Actor: Thank you.

Zhang Yuan's method of interacting with Mickey Rourke was still the same as the methods used in China.

First, try to get close to them by posing as a fan.

It's basically about lowering your own position to make the other person more comfortable.

If you need someone's help, there's nothing to regret about humbling yourself.

I asked for an autograph and took a photo with him first.

He even had his assistant buy a set of "The Wrestler"... the film in which the other party won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor, and had the other party sign it.

The guy was delighted as soon as he saw the CD set.

Because he himself was very satisfied with the play.

Actually, it wasn't just him.

From the actors and directors to the audience and judges, everyone is quite satisfied with this play, and the word-of-mouth is very consistent.

Although the film is called "The Wrestler," it is actually an art film.

The director is Darren Aronofsky, who directed two masterpieces, Requiem for a Dream and the later Black Swan.

This guy is particularly good at filming content that depicts human inner struggles, desires, and distortions.

In particular, the filming techniques in "Requiem for a Dream" and "Black Swan" express the inner contradictions of humanity through stream-of-consciousness cinematic techniques.

It stands out in the world of cinema and is used as a teaching material by many.

Many horror films and games in later generations have borrowed Darren Aronofsky's style, even though he didn't make horror films.

According to him, The Wrestler and Black Swan are "sister films".

It's like two separate entities, just like Jiang Wen's "The Sun Also Rises" and "Let the Bullets Fly".

Different in form, but the same in essence.

In any case, these three films, especially "Requiem for a Dream", are must-see movies for aspiring film buffs.

Chinese people especially should watch this film, because although the title is ambiguous, it is actually a thoroughly anti-drug movie.

To make it clear to all viewers that the result of drug use is that men become thieves, women become prostitutes, and people become neither human nor ghost.

Zhang Yuan plans to invite all his artists to watch the play at his new house after the renovation is completed.

We need to put the artists on high alert.

Now, he is having a detailed conversation with Mickey Rourke about the filming details of "The Wrestler".

So much so that while everyone else was finishing up and about to leave, the two of them were still chatting.

"What's up with this Chinese kid?" the black guy asked, somewhat confused.

"They just like good actors," Lundgren replied nonchalantly.

He overheard their discussion and had a general idea of ​​what they were talking about.

Technical exchanges were definitely involved, but Zhang Yuan's discussion of the play with the other party was also "catering to their interests."

One of the key reasons Mickey Rourke won the Best Actor award for this film is that it is considered his "autobiographical" movie.

"The Wrestler" tells the story of a washed-up, down-on-his-luck wrestler who was once very famous.

They want to find an old rival and recreate the legendary battle of the past to make money.

But he first had health problems, coupled with his relationship with his daughter, his feelings for a stripper, and his expectations for the wrestling profession.

Despite knowing his physical limitations, he still went on stage to compete while suffering from illness.

It's not just about money, but also about regaining the glory that once belonged to them.

He fondly recalled the thunderous and enthusiastic support from the audience when he was on stage.

This is human nature; that is why the best end for a general is to die on the battlefield.

It is far better to die on the battlefield than to wither away in a nursing home or a hospital bed.

This is true not only abroad, but also in China.

Many veterans who had fought countless battles ended up as "living dead" in special wards.

The family hopes to live one more day, because as long as they are alive, the relationship will continue.

The hospital also wanted the veterans to live, because they could use the pretext of treating the veterans to submit reports to higher authorities for special approval of any medical equipment, medicines, and even personnel.

As long as you have a breath left, there will be a bunch of people around you who will squeeze every last bit of value out of you.

The Wrestler tells the story of an aging warrior who ultimately uses his life to regain his glory.

There are also reconciliations and disagreements with family and loved ones.

Zhang Yuan watched it many times, especially the scene where the actress who later played Aunt May, Spider-Man's aunt, danced as a stripper in the film... it was very memorable.

Mickey Rourke himself gave up his acting career to pursue his boxing dream, which resulted in disfigurement.

Therefore, when he acted in this film, he felt the emotions deeply, and his performance was so delicate and rich that it would be an injustice if he didn't win the Best Actor award.

The audience also agreed, especially those who were familiar with him and whose experiences moved them deeply.

Zhang Yuan was also moved.

The point that struck me was that I couldn't afford to get seriously injured while filming action scenes and become paralyzed in my old age.

We talked for several hours that night.

The next day, Zhang Yuan filmed a few more action scenes, and his cameo appearance was completed.

Overall, although real fighting is required, the work atmosphere is relatively relaxed.

Later, Lao Li went to Brazil with the crew for location shooting. They only filmed for an average of one hour a day, and the crew would reimburse all expenses for the 10-person team members they could bring.

This is the treatment Hollywood A-listers receive.

Why did Li Lianjie return to China? When he signed with the film crew, he also requested a fixed working hour.

Having gotten used to a good life, who would want to work 996 again?

Rumors circulated that Li Lianjie received a $1000 million salary for filming "The Expendables".

The initial total budget for this film was only $5000 million, but later, because Stallone brought in enough stars, the investment was increased to over $6000 million, but less than $7000 million.

The extra money was used for publicity and promotion.

The production cost is just over 5000 million.

Li Lianjie received $1000 million by himself?
is it possible?
This is all nonsense spread by self-media.

Zhang Yuan certainly wouldn't ask Lao Li how much he would be paid, but he estimated it would be a few million US dollars, definitely not more than 500.

The next day, while Mickey Rourke was filming, Zhang Yuan, though he had already finished filming, didn't leave and watched from the sidelines with a smile.

Li Lianjie, holding a thermos, squinted at him.

A moment later, they got close enough to speak.

"What are you trying to do, kid?"

Having been in the underworld for so many years, he's got a cunning eye.

"Hehe, I can't fool you," Zhang Yuan replied with a simple smile. "I'd like to invite him to act in my production."

"Him?" Old Li's reaction was similar to that of anyone else who heard about it.

incredible.

Then, his signature eyes rolled around.

Li Lianjie often did this.

Moreover, it wasn't just him; all of his brothers had similar expressions.

In any case, this is a quick assessment of the situation.

"Oh, it's good to have ideas."

"You handle it yourself." After saying that, he blew on the water in his thermos, drank it, and stopped asking questions.

Zhang Yuan understood that Lao Li didn't want to get involved in this.

They wouldn't speak up for him either, because they found it troublesome.

"I knew you had this kind of personality..." Zhang Yuan knew this in his heart. If it were Chen Long who heard him say this, he would have already dragged him to chat with someone.

It's alright. Everyone has their own ambitions, and we can't force them.

Zhang Yuan watched others filming and flirted with a heavily tattooed older woman, acting like a flirt.

Even after the film crew took a break, he continued watching.

"Are you interested in Jessica?"

Mickey Rourke was quite pleased with his compliments yesterday, felt they got along well, and was very polite to him.

Seeing him staring at the female supporting actress, he smiled and stepped forward.

"If you'd like, we can talk. North American women are probably more open-minded than Chinese girls."

"Forget it." Zhang Yuan waved his hand.

He stared at the other person, observing whether their two spheres were natural or technological.

While North American heavy tanks are exciting, they consume too much fuel.

Moreover, many of them are "rune warriors," and Zhang Yuan doesn't really like girls with tattoos, especially large tattoos.

Although there are quite a few people with tattoos in the performing arts industry.

Because the performing arts are inherently imbued with a sense of江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and江湖义气, a code of honor among the underworld), and their slang is all the same.

Moreover, traditional practices involve a lot of superstition, so tattoos aren't the kind that are randomly done in small shops; they are done according to one's beliefs.

However, Zhang Yuan refused to engage in such activities. If he wanted to pursue an official career or follow the proper path, he should not get involved in these things.

Brother Qian, and his entire lineage, don't have tattoos. So, while Master Guo has a tattoo, Young Master Guo doesn't, because his mentor is Yu Qian.

That's the benefit of having a good mentor.

Actually, there's another reason why Mr. Guo got his tattoo.

I wish to have a child!

Wang Hui had always wanted a child, but had not been able to conceive, so she went to Siam to find a master.

The specific process was quite complicated, but in the end it was successful.

Why do I spoil my youngest son so much? Because it took a lot of effort to get him.

I don't know how much money they spent or how many feudal and superstitious things they did.

"No, I prefer girls who are more reserved," Zhang Yuan said, waving his hand.

Besides, I need to talk about work; I don't have time to play around with women.

He then dragged Mickey out for a drink, and then his true colors were revealed.

"Hey, I feel like we get along really well."

"Are you interested in filming in China?"

"I have a movie here, and there's a role that's perfect for you."

Zhang Yuan briefly explained that the villain Tornado in Ip Man 2 is an English boxing champion.

My brother is a boxing expert, so it's a good fit.

Mickey was initially quite interested in the idea of ​​getting a role.

If you can make money, what's wrong with that?

But upon hearing that he was a villain, he still cast Zhang Yuan as a supporting character.

Playing a supporting role to Sylvester Stallone is one thing, but playing a supporting role to you, a young Chinese person, is quite another.

Even award-winning actors have their pride.

After listening, I lost interest.

But they still politely said they would think about it and planned to delay.

If he's no longer needed, that's fine; if he keeps watching, then we'll find another excuse.

It's a relatively decent approach.

This reaction was within Zhang Yuan's expectations.

To his surprise, his older brother's personality wasn't as tough and decisive as he appeared; he didn't refuse on the spot.

Zhang Yuan secretly cheered in his heart.

This personality trait is advantageous to me!
For the next few days, he continued to go and chat with his older brother whenever he had free time.

Despite his intimidating appearance, he's quite patient.

“Brother Zhang Yuan, isn’t it a bit much that you keep asking for favors like this…” In the hotel, the assistant frowned as he saw his boss smiling and begging for help for days without making any progress.

"A bit cheap?"

"You can't say that, but there's a bit of that."

Zhang Yuan: …

He rubbed his temples: "Even Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang three times."

"He's a world-class movie star, it's not easy to get him to come out of retirement, that's normal."

"If you don't even have this much patience, you can't accomplish great things."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

He's currently taking a gradual approach, focusing on building a good relationship first.

They treat you to meals and drinks, and they chat with you all the time.

Use words to move the other person.

This is a common tactic used by investors and directors to cast stars in films.

But since Zhang Yuan dared to come and speak, it must have been more than just sincerity.

No matter how sincere you are, if they don't agree, they simply won't agree; at most, they'll appreciate your kindness.

Or like when he came to "The Expendables," I don't star in it, but I make a cameo appearance to repay a favor.

Being able to do that is considered quite sophisticated in the entertainment industry.

I did this for more than 10 days in a row.

Everyone in the crew knew that this guy stayed even after filming wrapped, spending all his time with Mickey Rourke.

They all suspected that Zhang Yuan might have a problem with his sexual orientation.

Some people asked the older brother and found out that he wanted to find someone to act in a movie.

This is more embarrassing.

The role of "Tornado" could actually be played by most of the supporting actors in The Expendables.

Zhang Yuan, however, stared intently at Mickey Rourke.

This gave the rest of the people a bit of an idea.

Randy, who plays the "toll road" role, was brought in; he's the one who specializes in Greco-Roman wrestling.

He volunteered, saying he could act, as long as the money was right.

People who switch from other majors to the film and television industry don't have high requirements for acting; they're willing to do anything as long as they can make money.

Zhang Yuan politely declined, saying that the role was designed for Mickey Rourke and that he was a big fan of him.

Later, several other people came to "recommend" themselves, but he turned them all down.

Such "persistence" made Mickey Rourke increasingly embarrassed.

His role wasn't very big, and he was leaving the crew after filming wrapped up that day.

I had a final meal with Zhang Yuan and we talked about filming.

"I think Randy and Lundgren would be very suitable for the work you mentioned."

“You can consider them.”

"My schedule is very tight; I have three film contracts."

"And you might not be able to accept my salary," he said frankly.

Don't let his polite demeanor fool you; he had quite a temper when he was younger.

How could a boxer not have a temper?

He's also the kind of person who spends money like water.

After being seriously injured and forced to retire, he also experienced a period of "confusion" upon returning to the film industry.

In early 08, when Marvel approached him to discuss "Iron Man 2," they offered him a salary of only $25.

Because they believed he was past his prime.

The low price was also the reason why he was one of the first actors cast by the production team.

Not long after he signed the contract, The Wrestler was released, and he won the Best Actor award.

This person contacted their agent and directly threatened Marvel with breach of contract, demanding a higher salary.

They eventually increased it to $4 million, more than ten times the original amount.

Just like Robert Downey Jr., when he filmed "Iron Man 1", he was a washed-up drug addict and his salary was only $50.

But after becoming famous, his salary for his second film skyrocketed to $1000 million.

Why does everyone want to be a star?
Once you become famous, you'll make a fortune!
This is still the price for acting in Hollywood blockbusters, where the production company is holding back the fees.

If your production team wants to invite him to "come out of retirement," you'll definitely have to offer him a higher salary.

So his statement that Zhang Yuan couldn't accept his salary wasn't unfounded.

The total budget for "Ip Man 2" was just over 3000 million, which is still in Chinese Yuan.

The total is only around 400 million US dollars, which may not even cover his salary alone.

“I know you’re not cheap right now.”

“This is what you deserve, based on your acting skills,” Zhang Yuan said, still praising you.

"But I believe you would be willing to lower your fee for me."

"Oh?" Mickey Rourke chewed on a toothpick, shook his head, and thought for a moment.

"I don't like men."

Zhang Yuan: …

How do you think I'm going to bribe you?
"I don't like men either," Zhang Yuan stated his position with a serious expression.

He has actually been "fishing" these past few days to show his sincerity.

Only when you are sincere enough can you throw out the real bait.

Otherwise, even if there is bait, the effect may not be good.

“What I mean is…” Then his expression softened, he leaned closer, and looked at the other person with a cunning look.

"I'll give you a reason you can't refuse." (End of Chapter)