Generation Z Artists

Chapter 323 The Unbearable Expectation

The news that Gong Li would star in "The Return of the Condor Heroes" and play Li Mochou sent the entertainment industry into a frenzy.

As the leading actress in the Chinese-speaking world, she had never acted in a TV series before. Only Fang Xinghe made an exception for her, allowing her to play a supporting role that wasn't even considered a third female lead.

The media was raving, and movie fans were in a daze—no, what have we done to deserve this? How could we possibly have a Cannes Best Actor, a Cannes Best Actress, and a Berlin jury president direct a martial arts drama for us?!

The surprise came so suddenly that it was unbelievable.

However, from Fang Xinghe's perspective, adjusting Gong Li's temperament to transform her from domineering and dignified to melancholic and sinister was far more troublesome than simply finding an ordinary actress.

"Li Mochou is not easy to play, sister, especially for you."

Fang Xinghe spoke frankly.

"Li Mochou's beauty is false, her poison is selfish, her hatred is weak, but her resentment is the deepest, and her infatuation is the most obsessive."

Gong Li immediately demonstrated her innate talent, asking, "So the core of the character you want to portray is infatuation and resentment?"
However, based on my reading of the original work, this character's nature is extremely selfish, and he is self-centered in everything he does.

Her many tragedies are all determined by her personality, which carries a strong sense of fatalism. Would approaching it from this angle make a more lasting impression on the audience?

Fang Xinghe slowly shook his head: "Then we have to portray her in the plot as more selfish, domineering, and pure, making her very unlikable."

"It would be even better if the audience hated me to the core." Sister Li smiled domineeringly, "I don't care about that."

Fang Xinghe insisted: "From a philosophical perspective, Li Mochou, with her sense of destiny, certainly has more vitality, but from the perspective of the richness of the whole drama, her character should be slightly adapted."

Gong Li was very perceptive: "You mean, Guo Fu?"

“Yes.” Fang Xinghe nodded. “In the entire Condor Heroes, there is already another pure evil—Guo Fu. Therefore, Li Mochou’s core should be differentiated.”

Gong Li frowned: "But Li Mochou's evil is even more extreme. If one person betrays me, then everyone in the world can be killed. A sick person will eventually die in madness. She deserves her punishment and is not worthy of pity. She should only be sighed."

"Sis, you're too hard on yourself."

Fang Xinghe couldn't help but complain: "If we filmed it according to your ideas, Li Mochou would be a purely negative character."

Gong Li knew this, of course, but she remained resolute.

"If we're all starring in a martial arts drama, how many eyes are watching? I can't let people laugh at me; this character has to be mad!"

Fang Xinghe felt a headache coming on and rubbed his temples: "Then we'll have to add a lot of things, but the original work didn't emphasize the sense of destiny..."

"You're one of China's top writers," Gong Li said with a slight smile, a hint of slyness in her expression. "If you don't have one, just add one!"

"Relationships aren't something you can stay up all night rewriting a script for!"

After muttering something to himself, Fang Xinghe finally calmed down and began to think deeply.

The differences between him and Gong Li are neither major nor minor; they mainly lie in the establishment of the character's underlying nature, which may ultimately lead to differences in performance style and effect.

To work with top actors, you must respect their ideas.

Just because you're a top director doesn't mean you can demand that actors understand the characters the way you do. That's not how things work.

Screenwriters, directors, and actors are three different levels of creators.

Screenwriting is text creation, presenting a story in written form.

The director's work is a secondary, comprehensive creation based on the script, presenting the story through audiovisual effects.

Actors, on the other hand, create characters based on the director's requirements.

A good director will always explain to the actors what they intend to achieve in this scene, what kind of performance effect they need, and what role it will play, and then they will not interfere with the actors' specific execution.

All those classic performances in film history are the result of actors having a high degree of freedom, a flash of inspiration, and surpassing the peak of their craft.

If a director were to personally demonstrate: "You should act this part like this," it would be wonderful.

Without a doubt, it's either because they have low expectations and want to save trouble, or it's a one-on-one situation between the actor and director.

A top actor, for the same scene and the same effect, can guarantee you ten takes with different performance styles. Do you need to demonstrate?
Just clearly state what effect you want, and then adjust the proportions according to the ingredients.

Therefore, many people in later generations said that Wong Kar-wai was a third-rate director because his favorite thing to do was not to give the actors scripts and lines, and let those top stars act out their lines over and over again.

Now, he is admired all over the world, who believe that his filming philosophy is profound and unconventional.

But essentially, isn't this just an amateur noob?
Endlessly tormenting actors, shooting massive amounts of footage, and then piecing it together to make a movie—what's so impressive about that?

Give those materials to any editor—not even a professional, just the short video editors in those MCN agencies in later generations—and they could produce several decent-looking movies with their own unique styles.

He has no control over the films he wants to shoot, can't explain the profound narrative, and can't articulate the performance requirements. He's afraid of revealing his ignorance as soon as he opens his mouth, so all he can do is pretend to be mysterious!

This does not mean that Wong Kar-wai lacks artistic talent; he has an aesthetic sensibility, but he lacks basic skills and respects people.

If Fang Xinghe were to direct "In the Mood for Love," he would determine the deepest theme when writing the script, and then peel back the layers, distributing the content layer by layer, deciding which part would require directing techniques, which part would require acting skills, and what the final effect would be... He had a clear vision, as if he could read the lines on his palm.

Filming was completed easily in two or three months; all that was left was post-production.

"Less You" is a product of this kind of control, far more profound and delicate than the original, and it propelled the upstart to the top of the industry.

When Gigi Hadid won the Cannes Best Actress award, it was because she truly deserved it; when the young actress won the Cannes Best Actress award, it was purely because of Fang Ge's support.

Right now, what Fang Xinghe is doing is working with the key actors to determine the character's tone, ensuring that the actors' understanding of the character is accurate, and also seeing if they can spark any inspiration.

Before filming officially begins, the script for major projects is subject to change at any time. It is the creative team's duty to offer opinions at this time, and there is no overstepping of their authority.

Gong Li's last words completely moved Fang Xinghe.

"If you want to create a classic, you can't just do it halfway or passably. You have to make every character the best they can be, so that the audience will remember them. Without such a group of flesh-and-blood characters, the whole story will seem thin. How can it stand the test of time?"

"Okay, then let's change it!"

Fang Xinghe made up his mind.

As a leader of online trolls from the AI ​​era, Fang Xinghe is all too aware of the characteristic of a good drama being "shared by everyone".

Who wouldn't envy the enduring popularity of "Empresses in the Palace"?

The more flesh-and-blood characters there are, the greater the emotional fluctuations of the audience, whether it's love, hate, appreciation, regret, or pity... Emotions bring engagement and depth, and only depth makes a product lasting.

The bearded version of "The Return of the Condor Heroes" is mediocre in terms of plot and character design, and even has its flaws, so it is far from being a classic.

The only character who truly won people's hearts through this drama was Liu Yifei, the epitome of ethereal beauty.

In later online discussions about various versions of "The Return of the Condor Heroes," the bearded version, apart from the female lead, only has the beautiful scenery filmed on location worth mentioning.

The male lead was so bad that he was the subject of much criticism...

This is actually a huge waste of the subject matter.

Now that Fang Xinghe is playing Yang Guo, there's no need to worry about his looks or acting skills. His action scenes must be top-notch, and the picture quality and composition will remain relevant for the next twenty years. The only areas that can significantly improve the overall quality of the film are precisely those inconspicuous supporting characters.

Let's change it then... a major overhaul!
In Fang Xinghe's mind, there was no such thing as a fundamentalist complex that required respecting the original work.

Screenwriters, directors, and actors are creators in three different dimensions, and making any adaptation of the original work that has positive value is their job.

Because the original work is so deeply ingrained in people's minds, should we hold back? That's not Fang Xinghe's style.

"Sis, since you're willing to play a witch, let's figure out the direction."

Fang Xinghe grabbed the manuscript paper and began sketching with a rustling sound.

"The first direction is extreme selfishness."

She was abandoned by Lu Zhanyuan because of her selfish nature, and she killed indiscriminately because she did not treat people as human beings. As a result, her attitude towards Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu also changed. In the end, she died in deception and betrayal. The tone is both hateful and tragic.

The performance focuses on hypocrisy, awkwardness, and madness. The second direction is pride.

Because of her pride, she became completely twisted after the breakup.

She kills indiscriminately but doesn't lie, because she disdains it.

Her love was reserved for Lu Zhanyuan. Because Yang Guo and Lu Zhanyuan had many similarities, she extended her limited kindness to Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü, hoping that they would become a couple.

The performance focuses on pride, honesty, and protecting one's own.

The third direction: obsession.

It's not romantic infatuation in the conventional sense, but rather a sense of being needed, or what you might call a one-sided obsession.

She was the eldest daughter in her family, but her parents always favored her younger siblings.

She was the senior disciple of the Ancient Tomb Sect, but her master valued his junior sister, Little Dragon Girl, the most and did not pass on the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra to her.

She and Lu Zhanyuan were in love, but Lu Zhanyuan ultimately chose He Yuanjun.

Since she was born, she has never been anyone's first choice; she has always been a backup or not chosen at all.

This immense emotional distress and hidden wound led to everything that followed.

It wasn't until Yang Guo obtained the only antidote, the Heartbreak Pill, that she finally snapped, having given it to Long'er in despair because he couldn't find her.

Since I've never been definitively chosen, let me make the final selection myself...

Caught between the agony of life and the certainty of death, she chose to give the antidote to Gongsun Lü'e, while she herself perished alongside Qiu Qianchi, achieving self-reconciliation and final redemption amidst the flames.

But rather than a redemption, this can be described as her final act of defiance against this tragic life.

If her youthful longing for love were further emphasized, her final scene would likely be incredibly heart-wrenching…

Gong Li stared blankly at the simple line drawing. The woman's expression was extremely frantic, yet there were tears in her eyes. There was a contradictory feeling of relief and anger mixed together, which was very poignant.

"You are a genius... a top-tier genius!"

She couldn't help but exclaim, and decisively decided: "I'll take the last option! I really like it!"

With a vast scope for performance and profound reflections on reality, this character evokes both hatred and pity, making him a highly charismatic role that far surpasses the original work!
If her ruthlessness and obsession, her shrewdness and ruthlessness can be fully portrayed, it will surely become a classic.

Fang Xinghe smiled gently: "Okay, then I'll modify it in this direction. Sister, you came all this way to support me, so I can't let you end this trial run of the TV series with a bad reputation."

"So loyal!" Gong Li gave a thumbs up. "I have nothing else to say. Hey, what about Guo Fu?"

"Purely selfish evil!"

Fang Xinghe casually decided her fate: "Whether she lives or dies is another matter. In short, she's only responsible for being annoying and adding to Yang Guo's record of killing women."

"Pfft!"

Gong Li was amused by Fang Xinghe's trendy slang and found it novel and interesting.

"So who are you planning to cast? That young girl named Yang Mi?"

“We can’t ruin her any further.” Fang Xinghe shook his head. “Wei Lai has already put her on the brink of disaster. If she plays Guo Fu as well, what future will she have? Her image will become fixed.”

"How about letting her play Guo Xiang to balance things out?"

"That's not suitable either. If the three of us act together again, it will awaken the audience's memories, but the characters of Guo Xiang and Wei Lai are conflicting, which will easily make the audience lose immersion."

"That makes sense, but she's a huge fan of yours."

Fang Xinghe chuckled: "The success of 'Young You' is enough for her to live off for ten years. She doesn't lack acting opportunities, so there's no need for her to play such a minor supporting role."

Yang Xiaomi's fate has long since changed. Today, she is a popular young actress known for her acting skills and talent.

No matter how unlikable Wei Lai is, she is still the second female lead in a global blockbuster. Yang Mi in her previous life struggled for twenty years, but what was the total box office of the movies she starred in?
They can't even scrape together 40 billion.

Fang owes her nothing; on the contrary, she has to give the next ten years to Fang Xinghe to repay this kindness.

"Okay, you decide."

Gong Li wasn't trying to defend Yang Mi; she truly liked Nenxian, and was just asking casually.

"By the way, what about the other main actors? I heard from Xiao Ding that you're thinking of using a few foreigners?"

"Yes, I'll try my best." Fang Xinghe nodded.

"Is it because it makes selling TV series easier?"

"That's partly the reason, but the more important one is the strategic planning."

"The Return of the Condor Heroes" is a hugely coveted project, especially in Japan and South Korea, where actors are particularly eager to get their hands on it.

It may not sell for much money, but it certainly won't be as valuable as "You Are My Destiny". However, the logic of TV dramas is not about their intrinsic value, but about their wide reach, high topicality, and strong influence.

Everyone believed that it would inevitably be broadcast on mainstream television stations across Asia—provided there were no political interferences, the name Fang Xinghe was the only guarantee of its airing.

If the ratings explode, then you can become famous throughout Asia.

Even if the ratings are just so-so, at least they've hitched a ride on Fang Xinghe's coattails.

The intense competition within the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries makes them particularly appreciative of this opportunity.

As for why it's "them"... naturally it's because there aren't many outstanding young male characters in "The Return of the Condor Heroes," but the female supporting characters all have scenes with Yang Guo.

Therefore, both Kadokawa Tsuhiko and Kim Jae-hee were immediately besieged by companies in the industry.

The list of actresses and new actresses who are interested in auditioning has already stretched to dozens of pages of A4 paper.

"Do you have a goal?"

Even Sister Li has her gossipy moments; her face is full of curiosity.

"No rush, the script is the most important thing. I won't worry about them in the early stages."

"Okay, I'll come to see you in person during the second interview."

Gong Li quickly turned her attention back to the script and asked the most crucial question of the day.

What's your plan for the overall tone of the play?

The "temperament" of a TV series is a very abstract concept; it is not the theme, nor the tone, nor the atmosphere.

It has a deeper level of appeal.

Having a unique temperament is not the key to distinguishing between good and bad.

However, dramas with a certain elegance are more likely to be unforgettable and have a lasting charm.

Fang Xinghe already had an idea in mind, but he was unwilling to say it aloud, and gave his eldest sister a mysterious smile.

"Keep filming. If you can guess what it will be like, then guess for yourself. If you can't guess, then wait until it's released and see for yourself. All I can say is that it will be very special."

It's really infuriating.

But Gong Li was increasingly looking forward to it. She thought: Perhaps I am witnessing another miracle and personally creating another classic.

This is absolutely wonderful...

From now until the official premiere, every day will be unbearable.

(End of this chapter)