It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 124 The Battle Between 'Star Girl' and 'Rui Girl'? (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Half an hour later, the launch event officially ended.

At the same time, a system notification sounded in Lü Rui's mind:
[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have successfully held the launch press conference for the movie "Taken".]

[Level A talent: "Pierre Maurer's action choreography, rapid editing, and 'fast, precise, and ruthless' narrative pacing techniques" has been successfully awarded.]

Amidst the crowd, Lü Rui's lips curled into a slight smile, unable to conceal his excitement.

Before filming began, he didn't specifically seek out a professional action director; he was waiting for this system reward.

Now that he has the award in hand, a wealth of action scene design techniques have flooded his mind, adding a solid foundation to his "directing" skills.

Another half hour passed, and by the time Lü Rui had become familiar with the new skills, the production crew and photography team had completed all the preparations.

At this point, the filming of "Taken" officially began, right next to the set of "I Am Legend".

Jiang Wen appeared in the camera's view, wearing an Armani suit and a classic Patek Philippe watch on his wrist.

In fact, given his character and background in the story, high-end suits and Patek Philippe watches shouldn't be on him.

After all, he was just a retired bodyguard, and his character was rather strapped for cash.

In response, Lü Rui added a "patch" scene.

Upon learning that his daughter had been abducted, Jiang Wen went to a mysterious place called "Mainland Hotel" in Chinatown as soon as he arrived in the United States.

The hotel owner here had once received a favor from him and owed him one, promising to do him a favor.

It was here that he received "sponsorship," acquired equipment and some intelligence, and after leaving the hotel, he found a friend he had known in his early years. With the friend's help, he continued to investigate his daughter's whereabouts.

This borrows plot elements from other movies.

However, the background of the "Mainland Hotel" was not explained in much detail in the film.

Lü Rui plans to create some crossover later, linking it with another action movie that he also likes, and see if he can create a related storyline of "chasing" and "rescue".

"Wearing a suit to film action scenes always feels a bit awkward."

During a break in filming, Jiang Wen adjusted his tie and muttered a complaint under his breath.

Lu Rui listened from the side and shrugged: "Just get through it. After all, this is a Sino-foreign co-production. The male lead has to wear a suit to be associated with the identities of elites and secret agents."

It is said that a man has three treasures: a suit, leather shoes, and a watch.

The idea of ​​the male lead wearing a suit has long been a common feature in Hollywood movies.

Like Bond in "007" and Neo in "The Matrix," suits can quickly enhance a character's competence, professionalism, or mystery, allowing the audience to have an intuitive understanding of the character's identity.

Moreover, a suit itself represents formality and seriousness.

On the other hand, action scenes are a powerful and dynamic expression. This contrast between "formal attire" and "fighting" often creates a strong visual impact, enhances the dramatic tension of the scene, and makes the action scenes more entertaining.

This is crucial for commercial films.

Ultimately, however, it's all for the sake of cinematic effect.

Real killers don't make such a big show of themselves; instead, they disguise themselves as ordinary people who would blend into a crowd.

Anyone who's ever been an assassin knows this.

For example, the "Number One Male Gunner in the Japanese Server" in later generations.

The mistress has already fallen, while his supposedly miraculous female bodyguard is still completely bewildered as to where the bullets came from.

"It's okay, don't worry about me. Just do it your way. I was just rambling on," Jiang Wen explained.

He's just not used to it, not unwilling.

A Sino-foreign co-production with an investment of 100 million yuan faces considerable pressure to recoup its costs.

Besides, he's earned a fair share of the pay, so being dedicated to his work is a must.

He's just a little bit unaccustomed to it.

Strictly speaking, this was a suit tailor-made for him by Armani. It fits perfectly and ensures that it does not restrict his limbs excessively. On the contrary, the clean cut highlights the fluidity of his movements. For example, when he punches or turns, the swaying of the suit can make his movements more rhythmic.

After shooting for two or three days, you'll get used to the rhythm and there won't be any problems.

"Okay." Lu Rui nodded, secretly relieved.

Ultimately, the entire film "Taken" serves only Jiang Wen; all the other actors have to cooperate with him as the lead actor.

As long as he doesn't cause any trouble, everything will be fine.

In addition, another advantage is that Jiang Wen is a director himself, and he can help control the filming of some scenes.

The same applies to Gu Changwei, who serves as a photographer. During normal work hours, he is a photographer, but at crucial moments, he can also step in as a director.

However, the two of them, especially Jiang Wen, usually don't direct key plots, and even when they do, they don't film anything too personal.

This was also something that Lü Rui had intentionally arranged.

Otherwise, the style of "Taken" would become "I, Jiang Wen, came to America to do three things: kill those kidnappers! Rescue my daughter! And, if anyone dares to block my way, I'll rip up their hideout!"

……

Meanwhile, filming for "Taken" has begun.

Meanwhile, news gathered by the media also reached back home.

"On the morning of March 6th, North American time, the action film 'Taken,' directed by Lü Rui and starring Jiang Wen, Liu Yifei, Zhou Yun, and Jing Tian, ​​with an investment of 100 million RMB, officially started filming."

"Lu Rui commented on 'The Promise,' saying he looks forward to Chen Kaige's epic production, but declined to comment on 'The Banquet,' seemingly indicating his skepticism towards Feng Xiaogang's work..."

Liu Yifei accepts the "pretty face" label and says she will work even harder!

"Lu Rui said that Liu Yifei was his first choice, implying that the actress Huang Shengyi was not as good as her."

"A detailed look at the career path of 'Rui Girl' Liu Yifei: She debuted at the age of 15, collaborating with Lü Rui on 'Mystic River,' and earned the title of 'National Daughter'..."

Previously, due to the box office competition between "Kung Fu Hustle" and "The Prestige", some media outlets had already speculated about a feud between Lu Rui and Stephen Chow.

Now, thanks to the efforts of certain individuals, the rivalry between "Stephen Chow's Girl" and "Wise Girl" has reignited, instantly sparking heated discussions:

"In terms of fame, popularity, and representative works, Huang Shengyi doesn't seem to be able to compare with Liu Yifei, does he?"

"Strictly speaking, both of them made their debut in 'Mystic River,' but Liu Yifei played Jiang Wen's daughter while Huang Shengyi only made a brief appearance."

"Huang Shengyi fans, don't get involved. What works do you have? Stop messing around, you can't compare to my Ling'er, okay?"

“We have a mute girl! You are just decorative leading ladies.”

"Pfft, that's hilarious. Let's not even talk about the mute girl, okay? She didn't even have a single line. She only got the title of 'Stephen Chow's girl,' and her screen time wasn't even as much as the 'Landlady.' It's hard to say who the lead actress is."

Liu Yifei was delighted by the online discussions, but Huang Shengyi felt somewhat embarrassed.

In fact, both of them follow the "pure and innocent" route. However, Liu Yifei's purity leans more towards "ethereal beauty," while Huang Shengyi is more like the "white moonlight" of our memories.

In terms of public image and fame alone, Liu Yifei is clearly superior.

The shooting location for FHM magazine in China.

Huang Shengyi already felt quite uncomfortable after reading the netizens' comments.

When she saw the clothes the magazine had prepared for her, her feelings became even more complicated.

"Honey, are you sure that if I shoot this magazine photoshoot, I'll be able to successfully break free from Star Shine's control?"

Yang Zi, standing next to him, nodded without hesitation: "Xinghui has created a pure and innocent image for you. If you take sexy photos now, it will definitely displease the company."

Then, we'll expose the restrictions and harsh treatment Star Overseas imposed on you in the contract, creating the image of you as a victim. You can then easily escape by suing Stephen Chow.

“But…” Huang Shengyi was still hesitant.

"No buts, do you really want to be stuck in this type of acting role for the rest of your life? Listen to me, once this photobook is released, it will be much easier for you to get other roles, and you won't be confined to a certain framework anymore..."

Yang Zi kept rambling on and on, her words carrying a somewhat condescending tone.

Huang Shengyi was someone who greatly admired strength, and considering the other party's status as the CEO of Juli Group, as well as his own bright future, he finally made up his mind:
“I’ll take a picture!”

"Okay, really cute."

Yang Zi patted her head and reassured her: "I've divorced my ex-wife, and I'll dedicate myself to providing you with resources from now on."

You don't need to worry about the online controversy, and that Liu Yifei girl doesn't need to worry either; she's just a little girl, I can easily handle it for you.

"okay!"

Huang Shengyi nodded, picked up a sexy backless nightgown, and went into the fitting room.

……

……

Once you're in work mode, time flies by.

After several days of adjustment, Jiang Wen finally got used to wearing a suit and filming action scenes, and the entire crew's filming progressed very smoothly.

Meanwhile, updates from the domestic and international film and television industries are constantly being reported.

On March 10, after Liu Yifei finished filming her scenes, "The Return of the Condor Heroes" finally wrapped up filming for the entire cast.

Zhang Dahuzi bought a lot of press releases, so much so that on the day filming wrapped, many stills appeared online.

The plot is not yet available for discussion, as the finished product has not been released, but there is a lot of talk about the actors.

The actresses are alright; they are quite compatible with the original work.

In particular, Liu Yifei's portrayal of Xiaolongnu was hailed by the media as a "celestial beauty"!
Although it may be considered "praise to death," from another perspective, it can also be seen as a form of recognition.

However, Huang Xiaoming's appearance standing next to her was somewhat awkward. In the leaked photos, he looked dark and rough, like a wild man, making it difficult to evaluate compared to Louis Koo's version.

"He's actually a pretty good person."

This is Liu Yifei's evaluation of Huang Xiaoming.

"I was young, and he took good care of me on set. When we were filming in Yandang Mountain, Chen Zihan, who played Guo Fu, was not feeling well, and Huang Xiaoming carried her for three kilometers to the parking lot."

Later, when filming the scene where Gongsun Lü'e and Yang Guo fall into the crocodile pond, Sister Fu Miao was soaked to the bone after filming and almost fainted from the cold. Huang Xiaoming carried her into the tent to warm her up and even had his assistant make her ginger soup..."

She counted the good deeds Huang Xiaoming had done on her fingers, but didn't praise his acting skills.

"The mainland version of Andy Lau," Lü Rui echoed, offering his assessment.

Liu Yifei blinked, recalling the news about Liu Dehua, and suddenly felt that what he said made a lot of sense.

But just as she was thinking, the next second, she saw Lü Rui suddenly put on a serious face: "Alright, stop surfing, let's continue discussing the issues related to your character."

Liu Yifei: ???

In the original "Taken", the daughter was basically just a plot device. After being captured, she didn't have much screen time, and even after being rescued, she still had a silly and "cute" image.

But this time, Lü Rui added a lot more scenes for Liu Yifei.

For example, when she encountered the kidnappers, after calming down from her initial panic, she immediately conveyed the kidnappers' physical characteristics to her father.

Even after being kidnapped, she kept leaving some useful signals for her father to rescue her during the transfer.

She's the female lead, after all. If she's so stupid that all she does is cry, she'll definitely be criticized by the audience after the film is released. Even Lü Rui herself can't get over that.

How could a seasoned screenwriter create such a terrible character?
He also redesigned the character of Zhou Yun: she and the character played by Jiang Wen divorced due to incompatibility, and then lived alone with her daughter.

After their daughter was rescued, the two reconciled and chose to remarry.

As for the original storyline where she found a new husband after her divorce, it was directly deleted by Lü Rui.

In his view, this plot was utterly meaningless and only served to highlight how stupid the mother and daughter were.

While actors need to be versatile, they also can't be too outrageous.

Zhou Yun's appearance and temperament destined her to be the kind of stupid and weak housewife who would only cry and wail in the face of crisis.

Even if she can't help the main character much, she shouldn't hold him back; instead, she should encourage her husband when appropriate.

The male lead is responsible for the rescue from the outside, the female lead supports and encourages him from the inside without holding him back, the daughter is playful but not stupid, the villain is vicious and cruel... Add to that the thrill of the rescue process and the satisfying feeling of getting a punch and a kill, and this is what makes a complete and exciting commercial film.

Lu Rui also added some of Jiang Wen's favorite "swear words" lines to him.

Of course, not too much was added; some was mainly added when killing people to vent emotions and enhance the feeling of satisfaction.

If you add too much, it can easily turn into something like, "I'll just blow up this criminal gang's hideout!"

This is, after all, "Taken," not "John Wick."

That dog is currently working with Denzel Washington on the set of "I Am Legend" next door and hasn't been assigned to this side.

...

Before we knew it, it was late July.

That noon, just after Lü Rui finished filming a scene, Peter Griffin suddenly ran over from the "I Am Legend" set.

"What's wrong? What happened? Harvey's here again?"

Since he got the contract back, Harvey has come to check on him several times, just to get a feel for his opinion.

However, each time they came, they returned empty-handed.

“No, it’s not Harvey.” Peter walked up, panting, his voice tinged with excitement: “LV, I’ve found a publishing company that perfectly matches your requirements…”

(End of this chapter)