This director is vindictive.

Chapter 93: Blood dripping this moment, waves in the next second

The response to The Shallows was very good.

Of course, it all depends on the comparison with peers.

In fact, there were also many domestic horror films released during the same period. Although there seem to be only a few domestic horror films that have sold well in recent years, there are really a lot of them.

At least if you go to the cinema to buy tickets for the midnight show, you may not know whether other movies are available, but you will definitely see domestic horror movies.

In comparison, the pre-promotion of "The Shallows" was very good, with full of gimmicks, and Yang Mi's sexy wet body temptation was itself a big selling point.

So the midnight shows were really sold out in many places, especially some theaters with better locations were completely full.

"The best horror film of the year, a model of low-budget thriller!" - Douban film critic Zhou Xiaobin.

"At first, I thought The Shallows was another domestic horror film that was selling dog meat under the guise of sheep meat, and my friends even advised me to watch it first.

The opening of the movie is a ten-minute scene of sunshine, beach and bikinis. Chen Mo has a way of photographing women, showing Yang Mi's figure in 360 degrees. The sound of swallowing saliva can be heard in the cinema; there is no atmosphere of a horror movie at all.

However, I found out that I was wrong. The director definitely had some intentions. This seemingly beautiful scene was completely a foreshadowing of the destruction and disaster that followed.

Then, using the deceptive mentality of "crying wolf", he kept hinting, but kept telling the audience that it was all a false alarm.

Just when everyone let their guard down, the shark appeared!
In an instant, the beautiful scene of the beautiful bikini beauties on the sunny beach was destroyed and torn into pieces!

I have to say that the director understands the audience's psychology. He lets them appreciate the most beautiful things, and then tears them apart step by step. The scarlet blood and hideous wounds turn everything that was originally beautiful into a horrifying condiment.

The earrings and necklace used to suture the wound were so painful that it made people gasp.

The heroine swims, is attacked, and bleeds profusely, then rolls on the seabed before finally surfacing and struggling for her life. This seamless, long action shot instantly pulls us into the panic of being surrounded by enemies. This is what countless domestic horror film directors should learn from.

From the shark's initial direct attack, the film employs several "jump-to-the-face" kills over the course of ten minutes, each one treading on the audience's nerves. Waves of terror build, only to be cut short just as the critical mass is reached, a perfectly measured sense of proportion. The camera in the first half of the film floats and sinks near the surface, perfectly simulating a swimmer's perspective and maximizing the experience of being there. In the second half, as the female protagonist's movements intensify, the camera shifts to a shaky, dark, and erratic motion, maximizing the intensity of the final, race-against-the-clock rescue.

Though set on the boundless ocean, the film adheres closely to the formula of the enclosed-space thriller. The raging waves serve almost as a backdrop, with the heroine shifting between a few locations—a dead whale, a reef, a lighthouse—allowing the simple human-shark fight to flourish. The positions of hunter and prey shift repeatedly, the cunning and cunning battle of wits and courage evoking the ebb and flow of chess masters creates a sense of ebb and flow. Every foreshadowing—the poisonous jellyfish, the shark's injured mouth, the structure of the lighthouse—is fully realized, like a room-escape game, where every prop ultimately comes in handy, lending this simple, crude monster movie a touch of intellectual depth.

As a movie, it may lack a bit of substance, but as a domestic horror film, it is amazing enough! "

The score given is as high as 7.9 points!
It was even directly labeled as the "Best Horror Film of the Year".

"The Shallows is a qualified horror film, a stunning domestic horror film!" - Bai Yue, film critic of Sohu Entertainment.

"The Shallows" is a low-budget disaster film that is full of high energy, without any boring moments, and even gives you a chill down your spine after watching it.

A thriller and horror theme, a single scene, a short and high-energy plot, and sexy and hot beauties.

How does this movie, which combines thrills and temptations, keep you from blinking the entire time?
First, it's short! The film clocks in at just under 90 minutes, which is incredibly short for a theatrical release. To achieve quality, the film needs to have a tight rhythm and a small scale.

From the beginning, more than ten minutes are used to give benefits to the audience. Yang Mi has a good figure and the director shoots it even better. Such benefits can only be watched attentively, swallowing saliva from time to time, without blinking at all.

After two more false alarms, the shark appeared.

The sea water was constantly rising, and tourists who came here to seek death and have fun were swallowed by sharks again and again. She could only rely on her own strength to return to the shore a hundred meters away within a few hours.

So the scene of a bikini beauty fighting a shark was staged one after another.

The strength of The Shallows lies in the fact that the director wasn't overly ambitious, and the film's positioning was incredibly precise. He didn't try to incorporate any thought into a low-budget disaster film, so there aren't many twists and turns. A beach, a reef, and a floating tower are all the props.

All it does is give the audience the most direct sensory stimulation and visual enjoyment. The small scale of "The Shallows" appears particularly powerful here.

The plot is straightforward, the props are simple, and more emphasis is placed on viewing experience and acting skills.

Such simplicity and crudeness make the audience feel comfortable and not dragged out.

Start quickly and end quickly.

Secondly, it’s spicy! “Spicy” has two aspects.

I'm not talking about "eye-spicy", but rather pleasing to the eye in a spicy way.

One has a hot female lead, the other a ruthless shark. Some fans say the price of admission is worth it just for the sexy display of Yang Mi, not to mention the 3D film. In terms of scale, "The Shallows" isn't any bigger than "Far Cry," but why is it so compelling?

Because the director is more concerned about not presenting a perfect body to the audience directly, but grasping the true meaning of sexiness - the hidden and revealed flesh.

Sometimes he put on his clothes, sometimes he showed a little, and sometimes he tore his clothes to bandage his wounds.

The bikini physical fight with shark scene will not make you feel distracted by the "tomboy" character at all, but rather be swallowed up by the wild sexiness.

When we are so fascinated by the spiciness of Yangmi that our noses are bleeding, the spiciness of shark is particularly important to ensure sensory balance.

If Yang Mi is responsible for being beautiful, then the shark must be responsible for creating terror.

However, the fear created by the director does not come from the shark itself, but from the beach.

The film does not show too much blood and gore. Even the only blood and gore is used to make people feel pain rather than to scare people.

Even though the direct experience of the shark eating people only lasted for a short second and was so far away, I was still extremely nervous and covered my eyes throughout the whole process.

The reason is the unknown that this beach brings to the audience.

We know that people's fear actually comes from the fear of the unknown.

It’s just like the horror movies you’ve watched. What’s scary is not the ghost chasing you, but the unknown fear that comes when you know it’s right next to you but you don’t know where it is exactly.

Yang Mi didn't dare to move on the reef. Although she didn't see the shark, she knew that it was lurking at the bottom of the sea.

Several surfers were floating on the waves, and one day they were dragged to the bottom of the sea by sharks.

As the camera couldn't move, I tried shooting from the sea. The ups and downs in the sea made me feel breathless several times.

The creation and control of the atmosphere will make you always worry about our beautiful protagonist.

Those domestic horror films that are in wolves' clothing should really learn a lesson. "The Shallows" proves that it's not that the domestic environment can't produce good horror films, but that there's a lack of effort!
It is no exaggeration to say that it is the best shark movie since Jaws.

The sexy body of a beautiful woman and the fear of the unknown coexist, and the weight is just right. Who else can make such a film? "

"It's very interesting, and it gives you a bonus at the beginning. It's the best shark movie since Jaws!" - Dou Qing, film critic of Penguin Entertainment.

All three gave excellent reviews.

At the same time, the real feedback from movie fans was also surprising.

"Yang Mi's figure is really great. The wet body temptation alone is worth the price of admission, not to mention the thrilling thrills afterwards. Anyway, I'm planning to watch it again!"

"Surprise, surprise, and another surprise. Yang Mi's figure was photographed so well, which was surprising. I was also surprised that a domestic horror film could really scare me. I was also surprised that there really was a shark, and a persistent one at that! In short, this is an unexpected surprise!"

"If nothing else, this movie will definitely satisfy you. Sunshine, beaches, beauties, and giant sharks. It has everything you need. The most important thing is that the plot isn't fabricated. It's really a breath of fresh air among domestic horror films, isn't it?"

"If you want to see some goodies, just watch the first ten minutes. The rest is pure torture of the beauty. After all, in the eyes of the shark, no matter how good Yang Mi's figure is, it can't compare to being fed well!"

"The stitches on the earrings and necklace really made me stunned. No need to say anything, it's awesome!"

The first day box office of "The Shallows" is out. Thanks to the popularity of the midnight show, it injected a shot of stimulant into this unpopular period. There were no strong competitors during the same period, so the theaters naturally gave it great preferential treatment in scheduling the films.

In particular, "The Shallows" seems to be replicating the miracle of "Love is Not Blind", which makes it less pressure for theaters to add more screenings of this movie.

Unfortunately, "The Shallows" is not "Love is Not Blind", and its publicity is not as amazing as "Love is Not Blind". But even so, even in this unpopular schedule, the first day box office of "The Shallows" is still astonishing.

It’s not as high as “Love is Not Blind”, but the box office of 33 million on the first day is still the best in this deserted March!
The next day, as word of mouth spread, and there were indeed no other movies to watch during this period, the box office of "The Shallows" actually increased again, closing at 2100 million on Saturday.

Although the box office declined on the last day of the weekend, the box office of over 50 million in three days of the weekend is still amazing.

For a time, the media exclaimed that "The Shallows" might replicate the box office myth of "Love is Not Blind".

Of course, the biggest beneficiary of this drama is not Chen Mo, but Yang Mi.

If "Far Cry" made people realize that Yang Mi can be not only fresh and clean, but also sexy, then "The Shallows" made her completely famous!

Even the crews that Yang Mi had previously refused to act in have re-invited her and even said that they can postpone the filming time.

In just a few days, Yang Mi's sexy photos and the poster of "The Shallows" became the treasures of countless LSPs!

The label of sexy goddess is firmly pinned on Yang Mi's head.

Of course, what followed were film offers from various parties, but Yang Mi didn't dare to accept any of them this time. Although the pay offered by many projects far exceeded her expectations, they were almost all films of the same type.

In the hotel room, Chen Mo and Yang Mi concluded another in-depth discussion. They couldn't really say they had any feelings for each other, but that didn't stop them from engaging in friendly discussion.

As soon as Yang Mi turned on her cell phone, it started ringing non-stop.

"When will you shoot your next movie?" Yang Mi tasted the benefits brought by "The Shallows" and naturally knew who was responsible for all this.

"No rush, but haven't you taken on a lot of roles? Do you still have time to act?" Chen Mo said playfully.

"If it's the female lead, I'll play it." Yang Mi looked at Chen Mo coquettishly.

"Go to bed, you can dream about anything!" Chen Mo stretched out his hand and pinched the big secret, patted her plump breasts, and said unhappily.

"Can I play Ye Lanqiu in "The Lost Tomb"? " Yang Mi was not angry at all. Instead, she came up to him and said in a coquettish tone.

"No!" Unfortunately, Lang was as hard-hearted as iron. Chen Mo never thought of letting Yang Mi play the role of Ye Lanqiu.

He didn't even plan to use Yang Mi in this drama, because he knew that in a movie like "The Shallows", where the female lead plays a solo role, Yang Mi might not have to act in it, but if it was just a supporting role, she would definitely not turn down other roles.

People's Artist? Just her?

Having worked with Chen Mo before, I have some understanding of her. She definitely can't do it.

"What about Yang Jiaqi? Chen Ruoxi?" Yang Mi asked with some reluctance.

"If you don't want to make a scene, I can consider it." Chen Mo didn't remove the ruthless person, but still gave her a chance.

"Isn't it enough that I promise to be available whenever you call me?" Yang Mi was still unwilling.

"No! There's no room for negotiation on this!" Chen Mo shook his head. What a joke, you think you can get the role just by sparring with me?

He, Chen Mo, and the unspoken rules are irreconcilable, okay?

"Have you rested well?" Chen Mo turned around and asked.

"Ah?" Before Yang Mi could react, Chen Mo started a new round of attack.

The unpopular schedule will always have some impact. On weekdays, the box office of "The Shallows" began to drop sharply. Although the decline is acceptable, it is almost impossible to expect this movie to replicate the box office miracle of "Love is Not Blind".

However, even so, "The Shallows" surpassed the domestic horror film box office record holder "Far Cry" on the seventh day of its release, and achieved the feat of a domestic horror film breaking the 100 million yuan box office in the first week.

Entering its second weekend, "The Shallows" still had a daily box office revenue of tens of millions, continuing to move towards 2 million.

Finally, after a month of screening, the box office of "The Shallows" successfully exceeded 2 million yuan, more than doubling the box office record of domestic horror films.

As for Chen Mo, although "The Shallows" did not create another box office myth like "Love is Not Blind", in fact, it is not much different.

After all, "The Shallows" is just a domestic horror film. To have such a result is even more outrageous than "Love Is Not Blind" to some extent.

For the film and television industry, Chen Mo's value has increased again with the huge sales of "The Shallows".

His next film naturally became their important target.

The box office of "The Shallows" actually exceeded Chen Mo's expectations. It can only be said that it is good to lean on a big tree for shade. The joint efforts of several companies have made "The Shallows" soar all the way in terms of publicity and distribution, as well as screening schedules.

Before "The Shallows" was completely released, several companies called to inquire about Chen Mo's plans for his next film.

The 2 million RMB celebration party for "The Shallows" was even more luxurious than the lineup of "Love is Not Blind".

Compared to the last time, most of the people who came were bigwigs from the entertainment industry and film and television companies. This time, there were more than just the CEOs of several film and television companies, and each of them brought people with them. All of them were their leading female artists, and there were also many uninvited celebrity artists. It was truly a star-studded event.

It is understandable. After all, the previous "Love is Not Blind" was produced by Pony.com, but this time "The Shallows" is a film co-produced by several companies.

It can also be considered as half of their home court.

As the 2 million ice sculpture was smashed, thunderous applause broke out at the scene.

Chen Mo could feel the burning gazes looking towards him.

When you succeed, you are surrounded by good people and everything they say sounds nice.

Of course, in addition to Chen Mo, the absolute protagonist, Yang Mi has also become the object of many people's support in the crowd.

After all, she has proven her ability to carry the box office single-handedly, for two films in a row, so it's not just luck. Of course, Yang Mi's own communication skills are also a factor.

None of these female stars who have a place in the entertainment industry in later generations are simple.

For example, the one in front of Chen Mo is worthy of being called Fan Binbin, an international model. She is really beautiful. Of course, what surprised Chen Mo even more is that she actually came with Wang Jinhua.

You know, she and Wang Jinhua had parted ways a long time ago, but unexpectedly, Wang Jinhua still brought her here.

"I've always wanted to meet Director Chen, but unfortunately I never had the chance, so I asked Sister Hua to bring me here. Congratulations to Director Chen for setting another box office record." Fan Binbin, dressed in a strapless mermaid evening gown, said with a hint of coquettishness.

"Ms. Fan, I have heard of your great name for a long time. You are even more beautiful than I imagined." Chen Mo greeted with a smile.

Business blows off each other.

To be honest, she is indeed the most special among the female stars in the Chinese entertainment and film and television circles.

Of course, she is beautiful, but it has little to do with Chen Mo.

Of course, she was interested. After all, at that time, Fan Binbin was already an "international style". Although it was mostly hype, her aura was indeed strong. With the aura of a star, coupled with her own beauty, this kind of woman might be one of the most desirable objects for many men, right?
"Director Chen, just call me Binbin. Yang Mi in 'The Shallows' has almost become the definition of sexiness under Director Chen's lens. As soon as this movie came out, Director Chen became the director that all female artists most wanted to work with." Fan Binbin obviously knows how to use her advantages as a woman. Her seductiveness is revealed in her glances.

"That's because she has a good figure. Otherwise, even a good cook cannot cook without rice." Chen Mo said with a smile.

"Director Chen, what do you think of my figure?" Fan Binbin suddenly asked with a smile, puffing out her chest slightly.

"Of course it's good." For some reason, Chen Mo suddenly thought of her part in "Apple".

"Then I wonder if Binbin has the honor to work with Director Chen once?" Fan Binbin asked Chen Mo with his fox eyes looking straight at him.

The real purpose has finally been revealed.

Of course, she couldn't be unaware of Chen Mo's new film, and she also went to read the novel "The Lost Internet".

She would definitely not be interested in a movie like "The Shallows", but a movie adapted from the novel "The Lost Tomb" is completely different.

Chen Mo looked at Fan Binbin, then shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, although I'm looking forward to working with Miss Binbin, there's no role suitable for you in the new play."

"No? I really like the role of Ye Lanqiu. Director Chen, can you give me a chance?" Fan Binbin was not surprised to hear this. Many people were watching Chen Mo's movies. It would be too naive to want to impress Chen Mo with just a few words.

But opportunities are earned, and she has her own advantages.

In terms of fame, she is not inferior to others, and in terms of acting skills, she is also an award-winning female artist.

The movies she has acted in are not comparable to those acted by Yang Mi.

"I'm afraid I'll disappoint you. I already have someone in mind for this role, and this role isn't suitable for you." Chen Mo shook his head.

He was telling the truth. He was not opposed to working with Fan Binbin, but he would give up on the role of Ye Lanqiu.

In this movie in his previous life, Chen Mo might not have liked the version played by Chen Shishi, but the role of Ye Lanqiu was really a good choice.

Even now, Chen Mo's first choice is still the original Da Meiyuan.

It’s not that Fan Binbin is not as beautiful as Da Meiyuan, but in terms of aura and style, the two are completely two different types.

"Can you tell me who I lost to?" Fan Binbin asked with some reluctance.

"Sorry!" Chen Mo shook his head. "Are you kidding? Are we very familiar with each other? If I tell you about this kind of thing in advance, who knows if there will be any unexpected consequences."

He did not underestimate Fan Binbin's ability.

But Fan Binbin still didn't give up. In fact, although she is known as an international model, her film resources have actually not been that good!

Some people say that it is because she is a commercial star and has many hot topics, but she really does not have strong acting skills. But in fact, that is all nonsense.

The real problem is that she doesn't have many resources in this area.

She has participated in quite a few movies now, but if you look closely, none of them seem to be of high quality.

Although Chen Mo's current background and influence are not as good as those big directors, his two consecutive movies have been box office hits, making him one of the hottest commercial film directors. The key is that Chen Mo has not yet been completely acquired by any company, and he himself is also one of the investors, so this is already one of the best resources she can access.

(End of this chapter)