyao owns a huge industry in China, and both parties are peers.

"Li, Warner can distribute it in Europe, America, Asia, and even South Korea, but they can't distribute it in Africa."

The boss of the Black Continent is France. In the Black Continent, France is easier to use than the beautiful country.

Hearing this, Li Shengyao smiled and nodded, "Probably not."

"How about selling the broadcast rights of "1937" in Africa to Raymond Pictures for 100 million euros?"

The movie could not have been released in the Black Continent. For Lee Sheng-yew, this 100 million was just a gift.

Li Shengyao did not expect John to be so generous this time. He smiled and nodded, "Of course, I will discuss it with Warner and then we can sign the contract."

John clenched his fists happily, and he did not hide his joy.

"Li, if there is an opportunity, we would like to cooperate with you. You can write the script, or you can be the director."

John just wanted to say hello in advance, so that if there was such an opportunity in the future, he would have a reason and it would be easier to continue the conversation.

"No problem, I also hope to cooperate with Raymond Pictures."

If that's all, Li Shengyao is naturally willing to say good things.

John talked about some more details of the signing, and the two parties finally agreed to discuss it tomorrow morning. Then he left with a glass of wine and a smile on his face.

The European actors and directors around Director Li are now used to it.

Whether it was Woody Allen or the manager of Raymond Pictures, they were all big bosses, and they were all very polite to Director Li. Listening to Director Li was as serious as a primary school student listening to a class.

I have to say that Director Li is awesome. Even though he is so young, he is already as high as the ceiling in the film and television industry.

……

An hour passed after the celebration banquet, and it was almost the second half. The atmosphere was better, the band on the scene was more casual, playing some cheerful little dance music, and many celebrities came off to dance.

Li Shengyao sat watching while holding a glass of wine.

At this moment, Dapeng, who had been taking photos of Director Li with his mobile phone, closed his mouth.

Dapeng, who had been telling Li Shengyao that he saw so and so, suddenly stopped talking. Li Shengyao was a little surprised and turned his head to look over.

I saw the wealthy and generous Eva Green, wearing a purple dress with white flowers exposed.

This person's appearance is not the best, and his facial features are not as outstanding as Sophie Marceau's.

But she was very charming, and her casual frowns, smiles, and sideways glances all seemed to carry strong temptations.

The young generation of actresses in Europe are very mediocre, and very few are distinctive.

Eva Green is without a doubt the standout.

In Li Shengyao's heart, Eva Green is more beautiful than her widowed sister.

Dapeng was smitten, and it was understandable.

"Lee, congratulations, you shine in Europe tonight."

Li Shengyao had met Eva Green when he was in the beautiful country, but at that time they only exchanged polite greetings, which was barely considered a meeting.

"Thank you, you looked very beautiful tonight."

Eva Green then sat down next to Li Shengyao. She sprayed perfume. It was quite strong, but it smelled pretty good.

""1937" is very good. I think it is the best film in this film festival. I am sorry that there is no role suitable for me in it. If possible, I really want to act in such a film."

"If there is a suitable role in the future, I will look for you."

"It's settled."

Eva Green smiled playfully, and then asked: "Want to dance together?"

"I can not dance."

"It doesn't matter, just hold my waist."

When a beauty invites you, the hospitality is hard to refuse.

Li Shengyao then walked to the center of the venue with Eva Green under the envious eyes of Dapeng and Bi Gan, holding their hands around their waists and dancing gently.

"You exercise a lot and I can feel your muscles."

Eva Green whispered.

Li Shengyao can also feel that this woman's legs are long, straight and full of strength. This is the figure he likes.

"Li, do you have any plans for the evening?"

Seeing that Li Shengyao was silent, Eva Green asked next.

She had been with many men, but had never tried an Asian man who had won the Palme d'Or, and she wanted to have a taste.

Li Shengyao was a little surprised. He felt that Eva Green was much more open-minded than Amanda and Lively.

It's a relief to think that Eva Green is French.

"There are no plans for the evening."

Eva Green smiled and did not continue talking about this topic.

Next Eva Green talks about what it's like in Hollywood.

She said that she is very similar to Lee Sheng-yew in that she works in a beautiful country, but she doesn't really like the beautiful country's culture.

After work, she will return to France. She feels that France is the real place to live.

She also said that she encountered some embarrassing things in Hollywood that made her dumbfounded.

Li Shengyao listened with a smile, occasionally echoing a few words.

Neither of them are from the beautiful country. Although they have different cultures, they both complain about the beautiful country and Hollywood. It seems that the two people have many similarities.

After the dance, the two of them sat together and chatted.

Until the end of the celebration banquet.

Eva Green put down her glass. She thought Li Shengyao would say something special and extend an invitation, but she didn't.

She was full of confusion, didn't this man want to sleep with her?
She couldn't care so much and planned to take the initiative.

The moment Li Shengyao raised the trophy on the podium, she decided to give this man from the East a try.

"Lee, this is my phone number."

Eva Green then thrust a note into Li Shengyao's hand, "If you want, you can see me tonight."

After saying that, Eva Green twisted her waist and left.

Li Shengyao glanced at the small note and then stuffed it into his pocket.

"Director, small note, small note."

Dapeng stood aside, seeing clearly and envious. How he wished Eva Green would put the note in his hand.

At this moment, several female celebrities came over to say hello to Director Li one after another.

They are all long skirts with high heels, either backless or exposed. They are all rich and generous, and will definitely not starve the children.

All of them were very charming, and they all left little notes when they left.

Dapeng was very surprised, envious, and looking forward to it at first, but then became silent.

Although they are all Asian men, the gap is really big.

Being human, I'm sorry.

I am a Luther, and Director Li is tall, rich and handsome.

Soon after, Li Shengyao led the rest of the "1937" crew into the car and went back to the hotel together.

Li Shengyao, Dapeng, and Bi Gan were in one car, and Sun Li, Xiao Mingge, and Zhang Yi were in another car.

Dapeng wiped away his envious tears and then asked: "Director, who do you choose tonight?"

Before Li Shengyao could answer, Dapeng continued: "It must be Eva Green, she is the French goddess."

There are a total of six notes in Li Shengyao's pocket, all of which were given by female artists, including beautiful country, French, deliberately stupid and Spanish duck.

He was actually a little tempted, especially Eva Green, who looked like a good teacher at first sight, and he really wanted to learn French.

However, considering the few female companions in the country, he still planned to endure it and at least not provoke other women this year.

"Don't talk nonsense. I'm not that kind of person. I'll go to bed when I get home. I'll discuss business in the morning and return home in the evening."

Tomorrow morning we will sign a contract with Raymond Pictures regarding the copyright agreement for the broadcast of "1937" in Africa.

Rest in the afternoon and fly back home in the evening.

The news that "1937" won the Palme d'Or has spread back to China.

Lee Sheung Yew received more than 200 text messages, all of which were congratulatory messages, congratulating him on winning the Palme d'Or.

There were also some text messages that included congratulations and invitations, hoping that Director Li could appear on their show or party.

He will return to China tomorrow night, and will appear on some programs to promote "1937", and then arrange for "1937" to participate in the Shanghai Film Festival. The next step is to fully promote the film, which will be officially released on July [-]st.

The highest box office of a domestic film in the Chinese market has reached more than 6 million. Lee Sheng-yew hopes that "1937" will have a box office of [-] to [-] million with the influence of Cannes Palme d'Or.

(End of this chapter)