Chapter 283: Hype
Zhang Yimou observed intently, while comparing her to the character.
When he noticed Zhang Baizhi's subtle emotional changes, his eyes lit up.
Coordinate movements with facial features.
It can be called natural harmony!
Especially that kind of prying look, which coincides with the role of the little sister described in the script!
In the script, the scene where Xiaomei makes her first appearance is set in Mudanfang, where she dances gracefully.
She dressed up as a blind girl, wanting to avenge the murderer of her father, but was torn between daring to recognize her former lover. Zhang Baizhi portrayed the role to perfection!
The sleeves fluttered and the hem of her dress was like flowers scattered from heaven.
Zhang Baizhi finished the move cleanly and neatly, then bowed gracefully.
Du Sheng sat behind the table, his eyes sharp, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a smile of appreciation.
This was also a bit unexpected for him.
However, Zhang Baizhi's good performance was probably due to the help of his coach Wu Yu'anmo's muscle relaxation exercises in the middle of the night.
"Nice dance."
Zhang Yimou smiled and clapped:
"Among so many artists interviewed today, your dancing skills are the best."
"Thank you, Director Zhang."
"How about trying another scene?"
Zhang Yimou glanced around and asked:
"Do you need someone to cooperate?"
"The scene where they break into the prison at night."
Zhang Baizhi heard this and turned her gaze to Du Sheng, smiling and saying:
"Ah Sheng, this is the scene where you play the role of 'Captain Du' who breaks into the prison to save my little sister. Can you lend a hand?"
Zhang Yimou glanced back and forth between Zhang Baizhi and Du Sheng, and understood what was going on.
The rumors about these two people circulating outside don’t seem to be fake?
After the audition, Zhang Yimou drank a sip of tea, looked at Du Sheng and said:
"That's all the names on the list. Who do you think fits the role best?"
Du Sheng thought about it and gave a fair answer:
"Xiao Qiang has some martial arts background, Jiang Qinqin has a solid dance foundation, Lin Xinru has a good physique, Zhang Baizhi's overall performance is outstanding, and Zhang Ziyi has solid basic skills."
He gave this evaluation based on the action, fighting scenes and body shape.
Not overly biased towards anyone.
"I also think that Zhang Baizhi's overall performance is good and is the best fit for the role."
Zhang Yimou said this and asked with a smile:
"You and Zhang Baizhi have worked together before, right? It seems that you two just cooperated very well."
Du Sheng knew he couldn't hide it, so he smiled and nodded.
Zhang Yimou asked casually, without any intention of gossiping, and said to himself:
"Jiang Qinqin and Lin Xinru are a little too old and not very suitable for the role of the younger sister.
Zhang Ziyi is an excellent choice in terms of both acting skills and international fame.
But her style is more Westernized, especially her naked lustful temperament, which is far from the little sister who still holds the pipa and half covers her face. "
He tapped the table lightly, thinking:
"All in all, Zhang Baizhi is indeed suitable for the role, and what is particularly rare is that her performance is not artificial, but natural and full of cinematic texture.
Her age is also consistent with the role, and the younger sister in the script background has a similar temperament and spirit to her. "
After a moment's silence, Zhang Yimou turned to Li Hong and asked:
"What do you think?"
Li Hong's answer was concise and clear:
"If we choose Zhang Baizhi, we will find a body double to handle the bare back part.
If Zhang Ziyi is used, the script needs to be modified to make the love story more Western-style. "
As expected of a man who has seen the world, he knows everything with just one sentence.
After hearing her suggestion, Du Sheng had an idea in mind.
Zhang Yimou is currently considered an internationally renowned director. If Zhang Baizhi can play the leading female role in his works, it will undoubtedly be a huge promotion for her.
Zhang Yimou seemed a little hesitant and said thoughtfully:
"If you modify the script, the emotional progression will lose its basis, which is a bit difficult to deal with."
From these words, it can be seen that he still has a preference for Zhang Ziyi.
Du Sheng smiled inwardly and said seemingly unintentionally:
"Director Zhang, do you still need to cater to the tastes of Western audiences?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yimou was stunned for a moment, and then seemed to be thinking about something.
Although Du Sheng's words seemed to have a hidden meaning, they were like a sudden enlightenment to him.
In recent years, the impact of Hollywood blockbusters on the mainland market has shaken Zhang Yimou's creative philosophy.
The commercial film "Hero" came into being.
The grand war scenes and exciting martial arts shots in the film are designed to attract the greatest possible audience and boost box office sales.
Although "Hero" has achieved great commercial success, Zhang Yimou always reminds himself not to indulge in commercial victory, but to stick to artistic pursuits and innovative spirit.
It was not until this moment that he suddenly realized that he had unknowingly formed a certain dependence.
For artists, relying on past success in their creations means the exhaustion of creativity.
Has he become a director who can only make films with little substance?
Then I think of the preferences and praise of the two leading actors, Liu Dehua and Du Sheng.
After a brief thought, Zhang Yimou gradually made a decision:
"No need to change the script, just use Zhang Baizhi."
Because of the heroine's issue, I have already wasted a lot of time.
Moreover, we have to join the crew in November, and if the script is revised, it may not be released during the summer of next year.
Du Sheng picked up the teacup and took a sip.
Someone got what he wanted, and it looks like there will be a lot of fun tonight.
As expected, when he left Xin Huamian Company and told the news to Zhang Baizhi who was waiting in the car, the girl immediately rushed over excitedly.
However, her joy did not come entirely from standing out, but from being able to co-star with Du Sheng again.
"The filming of One Nite in Mongkok will be finished next month, and I'll have time to rest!"
"You're overthinking it. You need to strengthen your training in dance and movements."
Du Sheng reminded.
Zhang Baizhi was still excited, hugged his arm and said:
"You have to rush back early this morning, so while there is still time, teach me a few more moves.
Just take the one-legged stand, and you can get training in all aspects.”
Du Sheng: “…”
However, facing such a proactive and studious beauty, how could he remain indifferent? He smiled and said:
"Okay, but you won't achieve much by practicing alone.
Bingbing is filming here, let's come together later."
"..."
Thinking of the last time Du Sheng scolded her and the Twins like dogs, it was Zhang Baizhi's turn to be speechless. This man's ability is getting more and more terrifying, it really makes people love and hate him!
At night, in the Yanxi villa area.
"Wow, this place is really spacious!"
Zhang Baizhi was amazed.
"How do you feel? Do you like it here?"
Du Sheng asked.
Tonight, in order to make it easier for Zhang Baizhi and Fan Bingbing to practice martial arts, Du Sheng brought them here.
After all, the other villa is occasionally used by Liu Xiaoli and her daughter, and it would be very embarrassing if they met each other.
"Of course I like it. A large space makes living comfortable."
Under the guidance of Du Sheng, Zhang Baizhi and Fan Bingbing visited the villa happily.
They were amazed at the spaciousness of the villa.
In comparison, Zhang Baizhi's mansion in Hong Kong is less than 100 square meters, far less luxurious than this place.
"I have more than just a big house."
Du Sheng embraced Fan Bingbing, who was wearing a white dress, and enjoyed her soft massage.
Fan Bingbing wrapped her arms around Du Sheng's neck, letting him feel the tenderness of a mother's embrace, and said:
"When we're filming here, we'll move in too."
"The confidentiality here is a little poor, it may not work."
Du Sheng said without changing his expression.
If you move in, what if Jia Jingwen, Gao Yuanyuan and others come over to meet us?
It might be okay because Jia Jingwen is knowledgeable and experienced, but Gao Yuanyuan is not so easy to please.
Looks like I need to buy a few more sets.
"What does it matter? Just be careful when going out."
Zhang Baizhi snorted in dissatisfaction:
"You can't live in so many rooms by yourself. Are you hiding another woman?"
"That's absolutely not the case!"
Du Sheng solemnly declared, pointing at himself:
"With my character, how could I possibly have a lover?"
It's obvious that I have several real thoughts in my mind.
Du Sheng calmly let the two girls look at him, and said softly:
"I don't let you move in so as to keep the relationship between men and women fresh.
As the old saying goes: A day without seeing you feels like three years.
How can we maintain this atmosphere if we are always together?"
Zhang Baizhi pondered for a moment and realized that when she was in Hong Kong, she only saw Du Sheng once every two weeks on average. Every time they met, they were particularly happy and sweet. It is true that a short separation is better than a new marriage.
It's inevitable to get bored if you stay together every day.
"Okay, it's up to you."
Zhang Baizhi smiled like a flower and no longer worried about the matter.
Fan Bingbing left his embrace, stood up and urged:
"Hurry up, didn't you say you would teach us martial arts in a while?"
"Let's go to the swimming pool."
Du Sheng said this and picked her up.
Fan Bingbing looked puzzled:
"why?"
"Because I want to experience a duel in the water. Tonight I am the admiral of the navy. I will fight a hundred battles and set sail!"
Du Sheng is in high spirits.
When driving, Du Sheng is a senior driver.
But he was still a novice in sailing a white sailboat in the water, and the boat was bumpy and he could only use the waves to propel it.
Zhang Baizhi and Fan Bingbing were even more exciting than the waves.
Especially the latter, after all, the saying "double ice meeting water" is not given in vain.
While sailing, Du Sheng seemed to hear the ballad from his childhood again:
"Let's row our oars, push the waves aside, and the beautiful white tower is reflected on the water..."
.........
When Du Sheng returned to "Legend of Sword and Fairy" to continue filming the remaining parts, the entertainment industry was in turmoil again.
In mid-September, the news that He Ping's latest Lunar New Year blockbuster "Heroes of Heaven and Earth" would be released during the National Day holiday swept the country like a storm.
Overnight, promotional posters for "Heroes of Heaven and Earth" were hung in prominent locations in all major cities, creating a huge fanfare.
Not only that, He Ping and the main creative team including Jiang Wen, Nakai Takaichi, Wang Xuezhe, Zhao Qi, etc., launched a national tour promotion.
He Ping, who is known as the overseas award-winning machine, once again went all out and vowed to reach the top of the overseas award-winning record with this film.
Before the release of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, He Ping had always held the record for the most overseas award nominations.
For example, not only did the film "Bombs at the Twin Lights" win the grand prize at the Hawaii International Film Festival, but the lead actress Ning Jing also won the Best Actress award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
The subsequent "Sun Valley" almost won the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival.
Although He Ping did not dare to make a bold claim to break the box office record, his bold words of vowing to break the award-winning record did not cause much waves.
This is awkward.
Fortunately, his mistakes were not unfounded, and his remarks at the press conference attracted widespread attention and interpretation from the media.
He said that he would resolutely "abandon content that glorifies evil and traitors, focus on positive energy, and never deliberately smear or use national sentiment to profit."
Originally these words were light-hearted and normal, but the problem was that He Ping had hidden meanings in his words.
The media cleverly linked these remarks to the first half of the year's box office champion, Infernal Affairs 1.
It is speculated that He Ping was alluding to the fact that the creative team of "Infernal Affairs 1" deliberately created a gimmick by using the black-and-white opposition to attract audiences to buy tickets to watch the movie.
With the media's instigation, He Ping's remarks quickly sparked widespread controversy.
It even quickly won the resonance of many people.
This movie, which has been off the screen for several months, has once again been pushed to the forefront of public opinion.
However, all media's questioning focus was on the plot of the film, and no one dared to point the finger at Du Sheng for "profiting from national sentiment."
As the media picked up "Infernal Affairs 1" again, many big Vs who wanted to make money from it came in and expressed their opinions.
The opinions of the big Vs are mixed, but many people will inadvertently mention He Ping and his new work "Heroes of Heaven and Earth" in their articles.
Ordinary audiences only care about the opinion itself, form their own judgment, and seek resonance.
But experts can see at a glance that this is a carefully planned scam.
.........
(End of this chapter)