Entertainment: I am the peak

Chapter 697 Promotion Begins

Art films really don't get much attention.

Not to mention films like "The Butterfly Lovers," which have been finished for a long time with no new information, mainstream audiences really don't pay attention to these kinds of films.

But some veteran movie fans are still following the progress of this film.

The Douban entry for "The Butterfly Lovers" has already attracted a number of film fans discussing the movie.

However, there are very few followers, and the latest discussion post was published last month.

"This film has been generating buzz since Cannes last year, and it's still not confirmed which film festival it will be screened at this year?"

This question only has two answers:
"We will probably apply to Cannes because last year at Venice we said the post-production wasn't finished. So much time has passed, the post-production should be done by now. Judging from the timeline, Cannes is the most likely place to go."

"I don't have a high opinion of this kind of speculative work. It's the first time this couple has made an art film, and it's likely to flop."

But Liu Yifei brought huge viewership to this movie, and sometimes we really have to thank these fans.

Liu Yifei's fans actually managed to bypass the Great Firewall at this critical juncture and found the January issue of "Cahiers du Cinéma".

As is customary, Cahiers du Cinéma provides an annual outlook on the international film scene for the coming year.

This year, Cahiers du Cinéma highlighted Xavier Dolan, the brilliant director born in 1989, even featuring his new film, The Life and Death of John Donovan, on its cover.

On the page recommending key films of 18, works by three Chinese directors were selected.

"Ash Is Purest White" by Jia Zhangke.

Long Night on Earth, by Bi Gan.

Marriage Story (literal translation), by Li Qiutang.

They also found the list of "2018's most anticipated films" selected by North American Vanity Fair magazine at the beginning of the year.

Li Qiutang's "Marriage Story" is placed after Zhang Yimou's "Shadow".

"Marriage Story is the only Chinese-language film to be shortlisted by both Cahiers du Cinéma and Vanity Fair as one of the most anticipated films. It can be said that Marriage Story has received much attention in the international film industry."

I really have to thank the fans. Li Qiutang herself didn't even know that "Marriage Story" was shortlisted by Cahiers du Cinéma and Vanity Fair.

Li Qiutang also knows that her fans and Liu Yifei's fans are looking forward to "Marriage Story", but there is no special news to share with the audience at the moment.

However, the company suggested releasing some materials in response, since the boss's wife has such a high level of online traffic, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.

Jia Zhangke's "Ash Is Purest White" released actor posters and a story synopsis at the beginning of the year, which was then criticized by netizens as having a "cast that is hard to describe".

Li Qiutang didn't object to this: "You guys send it out, I'll just glance at it one last time."

Finally, Autumn Pictures' official Weibo account also chose to release a poster for "Marriage Story".

The first day, they released the movie poster. In the middle, there was a wall, with Liu Yifei and Qin Hao sitting on either side. Qin Hao held a nearly burnt-out cigarette between his fingers, and both of them were expressionless. Below the poster were the words "Marriage Story."

Autumn Pictures: "Family? Husband and wife? Marriage? What is real and what is fake? Stay tuned for #DirectorLiQiutang'sMarriageStory#" Although Liu Yifei has a larger following, the official announcement on Weibo still focuses on director Li Qiutang.

Finally, there's some activity. Many movie fans are trying to glean some information from this simple poster, but it's just too simplistic.

The most useful information is that "The Butterfly Lovers" has been renamed "Marriage Story".

"Judging from the statement issued by the company, 'Marriage Story' is exploring the issues of truth and falsehood in the lives of married couples and their families."

"The fact that the two people are sitting on opposite sides of the wall suggests that they are experiencing a relationship crisis, which has led to estrangement between the couple."

However, these speculations about the theme are all vague, and the audience still cannot know any specific information about "Marriage Story".

The following day, Autumn Pictures released two posters featuring the main characters. In the poster for the male lead, Qin Hao is positioned in the center, and behind him is a blurry figure—Liu Yifei.

In the poster featuring the female lead, Liu Yifei is positioned in the center, with Qin Hao's blurry figure behind her.

That day, Autumn Pictures didn't say anything, only posted the hashtag #DirectorLiQiutang'sMarriageStory#.

This could certainly be interpreted as a deep and affectionate relationship, but in the context of the film "Marriage Story," these two posters were interpreted by fans as: "In my world, I can't see you."

I must say, these two posters featuring the main characters are quite creative.

The production team of "Marriage Story" has made some moves, and some fans reminded Li Qiutang on Weibo: "I don't know how well Director Li handles family themes, but Hirokazu Kore-eda will also have a film, 'Shoplifters,' released this year. He is a veteran of family relationship themes. 'Shoplifters' is scheduled to be released in June, so it must be going to Cannes. I hope the two films don't clash."

This view was met with opposition from many people: "It's Director Li's first time making an art film, and you're comparing him to Hirokazu Kore-eda? That's a bit too much of a rip-off."

"Whether 'Marriage Story' will go to Cannes is still uncertain."

"Actually, I would suggest that 'Marriage Story' go to Venice. This year, the president of Venice is director Guillermo del Toro. With that connection, you might be able to win an award."

That makes sense!

But how did this netizen know that "Marriage Story" was not submitted to the Venice Film Festival?
Both film festival companies have submitted their films. Cannes will release the news first. If it cannot enter the main competition in Cannes, then "Marriage Story" will go to Venice, because Li Qiutang has received a promise from Elena that as long as she comes, it will be in the main competition.

He's a bit greedy, eating and sleeping in different places.

But this is only human nature and nothing to be surprised about.

However, why do netizens think that Toro would give Li Qiutang and Liu Yifei face?
Toro has a strange and stubborn temper. Even if Fall Films supported him in making two Pacific Rim movies, he might not necessarily give Fall Films any face.

In contrast, this year's Cannes Film Festival president, Cate Blanchett, will be much easier to talk to.

In 2015, Li Qiutang personally approved the casting of Cate Blanchett in Lantern Entertainment's sci-fi art film "Arrival," which earned her numerous nominations, and the two had some connection.

"Oh, you sent out the posters?" Liu Yifei only saw the movie posters the company had sent out when she got home that evening. "They're really beautiful."

Li Qiutang was busy with work today and didn't have dinner. When she came back, Liu Xiaoli was already asleep and was boiling water to make noodles. Liu Yifei was leaning against the kitchen door.

Are you saying the poster is good-looking, or the person is good-looking?

"They both look good." Liu Yifei glanced at her phone again. She especially liked the blurry effect of the two character posters, which perfectly matched the theme of the story.

Liu Yifei opened the refrigerator and took out two eggs: "Move aside, I'll fry you another egg. Eating noodles alone isn't very flavorful."

Li Qiutang simply ignored everything and said, "You cook the noodles for me."

A short while later, a bowl of noodles, a plate of scrambled eggs, and a plate of sliced ​​steak were placed in front of Li Qiutang.

"It's so late, I'll just have a bite to tide me over."

"Let's just eat the last piece of steak." Liu Yifei sat down next to Li Qiutang.

Li Qiutang picked up a piece of beef and ate it: "Mmm! Delicious. Your cooking skills have improved."

"Right? Marrying me wouldn't be a bad deal."

"Try it." Li Qiutang put a piece of beef that she had taken a bite of to Liu Yifei's mouth, and Liu Yifei ate it.

"Mmm, delicious." Liu Yifei said, standing up. "I succeeded in cooking with both pots at the same time."

While eating noodles, Li Qiutang and the other person chatted privately until late at night before going upstairs to rest.

(End of this chapter)