Exploiting Hollywood 1980

"Walt," Ronald arrived at a relatively remote editing room in West Hollywood, where Walter Murch was editing a new movie for Orion Pictures. \u003c/p\u003e

Murch had been working on this project for a long time, and Ronald estimated that he had almost finished editing it, so he came to him for help and asked Murch to continue editing the next movie for him. \u003c/p\u003e

With the help of this editing master on set, Ronald can control the shooting time to be shorter. How should certain shots be processed, and what kind of images are acceptable in editing? Murch can give opinions on the spot. \u003c/p\u003e

This way Ronald doesn't have to take more insurance shots to match the editing. \u003c/p\u003e

"Ronald, you're here," Murch said under his new pair of glasses made in Japan. These glasses are made of lightweight alloy and are lighter than the heavy frames he used to wear. . These two cooperations with Ronald made his financial situation a lot better and he changed a lot of clothes. \u003c/p\u003e

[A book-chasing app recommended to me by an old book friend I have known for ten years, Yeguo Reading! It’s really easy to use. I rely on this to read and listen to books while driving or before going to bed. You can download it here ]\u003c/p\u003e

"I'm here to ask you for help... Oh, what is this? Tsk tsk."\u003c/p\u003e

Before Ronald could say what he meant, he saw a very sexy shot appear on the playback screen of the West German editing machine. Two beauties with good figures were chasing each other naked in an old house with cameras, taking photos of each other. \u003c/p\u003e

Ronald looked at Murch, brother, why have you been making this kind of "I love you for nine and a half weeks" pornographic films these past few months? \u003c/p\u003e

No, Walter Murch is a very ambitious professional. His tape business paid good dividends, and after editing two movies for Ronald with a high salary, the financial difficulties caused by the failure of the filming of "Return to Oz" have been greatly alleviated. \u003c/p\u003e

All three children have gone to good high schools, and their future college tuition fees have also been secured. \u003c/p\u003e

Murch is more of a hippie in character, but he still chooses to work in movies he likes, not all based on the pay. What he said before was that he was editing a heavyweight adaptation of a famous novel that was expected to be nominated for an Oscar. \u003c/p\u003e

"This is what I have been doing these past few months, and it is very difficult. It is the most difficult job I have ever taken on.

The most challenging job ever. ”\u003c/p\u003e

Walter Murch said and turned the button on the console, and the screen quickly advanced to the screen 10 minutes later. \u003c/p\u003e

"Why are there still black and white shots?"\u003c/p\u003e

Ronald saw images of war appear on the screen. What a movie this is, it feels pretty big and complicated. There are also love scenes between men and women, erotic scenes between women, and black and white scenes of war. What famous novel can have such a capacity? \u003c/p\u003e

Tolstoy's "War and Peace"? This isn’t right either. The weapons in the picture all look like modern warfare. \u003c/p\u003e

"What did you find?" Walter Murch still looked like a technical expert. He let Ronald watch the scene for a few minutes, and then a look appeared on his face, "Do you see where the difficulty is?" smile. \u003c/p\u003e

"Huh?" Ronald looked at it for a while, "It seems like these are 16mm film. No, here is 8mm film, and then there is 35mm. These lenses are so complicated, and they look like amateur shots."\u003c/p\u003e

"By the way, this is the real footage of when the Soviet army entered Prague, Czechoslovakia." Walter Murch revealed the mystery. \u003c/p\u003e

“In this film, I found a lot of black and white on-site footage taken by Western tourists with portable cameras. I wanted to edit it together with the footage of professional photographers in the film to give the audience an immersive effect. ”\u003c/p\u003e

"This is quite difficult." Ronald turned the knob back and forth and watched the screen carefully for a few minutes. Various formats, various scenes, and various shots must be cut together so that the audience cannot see the flaws. \u003c/p\u003e

Especially the newly shot color images are very different from the black and white images from back then. The new film has very fine grain, while the old 8mm film has coarse grain after being enlarged. The transition should be done in such a way that the audience is not distracted. It is a great test for editors. \u003c/p\u003e

"Do you know where the most trouble lies?"\u003c/p\u003e

"Where?"\u003c/p\u003e

"Right here", Walter Murch tuned to the two beautiful heroines, the more beautiful one, she was holding a compact Leica camera and was taking pictures. On the screen is her subjective shot. A Sewell officer faced her and told her to stop taking pictures. \u003c/p\u003e

"That's what the material was at that time, and it couldn't be picked up later. I almost contacted director Philip Kaufman to remake it."\u003c/p\u003e

"Then what did you do next?"\u003c/p\u003e

Ronald observed carefully that the very elegant and beautiful heroine and the male protagonist with a long face and a wretched look often appeared in black and white pictures. \u003c/p\u003e

If Ronald guessed correctly, these scenes were filmed on current sets and with extras. Then it was deliberately old-fashioned, and edited together with the live video from that year, to deliberately create an effect where the protagonist seemed to be at the historical scene. \u003c/p\u003e

If Ronald himself had encountered this problem of lack of material, even if he had to spend money to rebuild the set and call back all the extras, he would still have to complete the shot. Movies cannot have this kind of scene without beginning or end. \u003c/p\u003e

"Look," Walter Murch smiled and pressed play. The close-up of the actor playing the officer was frozen into a photo, and changed to black and white in the next second. Then the camera zoomed out, and it turned out to be the picture on the front page of a newspaper the next day. \u003c/p\u003e

"You are really a genius." Ronald exclaimed. This is equivalent to filming a person running into a dead end. When he runs to the end, the audience is watching to see what tricks he can use to escape. As a result, he suddenly snapped his fingers, and the camera flew up with him. \u003c/p\u003e

This is a special solution unique to film art. Television can never be so precise, and it requires a very skilled editor to slowly polish it to achieve this kind of editing magic. \u003c/p\u003e

"How long do you want to keep cutting?" Ronald pondered for a moment and then asked. \u003c/p\u003e

"It will take about 2-3 months. The black and white film gives me a headache. But that's not the worst. The heroine is the biggest trouble."\u003c/p\u003e

"Why, I think she acted very well." Ronald said, pointing to the actress on the screen who looked a bit like the fox fairy in traditional Chinese novels, with a pointed chin and a pair of seductive eyes. When she was chased by another heroine to take photos, her shy mood was something that no ordinary actor could perform. She is very natural and the audience will trust her and fall in love with her character. \u003c/p\u003e

"Look at this..." Murch wrote down the number, found it on the shelf behind him, and replaced it with another reel of film. Here was another identical shot taken by the heroine. \u003c/p\u003e

"Oh...how did she do it?" Ronald looked at this piece. The heroine had completely changed her acting method, which was completely different from the one just now. \u003c/p\u003e

"These are my favorite good actors. Every one of them brings infinite possibilities to the editor. I have to think about it for a long time before I can decide which one to cut and where to put it."\u003c/p\u003e

Ronald understood why Walter Murch thought so highly of the film. These editing cannot be completed by a skilled master. Artists all understand this kind of mentality that makes people happy. \u003c/p\u003e

But in this case, Murch will have no energy to help him make new movies. \u003c/p\u003e

Or should we find another director to film it? Will you step back behind the scenes and become a producer? \u003c/p\u003e

"Ronald, there are some things that I shouldn't say to you, but someone really needs to tell you. We knew each other when you were working for Roger Corman." Walter Murch handed him a glass Home-brewed honey water. \u003c/p\u003e

"Yes, if you hadn't been willing to teach me, I wouldn't have been able to enter this industry."\u003c/p\u003e

"But have you ever thought about whether you would just spend the rest of your life making movies like Roger Corman's?"\u003c/p\u003e

"Huh?" Ronald turned his head and looked at Murch, what do you mean? \u003c/p\u003e

"Of course, I'm not saying that Roger's movies are not good. His movies have given many talented people in the industry the opportunity to debut, and their box office revenue has also been very good.\u003c/p\u003e

But a director, recognized by time and remembered by the audience, still has to produce a work that goes beyond ordinary stories. ”\u003c/p\u003e

Seeing that Ronald did not listen to the advice of a loser because the only movie he directed failed at the box office, Walter Murch continued. \u003c/p\u003e

"Of course many viewers will remember your 'Top Gun' and 'Dirty Dancing', but if they didn't mention it specifically, they wouldn't quote lines from the movie and imitate the clothes in the movie every day..."\u003c/ p\u003e

"But it's just a movie, it's just a 90 or 120-minute dream. Can anyone really love movies to this extent?" Ronald said to Murch, a little unconvinced. He himself is very lucky to be able to make a lot of money from movies and the audience likes them. \u003c/p\u003e

Maybe there would have been movies like this before the 1950s? At that time, television was not widely available, and the main entertainment for many people was watching movies. \u003c/p\u003e

"Yes, Francis (Coppola)'s 'The Godfather' is an example." Walter Murch said seriously. \u003c/p\u003e

"That's true, but it's a great masterpiece that ordinary people can't photograph. Mr. Coppola will have a hard time photographing it again." Ronald thought to himself, you really think highly of me, I'll take it all Exploitation films, you ask me for a film that must be in the top five in film history. \u003c/p\u003e

"Don't you want to leave your name in film history? Don't you want to conquer film critics? Don't you want American audiences to take the initiative to talk about your movies when chatting?"\u003c/p\u003e

"Hey, who doesn't want to be a movie maker..." Ronald thought to himself, I must have this luck too. This kind of movie cannot be made with hard work. The right time, the right script, and the right casting are all indispensable. \u003c/p\u003e

"But you have a good chance. Francis (Coppola) and I talked on the phone some time ago. We talked about the future development of Hollywood. We both agreed that you are the most promising young director to break through that ceiling. .\u003c/p\u003e

Even when you choose a script, you can't all look at the box office prospects. Sometimes, when the script of a movie moves you and gives you an impulse to create, you have to choose it decisively instead of another movie that can bring you more box office results. \u003c/p\u003e

Besides, with your current strength, scripts with box office potential can be directed by other directors while you monitor the quality in the editing room..."\u003c/p\u003e

Walter Murch said a lot, but Ronald didn't listen to a word. He only had one question in his mind: Do I really have the potential to make a movie that will leave a mark in history and be mentioned constantly in the future? ah? \u003c/p\u003e

"I know it's difficult, but you have to hold yourself to a higher standard. You have that chance, Ronald. When the time comes, I hope to be able to edit your masterpiece for you."\u003c/p\u003e

Ronald's fighting spirit, which seemed to be slack due to the easy and quick money he made, was rekindled. Repeating some template-like stories every time lacked new excitement for Ronald. He hopes to find the excitement he felt when he was making a movie for the first time. \u003c/p\u003e

Regardless of whether I can make a movie that will leave a mark in film history, I do have the capital to put forward higher requirements in terms of artistry and story quality. \u003c/p\u003e

While making the audience like it, it does not prevent me from making some challenging movies that I also like. \u003c/p\u003e

"Thanks, Walter," Ronald said, having a better idea for the new film. \u003c/p\u003e

"We are all very optimistic about you and the guy named Cameron. You may change something in Hollywood."\u003c/p\u003e

Ronald was a little embarrassed when he was praised, "By the way, what is the name of this movie you edited?"\u003c/p\u003e

"Milan Kundera's 'Love in Prague', what, haven't you seen it?"\u003c/p\u003e

"No, I like to read suspense, detective, or romance novels." Ronald had no appetite for such literary novels or even movies. \u003c/p\u003e

"It's a very good novel. Take a copy and read it."\u003c/p\u003e

"Who is this heroine?"\u003c/p\u003e

"Is this one?" Murch looked back at the screen that Ronald was looking at. "That's the Chinese actress Juliette Binoche. She was nominated for the César Award for her two previous films. It's a rookie, Philippe Coulter." Fuman is very satisfied with her performance."\u003c/p\u003e

"Oh," Ronald thought. No wonder. The actresses from China are indeed different in temperament from those in Hollywood and Britain. It seems that just one stop can convey the atmosphere of the story. They are different from Lu Shu and the British and American methods that focus on using stories to create characters. Even many movies cannot be said to have a complete story, but the atmosphere is fascinating. \u003c/p\u003e

"This is Daniel Day-Lewis. Philip Kaufman also likes him very much and says he has the potential to be an actor... Hey, Ronald, are you leaving? This is honey made by my wife. She specially asked me I want to give it to you."\u003c/p\u003e

"Ah, thank you. I relied on it to moisturize my throat when I was filming. Yes, I have an appointment with other people, so I have to leave first. By the way, my aunt asked me to bring you some baked cookies. I'll give them to you later. Little Bud brings it to you."\u003c/p\u003e

"Really, that male lead has such a frustrated donkey face. What's the use of good acting skills? I have no interest in directing him." Ronald felt that Murch recommended the wrong person, but it was the man named Binoche. Beauty, she is really photogenic..."\u003c/p\u003e

……\u003c/p\u003e

The next night, in Joel Silver's office, he looked at Ronald and said, "What are you willing to give for Sybil Shepherd?"\u003c/p\u003e

"It's you who negotiated terms with her, not me, Joel. But I can tell you a piece of news, free of charge. I heard that she really wants to return to the film industry." Ronald smiled, and Silver also felt sorry for him. To contribute to new projects, you cannot rely solely on your own connections and commitments. \u003c/p\u003e

"Okay, hey," Joel Silver was like that person who always takes advantage first. \u003c/p\u003e

"I've talked to her, and she does want to come back to movies. 'Blue Moonlight,' whether she makes it to the end of the season or not, the audience is starting to get a little tired of her.\u003c/p\u003e

Last year she also won the Emmy Award for Best Actress for this role. Human ambition always grows with success. ”\u003c/p\u003e

Ronald thought that this evaluation made sense. \u003c/p\u003e

"Do you have any projects for her? Or is it suitable for her to star in?" Ronald looked at the proud Silver and wondered if he was trying to get benefits from both sides again. \u003c/p\u003e

"Fox has a lot of female-themed movies in development. Sybil will be renewed for at least one season next year, and she will need time to get back in shape after giving birth. In short, as long as we can make this movie successfully, we can get it More power."\u003c/p\u003e

"Joel, I have new considerations today. I will not direct this movie."\u003c/p\u003e

"What?" Joel Silver jumped up from the sofa. \u003c/p\u003e

"Don't worry, I will still serve as a producer and will be responsible for the overall quality of the movie."\u003c/p\u003e

"Can you join me and watch the daily samples as much as possible?" Joel Silver understood that Ronald was not planning to withdraw funds, and he was already relieved. \u003c/p\u003e

A successful director like Ronald will have such a day sooner or later. Spielberg and Lucas have many projects and will find other directors who are capable but have no chance to handle them. \u003c/p\u003e

Anyway, for this kind of commercial film project, the most important thing is the script and casting. What is needed is the kind of director who can complete daily shooting work according to quality and schedule. Finally, in the editing room, it is the producer who enjoys greater power. \u003c/p\u003e

"I'll try my best to come when I'm here, but I also have promotional work for my new film 'Moonlight'."\u003c/p\u003e

"That's no problem, hehe. In fact, I have several director candidates here. You and I can interview them together."\u003c/p\u003e

"Okay, while I'm here. You should focus on the leading actor. Bruce Willis should sign the contract as soon as possible. If you have any questions, remember to come to me. I have a special channel of influence on Bruce."\u003c/p\u003e

"Great, ready to work!"\u003c/p\u003e

Joel Silver made an obscene gesture of thrusting his crotch. Very excited to get the project off the ground. \u003c/p\u003e

"Want a glass of wine? Where's your good wine?" Ronald started looking in Silver's cabinet. \u003c/p\u003e

"I'll come, I'll come." Silver rushed into the desk and bent down to touch the good wine in the wine cabinet. \u003c/p\u003e

Ronald picked up the TV remote control on the table and turned on the TV. \u003c/p\u003e

"Next is local news, briefings."\u003c/p\u003e

What popped up on Silver's TV was Local Channel 5, with a young female host delivering a text message. \u003c/p\u003e

"The famous Hollywood actress, Sybill Shepherd, the heroine of Blue Moonlight, gave birth to twins in childbirth!"\u003c/p\u003e

"Dong...ah ow..." Joel Silver heard the news and hit his head on the corner of the table when he stood up quickly. \u003c/p\u003e

"This evening PT, Sybil Shepherd, who plays Maddie Hayes on TV's "Blue Moonlight" series, gave birth to a boy and a girl, her publicist said. Very good.\u003c/p\u003e

Sister Ariel Shepard Oppenheimer, weighing 4 pounds 11 ounces, was born at 1:06 p.m. Eight minutes later, brother Zakaria was born, weighing 5 pounds, 2 ounces...\u003c/p\u003e

Shepard received widespread praise for her outstanding performance in her debut film "The Last Picture Show"... Now the audience is even more impressed by her TV series..."\u003c/p\u003e

"Both mother and baby are very happy and healthy," Oppenheimer, who was hospitalized with Shepard, appeared on the television. "The baby's lungs are fine, they are healthy."\u003c/p\u003e

"How the hell did it happen today?" Joel Silver's tears were about to flow out in pain. I don’t know if the hit to the head hurt more, or if I regret paying the price for Shepard to stop filming the TV series\u003c/p\u003e

"What's going on? She's not full term yet, right?" Ronald was also surprised. Demi found out that Sybil was pregnant after filming started this spring. This is considered a premature baby. \u003c/p\u003e

"You don't have children, Ronald. It's very common for twins to be under one month old." Silver touched his belly, which was not small either. \u003c/p\u003e

"I didn't expect it to be twins, so Sybil would need more time to cultivate and get back in shape. Hey, what if he was born yesterday? Wouldn't we have to pay nothing in exchange?"\u003c/p\u003e

"Forget it, who knows?" Joel Silver also gave up. Anyway, it was a promise for the future. This kind of thing can change easily. \u003c/p\u003e