madnovel Chapter 88 Movies I Can't Understand
Chapter 88 Movies I Can't Understand
Chapter 87 Movies I Can't Understand
As we all know, Andy Lau's own film company has never been very good at making investments, basically losing money on every film it invests in, which has almost given him a psychological trauma.
He refused to believe it was bad luck and planned to use this opportunity to invest in Zhang Junxin's new film. If he lost money again this time, he would be completely convinced.
Zhang Jun wanted the huge investment required for the film, so he didn't refuse Andy Lau.
So Andy Lau also joined the film. His own film company invested ten million, and he himself did not have to play the male lead. After the male and female leads were settled, the remaining roles went much more smoothly.
Upon learning that Zhang Jun was looking for an action choreographer, Andy Lau recommended Chin Ka-lok.
"Although he has never officially served as an action director, he is very experienced, having worked in the martial arts industry for many years, and can handle all styles and types," said Andy Lau.
"Since you recommended it, it must be good."
Zhang Jun immediately met with Chin Ka-lok, who was currently unemployed, for a detailed discussion, and asked him to design several fight scenes with a few Hong Kong stuntmen. These included hand-to-hand combat and sword fighting.
Chin Ka-lok doesn't have the arrogance of other Hong Kong filmmakers. These days, jobs are hard to find, and everyone is struggling to make ends meet.
If you continue to act superior and think you're some kind of big shot, you'll eventually be looked down upon by others.
If you want to make money, you have to be humble, otherwise the brothers will have nothing to eat.
He knew that Andy Lau was giving him an opportunity, so he and his brothers worked very hard to design several different sets of moves. Some were ruthless, some were graceful, and some were close to real combat style.
After watching it, Zhang Jun expressed his satisfaction, clapping his hands and saying, "Not bad, very exciting. Would you be willing to film this in mainland China?"
Sensing the expectant looks from his brothers, Chin Ka-lok nodded: "No problem, wherever you say, we'll go."
"That's a very nice thing to say."
Zhang Jun joked, "I'd like to go to Mars too, but I can't!"
As soon as he said that, everyone laughed, and the atmosphere became much more relaxed.
Zhang Jun and Qian Jiale agreed that after New Year's Day, he would lead his stunt brothers north to Hengdian to gather and begin the preliminary action design.
I'll send you a copy of the script.
Zhang Jun and Qian Jiale said, "I have always believed that action scenes should serve the story. I hope that after you finish reading the script, you can design a set of action scenes that conform to the narrative logic."
Chin Ka-lok immediately assured him, "Director, don't worry. My brothers and I are experienced in action sequences. We guarantee you'll be satisfied."
"Yes, I trust you!" Zhang Jun said, expressing his complete trust.
These days, when Hong Kong film companies collaborate with mainland China, they use co-production quotas, which come with certain policy benefits and preferential treatment.
More importantly, in Hong Kong and parts of Asia, a revenue-sharing model can be adopted instead of selling copyrights. While the influence of Hong Kong films is declining, their long-standing heritage remains.
After meeting with Andy Lau and Chin Ka-lok and finalizing everything, Zhang Jun first flew to Shanghai, and then went to Hengdian to scout locations.
It just so happened that Fan Bingbing was filming here, so the two had a secret rendezvous and poured out their hearts to each other.
"He has absolutely no sense of chivalry!"
Fan Bingbing said in a charming and coquettish tone: "I've done so much for you, and you're still so rough with me."
Zhang Jun patted Fan Bingbing's shoulder: "Nonsense, now you're blaming me for being rough, turning the tables on me!"
"I don't care, it's all your fault, you have to make it up to me!" Fan Bingbing said coquettishly.
Fan Bingbing knows how to use her advantages. She can use her charm and coquettishness to make the man in front of her love her more. That's her little trick.
After flirting for a while, Zhang Jun and Fan Pangbing got down to business.
"Zhang Ziyi and Andy Lau have both agreed, so my film can start production soon. Get ready and make sure you have time for it."
Fan Bingbing smirked: "Another supporting role—"
Zhang Jun patted her bottom and said, "If there's a suitable leading lady for you, I'll definitely choose you first, but you're really not suitable for the leading lady role in this play."
"Okay, okay, don't worry, the schedule is all set."
Fan Bingbing buried her head in Zhang Jun's chest and closed her eyes.
"Going to sleep now, see you in my dreams!"
Zhang Ziyi plays the female lead Zeng Jing, Andy Lau plays Jiang Asheng, and Fan Bingbing plays Ye Zhanqing, a lecherous female assassin.
Huang Xiaoming plays the role of Zhang Renfeng, while Wang Xueqi, who previously worked with him on "About Time," plays the role of Zhang Jun, the Wheel King.
He originally wanted to cast Deng Chao as Lu Zhu, but Deng Chao accepted a role in Feng Xiaogang's film, so he could only regretfully miss the opportunity to work with him.
No problem, Zhang Jun immediately chose Lu Yi.
Upon hearing about the opportunity to act in a movie, Lu Yi, who had been working in the television industry, immediately agreed. Everyone envied Chen Kun's rise to stardom with "About Time" and wanted to replicate his success.
Zhang Jun hesitated for a while, unsure of who to cast for the role of Xi Yu. On Jiang Tao's advice, Zhang Jun finally extended an invitation to Li Shuangbing.
Fearing she might dislike it being a supporting role, Zhang Jun even called her, and to his surprise, Li Shuangbing agreed without hesitation.
She said, "These days, there are probably very few actors who can refuse a role from Director Zhang."
Zhang Jun underestimated his current influence, because there are only a handful of mainland directors who can make commercial films in this era, and Zhang Jun is one of them.
Despite his young age, he has already proven himself compared to older directors who are still waiting for their chance.
Although this is a period drama, and Zhang Jun has never filmed a similar subject before, the actors won't refuse the opportunity given his established reputation and box office success.
However, it's quite an achievement that Zhang Jun managed to bring both Bingbings together in one movie, considering that their relationship is actually quite ordinary.
After all, you are both called Bingbing, and so am I. We both secretly have the desire to compare ourselves to each other.
So when Fan Bingbing heard that Li Shuangbing had joined the cast, she was a little unhappy.
Zhang Jun reassured her, "It's just a role. I'll design a few more fight scenes for you so that you can outshine her in terms of screen time and presence."
Fan Bingbing was still unhappy: "People keep saying that I'm not as good as Li Shuangbing, that's what the media is saying. Do you think so too?"
Zhang Jun shook his head: "No, I slept with you, but not with Li Shuangbing. This fully proves that in my eyes you are more beautiful and outstanding than her."
Fan Bingbing rolled her eyes at Zhang Jun: "You big pervert, is this all you think about all day?"
"I swear to God!"
Zhang Jun protested his innocence: "A stunningly beautiful woman stood before me, so sexy and gorgeous, that even I, a eunuch, would be moved."
Besides, I'm a grown man. I'd admire anyone who could resist this!
"You have a point!"
Fan Bingbing was very satisfied with Zhang Jun's answer, which proved that her status in Zhang Jun's heart was indeed incomparable to those flashy and cheap women outside.
For the role of Lei Bin, Zhang Jun cast Fu Dalong, who is a very good actor.
Once the main roles were finalized, Zhang Jun basically opened up the other roles, giving actors who had gotten in through connections a chance to compete for them.
However, Zhang Jun still has requirements: the actor must fit the role and be able to act.
For example, Boss Wang's secretary in a bodycon skirt couldn't act at all, yet she kept pestering Boss Wang to let her act in the movie. As a result, after watching her exaggerated performance, Zhang Jun immediately struck her out.
With such a strict attitude that even the investor's secretary was rejected, there were no random characters who would come in and add scenes, thus ruining the overall viewing experience and structure of the show.
While busy preparing for "Reign of Assassins", Zhang Jun did not forget his new film "Sherlock on the Plains".
This film had a small budget. Although Uncle Benshan is quite famous, he's not a mainstream movie star. So Zhang Jun didn't hold a premiere; he only had preview screenings in a few cities in Northeast China.
Uncle Benshan promoted it very diligently, actively participating in [the promotional activities] while busy preparing for his Spring Festival Gala skit.
The preview screening of "Sherlock on the Plains".
The film is scheduled for release on December 22nd, just one week after Chen Gezi's "The Promise". However, the two films are of different genres and will not clash.
Chen Gezi's "The Promise" has generated a lot of buzz, with the market already buzzing even before the film's release.
Chen Gezi has stated on several public occasions that this film is his best work since "Farewell My Concubine".
The smugness in his words was obvious.
Whether it's good or not, only the market can decide.
Before its official release, "The Promise" held a grand premiere in Beijing, inviting many celebrity guests to attend, including Zhang Jun.
"Are you going?" Fan Pangbing asked.
"Of course I'll go, it's only fair to reciprocate!"
Zhang Jun said, "Come with me. Director Chen has extended a warm invitation, so we should give him face."
"Okay!" Fan Pangbing agreed.
On the day of the premiere of "The Promise", Zhang Jun and Fan Bingbing attended in full dress, which can be said to have given Chen Gezi a lot of face.
Chen Gezi was very happy to see Zhang Jun arrive, and he enthusiastically introduced Zhang Jun to the people around him.
"This is a young director from mainland China. His films are very good, and he is a key force in the future of Chinese-language cinema."
Zhang Jun was very polite: "Director Chen, you flatter me. I still have a lot to learn from you."
Well, now there's even less reason to say bad things about "The Promise." Otherwise, if word gets out, people will accuse Zhang Jun of being ungrateful.
Director Chen has been so supportive of you, and you actually say his movie is bad? Do you have any conscience?
In order to be a person with a conscience, Zhang Jun had no choice but to go against his conscience and tell some white lies.
After the premiere, Zhang Jun and Fan Bingbing were interviewed by the media. Zhang Jun said, "The visuals are very beautiful and grand, and the cinematography is excellent."
Fan Bingbing added, "This film has given me a lot to think about and reflect upon, making me realize things I was completely unaware of before."
In short, it's all the same old stuff; just praise the big picture.
When the reporter asked to elaborate on a particular plot point, Zhang Jun refused. His reason was to avoid spoilers, a reason that left the reporter speechless.
In reality, this is how the two of them are in private.
Fan Bingbing asked, "Did you understand this movie?"
Zhang Jun shook his head: "I didn't understand."
"So, if you didn't understand it, is it a good movie or a bad movie?"
"I don't know, let's just assume it's a good movie!"
Zhang Jun frankly stated, "Compared to those terrible movies, 'The Promise' still has its merits; it's just not entertaining."
That being said, if a movie isn't good, what will it use to attract viewers?