Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 251 Only blockbusters can compete with blockbusters, on the eve of the event.

The opening ceremony of Cannes is drawing ever closer, but the domestic film industry is currently being decimated by the Hollywood blockbuster "Spider-Man 3".

Even movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Apple had to change their release dates to the summer season because of the release of Spider-Man 3.

In contrast to the phenomenal success of "Spider-Man 3" sweeping across theaters, Chinese-language films have been unusually weak at the box office.

Many film producers and distributors in the industry are secretly attacking China Film Group, criticizing Han Sanping for his "miscalculation" in the timing of the film's release. Some journalists have even written articles accusing him of "suppressing the survival space of domestic films."

Hats were being put on one after another.

Zhang Weiping also chimed in with a few comments, while also praising the remarkable achievements of his own period drama in competing with Hollywood blockbusters.

At this moment, Ning Hao, who was filming "Crazy Racer" in Lujiang, couldn't help but complain to Wu Chen:

"I checked the release schedule, and there are no major films being released in China in May. If Hollywood blockbusters aren't released during this period, are they going to release them during the summer vacation or the National Day holiday, the prime time for release?"

I wonder if the person who said these things has gone mad.

"That's how it is. Some dogs don't exert any effort when they're charging forward, but they drag you down the ladder relentlessly when they're holding you back."

Wu Chen was speechless, but that was reality. He then dialed Han Sanping's number.

Originally, I just wanted to confirm whether the other party had arrived in Cannes with the film crew, but a soft sigh came through when Han Sanping mentioned the current gossip in the industry:
"Don't be fooled by our monopoly on imported films. This position is not easy to hold. The time difference in release will make it very difficult for Chinese blockbusters."

But no matter where it's placed, it will harm the interests of some domestic films.

Moreover, what China Film Group really cares about is not the so-called box office, but that these Hollywood films not only promote their cultural products through artistic aesthetics.
At the same time, they are also promoting their national ideology and moral values, which is what's really giving the bureau a headache.

At this point, Han Sanping couldn't help but offer some predictions, after all, Wu Chen is currently the most promising director in China, and then asked:

Do you think we have any solutions?

"A solution?" Wu Chen pondered for a moment before finally speaking, "Chairman Han, I can't reach other levels, but theoretically only a blockbuster can compete with another blockbuster!"

"Blockbuster versus blockbuster?"

Han Sanping immediately realized that he not only thought this way, but also did it.

Because only blockbuster movies can attract a large enough audience.

The theme of Spider-Man 3 is a typical American individual hero and savior complex;
Despite having a job he enjoys like everyone else, Spider-Man, who possesses superhuman abilities, is always driven by a sacred sense of mission to intervene in society and avert various impending disasters.

This formula is actually quite old, but the reason so many people are willing to watch it is largely because it's a blockbuster with special effects.
"I've thought about what you said, but there are too few places in China that can produce blockbusters. Just count on your fingers, even if you include Hong Kong and Taiwan, you can't even count two out of ten."

"That too!"

Wu Chen nodded. The development of domestic films is indeed not as fast as Hollywood. Hollywood has been developing for many years, and its mature industrial system can slowly cultivate a whole bunch of blockbuster directors.

"Is there any other way?"

"Chairman Han, if you and the bureau can't figure it out, how could I possibly come up with it by myself?"

Wu Chen smiled wryly, "What I can think of for now is blockbuster versus blockbuster, which can both demystify the genre and cultivate cultural confidence."
On the other hand, given time, it might be possible to gradually export culture back to China, at least achieving a relative balance and preventing the country from being solely supplied with its culture.

Han Sanping also sighed, saying that the probability of success was extremely low at present.

"You guys should think about this too. The higher-ups and the bureau have already noticed this, and incentives for commercial films will be gradually introduced. You guys go to Cannes first; the opening ceremony is your stage. Whether I attend or not doesn't matter much."
Cannes has organized a special forum for Sino-foreign film exchange, and the China Film Association is organizing major film producers to go there later for overseas exchanges.

"it is good!"

After communicating with Han Sanping, Wu Chen then communicated with Liu Tianchi and Zhang Jiqing.

However, neither of them was particularly interested in going to Cannes.

The former has no intention of pursuing an acting career, while the latter hopes to promote Kunqu Opera and encourages Wu Chen and the others to work hard.
Just before the Cannes Film Festival opened, the Hollywood blockbuster "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" finally made its choice: Michelle Yeoh beat Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi to play the pivotal wise woman who would annihilate the super mummy played by Li Lianjie.
However, when the movie's synopsis was released, netizens were very angry.

"How did the greatest emperor of all time become a mummy? And a tyrant at that?"

"Where did China get mummies? Besides, the First Emperor wasn't a tyrant; that's just a misconception. It's a result of a systemic problem transforming into a normal dynasty."

"."

Meanwhile, inside the villa, Liu Yifei was clinging to Liu Xiaoli's arm, nuzzling her shoulder with her head, her voice soft and affectionate:
"Mom, please come with me, okay?"

"What difference does it make whether I, a supporting actor, go or not?"

Liu Xiaoli smiled helplessly and gently brushed Liu Yifei's hair aside with her fingers.

Cannes was Liu Yifei's first time on the international stage, and she wanted to give Liu Yifei more space and didn't want her to steal the spotlight.

"But I also wish you were in the audience."

Liu Yifei said softly, looking at her with a stubborn gaze, "This might be your only chance in this lifetime."

These words made Liu Xiaoli pause for a moment. Time seemed to flow back to that evening two years ago when she accompanied Liu Yifei to rehearse "The Peony Pavilion" in the practice room, or it seemed to go back to decades ago.

"Alright, alright, I'll go then." Liu Xiaoli finally nodded, then teased, "Aren't you afraid I'll get in the way of you and Wu Chen?"

"mom!"

Liu Yifei's face flushed red, and she shyly punched Liu Xiaoli lightly, saying, "What are you saying? No way!"

Although she hasn't told Liu Xiaoli yet, it seems like everyone already knows.

The Cannes Film Festival opens on the 16th, and Wu Chen, along with Liu Yifei, Li Qin, and others, set off on the 14th. Because they couldn't get to Cannes directly, they had to transfer and adjust to the time difference along the way.

After changing trains and crossing two time zones, they finally arrived at the French Riviera, Cannes.

This small seaside town in southern France is no longer just a holiday paradise, but has become an art destination for world cinema.

For the 60th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, posters and red flags were displayed side by side on the streets, and almost every glass window in train stations, squares, hotels, and churches was adorned with the gold "CANNES 60" logo.

Everything in the city seemed to be swallowed up by the movies. Outside the cafes, people were discussing "My Blueberry Nights" and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," while fashion boutiques displayed outlandish costumes tailored for the red carpet.

Meanwhile, on the main seaside promenade, a huge official backdrop poster has just been erected.

The nameplate for "Black Peony" is located in a corner near the center, alongside "My Blueberry Nights" and "No Country for Old Men." The silver lettering on it reflects light subtly, like a slowly blooming black petal, shimmering in the sunlight.
Just a few minutes after getting out of the car, Wu Chen and his entourage were surrounded. Before the foreign reporters could react, the domestic reporters had already rushed forward, microphones in hand, and jogged away.

Several cameras were already on, and microphones were everywhere.

"Director Wu, Director Wu! Welcome to Cannes! You are the third group from China to arrive!" A short-haired female reporter rushed up with a smile and light steps.

"Oh, who was with us before us?" Wu Chen asked curiously.

"The first group consisted of director Wong Kar-wai and his wife; the second group included Gong Li and Maggie Cheung."

"Then wouldn't I be third place?" Wu Chen chuckled. "There's a bit of pressure. It would be a shame if I ended up third when I received the award."

Everyone was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, instantly enlivening the atmosphere in front of the camera.

"Director Wu, could you share your thoughts on this year's session? You were here last year too, what was different?"

“It’s different. I heard this year’s trophy is studded with pink diamonds, and it’s quite beautiful. Is that true?” Wu Chen asked the crowd with a smile.

"It's true. We filmed there when we came here, and we hope that Director Wu can successfully represent China and win a major award."

The reporters responded with light laughter, and after asking Wu Chen, they immediately turned their microphones to Liu Yifei and Li Qin, while Liu Xiaoli declined the interview.

"I'm in a great mood. Yeah, it's my first time in Cannes, so I'm definitely a little nervous. I hope I can achieve good results in the end."

"I mainly want to thank Director Wu Chen. As for the future, it's still unclear."

Just as they finished dealing with the domestic media, the foreign media arrived.

Fortunately, the interview wasn't long. After about ten minutes, when the last reporter politely said goodbye, Wu Chen and the others went directly to the Martinez Hotel to adjust to the time difference.

This is the core reception hotel arranged by the organizing committee, located on the seaside promenade, facing the French Riviera.

After dinner, everyone was actually quite tired, but they forced themselves to stay up until the night in Cannes to adjust to the time difference, though it was still much earlier than they would have gone to bed back in China.

Before going to sleep, Liu Yifei secretly sent a message to Wu Chen: "What time will you wake up?"

Wu Chen couldn't help but laugh after seeing the message: "How would I know? I'll just sleep until whatever time I want, but it feels like I'll probably wake up much earlier than I did in China."

"Hehe, okay then, if we wake up early, let's go watch the sunrise together."

After replying, Liu Yifei hugged her pillow and buried herself in bed, a hint of indescribable joy on her lips.

Domestic media outlets have already begun reporting on matters related to the 60th Cannes Film Festival:
Wong Kar-wai and his wife arrive in Cannes

[Wu Chen and the cast of "Black Peony" appeared at Cannes; Liu Yifei admitted to being a little nervous about coming to Cannes!]

[Many renowned directors, including Chen Kaige and Jia Zhangke, are present; the Cannes Film Festival officially opens tomorrow!]

The curtains in the room were drawn tightly shut, and the evening breeze gently pattered against the glass.

The corridors of the Martinez Hotel had long since fallen silent, with only the occasional whisper of the waves in the distance.

Wu Chen woke up a little earlier because he had rested long enough on the plane and had gone to bed early the night before. He got up around 4 a.m. and casually sent a message to Liu Yifei.

Twenty minutes passed, and there was no reply.

An hour has passed, and there has still been no reply.

Wu Chen sat on the balcony, looking at his phone screen, and couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.

At this moment, Liu Yifei was indeed still dreaming, deeply nestled in the soft feather mattress, breathing evenly, her hair disheveled.

She had a strange dream in which she was running to some red carpet wearing a Chanel haute couture dress, but she couldn't find her shoes.
"Where are my shoes?" Liu Yifei sat up abruptly as if jolted awake from a dream, staring blankly at the ceiling. Then she looked down at her phone and almost threw it away. "Oh my god, it's already past five o'clock!"

Upon seeing the message Wu Chen sent at around 4 AM on the screen, she immediately jumped out of bed, scratching her hair and muttering, "How could I have overslept?"

She quickly washed her face, fiddled with her hair a few times, and without bothering to put on makeup, she just casually put on a T-shirt and a pair of slim-fitting trousers, and put on canvas shoes, before muttering as she walked toward Wu Chen's room.

"Boom boom boom!"

The door opened, and Liu Yifei stood in front of it, grinning at Wu Chen. There were still traces of redness at the corners of her eyes from just waking up, but her expression carried a hint of shyness.

"Not fully awake"

Wu Chen looked at her, suppressed a laugh and nodded: "I can tell your hair isn't combed properly."

"Don't give me away," Liu Yifei muttered softly. "I'll wear a hat, then no one will be able to tell. Let's go see the sunrise."

The air in Cannes in the early morning carries a damp and gentle salty scent. A wisp of dawn breaks on the horizon, and the newly awakened sunlight is not yet dazzling, like the edge of a canvas being gently smoothed out by someone's palm.

"It's still a bit chilly." Wu Chen casually draped his coat over Liu Yifei's shoulders.

Liu Yifei returned a faint smile.

The two chatted and laughed as they sat down on a bench by the sea.

At this moment, the sky was finally tinged with a faint rose gold, and the sunlight slowly rose from behind the horizon, like a dawn envelope being slowly torn open, revealing golden ink little by little.

Liu Yifei bit her lip and smiled, her eyes shining brightly and gently as if ignited by the morning light.

The wind ruffled her hair, gently swirling it around Wu Chen's arm. She rested her chin on her knees, gazing motionlessly at the tiny ray of light between the sea and the sky, and suddenly whispered, "Junior Brother."

Wu Chen turned his head to look at her: "Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"no need thank me?"

Wu Chen asked in confusion, only to see Liu Yifei smile at him with exceptional sweetness, her lips curving into a clean and bright arc: "It seems I've accomplished half of my dream."

"What is the other half?"

"Hehe, I can't tell you yet."

(End of this chapter)