Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 607 Acting Out His Own Role?

What are the differences between Zhang Yimou's version of "Aftershock" and Xiao Gangpao's version of "Aftershock"?
For the average viewer, there isn't much difference, since both are adapted from the novel "Aftershocks".

The structure of the entire story is the same.

But if you look closely, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye; Zhang Yimou's shots are even more meticulous.

Every shot, from which angle and color is chosen, is carefully considered.

This is called cinematic language.

Zhang Yimou is a cinematographer by training; he started out playing with lenses and is also the best person in China at playing with color.

In comparison, the small cannon is much worse in this respect.

After all, he wasn't formally trained in acting!

The brilliance of Little Steel Cannon's movies mainly lies in his dialogue.

The original version of "Aftershock" is actually a very simple story.

The movie only has the beginning part related to the earthquake, and that's how it attracts the audience.

There weren't many ups and downs after that.

But the movie is very good because it talks about human nature.

Zhang Yimou's version also stayed true to the theme; in fact, his version was even more nuanced than Feng Xiaogang's.

After all, this is what he excels at.

From the moment the earthquake struck, a mother faced a difficult choice: save her daughter or her son!

The mother wanted to save everyone, but a single sentence from the rescue team tore her heart in two.

[You think about it first, let's save the others first~]

No, save my son... save my son!

In the darkness, when the daughter heard those words, her crying suddenly stopped.

Zhang Yimou tore open the mother's heart, and he also tore open the audience's heart.

This was a choice no parent could make, but given the circumstances, it was unavoidable.
During the internal screening, everyone around me was one of our own.

Many people, upon seeing this scene, immediately assumed that the ending would be a reunion between mother and daughter.

You don't even need to be a professional; many ordinary viewers can guess it.

But that's alright. Films like "Aftershock" never win over audiences with unexpected plot twists, but rather with genuine emotions.

Even if you guess the ending, you'll still cry your eyes out.

That's what makes him truly remarkable.

In Feng Xiaogang's version, the special effects for the opening earthquake were done by a South Korean team.

In Zhang Yimou's version, the opening earthquake is entirely supported by a cube.

The related technologies were used in "2012", and the cube was more than capable of handling the special effects of "Earthquake".

In Feng Xiaogang's version, the mother is portrayed as his wife, Xu Fan.

Xu Fan's performance was good, and Xiao Gangpao even criticized the Golden Horse Awards for it.

Zhang Yimou cast Jiang Wenli, whose acting skills are superior to Xu Fan's.

Jiang Wenli also did a very good job in the movie, truly deserving of her title as a TV Queen, and being considered an evergreen in the film and television industry alongside Zhang Guoli.

As for the son and daughter, Mao Xiaotong and Zhu Yilong were used.

Although the two are new actors, Zhang Yimou is known for his ability to train actors, so their pairing is quite different from that of Zhang Jingchu and Li Chen.

As the film ended, the lights in the screening room came back on, and Zhang Chen led the applause.

Director Yi Mou stood up, clasped his hands in gratitude, and asked, "Wasn't it too bland?"

Despite being a national advisor, Zhang Yimou was quite apprehensive.

This is his first collaboration with Star Entertainment.

What is Star Entertainment?
It is hailed as the company that makes the most commercial films in China.

The top three domestically produced films were all produced by this company.

Zhang Yimou believes his understanding of film is second to none, but he still feels apprehensive when facing Zhang Chen.

If Zhang Chen says that "The Great Earthquake" was not filmed correctly, he should also have to doubt himself.

Zhang Chen, unaware of Zhang Yimou's inner thoughts, simply affirmed, "The film may seem ordinary, but it's filled with genuine emotion throughout. This is what life should be like. No wonder he's a director like Zhang Yimou; I couldn't make a film like this!"

The matter was settled in a single sentence.

Actually, films like "The Great Earthquake" are really difficult to make.

Many people assumed it would be a disaster movie, and that would be the end of it.

If this were Hollywood, it would be perfectly fine to film it this way, and there would definitely be a hero who uses his professional skills to save his family and become a hero who saves his family in a disaster.

However, since this is based on a true story, it is destined that this method cannot be used.

If you're going to make films about heroes, you have to make films about all kinds of heroes.

Police officers, soldiers, ordinary citizens, rescue workers, and even prison inmates...

This would make the story very scattered; it would be fine for a documentary, but not for a feature film.

Therefore, we had to change our perspective, not to film heroes, but to film life experiences and the human journey after the earthquake.

Zhang Yimou clearly handled this aspect well.

After reading this, everyone had the same feeling: the greatest destructive power of an earthquake is not how many buildings are damaged or how much economic loss is caused.
Rather, it causes psychological trauma to families and society.
This cannot be healed; it can only be gradually washed away by time.
Speaking of filming, Zhang Yimou gave a wry smile and recounted an incident: "During filming, the Tangshan municipal government approached me, hoping to highlight Tangshan's post-disaster reconstruction and film more of their landmarks to promote the city, but I declined..."

Zhang Chen comforted him, "It's alright. Although they accounted for a significant portion of the investment, it was stipulated in the agreement that they couldn't interfere with the filming process..."

Zhang Chen said this, but he actually noticed that Zhang Yimou had similar scenes promoting Tangshan.

They spent so much money, of course they deserve a return.

Zhang Yimou understands and will cooperate, but the premise is that it cannot affect the film's narrative.

Feng Xiaogang went a step further in this regard; "If You Are the One" was almost turned into an advertisement.

Commercially, this approach is undoubtedly very successful, but in terms of film quality, it actually sacrifices the quality of the movie, so it shouldn't complain about being criticized by the audience.

"Do you think there's anything that needs to be changed?" Zhang Yimou wanted to hear everyone's opinions.

No one spoke, and Zhang Chen shook his head as well: "I don't think it needs any changes; there aren't any major flaws."

But Zhang Yimou had clearly anticipated this: "For example, regarding the artistic aspects, I'm almost certain it will be questioned. For instance, the real Tangshan earthquake occurred at three in the morning. At that time, everyone was in disarray, some only wearing underwear, some might not even have underwear. But someone will definitely seize on this and say it's not realistic enough..."

Zhang Yimou knows best what it means to be lonely at the top.

Ever since he became famous, there has always been a group of people who dislike him, constantly hurling insults and finding fault with him.
The Beijing area is the main focus.

Zhang Yimou's movies are always met with criticism every time they're released.
And often these people are just insulting for the sake of insulting.
"Don't worry about that. We at Starry Sky Entertainment are never afraid of verbal battles. If that happens, you can step aside. We're here to help. Just be careful not to get splattered with blood..."

Zhang Chen's remarks immediately drew laughter from the crowd.

It's widely acknowledged within the industry that when it comes to mudslinging, Star Entertainment is second to none.
Hollywood once said that a company is defined by its founder.

That's absolutely right.

Star Entertainment was founded by Zhang Chen, who has been involved in countless online battles and has caused numerous public figures to fall from grace since his debut.

Along with him, all the directors under his management are all talkers, always ready to challenge anyone who disagrees.

After the internal screening, everyone booked a hotel to continue their conversation.

We talk about everything, not just movies.

We're all filmmakers, mostly directors, so we spent most of our conversations talking about movies.

Just then, Zhang Chen's phone rang.

"You guys chat, I'm going out to take this call."

Normally, Zhang Chen doesn't hide his phone calls from others, but this time was different; this time, it was Tian Zhuangzhuang calling.

Tian Zhuangzhuang is now the head of the Directing Department at Beijing Film Academy and also a master's supervisor. Professor Fu had previously asked him if he had any plans to take the postgraduate entrance exam. Zhang Chen, of course, was unwilling; academic qualifications had long since lost their meaning for him.

"Director Tian?"

Zhang Chen finally answered the phone.

Usually, if there's anything going on at school, it's Teacher Fu who calls him.

Because the school also knows that Zhang Chen's only connection with the Beijing Film Academy is Fu Donglai.

"Zhang Chen, this is Tian Zhuangzhuang. I'm calling you today because I have a favor to ask of you."

Tian Zhuangzhuang didn't mince words and went straight to the point.

"Director Tian, ​​you're too kind. Please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can help you with."

I've always been a big supporter of Beijing Film Academy.

If things aren't too complicated, Zhang Chen wouldn't mind lending a hand.

"Well, I have a student who's very capable, and I'd like to recommend him for an internship with you."

"Your student? Studying directing?"

Zhang Chen asked a pointless question.

Tian Zhuangzhuang is the head of the directing department and also a master's supervisor, so he must be supervising graduate students in the directing department.

"Yes, his business skills are excellent, so I guess I'd like to recommend him to you to broaden his horizons," Director Tian emphasized again.

"No problem, Director, you can just have him come to the company to report for duty."

Zhang Chen readily agreed, thinking it was something important, but it turned out to be just this.

This was such a trivial matter to him.

"Alright, I thank you on his behalf. I'll have him come to see you for the next few days."

"Okay, Director."

"Alright, I won't bother you anymore~"

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Chen realized he had forgotten to ask the other person's name.

After calculating the time, if I had agreed to Director Tian's request for graduate studies, this person would be my junior.

……

The next day, Zhang Chen spoke with Edland by phone.

Adeline was not only the visual effects supervisor for Pacific Rim 2, but will also be the visual effects supervisor for Inception in the future.

The two have already collaborated on three films, and Zhang Chen trusts him completely.

"Edland, how's the situation over there?"

"The special effects production for Pacific Rim 2 is progressing very smoothly and is expected to be completed in October..."

What about Inception?

"I've compiled a list of all the places that will require special effects and made it into a table, which I'm sending to you now. I've marked which ones can be done with special effects and which ones must be filmed live."

The purpose of a visual effects supervisor is to assist the director in designing and even deciding on all visual effects shots.

A movie isn't necessarily better if it has more special effects shots.

Special effects shots are basically all about money.
Zhang Chen opened his email, and the two began to discuss.

In the original timeline, Inception was a film by Christopher Nolan.

Nolan has a nickname: the "realism maniac".

This guy prefers to film real shots, even those that can be done with special effects.

Moreover, he was known for his love of film, even though digital cameras could easily replace it.

Both of these habits are notoriously expensive.

That's why he succeeded.

If he fails, these two habits will definitely become his biggest weaknesses.

As for Zhang Chen himself, he doesn't have any particular fondness for actual filming.

Use special effects whenever possible.

If it affects the overall effect, then a combination of special effects and physical objects will be considered.

As for shooting entirely on location, it's a masterpiece for Nolan, but a terrible choice for Zhang Chen.

"Wait a minute, David has something to tell you~"

When the two had finished their conversation, Edland suddenly said something, and Zhang Chen then realized that he was actually with David.

A familiar cough came from the other end of the phone; David had clearly taken the call.

"Hey David, I didn't expect you to be with Edland!"

"Hey Zhang, I'm calling you so urgently because I have something very important to tell you~"

"What is it?"

"Regarding the Inception audition, didn't you tell me to ask Matt Damon? They officially rejected my audition invitation for the male lead today..."

"Hmm? Is there a problem?"

Zhang Chen frowned.

Did Leonardo DiCaprio reject him? Did Matt Damon also reject him?
"Yes, buddy, it seems you've sensed something's wrong too. Me too, so after they rejected me, I asked a friend to help me find out, and finally I found out why they rejected us..."

"What is it?"

Zhang Chen felt that things were more complicated than he had imagined.

"It's the Weinstein brothers!"

Fearing that Zhang Chen might not understand the seriousness of the matter, David specifically emphasized, "Don't you have some kind of feud with the Harvey Weinstein brothers?"

Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon both rejected us because of our dislike of the Weinstein brothers. You can understand DiCaprio, right? He's focused on winning awards right now, and the Oscars are the Weinstein brothers' playground. It's normal that he wants to avoid us..."

Zhang Chen nodded: "What about Matt Damon?"

Before David could answer, Zhang Chen spoke up first: "Oh, I see, he's also doing it because of the Weinstein brothers."

Matt Damon's rise to prominence in Hollywood was largely thanks to the Weinstein brothers.

Without his connections, an actor of his average appearance might not have been able to make it in Hollywood, let alone in the later Bourne series.

David affirmed, "Yes, you're right."

"Hmph, hmph hmph, hmph hmph hmph~"

Zhang Chen was so angry he laughed.

He's a well-known director of films like "2012" and "Pacific Rim," and he's worked on A-list productions, yet he couldn't compete with the Weinstein brothers.

Are these Americans blind?
"Zhang, what I'm most worried about right now is, what should we do? 'Inception' has already started pre-production, but the male lead still hasn't been cast."

This is actually what David is most worried about.

Zhang Chen frowned as well: "What about the other male actors?"

But David had already anticipated this: "Christian Bale's schedule doesn't work out, Johnny Depp is also unavailable, and Tom Cruise is reportedly preparing for a new Mission: Impossible film, so that won't work either."

Things seem to have reached a stalemate; in such a large city as Hollywood, it seems impossible to find a suitable male actor.

Are we going to use second-tier products?
Zhang Chen wondered to himself, "Do I have to ask Jason to save the day again?"

He had actually considered Chen Daoming, but Chen Daoming was born in 54, which was somewhat inappropriate in terms of age.

At that moment, David unexpectedly asked, "Zhang, have you ever considered playing the male lead in 'Inception'?"

……

Sorry, I went out for fun these past two days and was too tired, so I took a two-day break from updating. I'll resume today~
(End of this chapter)