The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 126 is all about being sharp! (14)

Inside the studio, a huge movie poster for "The Eunuch" gleamed under the lights.

With a professional smile, Chai Jing casually suggested, "Director Shen, should we do a quick rehearsal of the lines before the official recording? That way, the rhythm will be smoother during the recording."

Shen Shandeng nodded calmly: "Professor Chai has considered everything very thoroughly. He is indeed a professional."

off the field.

The producer of "Face to Face" watched from afar, a barely perceptible hint of pity on his lips.

Chai Jing's eyes suddenly sharpened, and she switched gears.

"Welcome, Director Shen Shandeng. First of all, congratulations! 'The Eunuch' has surpassed 'Titanic' at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film in Chinese film history, and it continues to climb. How do you feel right now?"

Shen Shandeng smiled slightly: "Thank you. Behind this number are nearly ten million Chinese viewers; they are the real champions. We just happened to make a movie that they wanted to see."

Chai Jing questioned, "Are you referring to the more explicit violence and punishment of evil, nationalistic sentiments, and the possible 'romantic' treatment of history in 'The Eunuch'?"

"Some believe that this success is, to some extent, a result of catering to a certain extreme nationalist sentiment at the time."

Ma Youde's expression changed slightly, and he quickly walked towards the producer of "Face to Face" to negotiate in a low voice.

The producer waved his hand and explained, "Relax, this is just a warm-up to get both parties into the zone. The actual recording won't be this direct."

Shen Shandeng's expression remained unchanged, but he looked up at Chai Jing and said, "This question itself carries a presupposed criticism."

"In the movie, Chen Mo punishes the corrupt officials who embezzled military land using the caning punishment permitted by the Ming Dynasty law. Is that considered straightforward? Are the tears of those military households straightforward? Salt officials extorted money from the people, forcing ordinary people to eat rice with vinegar cloth. We have filmed this kind of historical 'truth'. Do you think that is romanticization?"

Shen Shandeng continued, "There's a line in our movie: 'We eat the people's hard-earned money and repay the emperor's grace and the nation's favor. If we consider the thoughts of these corrupt forces too much, then we'll be letting down the silent majority, and they will be disappointed. Those who would have originally sided with us will also be disappointed.'"

"This is not an extreme emotion; it is the most basic sense of justice of any responsible individual."

Chai Jing frowned slightly, her heart tightening inwardly.

Shen Shandeng is indeed a tough opponent; no wonder he beat "The Creation" so badly that it had no chance to fight back.

She still had a smile on her face, then changed the subject: "We noticed that after the release of 'The Eunuch,' 'The Creation of Evil,' which was released at the same time, was greatly affected and was even pulled from theaters ahead of schedule."

"Some argue that your remarks, both inside and outside the film, are a form of 'labeling' to suppress another art film, which is a tactic outside of cultural norms."

Shen Shandeng waited for her to finish before speaking: "Let me clarify one point. The release dates of 'The Eunuch' and 'The Creation' were market-driven. As for 'The Creation,' I still believe it is a film worth studying, a classic work by a Hollywood team."

"I was merely pointing out that the real-life figure was a martyr who died a heroic death, not the one depicted in the movie."

"When did pointing out the truth of history become 'suppression'? Praising traitors is art, but commemorating heroes is 'extreme'? I really can't understand this logic."

Chai Jing sneered inwardly, but showed no sign of it on her face.

She glanced down at the manuscript, then looked up again with the same concerned expression: "What did you think of the rhythm and intensity just now? Was it to your liking?"

Shen Shandeng shook his head and said bluntly, "I think it's a bit too sharp. Maybe I'm just too straightforward, and my stance is a bit biased."

Chai Jing was taken aback by his directness and paused for a moment.

He quickly regained his composure, still sticking to the show's usual rhetoric: "The style of 'Face to Face' is straightforward; we hope to explore deeper topics through this approach." "Very Western, offensive art," Shen Shandeng chuckled.

Chai Jing felt awkward but managed to maintain her composure: "Should we take a break? Or should we continue the conversation?"

"Let's continue." Shen Shandeng raised his hand to check the time, signaling her to continue.

Chai Jing immediately got into the zone, as if she had seized on something, and leaned forward to ask, "So you think your film is more 'morally superior' than 'The Creation'?"

"Should the criteria for evaluating a film be primarily based on whether it conforms to a certain 'correct' view of history? Wouldn't this stifle the free expression of art? Just like you once said, Chinese films should learn to 'do business' before talking about 'making art,' isn't that too utilitarian?"

Shen Shandeng helplessly spread his hands: "I didn't say that. What I said was, industry first, then art. For a country with a weak film industry, talking about art is too far-fetched. My words always seem to be taken out of context. My complete idea is that Chinese films must first establish a mature and healthy industrial system and market cycle before they are qualified to talk about artistic creation."

Shen Shandeng sat up straight, his gaze sharp, and looked directly at Chai Jing: "We're back to the old problem. Artistic freedom must never be built on trampling on the dignity of national heroes. That's the bottom line."

Chai Jing was speechless for a moment.

Shen Shandeng became even more determined: "The success of 'The Grand Eunuch' proves that Chinese audiences yearn to see stories rooted in their own cultural heritage. We used the most industrialized methods, with a sophisticated script structure, qualified visual effects, and mature market operations, to showcase a hero with a Chinese core."

"The audience's record-breaking box office results tell us that they like it! They approve of it! Isn't this the greatest 'artistic freedom'?"

Chai Jing forced a smile: "It seems that Director Shen is full of confidence in the future of the Chinese film market."

"of course."

Shen Shandeng said with certainty: "Because 'The Grand Eunuch' is just the beginning. We are already planning the 'Grand Eunuch Cinematic Universe'. Next, there will be a solo film about the Jiajing Emperor and a solo film about Lu Bing. We will use a more industrialized approach to explore more heroic stories in Chinese history."

"Chinese audiences deserve better, and that's exactly what we're good at."

Chai Jing's face showed admiration, and her tone softened a bit: "Director Shen is indeed a young talent, with a complete set of artistic concepts. I feel that with Director Shen's eloquence and ability, he can definitely conduct the interview at this intensity."

Shen Shandeng rubbed his temples, looking slightly tired, and still spoke frankly: "I still think it's a bit sharp."

the other side.

Ma Youde is communicating with the producer of "Face to Face": "We respect your team, but 'The Eunuch' has broken box office records and has enough attention. There is no need to make a program in this way."

The producer's tone was apologetic yet firm: "Face to Face is about digging into the issues and getting straight to the heart of the matter."

Ma Youde cautioned, "That would make it appear sharp."

The producer shook his head: "We are not afraid of being sharp; only in this way can we bring out truly meaningful topics."

Ma Youde said helplessly, "I'm just afraid the scene won't look good."

At this moment, Chai Jing walked over and said firmly, "What we want is authenticity."

As Shen Shandeng drank his water, he quipped, "The CCTV team is indeed different."

Chai Jing chuckled to herself; this was just the beginning.

The lights focus, the camera's red light illuminates, and the formal interview begins.

(End of this chapter)