Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 256 The Competitive Landscape: It Was Inevitable

The following morning in Cannes, the sea breeze was still gentle, and the sunlight fell like dust on the remaining gold edges of the red carpet.

The crowds in front of the Palais des Festivals had not yet dispersed, the media tents were still in operation, and stills from the film "Black Peony" were prominently displayed on the front page of several film festival dailys at every newsstand on the street.

Film Notes was the first to offer its review in a full-page commentary:

"A psychological storm shrouded in classical singing; a lament for disciplined souls, for women who sacrificed themselves for beauty; a mirror reflecting a destiny that has remained unawakened for six hundred years."

The title of the article in *The Screen* is even more direct: "Who is she? Who is she? Who is she? The Oriental Labyrinth in *Black Peony*"

Film critic Gary Stone wrote in his article: "From the moment Xu Wei falls, the audience is thrown into a deep well of identity, art, and gender discipline, and that cry of 'I'm awake' is precisely the cruelest irony of the entire film. She is awake, but she is also shattered."

This is a story about how an actor is consumed by a role; it is also a history of women's struggle to find "emotional expression" and "identity boundaries" within traditional constraints.

Following closely, Variety published a lengthy column:
"From Get Out to Black Peony, director Wu Chen's auteur style has become increasingly apparent."

He was no longer satisfied with the narrative structure of Hollywood, but instead tried to integrate cultural identity, body image and stage space into an Eastern psychological device.

This kind of device first took concrete form in "Black Peony": mirrors, dreams, makeup, singing style—everything speaks for the character.

In the comments section, many film critics also praised Liu Yifei's performance:

"Liu Yifei's portrayal of Xu Wei deeply explores themes of female identity, Eastern destiny, and aesthetic sacrifice."

"Liu Yifei's performance is the most difficult part to imitate in the whole film. She not only undertakes the psychological interpretation of the dual roles, but also bears the cultural burden of the 'Kunqu Opera context'."

Especially in the scene where she falls off the stage, she truly showed us that 'death is not the end,' but a rebirth after the dissolution of identity.

If the jury is willing to reward truly "restrained performances" and cultural challengers, then Liu will be the biggest surprise of this year's Best Actress award.

"."

Meanwhile, the "battle" in the main competition unit has become even more complex.

Romanian director Cristian Mungi's "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" uses the social issue of teenage abortion to amplify a social satire that criticizes current affairs. It was rated 3.5 by Screen, making it the top-rated film on the media rating list.

Naomi Kawase, a Japanese female director who is fascinated by "death," also received high praise from the media for her entry, "The Forest of Funerals."

Amidst the diverse debates at this film festival, the sudden emergence of "Black Peony" has led to a flurry of updates to its ratings across various media outlets, currently holding a score of 3.4, second only to "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days".

With the closing ceremony on the 27th just days away, Liu Yifei cherished this trip to Cannes with Wu Chen. On days without any scheduled activities, they explored almost the entire city.

On the afternoon of the 25th, before leaving, Han Sanping specifically sought out Wu Chen and couldn't help but tease him: "You're quite busy. You've been nowhere to be found since the press conference."

"It's rare to have some free time," Wu Chen smiled, not embarrassed at all.

"The person in charge of China Film Overseas is in communication regarding the copyright. You know them, and they are all professionals, so you can rest assured. Besides, the closing ceremony is only two days away, and so far it's just a verbal discussion, no contract has been signed."

Han Sanping then got down to business, “I checked the schedule when I came here. There’s a Pirates of the Caribbean movie scheduled for mid-June and a Transformers movie scheduled for mid-July.”
Your art film isn't suited to going head-to-head with them. I suggest either releasing it in late June or late July.

Han Sanping also gave the release date a lot of thought, after all, the disastrous release of "Tuya's Marriage" was still fresh in everyone's mind, and the Berlin Golden Bear-winning film did not even gross a million on its opening day.

"Let's choose late June first," Wu Chen thought for a moment and then said.

"Okay, let's leave it like this for now, and we'll adjust it if there are any problems."

Wu Chen's choice was within his expectations. If he could win an award, he could use the buzz to promote the film. Even if he couldn't win an award, the promotional time would still be enough for an art film.

"If there's any good news in the next day or two, send me a message." "Okay!"

Wu Chen nodded, then called Liu Yifei, only to hear a distressed voice coming from her.

"The Chanel brand PR just contacted me, saying they want to discuss a new collaboration. Judging from how my mom was talking to them, it looks like it will take quite a while, so we won't be able to go for our evening beach walk."

"Auntie is talking, so what are you doing?" Wu Chen asked curiously.

"I'm listening, my mom is way better than me in this area."

"Then let's go tonight."

"Hehe, you said it yourself. You can't make excuses. These past few days, you've been saying your feet are tired after walking around for a while."

Hearing Liu Yifei mention this, Wu Chen was also a little confused.

Isn't it normal to get tired after walking for a long time?

But he didn't understand why Liu Yifei didn't feel that way at all. Or were women just born with a wandering soul?
Domestically, the closer it gets to the Cannes closing ceremony, the more speculation and reports emerge.

The main competition at this year's Cannes Film Festival is exceptionally fierce, with several films, including "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days," "Black Peony," and "The Forest of Funerals," forming a formidable contender!

Can Liu Yifei reach the top internationally? Professional analysis from Cannes film critics revealed!

【.】

Meanwhile, at the Beijing Film Academy.

On a summer afternoon, sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the hallway in warmth.

The acting department faculty office was much busier than usual.

Several teachers sat around the tea table, documents piled up to one side, no one writing, and a lively discussion was taking place amidst the fragrant tea.

"Old Wang, have you asked about the current situation of the media and film critics in Cannes?" Cui Xinqin leaned back in her chair, her tone revealing a hint of urgency.

She has read through all the domestic reports in the past few days. According to the reports, Liu Yifei is currently a strong contender for the Best Actress award at Cannes, and many professional film critics have included her as a major contender.

"The opinions of film critics and the media should not be taken seriously; ultimately, it is the judges who make the decisions."

"If only it were Wong Kar-wai's year, since he was still the jury chairman. But..." Cui Xinqin thought of the previous year and was speechless, because six Best Actresses were produced in one year, which was outrageous.

Wang Jinsong sat at the tea table by the window, took a sip of freshly brewed Biluochun tea, and said unhurriedly, "I don't think we need to worry too much. With Wu Chen around, Yi Fei's matter is just a matter of time."

After Wang Jinsong said that, everyone was stunned for a moment, and then they all burst into laughter.

"Great job, Lao Wang. You have a keen eye; your analysis hits the nail on the head."

"That's true, you're worrying unnecessarily. If it doesn't work this time, there's always next time."

"Let's wait for the results the day after tomorrow."

"."

(End of this chapter)