Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 447 Charm
The premiere of "Joker" in China didn't involve any messy gimmicks, mainly because there was no need for them. Cao Yang was the biggest "gimmick."

The film still follows the traditional format: red carpet, media interviews, the main creators going on stage to talk about the original intention of filming and interesting stories that happened, and the film screening, etc.

It's still live on the movie channel's sixth princess.

Since the film's main actors and key performers were all busy promoting the film and attending premieres abroad, the only members of the main creative team who appeared on stage from China were Cao Yang, Pang Bing, Lao Gu, a few staff members from Qingying Studio, and two interns from Beijing Film Academy.

Almost all of them were Chinese.

However, no one cared whether there were Hollywood actors or not. The fact that Cao Yang was able to appear at the premiere the day before the film's release, instead of going to the US to promote it, was already the greatest show of sincerity.

When interacting with the main creators on stage, CCTV host Jing Wei was very careful about his words. When a reporter in the audience wanted Cao Yang to talk about the burning of the film reels of "Joker", Jing Wei cleverly deflected the question.

For Jing Wei, May of this year was a heavy blow to his career.

In May of this year, during a segment of "China Film Report" she hosted, she wore a pink short-sleeved shirt. Perhaps the shirt was too tight, as her nipples were noticeable, but she herself didn't notice it throughout the entire program.

In such public programs on CCTV, all the clothes worn by the hosts are provided internally, so it's impossible for such a basic mistake to occur.

But that's exactly what happened.

Currently, the public's tolerance for mistakes is low, and the atmosphere of online trials is intense. Once a CCTV female host gets involved in negative topics, the consequences often go beyond a temporary storm.

This was a major blow to her career.

The same is true.

You should know that's CCTV.

This was her first time hosting such a large-scale premiere since that incident, making it a very important event for her.

It was only because of hosting events like movie premieres, which are not part of CCTV's internal operations, that she was able to get this hard-won opportunity.

After the interaction with the main creators, the next segment was the movie screening.

At this point, the premiere livestream has temporarily ended, and the movie screening segment will not be broadcast live.

Several people stepped off the stage and went backstage.

"Director Cao, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Jing Wei first smoothed his hair, then stretched out his hand, looking at Cao Yang with eyes that seemed to speak volumes, as if he wanted to make eye contact.

For women, the ability to communicate with their eyes is an extremely important "skill".

This is a skill that would bring pleasure to most men.

When a woman looks at you without looking away, it carries a lot of meaning.

"Not really, but I really like your hosting style and your ability to adapt."

Cao Yang reached out and shook hands with Jing Wei, intending to pull his hand away, but unexpectedly failed.

"Thank you, really, Director Cao, thank you so much."

Jingwei didn't mention the difficulties he encountered, but his eyes were full of gratitude and expectation as he stared at Cao Yang without blinking. He didn't seem to be letting go for the time being, as if he still had something to say.

"Oh, Jingwei, it's so good to see you again. Don't dwell on the past, it's all in the past, things will get better."

Pang Bing was walking ahead of Cao Yang when she accidentally saw this scene. She stopped, turned around, hugged Jing Wei, patted her back, and whispered words of comfort.

Jing Wei stiffened slightly, then relaxed and released Cao Yang's hand.

"Thank you, Bingbing, thank you."

"Let's go, the movie is about to start."

Cao Yang said something and took the lead, walking around to the guest viewing area through the side door of the backstage. For convenience, he and the main cast all sat in the front row.

After Cao Yang sat down, the staff received instructions and the lights in the lobby began to gradually dim, signaling that a movie was about to be shown.

However, after the lights were completely turned off, a small accident occurred.

As arranged beforehand, Lao Gu would sit to Cao Yang's left, Pang Bing to Cao Yang's right, and next to Pang Bing would be Jing Wei, the host for the evening.

For some reason, Jing Wei, who came hand in hand with Pang Bing, ended up sitting next to Cao Yang because he was a little closer to the front. He seemed not to notice and even smiled at Pang Bing, who had been stunned for a moment before sitting down.

Fat Bing is such a shrewd person. He only had a vague suspicion before, but now he is completely certain.

Sigh, Cao Yang is really like a piece of Tang Monk's flesh; everyone wants a bite.

pity……

As the film progresses and the plot unfolds, the people in the hall appear in various forms.

Some of the fourth-generation directors from the Beijing Film Academy began to frown slightly, while others couldn't help but show appreciative smiles.

Jing Wei had leaned much to the left, getting closer and closer to Cao Yang. He would occasionally gasp softly, then cover his mouth with his hand and turn to Cao Yang with an embarrassed smile.

Xiao Gangpao sat in the third row with Xu Fan.

"This movie is a bit too explicit."

Xu Fan couldn't help but whisper to Little Cannon.

In her understanding, even if a movie like "Joker" were to be released in mainland China, some profanities and overly bloody and violent scenes would be cut out.

In particular, the story of the "Joker" killing someone and being hailed as a hero... how could such a plot pass censorship!

“I heard from Cao Yang that Joker was rated R in the US. This was only because Warner Bros. manipulated things behind the scenes. Otherwise, based on those ‘reactionary’ and ‘incendiary’ plots, it would probably be rated NC-17 even in the US.”

Little Cannon leaned closer to Xu Fan and explained in a low voice.

Xu Fan nodded.

For Americans who frequently hold demonstrations, minors under the age of 17 are indeed very easy to incite.

However, how could a movie with such a somewhat explicit content possibly pass the censorship?

Then I realized it was Cao Yang's movie, and I understood.

"Don't overthink it. We're different from the Americans. Our national conditions are fundamentally different. This kind of scenario is actually nothing to us domestically."

Little Cannon continued speaking in Xu Fan's ear.

Xu Fan thought about it and agreed with what Xiao Gangpao said.

"Everyone says this movie is a prophetic movie, and considering the current situation abroad and the background of the movie, it does seem very much like a prophecy."

Xu Fan said to Little Cannon.

"Ah……"

Little Cannon originally wanted to laugh and say it must be a coincidence, since he was too familiar with this "smell" because he often did it too.

But considering that the film's director was Cao Yang, I didn't say it aloud.

"Jim Carrey's acting is really good. Who would have thought that someone who made his name in comedy could also portray such a delicate side?"

Xu Fan murmured softly.

"Have you forgotten Jackie Chan? He's a kung fu star, but Cao Yang also trained him to become a Berlin Film Festival Best Actor?"

Xiao Gangpao was completely impressed by Cao Yang's ability to train actors. There was nothing he could do about it; as a director, he knew all too well the difficulties involved.

Unlike Xiao Gangpao and Xu Fan's relaxed attitude.

Chen Kaige's face was serious at this moment, no longer as relaxed as before.

He felt like cursing at that moment.

Do you really need to delve so deeply into human nature for a movie adapted from a comic book?

Do you really need to delve into profound social issues in a movie adapted from a comic book?

Do you really need to use metaphors, satire, and reflections in a movie adapted from a comic book?

……

It's simply too much.

Cao Yang, Cao Yang, you actually made such a film... a film that's considered one of the three major European film festivals and three major film awards. Why didn't you wait until next year to participate in the three major European film festivals?
This is the part that Old Chen doesn't understand the most.

This was also the reason he made a misjudgment.

If he were to make such a "profound" film, how could it possibly be released now? It would definitely have to wait until next year to be shown at the three major European film festivals!
Don't mention box office numbers.

Compared to the three major film awards, box office revenue is nothing! "What's wrong?"

Seeing that Old Chen's expression was off, Sister Hong couldn't help but ask him softly.

Old Chen opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

"Ugh!"

With a sigh, Old Chen couldn't help but ask, "You filmed Cao Yang's latest...that one..."

For a moment, he couldn't quite recall the movie's name.

He was indifferent to the fact that Sister Hong was starring in Cao Yang's new movie; he didn't care and never asked Sister Hong about the movie.

"Like Father, Like Son?"

Sister Hong glanced at Old Chen, and couldn't help but have the idea of ​​taking Old Chen and Arthur to get a paternity test again.

"Hmm, what do you think of Cao Yang's new movie? Does it explore human nature and discuss marginalized societies? How does it compare to 'Joker'?"

Did Cao Yang make another "profound" film, which is why "Joker" gave up on going to the three major European film festivals?
After thinking for a moment, Sister Hong said, "Like Father, Like Son is a very warm and delicate film. It explores human nature, but it mainly discusses family affection, blood ties, and educational methods."

Warm and delicate?

Old Chen was a little taken aback.

A warm and sensitive personality won't win you a big prize.

Even if it delves into human nature and explores educational methods and family relationships, a well-made film might have a chance to win a major award, but it certainly can't compare to a movie like "Joker"!

Especially given the current state of society, "Joker" is incredibly relevant!

As long as the financial crisis doesn't end next year, Lao Chen is almost certain that "Joker" will likely win the top prize at any of the three major European film festivals.

Why did Cao Yang choose to release "Joker" before the new year, instead of going to the three major European film festivals?

If it's released now, the only major awards it can hope for are next year's Golden Globes and Oscars.

Cao Yang... what a fool!

Isn’t this worth the loss?

Huh?
Suddenly, an idea popped into Old Chen's mind.

Was Cao Yang doing this just waiting for me to find out?
He wants to use "Joker" to sabotage my "Mei Lanfang"?
Impossible, impossible.

For a moment, Old Chen's mind was in turmoil.

Now he truly regrets it; he shouldn't have so easily "gone into" Cao Yang's film without knowing its content.

Fortunately, I was persuaded not to change my registration date by two weeks.

How come there's an eight-day gap between the release of "Joker" and the current market is still okay, so it shouldn't have much of an impact... right?

He really wanted to go outside and smoke a few cigarettes to calm down, but Joker wasn't over yet, and he couldn't resist wanting to see the final result.

As the movie was about to end, Old Chen couldn't help but glance at Zhang Yimou not far away, wanting to know his reaction and opinion.

However, to Chen's disappointment, Zhang Yimou was holding his chin with one hand, staring intently at the big screen, seemingly without much emotion.

Wait for the lights in the lobby to come on.

"I'm going to the toilet."

Old Chen stood up, said something to Sister Hong, and walked out. He was going to have a smoke. He had too many emotions on his mind and couldn't easily confide in anyone, so he could only relieve them by smoking.

"Excuse me."

Jingwei stuck out her tongue at Cao Yang, revealing her innocent and feminine side, and subtly removed her hand from Cao Yang's.

"I was so engrossed in watching that I don't know why... I'm sorry."

She explained to Cao Yang again in a low voice.

Cao Yang smiled but didn't say anything.

Well, Joker is only two hours long, and you put your hand on the back of my hand less than half an hour into the movie, and then you "forcefully" interlocked your fingers with mine until the end of the movie...

You're saying you didn't do it on purpose because you were too engrossed in the movie?

Okay, I'll assume you were just too engrossed in it.

Fatty Bing, who was next to Jing Wei, secretly pursed her lips and looked away.

Zhang Yimou remained seated, one hand still holding his chin.

When applause suddenly broke out, Zhang Yimou lowered his hand and joined in the applause.

How do you feel about yourself?

He clapped his hands and turned to ask Zhao Xiaoding, who was standing next to him.

Zhao Xiaoding was a student in the cinematography department of Beijing Film Academy in 85. In 2000, he collaborated with Zhang Yimou for the first time to shoot a promotional video for Beijing's bid to host the Olympics.

In 01, as Zhang Yimou's cinematographer, he collaborated with Zhang Yimou for the first time on the film "Hero". He later collaborated with Zhang Yimou on "House of Flying Daggers", "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles" and "Curse of the Golden Flower".

He is considered Zhang Yimou's go-to cinematographer.

"This film uses two contrasting colors, blue-green and orange-yellow, to create a strong visual impact and psychological suggestion."

Zhao Xiaoding said something, and perhaps because the applause was so enthusiastic, he waited until the applause subsided before continuing: "Blue-green is generally used for oppression and cruel reality, while orange-yellow is used for hope and warmth. This movie used it that way at the beginning as well."

After saying that, he couldn't help but shake his head, praising incredulously, "But with the appearance of the Joker, the color scheme started to reverse, drastically changing the style of the whole movie, losing its horror atmosphere and gaining a sense of eeriness..."

Zhang Yimou looked thoughtful. The applause lasted for about two minutes. When the applause finally stopped, only Zhang Yimou was still clapping.

He paused for a moment, then "woke up" and stopped as well.

"very good."

He said to Zhao Xiaoding.

People who don't know Zhang Yimou wouldn't understand what he meant by suddenly saying "very good".

But as a photographer, Zhao Xiaoding understood what Zhang Yimou meant, and he nodded in agreement:

"The clever use of warm and cool colors creates a sophisticated sense of decadence. The three colors of red, yellow, and blue perfectly interpret the psychological changes of the male protagonist. In particular, the unusual use of yellow to symbolize decadence and rebellion is really good!"

"Do you think it's Cao Yang or Lao Gu?"

Zhang Yimou asked another question.

Zhao Xiaoding thought for a moment and replied, "It must have been Director Cao's idea. Old Gu is a traditional person. I've studied him specifically. His use of color and tone is indeed exquisite, but this kind of unconventional and ingenious application..."

Zhao Xiaoding shook his head to indicate that Lao Gu would not do such a thing.

Zhang Yimou nodded, then shook his head.

After the movie ended, it was time for reporters to conduct interviews.

When asked about the film, Zhang Yimou said, "Joker's colors are captivating, the color palette is unconventional, and it's the most exquisite use of color I've ever seen in a film."

Old Chen was also "blocked" by reporters, who asked him for his opinion on the movie.

He hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't hold back and said, "I don't know what Cao Yang was thinking. Why didn't he take 'Joker' to the three major European film festivals? It's a bit inexplicable..."

The reporter's eyes lit up, and he quickly followed up with, "Director Chen, are you saying that Director Cao's decision not to attend the three major European film festivals is a bit inexplicable?"

Old Chen glared at the reporter.

"The fact that Cao Yang invited you media people to his premiere shows that he considers you one of his own. Don't cause trouble."

After saying that, he brushed aside the microphone that was almost shoved into his mouth and strode away.

"Director Cao, are you free tonight? To express my gratitude, I'd like to treat you to something to eat."

Jing Wei whispered to Cao Yang.

Before Cao Yang could answer, he was surrounded by several fourth-generation directors who wanted to talk to him.

Jing Wei smiled sweetly at Cao Yang and made a phone call gesture.

(End of this chapter)