Entertainment News: I'm Not a Scumbag After Rebirth!

Chapter 148

Li Jun answered questions about film production, Sino-US cooperation, personal plans, and other aspects with composure and poise, neither overly flamboyant nor lacking in sharpness.

At 3:10, Villeneuve finally arrived.

The Canadian director looked travel-worn, but was in good spirits.

He shook hands with Li Jun with force: "Li, we finally meet."

I've seen "Bodyguards and Assassins" and really liked your handling of ensemble scenes.

"Thank you. Your Sisinar also impressed me."

The two exchanged a smile, a tacit understanding between creators.

Villeneuve's arrival sparked another wave of interviews.

Reporters were curious about the director who had just been nominated for an Oscar for "Arrival".

Villeneuve was also very articulate, mentioning his collaboration with Li Jun several times: "Li not only understands Chinese audiences, but also the aesthetics of global audiences. His suggestions made the film richer and more layered."

The meeting ended at 4 p.m.

Carter walked over and whispered to Li Jun, "I just received news that Wang Zhonglei is also at the same hotel, holding a media conference for 'Beauty in Troubled Times' in the conference room upstairs."

Li Jun nodded without saying anything.

But fate seemed to have other plans. While waiting for the elevator, they bumped into Wang Zhonglei and his group.

Wang Zhonglei looked noticeably older after just a few months.

His temples were graying, and he had deep eye bags, but the shrewdness and calculation in his eyes remained.

He saw Li Jun, paused for a moment, and then walked over.

"Director Li, it's been a long time." He extended his hand, his smile so perfect it looked like he was wearing a mask.

Li Jun shook hands with him: "President Wang."

"I heard you're a producer on Looper. Congratulations."

Wang Zhonglei said.

"Big Hollywood projects are not easy to come by."

"Thank you. Your promotion of 'Beauty in Troubled Times' is very effective."

"Small-scale productions can't compare to your big-budget productions."

Wang Zhonglei's words were loaded with meaning.

"However, we have different positioning. You take the international route, while we focus on the domestic market. We each have our own way of doing things."

Villeneuve didn't understand Chinese, but sensing the subtle atmosphere, he asked Li Jun in English, "And who is this?"

"A colleague."

Li Jun answered in English.

"Also a producer."

Wang Zhonglei, whose English was quite good, extended his hand proactively: "Wang Zhonglei, producer at Huayi Xinsheng. Nice to meet you."

The two exchanged brief pleasantries.

The elevator arrived, and Wang Zhonglei and his group entered another elevator.

Before closing the door, he glanced at Li Jun. His eyes held a complex mix of emotions: resentment, bitterness, and a hint of something Li Jun couldn't decipher.

"He doesn't seem to like you very much."

Villeneuve put it bluntly.

"We had a grudge."

Li Jun gave a simple explanation.

"In business."

Villeneuve shrugged: "That's how it is in the film industry. The important thing is to make good films."

Li Jun deeply agreed.

On his way back to his room, he received a call from Yuan Tao.

"How was the meet-and-greet?"

"Not bad. I ran into Wang Zhonglei."

"I know, I saw the news."

Yuan Tao said.

"He held a meet-and-greet upstairs and mentioned 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers'."

Li Jun's heart tightened: "What did he say?"

"There wasn't a direct attack, but the message was loaded. It implied that some films only pursue art and don't consider the audience. What we need to make are films that ordinary people can understand and enjoy."

Yuan Tao paused.

"A typical case of belittling one while praising another."

"Let him say what he wants."

Li Jun said.

"Post-production on 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers' is finished. Next, we'll submit it to a film festival. Let the work speak for itself."

Speaking of film festivals,

Yuan Tao's voice became more enthusiastic.

"We've received feedback from the Berlin Film Festival. The selection committee saw the initial cut of 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers' and is very interested. They would like to invite us to participate in next year's main competition."

Li Jun was stunned: "Berlin? The main competition?"

"Yes! And it's a contender for the Golden Bear!"

Yuan Tao said excitedly.

"Li Jun, do you know what this means? If we can win the award in Berlin, we won't have to worry about the international distribution of 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers'! And the domestic reputation and box office will also soar!"

This is indeed fantastic news. The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the three major European film festivals, renowned for its emphasis on artistry and auteurism. The spirit of "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" is certainly suited to Berlin.

"When will you give us a definite answer?" Li Jun asked.

"They need to see the final version before the end of the month to make a decision, but the rough cut has already excited them a lot," Yuan Tao said. "So you have to finish the final color grading and mixing as soon as possible and send the finished product over."

"clear."

After hanging up the phone, Li Jun stood by the window of his hotel room. The lights on the Bund were gradually coming on, and the buildings across the river were beginning to shimmer. The city's lights and shadows were so vibrant, so bustling.

And his film is about to go to Berlin, and to the world.

At that moment, he suddenly felt that all the perseverance, all the loneliness, and all the doubts were worthwhile.

Because good works will eventually be seen.

3. The premiere will officially begin at 7 p.m.

The red carpet was set up in the plaza outside the cinema, covered with a dark blue rug, with movie posters and sponsor display boards on both sides. Although it was a winter night, fans and media were already in place, with cameras and microphones set up and flashes ready to go at any moment.

Li Jun walked the red carpet with Villeneuve and Carter. He wore a dark gray suit, simple and appropriate. Villeneuve, on the other hand, was dressed in all black, sporting his signature beard, exuding a unique artistic flair characteristic of a director.

A flurry of camera flashes went off. Reporters shouted, "Director Villeneuve, is this your first time in China?"

"Director Li, what are your expectations for this film's box office performance in China?"

"Mr. Carter, what is Lionsgate's strategy for the Chinese market?"

The three answered briefly as they walked. The red carpet wasn't long, but it took them more than ten minutes to walk there.

Upon entering the cinema lobby, a large crowd had already gathered—representatives from the distribution company, media reporters, film critics, and celebrity guests. Li Jun recognized several familiar faces: Kent Chan had flown in from Hong Kong, and Nicholas Tse, who was filming a new movie there, had taken time off to support him.

Nicholas Tse walked over and hugged Li Jun: "Director Li, congratulations."

"Thank you for coming." Li Jun patted him on the shoulder. "The 'Dream of Mountains and Rivers' is finished, and there's interest in Berlin."

Nicholas Tse's eyes lit up: "Great! I knew this movie would be a success."

Just then, an even bigger commotion erupted at the entrance. Li Jun turned his head and saw that Zhang Liangying had arrived.

Tonight, she wore a moon-white long dress with silver star trail patterns embroidered on the hem, echoing the theme of "Looper." Her hair was loosely pulled back, revealing her slender neck. Simple pearl earrings and elegant makeup made her stand out as fresh and refined amidst the glamorous gowns.

Flashbulbs went off like crazy. The reporters were thrilled—this was the first time Li Jun and Zhang Liangying had appeared together in public.

Zhang Liangying walked the red carpet with composure, occasionally stopping to allow reporters to take photos, her smile always appropriate. When she reached Li Jun, she naturally stood beside him, and the two posed for photos side by side.

There were no intimate gestures, but their tacit understanding drew all the cameras to them.

"Are you ready?" Zhang Liangying asked softly.

"Ready?" Li Jun said.

After taking photos, the group entered the screening room. The hall, which could accommodate 500 people, was packed. Li Jun, Villeneuve, Carter, and Zhang Liangying sat in the first row.

The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up.

After the dragon logo appears, the Lionsgate and Legendary logos are shown. Then the movie begins.

Although Li Jun had seen the rough cut, the fine cut, and the version with music countless times, the feeling of watching the final version on the big screen was still different.

Villeneuve's cinematic language is truly masterful. The visual design of the futuristic world is both technologically advanced and realistic, and the concept of time loops is presented clearly and poetically through skillful editing. The integration of Chinese elements is natural and fluid—holographic GG signs on the streets of Shanghai coexist with old-fashioned alleyways, the acupuncture scene in the traditional Chinese medicine shop is filmed with both mystery and scientific basis, and the Chinese child saved by the protagonist plays a crucial role in the later plot.

What moved Li Jun the most was the ending. The confrontation between the two Joes on the Bund in Shanghai, the neon lights reflected on the Huangpu River, was like fragments of time. The line, "Time isn't a straight line, it's a circle. We're all searching for an exit within this cycle," resonated deeply.

The movie ended with thunderous applause.

The lights came on, and the main cast and crew went on stage to give their thanks. Villeneuve spoke first, thanking all the collaborators, and specifically mentioning Li Jun: "Without Li's contribution, the Chinese part of this film would not be so authentic and profound."

When it was Li Jun's turn, he took the microphone and looked at the sea of ​​faces in the audience.

"Thank you everyone," he said. "This film made me think a lot about time. What is time? It is the passage of time, the cycle of time, the choice, and the redemption. The biggest takeaway from participating in this project is that I've come to understand one thing: good stories and good films can transcend culture, language, and national borders, touching the most common parts of people's hearts."

He paused for a moment, then said, "So, long live cinema."

Even more enthusiastic applause.

Finally, it was time for the performance. Zhang Liangying took the stage and sang the Chinese version of "Wrinkles of Time." The stage lights dimmed, and a spotlight shone on her. The intro was a simple piano piece, a few ethereal notes.

She began, "Time has folded itself into layers, pressing yesterday into a specimen."

We walk in a cycle, and when we look back, we are no longer the same person.

But some light will shine through all the wrinkles and illuminate the lines of your palm at this moment —

Her voice was clear and magnetic, echoing throughout the cinema. The lyrics were about time, but everyone heard something else in them—metaphors about perseverance, memory, and love.

Li Jun watched from below the stage. Zhang Liangying, illuminated by the lights, was as beautiful as a dream.

As the song ended, thunderous applause erupted. Zhang Liangying bowed in thanks, her gaze meeting Li Jun's as she smiled slightly.

After the premiere, a celebratory banquet followed. A champagne tower was set up in the banquet hall on the top floor of the cinema, and the buffet was exquisite and plentiful.

Li Jun was surrounded by people congratulating him. Representatives from the publishing company, media professionals, and colleagues all came to toast him. He politely responded, but his mind was elsewhere.

Zhang Liangying walked over, holding two glasses of champagne, and handed him one: "Are you tired?"

"A little," Li Jun said, taking the glass. "But it's worth it."

The two walked to the window and looked at the Shanghai night view outside. From this height, they could see the winding Huangpu River, with the lights on both banks resembling a luminous river flowing through the city.

"You sang very well," Li Jun said.

"The song is well-written," Zhang Liangying smiled. "And while I was singing it, I was thinking about this movie, and about you."

Li Jun felt a warmth in his heart.

"I've heard the news from Berlin," Zhang Liangying said. "Congratulations."

"It's not finalized yet."

"But there's already hope." Zhang Liangying looked at him. "Li Jun, you're on the right path. Keep making the movies you want to make, and time will give you the answer."

Li Jun nodded and clinked glasses with her.

At this moment, Carter walked over, his face flushed with excitement: "Lee, the initial media feedback is in, and it's excellent!"

It opened with an 8.5 rating on Douban and a 9.2 on Maoyan! Pre-sales have already exceeded 50 million yuan on the first day!

This is an astonishing number. For a sci-fi film like Looper, which has a certain viewing threshold, this is a perfect start.

"What about Villeneuve?" Li Jun asked.

"He was being interviewed over there."

Carter said.

"Li, this collaboration was a great success. Legendary is already considering their next project and would like to invite you to be a co-producer."

"What project?"

"A fantasy film about the Great Wall, a Sino-US co-production."

Carter lowered his voice.

"The budget is two hundred million US dollars, and we might cast Zhang Yimou as the director. If you are interested, we can discuss it in detail."

Li Jun did not answer immediately. He looked out the window, where the lights of Shanghai flickered in the night, like countless possibilities and countless paths.

"Let me think about it," he said.

"Of course." Carter patted him on the shoulder. "No rush. Enjoy tonight's success first."

After Carter left, Zhang Liangying asked softly, "Will you answer?"

"have no idea."

Li Jun spoke the truth.

"Big productions, big directors, rare opportunities. But that's not my path."

"What is your path?"

"To make a movie like 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers'."

Li Jun said.

"Quietly and earnestly, tell some stories worth telling."

Zhang Liangying smiled and said, "Then let's keep going. You can never earn enough money, but good movies are becoming increasingly rare."

As they were talking, Li Jun saw Wang Zhonglei walk past from the other end of the banquet hall.

He stood alone, holding a wine glass, gazing at the night view outside the window, his back view somewhat forlorn.

The premiere of "Beauty in Troubled Times" will also be tonight, at another cinema.

However, judging from the feedback at the scene, the word-of-mouth seems to be less than ideal. Although Zhang Ziyi is a topic of discussion, the plot has been criticized as melodramatic and its values ​​have been questioned.

Li Jun suddenly felt that Wang Zhonglei was very pitiful.

He spent his whole life scheming, fighting, and pursuing fame and fortune.

But in the end, none of the films he made may survive.

What truly endures are those works filmed with heart and soul.

Just like the movements Cheng Guoqiang taught, just like the landscapes Lin Shen drew on paper, just like the reflections on time and redemption in tonight's movie.

"I'll go say hello to him."

Li Jun suddenly said.

Zhang Liangying was somewhat surprised, but still nodded.

Li Jun walked over and stood next to Wang Zhonglei. The two looked out the window at the night view side by side.

"Shanghai is truly prosperous."

Li Jun spoke first.

Wang Zhonglei turned to look at him, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Yes, it's more bustling than Beijing."