Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 668 Post-screening reviews: a backstabbing?

The applause was thunderous and prolonged.

Amidst continued enthusiastic applause, Wu Chen and Liu Yifei, along with Li Qin, stood up again and bowed to the audience to express their gratitude.

The audience began to leave in an orderly manner under the guidance of the staff.

But the air was still filled with discussions about the light and shadow experience they had just witnessed.

"Compared to those heavy and depressing themes, Wu's film is much more comfortable to watch."

"Indeed, it's a very poetic life. Hmm, that scene on the beach where the father and son throw stones together was really nice, something to look forward to!"

“Crystal is so beautiful in the movie! Wu really knows how to film his girlfriend; every shot is full of love.”

"."

Marco Müller quickly stepped forward and gave Wu Chen a tight hug.

"A fantastic film! Wu, the final edited version is excellent!"

He initially watched a three-hour rough cut, but this two-plus-hour condensed version has a smoother pace and the emotional build-up is much more appropriate.
"Thank you!"

Jia Zhangke, Zhao Tao, and others also came over, briefly greeted Wu Chen, congratulated him on the successful premiere, and then left the screening room with the crowd.

Walking along the corridor leading to the exit, Zhao Tao turned his head and whispered in Jia Zhangke's ear:
"So, what do you think?"

“What a pity.” Jia Zhangke shook his head, a hint of regret in his voice. “If I had been the one to make it, the ending would definitely not have been like this.”

In his opinion, Wu Chen was too conservative and too focused on a warm and perfect ending.

If it were him, he could have easily given a huge twist at the end of the film, with a sudden and unexpected separation of life and death;

By letting the audience feel the cruelty of reality after the ultimate romance, a more profound impression can be left on them.

Upon hearing these words, Zhao Tao wore a strange expression.

How could she not know Jia Zhangke's film style?

"Actually, I think Director Wu's way of filming is quite good." She said slowly, "That kind of gentle warmth and understanding of ordinary life has already touched me a lot."

Movies don't necessarily have to be so profound or so heavy.

After a brief interview with the media, Wu Chen and his group returned to their hotel.

As soon as she entered the room, Liu Yifei couldn't wait to pick up her phone and hurriedly dial Zhang Liangying's number.

At this moment, Jane Zhang was doing the final recording work for her upcoming English album.

In the recording studio, she had just finished recording a challenging dolphin-like high note and was holding a water glass, discussing the details with the producer.

Her phone rang, and she glanced at the caller ID, a smile spreading across her face.

"Sissi, the movie premiere is over."

"Uh-huh!"

On the other end of the phone came Liu Yifei's voice, which was a little different from usual—excited and charming.

Hearing that unique tone, Zhang Liangying thought for a moment, then couldn't help but smile: "So you... know everything?"

"Liangying, how could you not tell me!"

"Haha, that has nothing to do with me." Zhang Liangying seemed to be able to imagine Liu Yifei pouting and pretending to be angry in a cute way, and then explained with a smile.

"It was Director Wu's request. He said he wanted to give you a surprise."

"Hehe, it's okay, I know." Liu Yifei smiled and then began to share this unique joy and emotion with her best friend.

I only found out about this because of Zhang Liangying, so the feeling of sharing is naturally different.

By this time, the setting sun over Lido Island had completely sunk below the horizon.

The last rays of sunlight streamed in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the entire room in a warm, rose-gold hue.

The soft light shone on Liu Yifei's face, giving her fair skin an orange-red glow, like a blooming peach blossom.
Around 8 p.m. that evening, the first round of media reviews for "The Warmest Thirty Days of My Life" was officially released.

The Hollywood Reporter:
"A masterpiece brimming with wisdom and warmth. Wu Chen uses a seemingly fantastical premise to tell a story about the simplest truth: 'living in the moment.' Liu Yifei's performance is delicate and full of layers."
Of course, what surprised me most was Wu Chen, who directed and starred in the film. He was completely different from his usual self, giving off a unique and refreshing vibe!

Variety: "Wu Chen has once again proven that he can not only handle grand sci-fi epics, but also make a small-scale romance film so moving. The film's soundtrack is the perfect finishing touch."

The Guardian: "True happiness is not about correcting the past, but about embracing the present. A five-star recommendation for 'The Warmest 30 Days of My Life'!"

Cahiers du Cinéma: "Wu Chen's cinematic language remains masterful. He imbues the modern metropolis of Shanghai with a classical charm. The film's pacing is both relaxed and precise, and the emotional progression flows flawlessly, like mercury spilling across the floor."

Of course, there were also some relatively harsh comments.

IndieWire: "The film is too warm and perfect, lacking the rawness of reality."

For viewers accustomed to Wu Chen's works, which are full of social critique and reflections on human nature, this is more like an overly sweet dessert.

Overall, however, the reviews were almost overwhelmingly positive.

Overnight, "The Warmest Thirty Days of My Life," which was already generating a lot of buzz and attention, reached a new level.

The situation is no exception in China as well.

Major media outlets translated and reprinted the foreign media's comments immediately.

[Foreign media rave! Wu Chen's new film "30 Days of Warmth" receives a standing ovation at its Venice premiere!]

[Variety Show Recommends Song of the Year! Wu Chen's New Film's Mysterious Feature Song Draws Attention!]

[Highly Rated! Wu Chen and Liu Yifei's New Film Becomes the Top Hit at Venice!]

【.】

Domestic viewers, especially Liu Yifei's fans, were eager to see the reports.

"When will it be released domestically? With the Venice Film Festival promotion, it probably doesn't need such a long promotional period."

"Hurry up!"

However, discussions within the industry are more in-depth and complex, and there are no shortage of envious voices.

"I hope Liu Yifei doesn't win Best Actress again. I'd rather Wu Chen win Best Actor."

"Why are these foreign media outlets giving such positive reviews? Wow! What kind of magic potion did Wu Chen use to bewitch them?"

"."

At this moment, while at home in Beijing, I felt very uncomfortable looking at these media reports about Kang Jianming, the vice chairman of the China Film Association.

If Wu Chen does win another award at Venice this time, his aura will shine even brighter.

What if I invite him again then, and he refuses again? What will Jinji do then?
Wu Chen attended the Huabiao Awards organized by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television; that was a show of respect.

But what about their Golden Rooster Awards?
Moreover, he knew that the Film Association was preparing to adjust the award categories again, which would be another huge pitfall.
Just thinking about all this messy stuff made Kang Jianming's head ache.

He always felt that the Film Association was the one who betrayed him from behind.
(End of this chapter)