Literary Master 1978.

Chapter 436 A stroke of genius
People in later generations commented on the mainland entertainment circle and said that this circle is the most feudal place in China.

But in Hong Kong, the situation is different.

While being feudal, it is also full of the spirit of the underworld, where human relationships and face are more important than anything else.

Maggie Cheung's appearance and age were far from those of important female characters in the film, but since Chen Ziqiang came to her and was so humble, Xu Guanwen was embarrassed to refuse her outright.

Perhaps seeing Xu Guanwen's embarrassment, Ann Hui said: "Brother Willie, The Truman Show is a one-man show by Michael, and the female characters don't really have much presence."

"Maggie's current acting skills can't support any role with a sense of presence..."

Chen Ziqiang responded with two sentences, and seeing that Xu Guanwen and Xu Anhua, the two soul figures of the crew, both looked embarrassed, he knew that he might not get this role.

Although he was disappointed, he still had a smile on his face. He was about to say a few polite words and then take Maggie Cheung away. At this time, Tao Yushu, who had been sitting aside with little presence, opened his mouth.

"The character of Roland..."

As soon as Tao Yushu spoke, everyone's eyes immediately focused on her. Seeing this, her face hesitated and she didn't continue speaking.

Lin Chaoyang gently squeezed her hand, and the couple exchanged glances and reached a tacit understanding.

Tao Yushu then said, "I think Miss Zhang is quite suitable for the role of Roland."

Roland is Truman's first love girlfriend when he was in school in the movie. She doesn't appear many times, but she is different from his wife who completely deceived Truman.

Roland loves Truman and tells Truman that the world he lives in is fake.

In a movie like "The Truman Show" which is full of cunning, deceit and ugly human nature, Roland's existence is a rare bright spot, and she is also a kind of redemption for Truman.

Although she is the second female lead, this character is even more outstanding because of her pleasing setting.

Tao Yushu only appeared in Golden Harvest in the last two days. Lin Chaoyang accounted for 10% of the investment in the film with the script. After the crew was established, he proposed that she be one of the producers of the crew.

Ann Hui frowned as she listened to Tao Yushu's words. She respected Lin Chaoyang very much.

But through communication over the past few days, she also realized that Tao Yushu knew little about the film industry.

She rarely participated in the discussions these past two days, and was mainly listening and learning. Today, for some reason, she suddenly said that Maggie Cheung was suitable for the role of Roland.

Although she knew that refuting Tao Yushu now might give Chen Ziqiang the impression that she was deliberately making things difficult, out of a responsible attitude towards the film, Ann Hui still asked:

"Mrs. Lin, why do you think Miss Zhang is suitable for the role of Roland?"

Tao Yushu glanced at Lin Chaoyang again, as if to cheer himself up.

"I think Miss Zhang has a kind of innocence in the movie, which is similar to Roland's courage to risk his life for love. If she uses this innocence to interpret the character of Roland's selfless love, it may produce unexpected results."

While Tao Yushu was speaking, Ann Hui looked at Maggie Cheung, sizing her up with a scrutinizing gaze.

Not only her, but everyone else in the office feels the same way.

Feeling everyone's gazes, Maggie Cheung couldn't help but adjust her posture slightly.

Chen Ziqiang, who was already disappointed and ready to leave, did not expect such a sudden turn of events. Although he knew the identities of Lin Chaoyang and his wife when they were introduced to each other, he did not expect that the other party would actually offer to help.

Chen Ziqiang couldn't help but feel a little hopeful.

Her eyes lingered on Maggie Cheung for a few seconds before Ann Hui asked again, "Mrs. Lam, don't you think Miss Cheung looks too young?"

Hearing this, Chen Ziqiang, who had been somewhat happy, felt his heart sink again.

Even Maggie Cheung, who had been secretly delighted just now, was now filled with anxiety.

At this time, Tao Yushu said calmly: "Director Xu, I actually think that Miss Zhang's youth is not a bad thing."

"Huh?" Ann Hui didn't understand what he meant, and the others also looked confused.

“The Truman Show itself is absurd.

We can think of it this way, Truman and Roland originally knew each other when they were in school. As the plot progresses, Roland appears from time to time, and she still looks as young as when she met Truman.

So in Truman's subjective world, Roland has always been young, which is actually an explanation."

Ann Hui's eyebrows were knitted together, thinking about Tao Yushu's words in her heart. After a long while, she said, "You mean that we can use Miss Zhang's appearance to give the audience another interpretation, that is, all this may actually be Truman's imagination."

"That's right!" Tao Yushu nodded vigorously. "I suggest that it would be best if Roland's costume and makeup and hair style remain the same for each of his appearances."

After hearing her words, Ann Hui couldn't help but light a cigarette for herself and sat there thinking for a while.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt that Tao Yushu's idea was brilliant, and the more excited she felt. This treatment was equivalent to adding an open imagination space to the movie that originally had a fixed ending.

At the end of the script, the director told Truman that after leaving Utopia, the world he would face would not necessarily be freer and more beautiful than the world on Utopia.

But Truman still took that step without hesitation, and the plot reached a perfect ending.

As for Truman's experience after leaving Utopia, it is left to the audience's imagination by the script and the movie.

Now, with Tao Yushu's idea, the direction of the script has more room for imagination.

That is, maybe all this is Truman's imagination? Maybe he simply doesn't have the courage to leave Utopia Island?

Ann Hui's mind was thinking rapidly. Because she was too excited, she took a long puff of the cigarette and exhaled.

The swirling smoke spread and extended in front of her eyes, and the hearts of everyone present were made nervous by her solemn attitude.

"This treatment..." As soon as Ann Hui spoke, everyone's eyes were immediately focused on her. "Very good! It's a stroke of genius!"

As she spoke, she looked at Tao Yushu, her eyes full of admiration.

She originally thought that Tao Yushu was an outsider, but she didn't expect that he would come up with such a unique idea in a flash of inspiration.

"If Mrs. Lin were a screenwriter, she would definitely be no worse than Mr. Lin!" Tao Yushu felt a little embarrassed by Xu Anhua's face-to-face praise, but he still spoke modestly and gracefully.

"Director Xu, then you look at Maggie..." Chen Ziqiang, who was waiting on the side, suddenly asked.

Ann Hui whispered to Xu Guanwen for a few words, and finally she said, "Then let Miss Zhang play the role of Roland."

Hearing this, Maggie Cheung's face was full of surprise, and Chen Ziqiang also showed a relieved smile on his face. He walked forward and shook hands with Ann Hui and Hui Kwun-man.

"Thank you Director Xu and Brother Michael!"

As he spoke, he came to Lin Chaoyang and his wife again and said sincerely, "Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin, thank you so much for coming today."

Maggie Cheung also followed behind Chen Ziqiang, expressing her gratitude step by step. She couldn't help but secretly look at Tao Yushu, wanting to look but feeling embarrassed.

"You're welcome, both of you."

After expressing his gratitude, Chen Ziqiang struck while the iron was hot and discussed the schedule and remuneration with Ann Hui.

Maggie Cheung has acted in several movies and has gained some fame. If she were to star in an ordinary commercial movie, her salary would be at least 100,000 to 80,000 Hong Kong dollars.

However, the investment in "The Truman Show" was not high to begin with. In order not to cut production costs, the actors were paid very little. Even Xu Guanwen only received a symbolic salary of 10 Hong Kong dollars.

You have to know that with his fame and status, the salary for starring in any movie starts at one million, and it would be even more if the box office dividends are included.

Therefore, in the end, Maggie Cheung's salary was set at 3 Hong Kong dollars.

In order to gain a foothold in the film industry, it is normal for some less famous actors to reduce their pay to film movies.

As for schedule, Maggie Cheung has no other film contract for the time being. Chen Ziqiang said that after she terminates her contract with Shaw Brothers, she will fully cooperate with the crew.

After talking about business, Chen Ziqiang happily offered to treat everyone to a meal.

The favor has been done, and if someone wants to treat you to a meal, of course you have to give them face.

Chen Ziqiang decided to hold the dinner at the Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen, which is famous for its three famous sea pleasure boats anchored in Deep Cove.

In the 1980s and 1990s, this seafood restaurant was used as a filming location for Hong Kong movies many times. Audiences who have watched "The God of Cookery" should be impressed by the final showdown scene in the movie, which was filmed at Jumbo Floating Restaurant.

Lin Chaoyang and his companions arrived in the evening, when it had just gotten dark. The retro hull, magnificent decoration, and bright lights of the ship, and the surrounding sea were magnificent under the lights of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant.

In order to help Maggie Cheung get the role, Chen Ziqiang treated her to a dinner party. Not only were he and Maggie Cheung invited, but he also invited Jacky Cheung to join them.

Now, Cheng Long, who has just turned 30, is already a top star in the Hong Kong film industry. As soon as he appears, people can feel his high spirits. He is followed by several martial arts brothers, looking very majestic.

What impressed people most about him was his shiny hair and big nose, as well as his warm smile when he spoke. He greeted everyone warmly when he met them.

As soon as the banquet started, he became the main force of the day, toasting everyone in turn.

He came today to help Chen Ziqiang to support the occasion. This kind of outward enthusiasm is a necessary skill for Hong Kong artists to socialize nowadays.

"Brother Michael, the new movie is a big hit!"

Cheng Long's style of toasting is very rough. He basically drinks a glass of wine after saying a word, which is full of the underworld habits of the Hong Kong film industry at that time.

After finishing the drink, the two chatted for a while.

Xu Guanwen was planning a transformation, and so was Cheng Long, except that he was one step faster than Xu Guanwen in his transformation.

Cheng Long became famous with "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow", and later made a series of comedy action movies of this type, including "Drunken Master", "Fist of Fury", and "Young Master", all of which achieved remarkable results.

During this period, his image has always been that of a "Kung Fu Boy" in the old colony who punishes evil and eliminates evil. His inimitable comedy, stunts and affinity have become his trademarks.

This made him another Kung Fu star in the Hong Kong film industry after Bruce Lee, and he gained huge influence in Southeast Asia.

But these works and achievements made Cheng Long famous, but also restricted his image and acting style.

If he wants to become a Kung Fu superstar with worldwide influence like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan must break limitations and create a style that is more unique to him.

So in 1983, Cheng Long wrote, directed and starred in "Project A", portraying the Republic of China policeman Ma Rulong who hated evil. The movie was a huge success after its release, and Cheng Long's transformation was exceptionally smooth.

This year, Cheng Long started filming "Police Story" again. This time, the story style has changed even more, from the original Republican comedy action to an urban realist style.

This change in his works also largely represents the shift in narrative style and depth of Hong Kong films.

After chatting with Xu Guanwen for a few words, Cheng Long raised his glass and toasted to other people, all the way to Lin Chaoyang.

"Mr. Lin, let me offer you a glass of wine!"

"You're welcome!"

The two of them drank a glass of wine happily.

"Ho!"

After a round of toasts, even Cheng Long, who could drink a lot, could not hold back. Fortunately, he finished the round of drinks, which gave Chen Ziqiang enough face.

With Cheng Long's opening, Chen Ziqiang asked Maggie Cheung to toast everyone.

In comparison, she, a rookie, was much more clumsy. After a few drinks, her face turned pale and her eyes were a little confused.

When it was her turn to drink with Lin Chaoyang, Tao Yushu advised: "I think Miss Zhang can't hold her liquor, so let's drink this glass of wine another day."

Tao Yushu's consideration made Maggie Cheung drink one less glass of wine, and she looked at Tao Yushu with some gratitude in her eyes.

For some reason, her eyes always made Tao Yushu feel familiar, and he inexplicably thought of the tabby cat he fed with steamed bread made of two kinds of flour when he was in the countryside.

(End of this chapter)