Huayu: I'm reborn, but you still force me to be a scumbag?

Chapter 497 Let others judge right and wrong.
"Okay, then I'll take my leave."

"It's alright, Producer Zhang, goodnight."

"Good night."

Zhang Jiazhen has passed away.

He said he understood, but Chen Nuo knew that he didn't.

As an actor who has undergone systematic training and filmed so many movies, he had learned the meanings behind basic micro-expressions. When Zhang Jiazhen subconsciously made a slight downward turn of his mouth after hearing his words, he knew that it was a clear sign of indifference.

But naturally he wouldn't say anything more.

Because this is not a children's argument, but a clash of beliefs between two adults.

Ultimately, who is right and who is wrong will not be determined by words, but by facts.

……

The following morning, the final 120 minutes of the Shanghai International Film Festival jury's collective screening concluded in the screening room.

The seven judges spontaneously gave a round of applause that, while not enthusiastic, was very positive.

When the applause subsided, Iranian director Roxanne Banetima said, "I watched 17 movies in 5 days. During that time, I longed for it to end soon, but when it ended, I was actually a little disappointed."

Hungarian director Górge Paleffe laughed and said, "Absolutely. I think I could watch another one."

Clint Eastwood stretched and said, “Excluding me, God, this is definitely the last time I’ll be a judge in my lifetime. I’ve watched 17 movies in over 100 hours. I really love movies, but now when I see those movie company logos, I really feel like throwing up.”

"Hahahahahaha."

Everyone laughed at what the old American man said.

During these few days together, among the judges, the most popular one was not Chairman Chen with his unconventional style, nor the two beauties, Li Bingbing and Natalie, but this outspoken, somewhat American-style humorous Hollywood action star from the 1960s and 70s, now an Oscar-winning director.

One possible reason is that during this period, he didn't seem like the man who could tell jokes on SNL, banter with stars at the Oscars, and make millions of American families laugh. Most of the time, he had a serious, earnest expression.

You just have to admit that being an official really makes a difference.

Like now.

After Clint finished speaking, Chen Nuo said rather listlessly, "It's been a pleasure spending this time with everyone. Now, I think we can go have lunch, and then we'll take a one-hour break. At 2 PM sharp, we'll be in the conference room on the third floor to discuss the winners. Any questions, guys?"

Clint Eastwood sighed. "I feel like an old donkey being whipped and dragged along these past few days. Chen, I'm so glad I'm not an employee of your company, otherwise I certainly wouldn't be this old. Next time you ask me to be a judge, could you please give me some life insurance?"

Everyone laughed again.

Chen Nuo said, "No problem, Clint. I'll buy you a ten-million-dollar prize, and then we can all call you 'Ten-Million-Dollar Baby'."

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!"

The home theater erupted in loud laughter because of this reference to Clint Eastwood's masterpiece, "Million Dollar Baby."

But the joy was only temporary.

Because once the seven people reunited, they didn't even have a chance to rest before a fierce battle erupted in the discussion of the first award.

“No, absolutely not. Let me be frank, I hate this movie. It’s absolutely out of my consideration for any award,” George Barlaffei shook his head.

"Incredible," said Roxanne Benedict, "I think it absolutely deserves this best photograph award, at least!"

George Barloff said, "What's so great about his shots? They're just natural scenery shots, any decent photographer could do that. In my opinion, the Polish film 'Dance of the Dead' is ten times better."

Clint Eastwood interjected, “Nonsense. Dance of Death made my head spin; it’s the most unrealistic war film I’ve ever seen. That scene where two people dance in front of ruins—I bet the screenwriter was just copying Chen’s dance in Mother, and a very clumsy one at that!”

Roxanne Benedictine said, "I agree!"

George Barlaffe said helplessly, "Clint, we're talking about the best cinematography, not his plot and acting. Of course I know it's a poor imitation."

“He doesn’t deserve the best cinematography either.” Clint Eastwood shook his head and said, “I think his cinematographer was drunk. I know the director wanted to make a mockumentary, but he obviously messed it up.”

Natalie Portman said, "I agree, 'Dance of the Dead' is a pass, but I also don't like 'The Color of the Sky.' I prefer 'The Conductor,' which was the first modern Russian film I've ever seen; however, the grand scenes with the symphony orchestra and the emotionally nuanced shots really captivated me. I think it's the best cinematography of its kind."

“I also disagree with ‘The Color of the Sky’.” At this point, Terence Chang interjected, “I don’t like ‘Dance of Death’ or ‘The Conductor’ either. I prefer ‘Xiao Hong’ for this award. I think its cinematography is beautiful and very artistic, especially the scene where the male and female leads kiss in the snow. I found it very moving. I think this film is the right choice for Best Cinematography.”

After these words were spoken, the noise in the conference room immediately subsided.

Natalie Portman smiled and looked at someone in the main seat.

George Barlaffei and Roxanne Benedictine, who had been arguing, both fell silent and turned to look at each other.

And then there's Li Binbing, who hasn't said a word yet.

All eyes were focused on the person standing in the main seat.

After a moment of silence, Clint Eastwood looked at Chen Nuo with a half-smile in his gray eyes and asked, "Chen, what do you think? Do you agree with what Zhang said?"

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "I think..."

……

……

"The Best Actress award at the 15th Shanghai International Film Festival goes to Jennifer Lawrence for 'Silver Linings Playbook'!"

As the award presenter, Ge You, announced the name, the translator's voice came through the surround sound system of the Shanghai Grand Hall: "The winner of the Best Actress..."

Wearing a low-cut, bright red dress, Jennifer Lawrence covered her mouth and stood up from her seat with a look of surprise on her face. Director David and lead actor Bradley, who were next to her, also stood up on the big screen and hugged her cheek to cheek.

"The judges felt that Jennifer Lawrence delivered an emotionally intense yet nuanced and precise performance in 'Silver Linings Playbook,' portraying a complex woman's vulnerability and resilience with a maturity rarely seen in young actors, leaving a lasting impression..."

In accordance with the unique tradition of the Shanghai International Film Festival, the reasons for the awards written by the jury were broadcast over the loudspeakers around the four sides.

However, at this moment, the murmurs from the audience seemed to be getting out of control.

The two-hour awards ceremony is now drawing to a close. In the previous hour, Chinese films had been in the spotlight in other non-main competition sections: works from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan all performed admirably. Particularly noteworthy was the "Asian New Talent Award" section, where China won two of the three awards, practically dominating the field.

However, once they entered the main competition, the situation suddenly reversed.

The ones issued to date.

The first award, Best Cinematography, went to Russia's "The Conductor".

The second award, Best Screenplay, went to the Japanese film "Key of Life".

Thirdly, the Golden Goblet Award for Best Original Score was won by the Spanish film "Chrysalis".

Now, the fourth Best Actress award has also been won by the ambiguous "Silver Linings Playbook," which means that only four awards remain in the main competition: Best Actor, Best Director, Grand Jury Prize, and Best Film.

Will China's two films be able to squeeze into the final four categories?
This question was on the minds of every Chinese person present.

It's worth noting that at the Shanghai International Film Festival in 2011, two Chinese films were nominated for the main competition, and in the end, these two films won five out of the eight awards!

"Hello! Mr. Tree" won the Jury Prize and Best Director, while another film, "The Man Sings a Folk Song Across the Street," was even more impressive, winning Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Music.

What a magnificent feat that was!

But this time... something seems a little off.

At this moment, the audience's emotions gradually became tense.

Someone whispered:

"There really isn't one..."

"Impossible, right? Chen Nuo really doesn't intend to save face for anyone?"

"Do you know what Chen Nuo is capable of? Since his debut, have you understood any of the moves he's made? Think about what he's done before, what is there that he wouldn't do?"

Some people whispered their guesses:
"Perhaps the grand prize is yet to come..."

"Could it be that it really doesn't exist?"

"Would Chen Nuo do that? Wouldn't that make him a laughingstock in front of foreigners? The media would be in an uproar. Why would he do that?"

"Who knows? He's over there. Do you want to ask him?"

Amidst the murmurs, the young and beautiful older sister, trailing a bright red dress, walked onto the stage, accepted the trophy from Ge You, stood before the microphone, grinned, and began to speak:

"Thank you to the Shanghai International Film Festival Organizing Committee, thank you to all the judges, and thank you to Chen."

She looked in the direction of Chen Nuo in the audience, flashed her signature bright smile, and said, "Thank you for not missing me because of Harvey Weinstein."

"Hahahahaha!"

The audience members who understood English burst into laughter.

At this moment, a shot of Chen Nuo appeared on the big screen.

In the footage, he wore a white shirt and black suit, sporting striking red hair, making him stand out somewhat in this formal setting. But his smile, combined with Jennifer's remarks, suggested he was genuinely happy for her.

On stage, Jennifer Lawrence continued, "Of course, I also want to thank Harvey. Without you, there would be no film. I wouldn't have embarked on this thrilling yet unforgettable journey to China. Thank you, director David, for making me believe I could play Tiffany well; thank you, Bradley, for being the best co-star; thank you to the entire crew; thank you to my agent..."

……

"In this respect, I feel the same way as her."

Sitting next to Chen Nuo, Clint Eastwood said in a low voice, "Although I only spent one day yesterday, I found that China is completely different from what I originally imagined. I have decided to stay in Shanghai for a few more days."

Chen Nuo smiled and said, "Would you like me to accompany you for a stroll?"

“I don’t need to… I think it would be difficult for me to enjoy real life in Shanghai if I were with you. I don’t want to feel like I’m on a Normandy landing every time I go anywhere, where if I’m slow, I’ll just die in the same place.”

"Hahaha!" Chen Nuo was amused by the old man's joke.

“You should know,” Eastwood said in a low voice, “that if you just said so, we would all understand. No award is completely fair, whether in the United States or China. There are many reasons behind the award.”

Chen Nuo smiled nonchalantly: "I know, so what? I'm an actor, not a politician. How would I know how to please everyone?"

The old man smiled and said, "But isn't the answer already there? Didn't Zhang come to you? Why didn't you do as he suggested?"

Chen Nuo was taken aback and turned to look at him.

“Don’t be so surprised.” Eastwood winked playfully. “As people get older, they tend to have trouble sleeping at night after seventy. And it just so happens that my room is right across from yours—people are always a little curious, you know.”

“That’s not curiosity,” Chen Nuo glared at him. “That’s spying.”

Clint laughed and said, "No, no, no, if Natalie came to see you, that would be called spying. This is called curiosity. I just guessed what he wanted to see you for, so I'm very curious why you didn't do as he said."

"Judging from your tone, you seem disappointed. Wasn't it Natalie who came to see me?"

Aren't you disappointed?

"That old lecher." Chen Nuo suddenly sensed a sense of "kindness" emanating from the old man and immediately lost interest in continuing to pay him any attention.

However, Clint had no intention of letting him off the hook.

"So, what exactly prompted you to make this decision?" he asked seriously.

Chen Nuo opened his mouth, then remained silent for a while.

—What is it?

Before coming to Shanghai, he was at Gao Yuanyuan's house.

Gao Yuanyuan showed him the beautifully written article. 2012, the era of literature and art.

He didn't know if, as the article claimed, his rebirth had caused the butterfly effect to lead Chinese cinema down a completely different path from its original history.

He felt that if a golden age of Chinese cinema was truly on the horizon, its opening should not be achieved through dishonorable means.

Moreover, the two Chinese films nominated this year—

One is the documentary-style film "Detective Hunter Zhang," which tells the story of ordinary people from the lower classes. He dislikes the rough and deliberate plot treatment, the gray Beijing sky and dirty alleys in the film, and the BBC-style cold color filter.

Another film, "Xiao Hong," a literary film commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of a female writer from the Republican era, was even more unbearable to him. The Chinese dialogue gave him goosebumps, and the pretentious plot made him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles—this was the kind of "pseudo-literary film" that he hated the most.

Of course, this is just his personal aesthetic.

Just like the film "The Mute" back then, if it were placed in his aesthetic system, he might not have given it the Best Actor award—film is an extremely subjective art form.

What if other judges like these styles? Then he won't object.

As the chairman of the judging panel, all he could do was ensure that each judge could express their true opinions, have a fair discussion, and then cast a vote that they could be proud of.

As for the voting results—

Just like when Clint asked him what he thought of "Xiao Hong," he said:

He loved the dance of death.

However, the other judges persuaded him to award the Best Cinematography award to the Russian film "The Conductor".

So, that's it.

Just like what Li Er said on the phone when he learned that he was going to be the chairman of the judging panel:
"Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto cinema the things that are cinema's."

"Is that your answer?"

"Yes."

"...That sounds very convincing."

"Thank you."

……

……

Sina Entertainment reports: The 15th Shanghai International Film Festival has concluded, and the American film "Silver Linings Playbook" has surprisingly become the biggest winner of this year's festival.

Not only did Jennifer Lawrence win the Golden Goblet Award for Best Picture, but the 22-year-old Canadian actress also won the first-ever Best Actress award.

When David O. Russell accepted the Golden Goblet award for Best Film on behalf of the producer, he expressed his sincere gratitude to the film festival, while Jennifer Lawrence shed tears on the stage.

The Best Actor award went to French actor Mathieu Amalric, while the Jury Prize was won by the Iranian film "The Bear".

The Chinese films "Detective Hunter Zhang" and "Xiao Hong" ultimately ended in disappointment, achieving nothing.

This marks the first time in history that a Chinese film has gone home empty-handed at a domestic film festival. In response, Chen Nuo, the chairman of the jury and a renowned Chinese actor, remained silent when interviewed by our reporter after the awards ceremony, and drove away in his car.

Does his action imply that right and wrong, merit and demerit, are open to public judgment?

Zhang Jiazhen looked at the text on the A4 paper in front of him three times, then shook his slightly dizzy head.

Because he was in a bad mood, he drank a few extra glasses after the awards ceremony last night and was still a bit tipsy. However, he had made arrangements in advance, and when he arrived at the company, his secretary prepared a public opinion report for him and delivered it to his desk as promised.

Without a doubt, as a famous producer, he has already established a company in mainland China, and currently has offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Los Angeles, all of which are staffed with capable female secretaries.

But now, he's starting to wonder if he's been focusing too much on competence and neglecting whether he's actually capable.

"That's it?" Zhang Jiazhen took off his reading glasses and looked up in disbelief.

The long-haired female secretary smiled sweetly and said, "Yes, Mr. Zhang."

"Is this the only thing on the entire internet... criticizing him?"

"Yes, Mr. Zhang."

"Nothing else?"

"Yes, Mr. Zhang."

The female secretary's monotonous words quickly made Zhang Jiazhen lose his patience. Was this what they called an insult?

Let others judge what is right and wrong.

He was Wu Zetian?

Zhang Jiazhen immediately turned on his computer, ready to investigate for himself. Oh well, if a woman is capable, then we shouldn't expect her to be.

"The tragedy of Chinese cinema".

"From today onwards, Chinese films should face themselves squarely."

"A day of shame, a day of glory."

"Who will find the best Chinese films? — On the merits and demerits of the Shanghai International Film Festival's selection mechanism."

"All Chinese filmmakers should observe a moment of silence on this day."

...and so on.

These were the article titles that Zhang Jiazhen saw after browsing Weibo and major portal websites. As for the content, it was indeed as his secretary said. Although they all mentioned Chen Nuo and their judging panel, they did not launch a major attack on the chairman of the judging panel as he had expected. They were all just stating facts.

There were even people singing praises to him!

It's as if making Chinese films achieve nothing is some kind of great achievement.

I'm talking about that Weibo big V, Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of Global Times, who's a complete loser.

What disgusting title they could come up with, like "A day of shame, a day of glory"!

What else was said inside?
"This is a shameful day for Chinese cinema because we gained nothing. However, I also think it's a day we should be proud of. Because good is good, and bad is bad. At this Shanghai International Film Festival, we didn't see any favoritism or worldly wisdom; all we saw was the pure black and white light and shadow of the cinematic world."

In this regard, Lao Hu wants to give a big thumbs up to the judging panel headed by Chen Nuo.

True patriotism is not about indiscriminately praising everything that mentions China and condemning everything that mentions the United States. Rather, it's about having the courage to acknowledge the good in others and to identify one's own shortcomings.

I believe that Harvey Weinstein's "Silver Linings Playbook," which was handpicked as Best Film by Chen Nuo despite past grievances, must be a good movie. When it's released in China, I'll definitely buy a ticket and see it in theaters for myself.

Here, Lao Hu calls on netizens to view this rationally…

And this person's comment section was the same as usual.

"Old Hu is right, I support Old Hu!"

"What Lao Hu said today is correct."

"Good is good; black cannot be turned into white."

"Thank you for the reminder, Lao Hu. We were both very rational this time."

After watching for a while, Zhang Jiazhen really felt like vomiting.

But when he clicked on the trending topics list, he saw the same thing in the "Shanghai International Film Festival Closing Ceremony" post. He flipped through a random page and surprisingly, there wasn't a single account posting anything negative.

what happened?

What exactly is going on.

Is this still the Chinese microblogging community he knows?
In his imagination, this should be the time to drag someone out and parade them through the streets, publicly denouncing them as traitors. How come even Hu Xijin, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party, is starting to take this stance?

He pulled out a tissue, covered his mouth, calmed his churning stomach for a moment, then suppressed his emotions, took out his phone, and made a call.

"Hello, Mr. Wang."

Good morning, Producer Zhang.

"Mr. Wang, have you seen today's media reports?"

"Not yet, I'm at the gym right now."

"Since 'Detective Hunter Zhang' didn't win any awards this time, are you not planning to do anything at all?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end before a slow voice said, "Mr. Zhang, we've considered it. Whether it's market benefits or reputation management, there's not much point in making a move now. The film festival is over, and there's no point in continuing this fuss."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiazhen felt a chill run down his spine.

The other person continued, "Mr. Zhang, some things that need to be publicized, we've already done. Publicizing things that shouldn't be publicized is just a waste of resources. 'Hunter Zhang' was a low-budget production; you and I both know how it made it into the main competition. Now that it didn't win an award, of course we're angry, and of course we're very grateful to you for speaking up for us. But… sigh, never mind, just consider it bad luck. When you come to Beijing, I will definitely thank you in person. And I promise you, I won't shortchange you on the amount we agreed on before."

"..."

"Producer Zhang?"

"That's all, Mr. Wang. That's fine, you can continue."

Zhang Jiazhen hung up the phone and sat down in his boss's chair.

Wang Changtian was indeed a profit-driven businessman. He was decisive and ruthless, never doing anything that was not profitable.

What should he do?
Just forget it?
But he still can't forget how that person looked at him a few days ago.

Those eyes, black and white, held a hint of mockery and disdain.

It's as if he did something shady.

Why?
Which award in this industry isn't "manipulated"?

He's been in the film industry for decades, what's so surprising about that?

But when it comes to you, you still want to play the morality card. What kind of saint are you, immune to all poisons?
"Producer Zhang, you may be underestimating us Chinese..."

That sarcastic remark echoed in his mind again.

Zhang Jia's face changed color from pale to red, and then changed again.

Finally, he picked up the phone and dialed again.

This time, it's another CEO surnamed Wang from the film and television industry.

"Hello, Mr. Wang, hello, hello, this is Zhang Jiazhen. I..."

……

……

In an office in Beijing, Wang Zhongjun hung up the phone.

The fat man in front of him asked curiously, "Brother, who is it?"

"Zhang Jiazhen".

The fat man asked in surprise, "Zhang Jiazhen? What does he want with you?"

"He's out of his mind, ignore him. Back to your story, you said that guy who helped you before, someone's been following him lately? How sure about that? Could there be a mistake?"

(End of this chapter)