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

Chapter 89: Filming Wrapped Up! Is Zhang Yimou's Culture Vulgar? (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
"Lv, see you in September."

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and Andy Serkis and David Bowie's scenes officially came to an end.

The two didn't have many scenes in China, only less than three.

However, due to the need for plot continuity and the high-standard set design of props and scenes, a considerable amount of time was consumed.

"Okay, see you in September."

Lu Rui waved goodbye to the two men and watched them get into the car and leave.

After filming wrapped on "The Prestige," he will fly back to Hollywood to advance the casting and filming of "Insidious."

At that time, he will meet Andy Serkis again.
If nothing unexpected happens, he will most likely be the male lead in "Lurking".

With all the Hollywood actors having finished filming their scenes, the production of "The Prestige" has officially come to an end.

On set, Hu Jun started up the "cloning machine" he brought back from the West for the first time, preparing to conduct experiments himself.

To be on the safe side, he placed a pistol next to the machine before the experiment began.

A sudden flash of electricity, and the clone appeared!

In the chaos, the pistol next to the machine was grabbed...

"Wait, I am..."

"boom--"

Gunshots rang out in the empty room.

Hu Jun, standing beneath the cloning machine, gripped a smoking pistol, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, "Hu Jun" at the door stared wide-eyed, his face filled with terror as he collapsed into a pool of blood.

"Director Lü," Fan Bingbing suddenly leaned close to Lü Rui and asked in a low voice, "Which of these two Hu Juns is the clone and which is the original?"

The non-stop mind-bending plot left her completely dizzy.

First, Jiang Wen played two roles, portraying twin brothers.

Now Hu Jun has brought back a "cloning machine" and performed a cloning operation, creating another version of himself.

So after all this trouble, which one is the real thing?
"You'll understand when the movie is released," Lü Rui said, keeping everyone in suspense and playing the riddle game once again.

"Ok."

Fan Bingbing pouted, not daring to ask too many questions, and obediently sat back on the small stool, silently waiting to film the next scene.

Lu Rui's gaze lingered on her for a moment.

This person can be considered one of the representatives of "as long as the face is there, the country is there". Although the acting skills are not outstanding, the highly recognizable face is very stunning and it is difficult to find a similar person in the industry.

Unfortunately……

Anyway, she's only playing a supporting role now, so Lü Rui doesn't really care.

However, there will inevitably be similar roles in the future, so we still need to keep an eye out for them within the industry.

If all else fails, personally training a few wouldn't be a bad idea.

In late August, the 61st Venice Film Festival kicked off.

A host of big names in the Chinese film industry made an appearance, with names such as Jia Zhangke, Hou Hsiao-hsien, Zhao Yanzi, and Feng Xiaogang frequently appearing in red carpet reports.

However, those in the industry know the truth.

Most people don't actually have the shortlisted films in their hands; this trip across the ocean is just for hype after they return home.

At almost the same time, the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival held a press conference to officially announce the nominees for the two major awards.

Lu Rui was quite curious whether the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival would pull some tricks again this time.

However, the nomination list seems quite conventional.

"The Pursuit of Happyness" was nominated for four major awards at the Golden Rooster Awards: Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay.

"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" was slightly less impressive, only being nominated for the Hundred Flowers Award for Outstanding Feature Film.

Commercial films such as Zhang Yimou's "House of Flying Daggers" and Feng Xiaogang's "Cell Phone" mostly received nominations at the Hundred Flowers Awards.

Interestingly, "Cellphone" was nowhere to be found on the Golden Rooster Awards nomination list.

Clearly, in the judging criteria of the Golden Rooster Awards, commercial films have always struggled to gain entry into this "temple of art."

If Zhang Yimou hadn't repeatedly emphasized that "House of Flying Daggers" contained the core of an art film and that its box office success was merely an unexpected bonus, it probably would have been marginalized.

Wang Zhiwen called Lü Rui, unable to hide his excitement.

His only competitors for the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor are Liu Wei and Liu Ye.

Based on his outstanding performance in "The Pursuit of Happyness", he believes he has a very high chance of winning!
"You might have to represent me then, as I'm not sure I'll be able to come back."

Next month's schedule is already set. Lü Rui will be going to Hollywood to finish filming "Lurking," so he will most likely be unable to attend the awards ceremony.

"No problem, I'll say your acceptance speech for you, haha."

Wang Zhiwen joked that he thought Lü Rui would definitely achieve something at the Golden Rooster Awards this time.

"The Pursuit of Happyness" is so great, it would be really unfair if Lü Rui didn't get a Best Director or Best Film award.

The moment the call ended, Jiang Wen appeared behind him, his tone slightly mocking: "I advise you not to have too high hopes for the Golden Rooster Awards. Given the judges' attitudes, you'll probably not even get a scrap."

Old Jiang is still resentful about his "Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor".

"Whatever." Lü Rui casually stuffed his phone into his pocket and shrugged. "I've already won the Best Director award at Cannes, why would I care about the Golden Rooster Award? It's just a bonus."

"That's true."

Jiang Wen suddenly came to her senses and pulled him aside to study the script again.

The two have recently fallen into a very strange cycle.

Lu Rui tried his best to simplify the plot, but Jiang Wen was obsessed with stuffing all sorts of metaphors into the story.

What is the significance of adding this poem here?

Lu Rui poked at a newly added ancient poem in the script, unable to hide his doubt.

Jiang Wen immediately perked up and recited in a melodious tone: "The ancients have ridden the yellow crane away, leaving only the Yellow Crane Tower behind. The yellow crane is gone and will never return, while the white clouds drift aimlessly for a thousand years... What a beautiful artistic conception!"

"..."

"And what about this crooked tree? Why emphasize its shape?"

"The roots of the tree are surrounded by stones, how could it not be crooked?" Jiang Wen replied matter-of-factly.

Lu Rui slammed the script shut and said seriously, "Director Jiang, I have to remind you, there are too many metaphors! The audience isn't a detective. You're only telling half the story and leaving the other half unsaid. You can't expect them to be guessing, can you?"

As the script became more refined, its obscure expressions became more frequent.

In many places, it is expressed in an extremely subtle way!
The film festival judges will definitely understand it; after all, they are professionals.

But expecting the audience to understand that is simply a joke.

“If you insist on filming it this way, the box office will definitely not be high.” Lü Rui simply laid it all out on him, presenting the facts to him.

“I know.” Jiang Wen showed no emotion, simply patting the script with a firm gaze. “But if I tell the story clearly, it won’t even have a chance to meet the audience.”

This is a gift from God, and I must film it so that those who like to see it can watch it.

Lü Rui sighed helplessly.

Chinese food is Chinese food, and Western food is Western food. What's with serving up a tartine?
But seeing Jiang Wen's stubborn look, he had no choice but to compromise, reopen the script, take out his paintbrush, and prepare to continue drawing storyboards.

"continue."

If you can't persuade him otherwise, then do your best to help him tell the story well and let him try his luck at the Cannes Film Festival.

"Today is September 10th, and I'm here to get married. He said he'd wait for me at the end of the road. Isn't he talking nonsense? Does this road even have an end...?"

"..."

Lu Rui remained silent, and with a few strokes, he sketched out the figure.

On the canvas, a bourgeois lady, wearing a Chinese-style straw hat but tilted it in a Western way, eventually walks towards the right, a symbol of capital...

……

On August 28th, the 10th Huabiao Awards ceremony was held at the Capital Exhibition Center.

Because both "Warriors of Heaven and Earth" and "The Pursuit of Happyness" were nominated for awards, Lü Rui and Jiang Wen rushed back together.

Fan Bingbing also returned to the capital with the two of them because she was nominated for the Best New Actress Award for her role as Wu Yue in the film "Cellphone".

Although she didn't win an award, she was in high spirits.

She is keen to do anything that can suppress Li Bingbing's popularity.

The Best Feature Film Award selected 10 films, and "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Warriors of Heaven and Earth" both won awards.

At the same time, Wang Zhiwen won the Huabiao Award for Best Actor for his superb acting skills in the film!
A grown man was crying uncontrollably on stage.

The sixth princess's live broadcast camera panned across Lü Rui in the audience.

He sat upright among a group of well-known directors, and his youthful face brought great shock to everyone watching the live broadcast!
Surrounded by directors in their 40s and even 50s, he was only 22, which made him stand out even more!
"The winner of the 10th Huabiao Awards for Market Expansion is—The Secret Life of Walter Mitty!"

Jing Wei, a female host who is only 24 years old this year, feels that she is already very impressive. Being able to stand on the Huabiao Awards stage at such a young age is simply a highlight of her life!
But when she saw Lü Rui, who was even younger than her, holding the Market Development Award, she couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

How can someone be so outstanding?

"Market expansion cannot be separated from commercial films. The impact of Hollywood films will only become more and more intense. Only by being determined to explore new avenues and innovate can Chinese films withstand the surging tide..." Lu Rui's speech was resounding.

In the audience, some people nodded in agreement, while others looked indifferent.

Especially a few older "seniors" sitting in the front row, who didn't even bother to pretend anymore, their eyes revealing their dissatisfaction.

open up?
They talk a good game but they sing a better game!

It's just empty talk from young people.

"The senior's explanation was really good!"

In the living room of the villa, Liu Yifei was watching the Huabiao Awards live.

Seeing Lü Rui's spirited appearance on stage, her eyes sparkled.

Even though she didn't quite understand what he was saying, she felt as if he was surrounded by a layer of light!

Liu Xiaoli, who was standing next to her, popped a strawberry into her mouth and nodded in agreement: "I do have an idea."

Although she didn't fully understand, seeing how much Lü Rui had accomplished at such a young age, she sincerely believed that he could keep his word.

At this moment, the mother and daughter reached a consensus.

"Oh, right." Liu Xiaoli suddenly remembered something and reminded her, "The day after tomorrow is the start of the Beijing Film Academy semester. Go register, and then we'll head to Jiuzhaigou."

Jiuzhaigou?
Liu Yifei blinked and asked, "Where are we going? What are we doing?"

"Zhang Jizhong called and said that the filming of 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' was about to start and asked all the actors to go for collective training."

"Yang Guo has been chosen?"

"Correct."

"Who is it? Is it Nie Yuan?"

"No," Liu Xiaoli shook her head, "It's Huang Xiaoming."

"Huh?" Liu Yifei exclaimed in surprise, "Didn't we agree that Nie Yuan would play the role? How did it become Huang Xiaoming?"

Liu Xiaoli said meaningfully, "Same situation as you."

"Oh!"

Liu Yifei instantly realized that she had also paid money.

"Both the male and female leads are paid to work; this production crew is really strange..."

Liu Xiaoli solemnly instructed, "You mustn't say this out loud. Besides, this is one of the normal ways actors compete for roles; everyone does it this way."

"Okay, okay." Liu Yifei pouted, trying to protest, "Mom, can you please stop treating me like a child? I'll be an adult next year!"

Liu Xiaoli: "..."

The Huabiao Awards ceremony officially ended, and the crowd dispersed like a tide.

Lu Rui's fingertips tapped on his phone as he busied himself replying to congratulatory text messages.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Wow! Liu Xiang broke the Olympic record in the men's 110-meter hurdles final with a time of 12.91 seconds, winning China's first-ever Olympic gold medal in track and field!"

This shout instantly attracted the attention of everyone around.

Jiang Wen's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "12.91 seconds? Wow! That's fast! Is he a sprinter?"

Lu Rui was also slightly stunned, his memories surging like a tide.

Suddenly, he realized that the Olympics were coming to an end.

Sure enough, the Huabiao Awards ceremony, held the following day, the 29th, failed to generate any buzz online.

The same face dominates the homepages, sports headlines, and even entertainment sections of major websites:

Liu Xiang, draped in the national flag, raised his arms and shouted on the track!
At this moment, the "Chinese Flying Man" was officially deified, engraving speed and glory into history!

……

On the 30th, "The Prestige" entered its final countdown to wrapping up filming.

Hu Jun became famous in Shanghai thanks to the "cloned machine" he obtained from Tesla!

Jiang Wen completely lost his mind.

He can't see through it!
He couldn't figure out the secret of this magic trick!

He wanted to find the answer, but when he rushed backstage at the magic show, he watched helplessly as "Clone Hu Jun" drowned in the water tank.

As the sole eyewitness, prop master Li Xuejian accused him of intentional homicide and took him to court.

"Sentenced to death!"

Jiang Wen is dead.

However, at this time, Hu Jun, who should have died with them, appeared in the public eye under a different identity.

He approached Li Xuejian, asking for help in destroying the cloning machine; the camera freezes on the moment the two confronted each other…

After filming wrapped up for the day, everyone returned to the hotel, quickly ate dinner, and gathered around the television to watch what kind of closing ceremony performance Zhang Yimou had put on.

It was a game-winning performance right from the start!
More than a dozen girls dressed in cheongsams and short skirts held erhus and swayed their bodies as they played, their long, white legs particularly eye-catching.

"Ouch!"

Gu Changwei exclaimed in surprise.

Jiang Wen frowned, his expression quite interesting, and muttered under his breath, "Zhang Yimou is going to be in the headlines again this time."

“He can’t escape,” Lü Rui replied.

The other programs were fine; a dazzling array of ethnic elements, including martial arts, Peking Opera, drumming, and solo singing, were presented in a very short time.

However, the media relentlessly focused on her short cheongsam dress at the beginning of the event.

The next morning, on his way to the film set, Lü Rui bought a newspaper.

At first glance, wow, the words "[cultural vulgarity]" are blatantly displayed on the cover!
"This is simply posing."

"I think it's great, I love watching it."

"What do foreigners know? If we don't show these popular elements, are we going to let them watch our model operas?"

There are many conflicting opinions online.

A large group of reporters had gathered outside the film set sometime earlier, and it was obvious they were there to ask for opinions and comments.

After all, The Prestige had three directors.

If any of the three of them—Lü Rui, Jiang Wen, and Gu Changwei—give their opinions, it will definitely make headlines!

However, the three of them tacitly stayed behind and focused on the final shot of the wrap-up filming.

Rather than getting embroiled in a media storm, they wanted to bring this shrouded-in-mystery film to a proper conclusion.

In the dimly lit basement, with Li Xuejian's assistance, Hu Jun buried the cloning machine deep underground.

"I am leaving."

Li Xuejian left those words behind and, without waiting for a response, turned and disappeared into the shadows.

As Hu Jun, leaning on his crutches and limping towards the door, a familiar figure suddenly burst in!

It's Jiang Wen!
It was Jiang Wen who should have been executed!

"boom!"

Gunshots rang out, and Hu Jun knelt down in disbelief.

At that moment, he finally realized the truth.

The other party didn't have a clone machine like his at all; instead, they used an identical twin brother!
They swap identities day after day, experiencing different lives, but they suffer the same harm!
"Now do you understand what sacrifice is? Do you know what real magic is?"

In their search for answers, both paid a heavy price, ending in death!
Hu Jun collapsed in the fire, one of the twins, Jiang Wen, was sentenced to death, their wives died in the "magic," and their lovers also abandoned them.

There is no real winner in this movie, and the two magicians do not determine a winner.

At the same time, there is no absolute good or evil in the film, only trapped beasts driven by desire!
This belated "sudden realization" is precisely the "deadly magic" that the film presents to all viewers!
The camera finally pans across the rows of water tanks in the basement, where Hu Jun, seemingly drowned, is clearly floating.

The original and the clone, or the original and the substitute, all appear at this moment, and together they head towards destruction!
The final chapter of this dark fairy tale reveals the cruelest truth about desire through the mirror of death!
"Cut! I hereby declare that filming for 'The Prestige' has officially wrapped!"

On set, Lü Rui's voice echoed in everyone's ears.

As soon as he finished speaking, the words "Filming Completed" on the clapperboard gleamed under the overhead light, overlapping with the final shot of Hu Jun floating in the water tank.

The reflections of those "clones" floating in the liquid seem to foreshadow that this dark allegory, filled with sacrifice and struggle, is about to unleash a huge storm in theaters!

"Clap clap clap!"

In an instant, thunderous applause erupted!

Many people, including Fan Bingbing, didn't really understand the story and plot. For example, in the performance, she only felt that her male companion was acting a little strange, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

But that didn't stop her from finding the story incredibly moving!
The show features a variety of dazzling magic tricks, the explanations of their secrets, the two main characters' crazy acting skills where each actor plays two roles, and their sharp and competitive battles...

Add to that the chilling "cloning" scenes with their flashing lights, and it's an absolutely revolutionary innovation in today's film market!

Just as the applause erupted on set, a long-lost system notification suddenly rang in Lü Rui's mind:
[Ding! Please advance the post-production editing, special effects production, submission for censorship, and theatrical distribution of "The Prestige," and successfully schedule its release date.]

[Reward upon completion of the mission: S-rank talent: Movement...]

(End of this chapter)