May 17 marks the fourth day of the festival.

Ning Hao got up very early, and today may be the most important day in his twenty-five years of life for him, not even one of them.

After adjusting to the jet lag, he was in good spirits, and after washing up, he deliberately used body lotion and powder to carefully wipe it on his dark and rough face.

Then he put on a white shirt, tied a black bow tie with a little bit of skill, and put on his black gown, which he had made specially for the Financial Street before departure.

It's 10,000 yuan smaller, this is the most expensive set of clothes he has ever bought, mainly because of the high cost of handiwork, and I heard that the store invited a master from Shanghai. Fortunately, before leaving, Mr. Li sealed a big red envelope of 200,000 yuan for him, otherwise he would have been reluctant.

This is the second time he has worn this outfit, the first time was on the day of the opening ceremony, not only on the red carpet, but also to enter the main venue of the Palais du Cinema - Lumière Hall.

There is a strict dress code for walking the red carpet and entering the Lumière Room, which must be a Black Tie (evening dress + black bow) for men and a formal Evening dress (evening dress + high heels) for women.

With the exception of the red carpet and the Lumière Hall premiere, there was no strict dress code for the other shows, and the overall style was Smart Casual, in fact, no one cared what they dressed, as long as it wasn't shorts and slippers.

But as the most important day in his life, Ning Hao attaches great importance to it. Being shortlisted for the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival this time is a milestone in his career. Now that it was finally time to test, he was inevitably a little apprehensive.

Just yesterday, "The Uniform" had its premiere, and the reaction from both the media and the audience was average. Eighty percent of the audience sat at the premiere, but many left halfway, and there were less than thirty percent of the audience left until the end of the screening.

One type of attention is that although the competition unit is parallel to the main competition, after the premiere there is no chance of re-screening on the day or the next day of the main competition as the films in the main competition section. One way to watch all the films wait until the last two days of the festival, where they are re-screened at Les Arcades, another block more than 200 meters from the Palais du Cinéma, where there are three small auditoriums with seats ranging from a few dozen to more than 200.

Therefore, the failure of the premiere of "Uniform" has basically doomed the fate of this film at this film festival.

As for why this is so?

It can only be said that the style of "Uniform" is very similar to "Xiao Wu" by Chief Jia. When "Xiao Wu" was released in Berlin, it shocked a group of discerning judges with its new style and won the forum award in one fell swoop.

As the saying goes: the people who are really successful are the first to eat crabs. "Xiao Wu", as the pioneer of this film genre, naturally enjoyed the biggest dividends. Later, "Platform", including Yu Liwei, who was also shortlisted for the Cannes Attention Unit last year, directed and Diao Yinan starred in "Tomorrow's World", the style is the same.

The first time I saw it, it was amazing, but the more I saw it, it was nothing more than that.

The reason why "Uniform" received a cold reception is that this is the problem. Just like Chen Guo's "People's Public Toilet", you are tinkering with this thing over and over again, although it has the itch of Western masters, you will be aesthetically tired if you watch too much.

However, Diao Yinan is quite calm, and he uses practical actions to interpret what it means to "go to Cannes is victory." "It's not about dealing with the media because the film didn't win an award.

The premiere of "Incense" took place at 10 a.m., and the premiere was still arranged in the Salle Bazin (Bazin Hall) on the third floor of the Palais du Cinéma, a semi-circular hall capable of accommodating more than 300 spectators.

This is the main screening room for the kind of high-profile premiere, and it was here that "The Uniform" premiered yesterday.

Of course, if it is a popular film in the attention section, the organizer will usually arrange it in the Salle Dubessy (Debussy Hall), which can accommodate more than 1,000 audiences.

In fact, compared with Diao Yinan, who had already shown his face in his works last year, Ning Hao is a very small character, and he has even graduated from college, "Incense" was originally his graduation work, but he never thought that he would be shortlisted for Cannes. It may be precisely because of this that it has attracted many media reporters, including several major official house books.

This year's Cannes is no longer as Chinese reporters from Hong Kong and Wanwan as in the past, and there are actually a lot of mainland reporters, in addition to entertainment reporters from several major portals, not many TV stations and print media have also sent reporters to report on the spot.

This is also a superposition of various factors, the most important thing is that on the one hand, the number of Chinese films shortlisted this year is higher than in the past, and there is also a judge Jiang Wen who is full of topics; On the other hand, it comes from the impact of online media, so that the TV stations and print media that used to have the right to speak see their own crisis, and they must grasp first-hand news materials in order to compete with online media.

As for other reasons, such as with the development of the economy, the domestic media is no longer as picky as before; In addition, it is also because of WTO accession, the WTO accession clause clearly stipulates the protection of intellectual property rights, and it is impossible to carry out all kinds of reprinting without authorization.

"Director Wang, Sister Jiao, welcome!"

Wang Xiaoshuai and Jiao Xiongping, the producer of "Second Brother", came together. Jiao Xiongping came a long time ago, and on this trip, she was not only the producer of "Second Brother" and the representative of Wanwan Film, but also hired by "Nandu Daily" and opened a column called "Jiao Xiongping's Cannes Diary", which published the latest news about Cannes every day and her own analysis and interpretation in "Nandu Daily", and met with mainland readers for the first time.

Wang Xiaoshuai just arrived in Cannes last night, and the jet lag has not been reversed for a while, looking a little haggard.

After the two sides exchanged pleasantries, Li Tang asked Wang Xiaoshuai: "How is the matter handled?" ”

Wang Xiaoshuai sighed helplessly: "The trustee said hello, and then all kinds of materials were sent again, let it be fate!" ”

The incident originated from the fact that a few days before the opening of this film festival, it was suddenly revealed that "Purple Butterfly", directed by Chinese director Lou Ye and starring Zhang Ziyi and Li Tang, would represent France in the competition for the Palme d'Or, which caused a big wave in China for a while.

You must know that during the filming of "Purple Butterfly", various media have been following up all the time, especially Zhang Ziyi has completely established the character of "international movie star" after experiencing "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Rush Hour 2".

This is a very proud thing for Chinese people who generally lack self-confidence in these years, and Xiao Zhang's popularity has also risen to its peak. And it is completely different from the national idol Xiaoyanzi, who is still eating the dividends of "Returning the Pearl", and Xiao Zhang, who is a movie café, is obviously higher.

The publicity in the early stage also caused the domestic audience to pay special attention to Xiao Zhang's new film, and it turned out to be a French movie for a long time. As a result, coupled with the rhythm of various media hypes, it was very lively for a while.

So the Film Bureau had to respond, but fortunately, they finally passed the censorship of "Purple Butterfly" at the last minute, and they responded to the matter with confidence.

First, "Purple Butterfly" passed the censorship, obtained a public screening permit, and was recommended by the Film Bureau and participated in the competition in accordance with due process.

Second, for "Purple Butterfly" to be exhibited in the name of a French film, it is only vague that the film may have an agreement with the French distributor in other respects. However, it is still emphasized that the producer of "Purple Butterfly" submitted for review is Shangying, which means that "Purple Butterfly" is a Chinese film, and if it can win the award in the end, it will definitely be considered Chinese.

To be honest, on the one hand, this second article seems to be lacking in confidence, and on the other hand, it also looks a little ugly.

The reason is that after "Purple Butterfly" was shortlisted, it was widely favored by the outside world, and it was also one of the favorites among the 20 films shortlisted for the main competition unit.

This was originally to refute the rumors and respond to the movie "Purple Butterfly", but the leader of the Film Bureau, who came forward to respond, finally revealed that Wang Xiaoshuai's "Second Brother", which was shortlisted for the main competition unit, was in violation of regulations.

According to the new regulations promulgated by the General Administration last year, all illegal filming in the mainland and directly participating in the competition without passing the review are violations.

The film "Second Brother" was killed as soon as he handed over the script to apply for a shooting permit, the reason is very simple, the theme of smuggling, what kind of jokes, isn't this a smear to the country!

Moreover, the leader also stressed that the General Administration attaches great importance to this matter and has convened an emergency meeting to study the matter.

The implication is that although "Second Brother" is in the name of Wanwan Jiguang Company, it has not obtained a filming permit, which is a clandestine filming nature and must be severely punished.

The two films shortlisted for the main competition unit were held and stepped on, so that Wang Xiaoshuai, who was about to set off, could only sit on wax, and had to cancel the trip, and all kinds of people greeted and sent materials, and various remedial measures were taken. In his words, you must have a proper attitude so as not to be banned.

Fortunately, Shengtang Film and Television has always abided by the law, and although "Uniform" and "Incense" are in the name of Shengtang Film and Television (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., they still submitted the script for review in a proper manner and obtained the shooting license.

However, Li Tang and Wang Xiaoshuai didn't have to talk for a few words before they were surrounded by reporters, and they interviewed him about the illegal exhibition. Fortunately, at this time, Wang Xiaoshuai also needs to get the sympathy and momentum of public opinion, and he answers questions from reporters from all walks of life with a particularly sincere attitude.

Just before he could finish answering the two questions, he suddenly saw that most of the reporters suddenly rushed in the other direction, and this time not only the mainland reporters surrounding Wang Xiaoshuai, but also the Wanwan and Hong Kong reporters also rushed over.

It turned out that Lou Ye and Zhang Ziyi had arrived.

I have to say that in the large number of Hong Kong and Taiwan stars absent from this year's Cannes Film Festival, Xiao Zhang is undoubtedly the biggest focus, especially "Purple Butterfly" is very hot, reporters are particularly concerned about whether "Purple Butterfly" can win the award, especially whether Xiao Zhang can win the Cannes Film Queen.

And these reporters are particularly good at digging pits, during which a reporter asked Zhang Ziyi, for Jiang Wen as one of the judges, is it conducive to "Purple Butterfly" winning the Palme d'Or and she herself winning the actress?

Xiao Zhang did not fall for the pit, but smiled slightly, and then said very sincerely: "I think a judge can't control the final award, Michelle Yeoh was also a judge last year, but last year's results did not feel biased at all." The so-called human affection is only said in us Chinese, but it is not the case abroad, winning awards completely depends on strength, especially in a film festival as senior as Cannes. ”

Although this is a bit absolute, and even a little flattering, no one will feel offended in the context of this era, but will think that her answer is very pertinent.

Then when answering whether he won the award, Xiao Zhang also said decently: "I saw a lot of media on the Internet saying that my biggest competitor this time is Nicole. Kidman, I don't think it's possible, there are so many good films at the festival. I hope that our film directors will win awards so that everyone can see our work......"

Speaking of this, she also paused deliberately, turned her head to look at Li Tang, and said with a smile in her eyes: "In this way, Teacher Li and I are already very happy." ”

I have to say that Xiao Zhang is really smart and knows how to touch the biggest wrist of this film festival - Nicole. Kidman, but in his words, he praised others. At the same time, I didn't forget to praise the organizers and directors of the film festival, as well as Li Tang who was present.

The arrival of Zhang Ziyi and Wang Xiaoshuai made today's real protagonist Ning Hao be left out in the cold, but this product is desperate at this time. Even though he can usually speak well, his expression is still stiff and nervous at this moment.

Fortunately, the movie is about to premiere, and everyone will enter the theater one after another when the time comes.

Li Tang and the guests who came to cheer sat in the first row, Zhang Ziyi sat on the left, and Ning Hao, who was tense on the right.

The lights dimmed and the screen lit up.

At the beginning, there is a country road that runs through the picture, snow-capped, foggy, and a dead tree with a crooked neck very abruptly on the side of the road.

Then, a tricycle drove by, and the driver sang a high-pitched folk tune. There was also a monk sitting in the car with a torn cotton hat on his head.

Although Li Tang has seen it for a long time, he has to admit that the magnetic transfer glue made by the European company that MK2 found is really reliable, and it is estimated that it did not cost money, at least the clarity and smoothness of the picture and sound can no longer be seen to be shot with DV.

"Where is this?" Xiao Zhang, who was sitting next to him, asked softly.

"Shanxi, Ning Hao's hometown." Li Tang said.

"Oh, that's a funny start."

Xiao Zhang nodded, after the training of several big directors, at least the ability to appreciate movies is still there.

Huairen, which was once mistaken by Li Tang for a certain county of Fulan, is in the north of Shanxi, and there are still many relics and beacon towers of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty in the territory.

Nanxiaozhai is a real village, in the Ming Dynasty it was a partial pass of the garrison, and there are remnants of the city wall around the village.

In the village, families raise sheep and kill sheep.

There was a ruined temple in the village, and there was a monk in the temple who was not very quiet, who looked a little funny, wearing a pair of glasses wrapped in duct tape with a broken leg, and in tattered clothes. A monk who was not very pure from the beginning, he would smoke, eat instant noodles with meat oil, and make jokes about women with villagers who killed sheep.

Accidentally, the Buddha statue in the temple collapsed, and the monk began to feel uneasy, trying his best to repair the Buddha statue to ensure his livelihood.

Therefore, he repeatedly emphasized that the whole village is to kill sheep, so there must be a temple, he believes in karma, believes in his profession, and believes that the Buddha can protect his livelihood.

He first went to the religious department in charge of the county, and the person in charge excused himself and said that there was no money, but there was no shortage of funds for the repair of the church, because the church gave gifts.

The monk went to his cousin again, and although the cousin who ran the hair salon seemed to be a rich man, he did not open his mouth to borrow it, because there were no razors in the hair salon, only a stumbling girl.

The monk remembered the developed senior brother again, the senior brother was in the big temple in the county, and he was really magnificent, but he was stingy.

Then, the monk turned into a fundraiser, was arrested by the police, and met a few women who had lost their feet and wanted to donate money for him, but he thought the money was not clean. went out to set up a stall to tell fortunes, and was severely beaten and robbed by gangsters.

In the end, the monk finally fell, and he used a dozen yuan of Buddha statues to open up and pray for blessings, and finally earned 3,000 yuan.

And when he repaired the new golden Buddha and was full of ambition, the government told him that the temple must be demolished to build a road.

The design at the end of the film is also particularly joyful: in front of the temple wall with the word "demolition" painted on it, the monk stares into the distance, and the sound of chanting is played on the loudspeaker. The picture gradually changes to a large long shot, which is a long empty shot of Jia Ke, not to shoot people, but to the bleak yellow earth.

"Whoa......

The moment the film ended, the audience burst into applause.

(End of chapter)