Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 300 The Battle of the Century
If in previous years, the mainland's bid for the Olympics was just a "big event" in the industry, then this year's bid is like a bomb being dropped directly into a pot.

The difference this time lies in the participants and their works.

In the past, when films were submitted for the Olympic bid, only one of the three regions in China usually had a chance.

But this year, Wu Chen suddenly appeared, and then Li An came along.

The former won two awards at Cannes and also won the Oscar for Best Picture this year, while the latter just won the Golden Lion at Venice and is the only Chinese to win both the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director.

According to the media, this year's Oscars are likely to feature a "battle of the best in Chinese-language cinema".

The following morning, major media outlets published articles, each with an eye-catching headline:
[Wu Chen's "Black Peony" represents mainland China in the Oscar race! A showdown of the best Chinese-language films is about to unfold!]

[Oscar Battleground: A Clash of Two Chinese Film Stars! Wu Chen vs. Li An!]

[Lust, Caution Faces a Formidable Rival: Who Will Dominate Chinese-Language Cinema?]

Is the era of peace over for Chinese-language cinema over? A battle between two directors, a rare occurrence in film history!

【.】

Most mainland media commentaries still lean towards Wu Chen's side, especially some entertainment commentators who are quite outspoken:

"While Li An's 'Lust, Caution' winning the Golden Lion is certainly excellent, Wu Chen's 'Black Peony' at this year's Oscars is more like a revolution for Chinese-language films."

He seamlessly blends Eastern culture with Western narrative methods through psychological thriller techniques. This masterful cinematic language would likely hold its own in an event like the Oscars.

In contrast to the strong support from mainland media, the media in Taiwan overwhelmingly sided with Li An.

Many media outlets, including the United Daily News, have published articles stating that:
"Lust, Caution winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival means that Li An has once again established himself in the international film scene, and the boost to the Oscars is almost self-evident."

“Looking back at the winners of the Golden Lion over the past fifteen years, 20% of them were nominated for Best Film and 60% for Best Director. Venice is a lucky place for Li An and a stepping stone to the Oscars. This year’s Oscars have already given us the answer.”

The entertainment section in Hong Kong appears particularly desolate.

The pages of several mainstream entertainment media outlets were dominated by the fierce competition between Taiwan and the mainland, and Hong Kong's own Olympic bid this year failed to make much of a splash.

Everyone knows that the chances of this Hong Kong film being nominated are actually quite slim. It's hard to say whether a gangster crime film can even get past the first round of competition for Best Foreign Language Film.

Meanwhile, movie fans in both regions were in an uproar online, with heated discussions taking place:
"It's clear that Wu Chen's film has a better chance of breaking through; you can tell just by looking at the visuals."

"Li An is the true light of Chinese cinema. 'Lust, Caution' hasn't even been released yet, how do you know it's bad? Besides, how many films have won the Venice Golden Lion and been nominated for Oscars?"

"."

Since Wu Chen is still in Hollywood, domestic media can only interview Li An, who is holding a charity premiere of "Lust, Caution" in Hong Kong.

Tang Wei followed closely behind Li An, a step behind, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes.

Because Zhang Ziyi suddenly appeared and gave Li An a hug, she stayed and refused to leave, directly taking over Li An's position as the female lead, Wang Jiazhi, without giving her any face, and not even giving her a chance to speak.

The media were secretly watching the show, their faces showing mocking smiles.

"Everyone, don't rush, take your time."

When surrounded by reporters, Li An simply smiled and raised his hands to signal for silence.

"Director Li, 'Black Peony' is representing mainland China in the Oscars. Now everyone is saying that you will be having a showdown with Wu Chen. What do you think about this?"

A mainland reporter asked the first question, and the room fell silent for a moment as everyone waited for Li An's response.

"Wu Chen is an outstanding young director, and we both bring glory to Chinese-language films on the international stage. Films belong to the audience, but also to filmmakers. Regarding competition, I hope it will be a mutually beneficial partnership."

Having been accustomed to the media's tricks for years, Li An wouldn't make a mistake on such a minor issue, and remained as humble as ever. The media then turned their attention to Tang Wei, asking rather bluntly: "Ms. Tang, some people say you used body doubles in the erotic scenes."

"That was a lighting stand-in; everything you see in the film is me!"

Tang Wei's frank remarks immediately caused a stir at the premiere.

News of the Hong Kong premiere of "Lust, Caution" quickly spread back to the mainland.

"Damn, it's actually filmed with real people."

"I heard the positions are amazing, but unfortunately the domestic edited version is only seven minutes long, and the bureau is planning to postpone the release."

"Brother Xiang, do you have any connections to get an uncut version for us to study?"

In the management graduate program, Xiang Zhuo was surrounded by people asking him questions.

Although Xiang Zhuo didn't report for the start of the semester and only came after filming of "Painted Skin" wrapped up, as a producer at Xingchen Pictures and a former roommate of Wu Chen, she now holds a high position in the graduate program.

"Can't you be a little more ambitious? Besides, what are you studying? You're neither a cinematography major nor a directing major. I'm too embarrassed to even call you out on what you're studying."

Xiang Zhuo teased everyone, but when he had dinner with Park Song-il that evening, he didn't forget to call Wu Chen.

"Huh? Why do you want the Venice version of 'Lust, Caution'?"

“Observe and learn. I graduated from the photography department, after all. I can’t fall behind in my studies.” As soon as Xiang Zhuo finished speaking, Park Song-il couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

"Do you even believe that yourself? Do you think Brother Chen would believe it?"

Wu Chen couldn't help but laugh: "Speak like a human!"

"Well, I can't lose face when people call me 'brother,' and besides, I've discovered there are quite a few elites in the management graduate program. I'll gradually bring them into our company."

"You are a talent."

Wu Chen laughed and scolded, then went to Paramount's Studio 3 to discuss the choreography.

Although it was already September, the Los Angeles sun was still blinding.

The air in the photography studio was filled with the smell of prop dust.

The set inside the studio has been initially set up, with a black stage, mirrored walls, and lighting testing equipment neatly arranged.

Keira Knightley and Mila Kunis have also secretly arrived here.

Wu Chen estimates that Paramount will announce the female lead soon, since Keira Knightley's repeated secret visits to Paramount will eventually become unbelievable.

Both had a foundation in ballet, and Keira Knightley had specifically intensified her ballet training before the audition, which saved her some time.

"Wu, Kayla needs some training time for the final choreography."
Traditional ballet requires every movement to be precise, but in your script, Nina goes from perfection to collapse step by step, even starting to hallucinate in front of the mirror in the rehearsal room.

My idea is to first showcase her perfection with the most standard ballet movements, and then, as the plot progresses, the movements begin to deform, even incorporating the twisted feel of modern dance and improvisation, allowing her mental state to collapse in sync with the dance. Believe me, when the final scene of 'The Death of the White Swan' appears, it will be the most brilliant moment of the entire film.

Benjamin Milpier approached Wu Chen and spoke with him, his eyes shining with focus and excitement.

Wu Chen nodded. He wouldn't interfere too much in professional matters, and then asked, "If I put this part at the end of the shoot, starting from now, would that solve the problem?"

Theoretically, filming can begin next month, and the estimated filming period is between two and a half to three months, meaning there will be three to four months to prepare for the solo dance.

"Okay, but you need to focus on her scenes and give me some free time."

(End of this chapter)