The neat and wide streets, the bright and magnificent halls, at a glance, are greeted by a flashy atmosphere of the heyday of the city.

Outsiders may never believe that everything in front of them was built with money to make a movie, and this is just a large studio at MGM.

Compared with the large-scale studios of Hollywood, whether it is the Clear Water Bay studio of Hong Kong's Shaw Brothers, or the most famous Guolian studio in Taiwan, it seems so shabby and backward.

This is the strength and heritage of Hollywood movie giants.

Inside the studio, Oscar-winning actress Lisa. Minnelly, dressed in a red dress, walked slowly down the steps of the stage as she sang and walked slowly, surrounded by twenty or thirty dancers. The audience was packed. The male protagonist played by De Niro sits in it, with a complicated expression, and the one above is his once excellent wife, but he is separated because the other party's career is more successful than his own.

On and off stage, at least a thousand actors are performing at the same time, which can be called a big scene in the movie.

If it were an ordinary director, I am afraid that Yijing would be confused at this time and would not care about the end. Can be directed by Martin. Scorsese, however, held the guide tube and was like an arm in the hand for the dispatch of the scene. The director, who just directed "Taxi Driver" last year, will be called one of Hollywood's four major directors in the 80s, along with Coppola ("The Godfather"), Lucas ("Star Wars"), and Spielberg.

Laszlo. Kovacs, the photographer from Hungary is not ordinary, and at this time he is following the eyes of Martin. Scorsese's request was to command the team of photographers with ease, avoiding the main lens as much as possible, and instead using continuous short shots, connecting the same scene with medium and close angles to embellish and describe the whole big scene.

"Click!" Martin. Scorsese was the first to applaud when he shouted. etc. Robert. De Niro walked over and he smiled, "Robert, your expression just now is amazing, it is the perfect performance in my heart." ”

"Actually, I feel a little stiff about it." Robert. De Niro was somewhat dissatisfied with his performance, and director Martin Brown. Scorsese is his best friend and best partner, so he has nothing to hide.

"No, Yijing is good enough." Martin. Scorsese clapped his hands around and said, "That's all for today." Lisa, remember, tomorrow at 9 o'clock sharp. ”

"Okay, Director. Then I'll go remove my makeup first. "Lisa. Minnelly clutched his belly and complained, "These damn clothes are so tight." ”

Martin. Scorsese laughed: "Lisa, Yijing can't be done, you won't have to wear it again tomorrow." ”

Robert. De Niro asked, "Martin, our movie will be finished in about half a month." ”

"It's been almost that long, as long as there are no problems in between." Martin. Scorsese asked, "Why do you ask that, is there something going on?" ”

Robert. De Niro said: "That's right, yesterday d&T called my agent and asked me to play the male lead in the new film of the Asian director. ”

"Really? Did you say yes? "Martin. Scorsese asked.

Robert. De Niro said, "No, I'm going to read the script first." But I heard that this time I was playing a prisoner, which is a very interesting type of character. ”

Robert. In addition to only being in love with black women, De Niro also has a characteristic that he does not like to repeat, but tries to play new roles. Little hooligans, musicians, mafia, drivers...... Wait, he's interested in characters he hasn't been exposed to anyway.

"That's an Asian director. You can try it, his "Ghost Love" is a good shot. "Martin. Scorsese commented, and then added, "But prison-themed movies are probably difficult to please the audience." This is very difficult, if you feel that the script is not very good, I advise you not to take risks, otherwise the bad movie will ruin the image that has just been erected. ”…,

"I know." Robert. De Niro Road.

Martin. Scorsese looked at his watch and said, "It's almost seven, let's go have a drink." ”

"No, that Asian director will come to my house tonight." Robert. De Niro Road.

"Okay, then I'll go first." Martin. Scorsese said, tossing the barrel aside in his hand.

Robert. When De Niro was removing his makeup, Wang Zijun Yijing came to his house.

Wang Zijun chatted with the black actor all night last night, and when he went back, it was dawn. Instead of going straight to sleep, he called Frank first, saying that he wanted him to help promote the event, and he invited Sidney. Poitier came to be the male number two.

Sidney. Poitier was famous, especially among people of color in the United States. Black actor, black director, black producer...... In various capacities, the black leader Martin. Luther. Less than a decade after King's assassination in the American community, Sidney. Poitier is like a firefly in the night, so dazzling. There are even blacks who put Sidney. Poitier was seen as a hero and an icon.

As soon as this news is revealed, "The Shawshank Redemption" will immediately attract the attention of people of color.

Wang Zijun finished talking about business before going home to sleep, and woke up in the afternoon. I took a quick shower, then went to eat, and when I had filled my stomach, I went straight to visit Robert's house.

The one who opened the door to greet Wang Zijun was Robert. De Niro's wife, Diane. Abbott. Diane. Abbott may be a little strange when he says it, but friends who have watched "Taxi Driver" must still remember that Robert went to a pornographic theater to watch a movie alone in the early morning in the film, and when he bought a ticket, he tried to accosting and flirting with the female conductor and failed.

This female conductor is Diane. Abbott. Robert didn't succeed in accosting him in the play, but the movie had just been released, and Diane became his wife in reality.

Although Diane is African, she is not a real black beauty, she has a lighter complexion, which may be similar to Ah San's complexion. In the blink of an eye, the faint black color is not offensive, but rather very healthy. At least that's what Wang Zijun thinks.

"You're Mr. Zachary, please come in!" Diane enthusiastically let Wang Zijun enter the door and said, "Robert said that you might come tonight, not so early as Xiangdao." Coffee or Coke? ”

"Whatever." Wang Zijun casually looked at the furnishings in the room and sat on the sofa.

Diane brewed a cup of coffee and put it down on the coffee table in front of Wang Zijun. said happily: "Mr. Wang, I'm really happy to see you, I'm your loyal fan." ”

"yes, that's such a coincidence." Wang Zijun laughed dumbly, unexpectedly that the wife of Robert, the "king of drama", was actually his fan.

More than two years ago, when "Ghost Love" was released, Diane was still a tricky little actor, and she once applied for the role of black female number two. However, due to age and appearance, it is too different from the image of Wang Zijun's script, and he did not pass the audition.

Diane brought another autograph book and asked Wang Zijun to sign it very solemnly. Mr. Wang Zijun signed a Chinese name, and then added English next to it, this full set of signatures made Diane very happy.

Originally, Wang Zijun came to invite someone, but now the situation is that Robert's wife keeps saying words of admiration, which makes Wang Zijun smile bitterly.

The two chatted for a while, and Robert didn't huilai, his agent Carlos. Diesel arrived first.

Carlos was about forty years old, with a pair of glasses and a gentle appearance, but he had large pores and thick hair on the backs of his hands.

"Isn't Robert Huilai yet?" Carlos asked Diane.

"It should be soon." Diane said.

Carlos then said to Wang Zijun: "Mr. Wang, can I read the script first?" ”

"Absolutely." Wang Zijun took out the script. …,

Carlos sat opposite Wang Zijun, and when Wang Zijun handed over the script, he didn't even stand up, but crossed Erlang's leg to pick it up with one hand, and his attitude was quite arrogant.

Wang Zijun could see that this Carlos also had some disdain in his eyes when facing Robert's wife Diane. It's just that his emotions are well hidden, and he can't detect them if he doesn't look closely.

If Wang Zijun guessed correctly, this guy is probably a bit racist, that is, he looks down on himself as a yellow person, and he also looks down on a black person like Diane.

Carlos took the script but didn't open it, but asked, "If Robert agrees to star, when will Mr. Wang's movie start?" ”

Wang Zijun said: "Within a month." The interior of the movie is set up, and all other aspects are also properly connected......"

Before Wang Zijun finished speaking, Carlos interjected: "You know, Robert is very busy right now. is busy with filming, but also has to run around for major awards, from last year to this year, "Taxi Driver" Yijing let him win the award softly. Ordinary movies, Robert will not take it, xiwang you can understand this. Moreover, my time is also precious, and at least four film companies have come to me this month, all of them wanting Robert to make a movie. ”

Wang Zijun was interrupted to speak faintly unpleasantly, and sneered: "Similarly, Mr. Carlos, my time is also very valuable, and I don't have time to say something unnutritious to you here." About the movie, I want to wait for Robert Huilai to talk to him in person. ”

"No, that's not what I meant." Carlos realized that he was taking his identity too far, "I mean, there are a lot of directors who have their eye on Robert right now, and we need to choose from that. ”

""The Shawshank Redemption" is the best choice, to hell with all the other movies." Wang Zijun said domineeringly, and he didn't bother to talk to this guy. This Carlos has a bad attitude, in addition to wanting to raise the price, I am afraid that there are still some people who look at Wang Zijun, an Asian director, a little unpleasant - such emotional, obviously not something that a good agent should have.

Wang Zijun leaned on the sofa and closed his eyes to recuperate, which made Carlos a little embarrassed, so he had to flip through the script in his hand to look at it. As an agent, Carlos obviously doesn't have actor Sidney. Poitier is so good, he just thinks the script is good, but he doesn't think it will be so classic.

Just as Carlos was reading the script, Robert finally came to his senses.

Diane opened the door, kissed her husband at the door, and said, "My dear, Director Wang Zijun and Carlos Yijing are here." ”

Robert walked in and said to the two, "I'm really sorry, I'm late." ”

"No, it's early for me, and Mr. Carlos is reading the script." Wang Zijun said.

"Robert, come and see. If you think it's not bad, let's talk to Director Wang again. Carlos handed over the script.

Robert. De Niro took over the script and looked like it, and the result was naturally very liking, especially the role of the actor Andy, which was so interesting.

"Mr. Wang, I'm ready to take on this role." Robert said after reading the script.

"Then if you play Andy, what do you think you should pay the most attention to? And what do you need to strengthen and improve now? Wang Zijun asked. Previously, Robert's script was selected, but now the role has been changed and Wang Zijun has chosen the actor.

"Prisoners, of course. I have never been in prison, so I don't know what prison life is like, and I don't know the living conditions and psychology of the prisoners. So I thought it would be necessary for me to stay in prison for a while before filming so that I could experience the character better. "Robert. De Niro Road.

Every successful actor, there is a reason behind his success. Robert. When De Niro was filming "The Godfather 2", he went to Italy to observe and experience the mafia life for a long time, so that he could play the young godfather in a magical way. …,

Wang Zijun shook his head lightly and said, "No, the focus of Andy's role is not here. ”

"Oh?" Robert was a little confused.

Wang Zijun said: "Andy was never a prisoner, and he never considered himself a prisoner. Some people are the birds with beautiful feathers, they will always belong to the sky, and they cannot be held in a cage-like prison. Therefore, what Andy shows should be incompatible with the prison environment. Actually, if you want to experience the character, you might as well get to know the banker first. Compared to the prisoner, Andy has a heavier banker temperament. ”

"Oh, I see." It dawned on Robert. He only read the script once, and naturally he didn't understand it as deeply as Wang Zijun. And what Wang Zijun just said is what a director should do, that is, to tell the actors and help them understand the role.

After the role was agreed, Wang Zijun began to negotiate with Carlos about the salary.

Robert has been very popular recently, but in fact, his worth is not higher than that of yesterday's black actor, and Wang Zijun made a face-saving bid of $1 million. This salary is a little higher than the salary of Robert's current "New York, New York".

Carlos was a little disgusting, and actually said that he wanted 5% of the North American box office as a salary, so angry that Wang Zijun almost kicked it on the spot.

Robert was also a little embarrassed to hear this, but Carlos was his agent, and he was helping him negotiate the price, and he was in a dilemma.

In fact, Carlos recognized Wang Zijun's fancy to Robert, and he felt that he could rely on this to determine Wang Zijun.

Wang Zijun smiled angrily and said to Robert: "Mr. De Niro, is this agent of yours rejecting me on your behalf?" If that's the case, I don't think there's just one actor in Hollywood who can act, and we don't need to waste time. ”

Robert hurriedly said, "No, that's not what I meant. I like this character very much, 1 million yijing is very high, I think it's very good. Carlos, you come and make a contract, just 1 million. ”

The employers all agreed, what else could Carlos say.

After Wang Zijun left, Carlos asked Robert, "Robert, we can talk to him again just now." I can see that he needs you to play this role very much, and the salary can be increased by at least 300,000. ”

"No, Carlos, some things are not measured by money." Robert said to Carlos, "You just did your duty to get more money for me, and I'm grateful." However, I do like this character, and I have a hunch that this "The Shawshank Redemption" will probably reach the same heights as last year's "Taxi Driver". ”

And "Taxi Driver"? How is this possible! Carlos was surprised. You must know that since the release of "Taxi Driver", it has been both a blockbuster and a hit, and the praise and awards in all aspects have been indecided, and until now, there are still some organizations that award Robert to Robert, and Robert has no heart to take it.

"I feel that way. This feeling is the same as when I first read the script of "Taxi Driver". Robert looked out the window, through the glass, Wang Zijun was getting into his car and leaving.

"If it's zhende, that's great." Carlos said with a smile, if "The Shawshank Redemption" can cause the effect of "Taxi Driver", then let alone a salary of 1 million, even a salary of 100,000 is worth it, and the benefits will be more than just a little money.

In the next few days, the entertainment pages of several major newspapers and movie magazines reported the news about "The Shawshank Redemption" one after another. Originally, it was said that so far, Sidney, the only black actor in Hollywood. Poitier is about to play the second male lead in the film, which has attracted many black fans. Originally, because of the incident in "People and Ghosts", black people in the United States had a good impression of Wang Zijun, and now they are working with their black heroes, which of course makes them even more satisfied. …,

Similarly, Wang Zijun's move has also caused dissatisfaction among some people, who feel that Hollywood is too laissez-faire for blacks and yellows.

Hollywood's black-and-white debate has been around for a long time, and decades ago, white directors made a movie called "The Birth of a Nation," which had plots that scandalized black people, which caused displeasure among black actors. So, a group of black filmmakers also made up a movie called "The Birth of a Race" and used movies to resist. kicked off the racial feud in Hollywood.

Ninety years later, the number of black stars has gradually increased, and no one in Yijing dares to openly discriminate against black actors, but I am afraid that I still have to say something strange in private.

The 70s were a very embarrassing time.

Martin. Luther. King has only been dead for a few years, and the racial issue is very sensitive, but many white people's racial concepts have not changed.

Wang Zijun invited Sidney. Poitier's move attracted the support of black fans, but it upset some people, and the next news attracted the attention of many white fans.

That's Robert. De Niro will play the male lead.

It's an interesting combination — the only black actor at the Oscars, the Asian director at the Golden Globe for Best Picture, and one of Hollywood's hottest young actors right now.

I don't know who the heroine is, and people don't know that there is no heroine in this movie, and they are all looking forward to it.

At the same time, some film critics also said worriedly: "Wang Zijun's romance films, war films, and kung fu films are all very good, but this time I want to control the prison theme for the first time, I am afraid it will be very tricky." First of all, this theme is very out-of-the-way, except for the prison comedies in the silent film era, most of the other prison films are on the street, and a few of them are also mixed, even if they are applauded, they are not applauded. Wang Zijun's films have been selling well in North America or Asia, and I am afraid that this time it will suffer a box office waterloo. ”

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