Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 153 "Curse of the Golden Flower", ask Zhang Yimou

During his stay in Los Angeles, Wu Chen not only worked with the Blumhouse Films team to improve the editing of "Get Out", but also took the time to go with Jason Blum to see the post-production of "Now You See Me".

In the screening room after the Pixel Magic special effects, light and shadow are projected onto the huge screen, playing cards fly and spin in the air, and finally turn into silver rain that sprinkles down on the city night scene.

"The main visual effects for the film were given to BUF in France. This is just a small special effects company that was responsible for doing some of the minor parts."

Michael Burns whispered in Wu Chen's ear, "The editing is already being processed in the post-production building in Burbank."

Wu Chen nodded slightly.

After viewing the progress of the two special effects companies, the group drove back to Burbank. The car slowly drove into a boutique coffee shop on Sunset Boulevard, and the group got out of the car to buy a cup of coffee.

"Wu, that's our concept poster over there." Jason Blum pointed to the giant billboard opposite and said softly.

Wu Chen looked in the direction Jason Blum's hand was pointing.

Against a dim background, a golden playing card slowly rotates, face up, with four figures wearing hats printed on it, and the blurred Las Vegas skyline behind them.

The four corners of playing cards are not marked with "A", "K" and "Q", but with four lines of words:
"What you see is not the truth."

“They’re not magicians.”

"They are thieves."

“They are miracle workers.”

The card seemed to be about to fall into the palm of a white-gloved hand, of which only the outline was visible.

There are only a few simple white words in the lower left corner of the poster: Presenting this summer - "Now You See Me"

The painting style is retro and mysterious, and the overall color tone is a sharp contrast of gold and black, with strong conceptualization and symbolism.

"Very cool!" Wu Chen exclaimed.

"Of course, we spent a lot of dollars. In Los Angeles alone, we have put it on more than a dozen core roads, including Universal Studios and West Hollywood.

There will be another version later that will be shown in major locations like New York’s Times Square,” Michael Burns said cheerfully.

Obviously, after watching Wu Chen's main filming content, several people have become more and more confident about "Now You See Me".

As they lined up, a couple in the back looked at the huge poster outside and chatted: "Isn't that the new film by that Chinese director?"

The girl lowered her voice and asked, "Is he the one who filmed 'Buried Alive'?"

"I heard it's about a group of magicians robbing a bank. The trailer looks like a mashup of Ocean's Eleven and magic tricks," the boy replied, "but it looks pretty cool."

"Well, I think the leading actress, Scarlett Johansson, is stunning."

“It would be nice if it could be reversed like Buried Alive”

Wu Chen and the others listened to the conversation between the two silently without saying a word.

After finishing his business in North America, Wu Chen returned to China.

The most talked-about thing in China at the moment is Zhang Yimou's new film "Curse of the Golden Flower".

The filming started, and there were two press conferences at the Beijing Film Academy. However, after the grand start of the filming, more and more questions arose.

Why did Gong Li take on the role of her former lover?
Has Zhang Ziyi ever been considered for the role?
What’s the significance of Jay Chou’s sudden appearance?

Is it an exaggeration to say that the investment of 3.6 million yuan surpassed "The Promise"?

After the bitter memories of "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers", and the complete collapse of "The Promise", why does Zhang Yimou still dare to challenge the commercial blockbuster of ancient costume martial arts?

I don’t know whether it’s with Curse of the Golden Flower or not, but now this movie is a big hit in the city. For a while, if you don’t know about it in Beijing, it seems that you are not fashionable enough.

"What a pity, Brother Chen, you should have come back two days earlier. You didn't see the grand occasion when Senior Brother Zhang Yi started filming. Almost all the big-name entertainment media in Beijing came." Xiang Zhuo sighed.

"I think the teachers in the school have no objection now." Wu Chen added silently, and everyone was stunned for a moment.

"Well, it seems to be true!"

"."

Just as they were discussing whether this could be considered compensatory casting, the cell phone on the table rang. Wu Chen picked it up and saw that it was a call from Mu Deyuan.

"Visiting the set?" Wu Chen was a little surprised when he heard that.

Mu Deyuan's familiar and cheerful voice came from the other end of the phone: "Yes, it's rare that your senior brother Zhang Yi is directing a play in Beijing. I'm planning to go over and take a look. Do you want to come with me?"

Mu Deyuan paused, then smiled and said, "I think you can go over there. Black Peony is a story from a female perspective, and the core is the scheduling and characterization of the actresses.

When it comes to polishing actresses, I can tell you that no other domestic director can match him."

These words made Wu Chen's eyes light up.

Indeed, if we talk about who is the best at teaching actresses how to act in China, there is only one person, and that is Zhang Yi.

Although we lost at Jingtian later, it was not our fault.

Wu Chen agreed without hesitation and planned to take Park Songri with him.

The next morning, the early morning chill at the Beijing Film Studio had not yet dissipated, and reporters had been waiting outside the iron gate for a long time.

Some people were huddled in the corner wrapped in thick down jackets, while others were patrolling with cameras, just to capture even a high-definition photo of the crew.

However, just as everyone was bored, a familiar Audi A6 slowly drove up and stopped steadily at the door. Then, the assistant director and several staff members walked out quickly, gently lifted the cordon, and Wu Chen and his group stepped out of the car with neat movements and natural expressions.

Several sharp-eyed media reporters not far away immediately raised their cameras and captured this scene.

"That's Wu Chen, right?"

"It looks like he is. He should be here to visit the set."

"It's a shame. After a few days of filming, there are only a few blurry stills. It seems that I won't get any bonus."

"."

On the set, Park Song-il looked at the current set with a look of shock.

This is where a scaffold was set up to shoot palace interior scenes, and the gorgeous golden scene is eye-catching.

Golden brocade and dragon-patterned fabrics hang down on three sides, and in the middle is a magnificent "dragon couch" with carved railings and painted buildings.

The high ceiling lights cast a soft light, which was reflected on the golden carpet on the ground, bringing a breathtaking momentum.

Not far away, several people heard the director shout from the backstage: "Show 12, second line, get ready - go."

In an instant, the entire set fell silent.

Wherever the camera goes, it shows the rivalry between Gong Li and Chow Yun-fat.

Gong Li was dressed in the queen's attire, with gorgeous robes and a phoenix crown on her head. Her face was solemn and there were ripples in her eyes. Chow Yun-fat stood in a dragon robe, with a stern expression and a hint of majesty in his tone.

"Would you like to get an autograph later?" Wu Chen suddenly thought of Park Song-il's excitement when he saw the poster of "A Better Tomorrow" in the winter of the year before last, and couldn't help but whispered.

"Forget it." Park Songri chuckled and shook his head when he heard that.

Zhang Yi also knew that Mu Deyuan, Wu Chen and others had arrived, but he was currently filming, so he just gave Mu Deyuan and Wu Chen a look.

It took a long time for the scene to end.

At this time, Zhang Yi stood up happily and greeted Mu Deyuan, Wu Chen and others.

"Lao Zhang, this is really a grand scene." Mu Deyuan couldn't help but marvel at this time. The golden visual effect was really amazing.

"The scene is grand, but the script is a mess because someone changed it." Gong Li walked over without hesitation and complained in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen glanced at Zhang Yi, who just smiled awkwardly.

Wow, it turns out Gong Li is the boss of the crew.

Wu Chen also heard about the script. Because Zhang Weiping had inserted Jay Chou into the film, the originally written script was revised again more than a month before filming began.

Gong Li's remarks were clearly directed at Zhang Weiping.

At this time, Zhang Yimou was obviously still feeling sorry for Gong Li and kept giving in to her, saying, "Let me introduce you."

"Hello, Sister Gong Li!" Wu Chen chuckled and shook hands with Gong Li.

"I heard Lao Zhang talk about you before. It's really not easy to gain a foothold in Hollywood. Congratulations on your success." Gong Li shook hands with Wu Chen and couldn't help but sigh.

In recent years, she has also taken on some Hollywood films. It cannot be said that it is difficult, but it is indeed not easy.

Having said that, she couldn't help but look at Zhang Yi with resentment.

If it weren't for Zhang Weiping's appearance, she would have brought Zhang Yimou abroad to shoot international blockbusters.

Li Man, Qin Junjie and others watched Wu Chen and others chatting with a little envy from a distance. Chow Yun-fat also came over, said hello and returned to his seat.

But they are newcomers, unlike Gong Li, who is even more relaxed than the director in the crew. Since Zhang Yi didn't call them over, they could only stay here.

At this time, Wu Chen also indirectly talked about the polishing of actresses.

"Actress?" Zhang Yi frowned and seemed to be organizing his words for a moment.

"Old Zhang can only give instructions but not explain. Let me do it." Gong Li pursed his lips when he saw that Zhang Yi was still planning.

"In this area, Lao Zhang pays special attention to details. He will strive to restore every frown and smile authentically according to the characteristics of the era in which the film was shot.

For example, when I was filming "Qiu Ju Goes to Court", he asked me to stay in a rural area in Shaanxi for three months and carry water for three months. This was to restore the details, and it was actually a sense of immersion.

Secondly, his almost harsh polishing method. Although he rarely curses on the set, if I remember correctly, when you were filming "My Father and Mother", you knocked Zhang Ziyi unconscious on set.

Gong Li glanced at Zhang Yi, who nodded silently.

Wu Chen was amazed. Zhang Ziyi was only 20 years old at that time. She could knock people out at such an age. How powerful must her skills be?

"Of course, a big part of the reason is that many of his roles are based on the female lead's script, which is very crucial. As for experience and mature methods, that's hard to say. Director Wu, you may need to watch it a few more times."

After Gong Li finished speaking, Zhang Yi also summarized some of the points, but Wu Chen felt that Zhang Yi's ability to summarize seemed not as good as Gong Li's.

Wu Chen listened silently and nodded slowly.

This kind of thing is indeed a bit too personal, and each director's approach and situation are different.

Wu Chen, Mu Deyuan and others stayed until the afternoon. During this time, most of the scenes were played by Chow Yun-fat and Gong Li, and the two veteran actors' scenes went by very quickly.

It is difficult to see Zhang Yimou's ability to direct actresses at Gong Li's place, but the new "Mou Girl" Li Man's role here is not so fast. Wu Chen carefully observed
(End of this chapter)