To film "The Shawshank Redemption", the actor of the protagonist Shawshank is very important, because this role is very demanding for the actors.

If Marlon. If Brando were a little younger, Wang Zijun would definitely choose him.

Lazim has a list of actors who help Wang Zijun find him, Wang Zijun took a look at it and threw it aside, those minor roles can be as follows, but for the role of Shawshank, he already has a favorite candidate. That's Robert, who just starred in "Taxi Driver" last year. De Niro.

Robert. De Niro's performance in "Taxi Driver" can be described as amazing. Especially talking to yourself in the mirror, "Are you talking to me?" Are you talking to me? The footage is impressive, and even after decades, it is still fresh in people's memories.

I just don't know if I can please move it.

Robert. De Niro is not an ordinary actor, in the list of the top ten performing artists in film history selected by some people in later generations, Robert . De Niro is at the top of the list, followed by Malone. Brando, Paul. Newman, Al. Pacino et al.

Well, now Robert. De Niro has only been popular for a few years. According to the Chinese entertainment industry, today's Robert. De Niro & Dustin. Hoffman, Al. Pacino, Jack. The three Nicholsons are the four little kings of Hollywood.

At the Golden Globe Awards ceremony, Wang Zijun also talked to Robert. De Niro hugged, but didn't talk much. At that time, De Niro was still a quasi-first-line actor, and he attended the ceremony with Coppola, and he also stood in a slightly marginal position.

The audition was still being arranged, and Wang Zijun found Lazim and asked, "Robert. Does De Niro have a schedule now? ”

"You want him to play Shawshank?" Lazim was surprised.

"Any questions?" Wang Zijun asked.

"No problem." "It's just that he's not available right now." He's filming Martin. New York, New York by Scorsese. That's a big production. $9 million invested. ”

"How long will it take to finish filming?" Wang Zijun asked.

Lazim shrugged and said, "I'm going to ask about this." New York. "New York" was filmed after Christmas last year, and it has been filmed for more than three months, and it is estimated that the filming is almost over. However, this is not necessarily, and the director has the final say on how long it will be completed. ”

Wang Zijun said: "Help me contact his agent." ”

"You wait." Lazim pulled out a phone book. After rummaging for a while, he picked up the phone, and after answering, he said, "Hey, hello, is it Mr. Carlos...... I'm Lazim of D&T Films...... Yes, Zachary. Wang is going to make a movie and wants to ask Robert to play the leading role...... I know that Mr. De Niro is working on New York. New York", I don't know when it will be finished...... You don't know either? Can that help...... Do you want to read the script first? Okay, I'll send it to you...... Good bye! ”

Hanging up the phone, Lazim said to Wang Zijun: "They have to read the script first." However, it is only available in the evening. Tonight, tomorrow night. ”

"I'll personally send the script, and the choice of the other actors will be left to you, and you are the casting director of this movie." Wang Zijun said.

Lazim gladly accepted the assignment, but quickly raised his doubts, saying, "Do you have a favorite actor for the role of Red?" I mean, he's the second male lead, and he has to have good acting skills. It's an older black man again. It's hard to find. ”

Wang Zijun said: "You are more familiar with the Hollywood actor group than me, who do you think is the most suitable?" If you can't find anyone. Then we had to try our luck and find an old black man to play it temporarily. ”

"Actually, I think Sidney. Mr. Poitier. Boitir) is very suitable. I had an initial contact. Unfortunately, he is planning his own film. Razim said. …,

"His own film?" Wang Zijun asked.

Lazim explains: "It's the film he directed and acted in. ”

Wang Zijun was taken aback, Hollywood at this time was still very conservative, most blacks were playing bad guys, how could there still be blacks directing and acting? That's awesome, isn't it?

Wang Zijun can't remember this Sidney clearly. Who was Poitier, asked: "Sidney. Is Poitier famous? ”

"Of course it's famous." Lazim said, "The only black actor at the Oscars. ”

Wang Zijun was very interested and found Sidney. Poitier's information found that this old black man was 50 years old, and he was very suitable for playing the second male lead in terms of age. And he has been an actor, so there is no problem with his acting skills at all.

"Has his film already started?" Wang Zijun asked.

"Nope." "He's just got the script and he's looking for big companies to get investment." ”

"Help me contact this person right away." Wang Zijun said.

There was no mobile phone in these years, and Razim couldn't get through a few calls, so Wang Zijun had to ask Sidney. Poitier's address, go directly to the door.

Sidney. Poitier's family lives in Miami, but there is also a home in Los Angeles, which Ms. Wang is less than 30 minutes away by car.

The one who opened the door was a black old woman, who saw Wang Zijun and Li Jinghao, two yellow people, with a look of vigilance in her eyes, and asked, "Sir, is there anything wrong with you?" ”

Wang Zijun said: "I'm looking for Sidney. Mr. Poitier. ”

"Poitier's out, and I don't know when he's going to be back." The old black woman said.

"Can I wait for him here?" Wang Zijun asked.

The old black woman hesitated, nodded and said, "Please come in." ”

The two sat down and drank the old woman's coffee until it was almost dark. Poitier is finally back.

Sidney. As soon as Poitier entered the door, he saw two yellow people in the house, and after being stunned for a moment, he quickly recognized Wang Zijun. Hollywood is so big, and the famous people in the film circle almost know each other, not to mention that Wang Zijun is still a Chinese, so the impression is even more profound.

"Hello, Mr. Wang." Sidney. After Poitier shook hands with Wang Zijun, he took the initiative to say, "You are here for "The Shawshank Redemption", right?" Razim and I talked. ”

Wang Zijun meets Sidney. After Poitier, he felt that this person was completely in line with the image of the male number two in his heart, except for being a little fatter, and decided to convince him. I asked, "I wonder if I'll be able to invite you to play?" ”

"I'm sorry, I just got a good script. I want to make a movie myself. Sidney. Poitier said.

"I don't know what kind of movie it is? Can you tell us about that? Wang Zijun said.

Sidney. Poitier: "A crime comedy. ”

Wang Zijun asked: "I heard that you are looking for investors?" ”

"Yes." Sidney. "I just came back from negotiations with Warner Bros. ”

"Warner Bros. is a great studio." Wang Zijun said with a smile. "But did they promise to invest?"

Sidney. Poitier: "There is an intention to cooperate. ”

"So there's no final decision yet?" Wang Zijun asked.

Sidney. Poitier laughs: "There is a little disagreement in the details. How. Is D&T also interested in investing in my film? ”

Wang Zijun said: "Of course I am interested. You're a great actor and a great director, and I think any company would be interested in your work. ”

"Thank you." Sidney. Poitier was quite impressed by Wang Zijun's sycophants, "But you haven't read my script, this kind of interest is very hasty." ”

Wang Zijun said: "You haven't watched "The Shawshank Redemption" either. Didn't you refuse it in one bite? ”

Sidney. Poitier laughed: "It's different. I refused to act, not because your script was good or bad, but because I was busy with my own films. ”…,

Wang Zijun said: "Isn't your movie not yet starting? Now there is only one script, and even the investor has not yet been decided. I think you can star in "The Shawshank Redemption" first and then make your own movie. It doesn't delay you at all. ”

"Okay, I'll take a look at your script first. But let me say it first, just to see. I'm still partial to making my own films. Sidney. Poitier said.

Wang Zijun gave Li Jinghao a look, and the latter immediately took out the script and handed it to Sidney. Poitier.

Sidney. Poitier had wanted to be perfunctory, so that he could send the two of them away, and wait for another phone call tomorrow to refuse. But after Wang Zijun handed over the script. But he didn't mean to leave, but looked at him with a smile, as if he was going to sit there and wait for him to finish.

Sidney. Poitier had a headache, so he had to read the script with a wry smile.

Minute by minute, Sidney. Poitier was originally just reading it very casually, but he was quickly attracted by the content of the script.

The old black lady made dinner and called Sidney. Poitier ate and shouted twice, but he didn't hear it.

Wang Zijun said a few words to the old black woman. The latter set out dinner and went back to his room to watch TV.

Sidney. Poitier looked closely. The 120,000-word script he read for six hours. Wait until you finish the script. It was already one o'clock in the morning, and my stomach was rumbling with hunger.

"Oh, great movie, this screenwriter is really genius." Sidney. Poitier turned around and flipped through the signature in front of the script, and saw that it was Wang Zijun's signature, which made him stunned for a moment.

"How's that, Sidney. Is Mr. Poitier interested in participating? Wang Zijun asked.

"I'll think again." Sidney. Poitier said that if it had been perfunctory before, he was now somewhat moved. The script of "The Shawshank Redemption" reminded him of last year's "Taxi Driver", if this movie is made well, it will definitely be passed down and written into the annals of film history.

"The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Taxi Driver" are not better, the former is the subject of life and freedom, and the latter is a masterpiece of realism, which explores the social chaos and confusion of young people in the United States after the war, which can be regarded as the work of the American New Wave film movement.

And Sidney. The "Genius Daddy" that Poitier is going to direct and act in is just an ordinary commercial film.

Wang Zijun struck while the iron was hot and said: "Sidney. Mr. Poitier, do you still need to think about it? It's been more than ten years since you won the Oscar, and you look at what kind of garbage you've been filming since then. You make a lot of money, but what about your artistic pursuits? Haven't you ever thought about standing on the podium of the Oscars again? ”

Wang Zijun's words were a little ugly, he seemed to be deliberately stimulating Sidney. Poitier. Before coming, he got to know Sidney in general terms. Poitier's situation in the past ten years is actually not as embarrassing as Wang Zijun said. Poitier made a lot of good films, but unfortunately he never won an award again.

Sidney. Poitier is not short of money, after becoming an actor. Many people approached him to make movies. But he is very adamant about his principles, as long as he thinks that the characters in the film are ugly to black people. No matter how much money the other party offers, he will refuse. And if it's affirmative of the image of blacks. Then even if he gets a little less pay, he is willing.

In "The Shawshank Redemption", Red is a prisoner, and a heinous murderer. However, there is no insult at all in the portrayal of this character. Rather, it is seen from an equal perspective.

And although Red is the second male lead, he is the main perspective of the film, and the whole movie is told through Rhett's tone.

"Don't hesitate, Sidney. Mr. Poitier, I'm sure you won't regret playing this role in the future. He will be another wonderful memory for you after the Oscar. Wang Zijun said, "As for your movie." You can wait until the filming of "The Shawshank Redemption" is over. I promise you an investment, and the terms will be better than Warner Bros. You know, their kind of big companies, when talking about profits. It's all man-eating lions. I can even give you the final editing rights, and you can cut your movie to your ideal look. ”…,

"You mean the right to the final cut?" Sidney. Poitier's eyes lit up, what did he crave most as an independent director? Aside from the money, it's this final editing right. Many directors have finally won investment and worked hard to shoot it, but as a result, film companies often cut the movie beyond recognition for the sake of the box office. So much so that the director himself couldn't recognize it.

"Yes, I'm a director. I know that cinema is like a director's child. No father wants to see his child as a deformity. Wang Zijun used his identity as a director to put himself and Sidney. Poitiera to the same front, "If you have doubts. We can sign the contract first and write these terms clearly. You also saw that "The Shawshank Redemption" is a really good movie, don't you want to have yourself in this movie. Come on, Sidney. Mr. Poitier, the podium of the Oscars is waiting for you......"

Wang Zijun kept instigating, coupled with the excellent script of "The Shawshank Redemption", as well as the support for Sidney. The investment commitment to Portier's film made Sidney. Poitier's will gradually wavered.

Finally, Sidney. The scales in Poitier's heart tipped and asked, "Who will play the male number one Andy?" ”

"Robert, Robert. De Niro. Wang Zijun opened his mouth and said that he had not officially contacted Robert to talk about making a movie.

"Robert, hehe, that's a very good actor." Sidney. Poitier vs. Robert. De Niro was very impressed. In addition to Robert's acting skills, but also because of his unique aesthetic orientation.

Robert is such a white handsome star, and his wife at this time is actually a black man who just got married last year.

This is a strange story in Hollywood, which discriminates against black actors in its bones. That alone makes Sidney, who is black. Poitier was very appreciative, at least proving that Robert was not only not racist, but also had a favorable opinion of blacks.

In fact, it may have nothing to do with racial notions and is purely Robert's personal preference. This handsome white guy, his later wife and girlfriend, are all black girls.

Sidney. Poitier picked up the script and looked at it again, the script he liked quite a lot, the partner was an actor he admired, and Wang Zijun promised to invest in his film and give him the final editing rights. Think again, Sidney. Poitier really couldn't find any reason to refuse, and the film he wanted to direct was still in the script stage, and it wouldn't be a big deal to put it on hold for a few more months.

Wang Zijun saw that he was one step away from agreeing, and said: "Regarding the salary, how about 800,000 US dollars?" ”

$800,000 for Sidney. For Poitier, it is already a relatively high price. Although he has been an actor, that was more than ten years ago, and he is a black actor, so the salary is even lower. At the normal price, 500,000 or 600,000 is about the same.

"You're such a natural lobbyist." Sidney. After Poitier listened to the salary, he was finally persuaded by Wang Zijun.

Wang Zijun was also happy when he saw him agree, and said with a smile: "No, it's not my eloquence, but because of your wisdom, you just made a wise choice." ”

Sidney. Poitier laughed and said, "Hahaha, is this the art of speaking in the Orient?" It's a real pleasure to listen to you. ”

"Goo-goo-goo" ......

As he spoke, Sidney. Poitier's stomach rang suddenly. Only then did he react, looked at his watch, and exclaimed, "Oh my God, it's almost three o'clock, and I haven't eaten dinner yet." Did Mr. Wang eat it? ”

Wang Zijun said: "Actually, I have been staying here in the afternoon. ”

"I'm so sorry about that." Sidney. Poitier thought that Wang Zijun had sat here for almost ten salesmen, and was moved by his persistence and sincerity, and felt that his choice was correct.

The old black lady had fallen asleep, Sidney. Poitier cooked it himself, quickly copied a few pieces of bread out, brought milk, and said to Wang Zijun and Li Jinghao: "Two, let's eat a little to fill your stomach." ”

"No problem." Wang Zijun picked up the bread and ate it, but he didn't eat for more than ten hours, and he was also hungry.

Lee Kyung-ho was eating bread while looking at Sidney. Poitier's pictorial at home, Wang Zijun and Sidney. Poitier talked about some interesting things about Hollywood, and gradually moved on to Asia and China.

Sidney. Born into a peasant family and uneducated, Poitier was fascinated by the historical stories Wang Zijun talked about, and when he heard that there was almost no racial discrimination in China, he promised to come to China to see when he would come.

After dinner, they chatted for a while, and it was not until it was almost dawn that Wang Zijun said goodbye and left.

Sidney. Poitier gets it, and the rest is Robert Brown. De Niro too