I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

"Hey, brother."

After Keanu Reeves opened the door and saw Chen Hu, he was the first to say hello and then let himself out.

"Xu, this is my brother Tiger Chen."

"Hello."

Xu Xin said hello in Chinese.

But Chen Hu's attitude was more enthusiastic than he expected.

"Hello, Director Xu. I'm Chen Hu. This is my first time meeting you. But Sister Mi has worked with my master. I even called my master yesterday. It's really a fate to see you here."

Xu Xin was stunned for a moment, then held his hand with both hands:

"You're welcome, you're welcome. We are all one family, one family."

What he said was correct.

Yang Mi herself said that in terms of seniority, she and Yuan Heping were actually the same generation. Moreover, Yuan Heping was born in the martial arts field of the theater troupe. According to the rules of the martial arts world, she herself is a descendant of the Shandong Martial Arts School with roots in Miaohong.

His status in the "Jianghu" is not low.

Of course, this is just what it says, and no one will really take it seriously.

But the other party's polite attitude made Xu Xin sure of one thing...

He will probably have to return to China to develop in the future.

Otherwise... As Hollywood's gold medal martial artist, there is no need to do this at all.

But don’t worry about it either.

Friends, let's start dating slowly.

…

Everyone got acquainted at the door, but the conversation was in the living room.

"Xu, Chen told me a lot about you yesterday, and I realized that you are so powerful."

Hearing Keanu Reeves' words, Xu Xin smiled and waved his hands, very modestly.

Then he went straight to the topic without any ink:

"Chen is here too. Where is your script? Let me take a look?"

"Oh yes, no problem."

Keanu Reeves took out a thick stack of story scripts from the coffee table.

It's in English.

Seeing this, Xu Xin thought for a while and asked Chen Hu:

"Is there a Chinese script? My English is currently limited to daily communication, and I am not particularly proficient in it. I may understand some written terms incorrectly."

"Well……"

Chen Hu shook his head:

"We haven't translated it yet. It's okay, Director Xu. If you don't understand anything, I'll translate it for you."

"good."

Xu Xin then opened the script.

After seeing the name of the script, a strange look flashed in his eyes.

《Man of Taichi》

Tai Chi Man... No, Tai Chi Man... Tai Chi Man?

After matching the title of this script with "Iron Man", Xu Xin originally wanted to say something...

But considering the relationship between Chen Hu and Keanu Reeves. In the end, he said nothing and continued to look down.

In fact, there is no need to say anything.

He wanted to ask Chen Hu if this story was one of those filled with Hollywood stereotypes.

After all, from his chat with Keanu Reeves yesterday, he could feel that even though this film was shot in Hong Kong, the main line of the story is about a martial arts master fighting against a gangster...

He thought to himself that it would be better not to shoot in Hong Kong at all, but to shoot in New York.

Now is the time for our family to crack down on gangsters and eliminate evil...

And this kind of story can be applied to any background.

But then I thought about it...it wasn't appropriate to say that.

So he could only look down.

The entire story of "The Man of Tai Chi" is actually very simple.

A man named Lin Hu is a martial arts genius, especially good at Tai Chi. Won the national championship in the first competition. However, due to his parents' poor health and the decline of his sect, such a martial arts champion, like everyone else, has to sacrifice five buckets of rice. While working as a courier to make money, he used his other time to continue improving his martial arts.

Then...

There is a gang in Xiangjiang who specializes in organizing underground boxing matches. Of course the game was illegal, so the police sent an undercover agent. As a result, the undercover agent was discovered and was killed by the gang leader... Tang Naka... let me translate it this way.

He was beaten to death by this Donaka. But because the undercover agent died, the spot could not be vacant, so Donaka asked his younger brothers to find someone to replace him.

As a result, Lin Hu was found.

Lin Hu was worried about where he could get money, but when he heard that he could make money in this way, he half-heartedly accepted it... It seemed that he needed money to decorate his home, so he agreed.

Start playing black boxing.

As a result, he made a lot of money all of a sudden, and Lin Hu was also lost in this black boxing match. From a person who pursued the realm of martial arts, he turned into an extremely violent and bloodthirsty person.

At this time, the police came on the scene and contacted Lin Hu. Lin Hu also discovered that his temperament had changed drastically, so he worked as an undercover agent for the police. However, he was discovered by Tang Naka. In the end, the two sides fought. The police successfully destroyed the den and Lin Hu was defeated. Tang Naka finally became a "grand master"...

Xu Xin feels that his written English is quite poor.

In the end, I actually understood the story.

One can imagine how straightforward this story is.

and……

He lit a cigarette, looked at some notes at the back of the script outline, thought about it, and said to Chen Hu in a more euphemistic tone:

"Frankly speaking, this story makes me feel like watching old Shaw Brothers movies."

His original intention was that the story was too shallow. Even for a kung fu film, such a straightforward script would not be popular in the current Chinese-language film market.

To put it bluntly, although you won’t be able to see the ending after watching the beginning... but as long as you see a trailer, anyone with a discerning eye can know what the story is about.

High emotional intelligence: old Shaw Brothers style.

Low EQ: Qianbaiping.

This story...is true.

After Xu Xin read the entire story, he could already feel the excitement.

Times are changing, and so are everyone’s aesthetics.

It doesn’t mean that if the script is shallow, it will necessarily be bad... but at least you have to keep up with the times instead of going backwards in history.

Regardless of whether this film is popular in Hollywood or not, at least the fact that you filmed it in Hong Kong means that it will definitely be shown in China. And if you are in China...even Keanu Reeves is useless.

The script is extremely shallow...

Suddenly, Xu Xin was stunned.

Thinking of this, his first reaction was to look up at Keanu Reeves:

"Keanu, you said you wanted to be the director of this movie?"

"Yes, Xu."

Keanu Reeves nodded.

Then came the sentence:

"This story is perfect for a new director, don't you think?"

"Um."

After realizing his misunderstanding, Xu Xin nodded:

"That's right, the story is not profound, and even the weakening of the literature and drama is reasonable. As long as the fighting is exciting, then at least it is a qualified work. Because its entire story line is very complete, whether it is Lin Hu or Tang Naka .”

This is the misunderstanding that Xu Xin just thought about.

He used his "vision" to ask a new director to raise his level, while at the same time looking at the story from a bird's eye view.

From this God's perspective, the quality of the entire story must be high, at least high enough to meet the approval of a director who won the Venice Best Director, to be considered qualified.

But……

Venice has produced only about 60 best directors so far this year.

Compared with the huge world film library, their group of people is already a very small base.

So it's not fair to the film.

And when Xu Xin tried to flatten the perspective, he found that... this is actually a very complete story.

The director doesn't even need to do anything, nor does he need to arrange too many stunts.

You only need to shoot scene by scene and finish the story, and then the overall script can give a passing score.

but……

"The box office and word-of-mouth may not be guaranteed. The tastes of Chinese audiences have not remained unchanged over the years. To be honest, this feature film contains some strong stereotypes about my country. For example, Tai Chi, martial arts, etc... It is not bad, But...in the audience's mind, they will feel strange when they see it.

Because this is not our current life, but like a movie made in Hong Kong in the 1960s and 1970s. As an audience, if I saw this script, I would be thinking...how come Hollywood still has this impression of us after so many years? From this point of view, it is not pleasant. "

After flattening his perspective, Xu Xin chose to speak out to express his thoughts.

Keanu Reeves was stunned.

Subconsciously he looked at Chen Hu.

Chen Hu was also a little stunned...

After thinking for a while, he asked Xu Xin in Chinese:

"Director Xu, how do you feel about this story?"

"The truth is, if we put aside the celebrity filter, that is to say, we don't consider him..."

Pointing at Keanu Reeves who looked confused, Xu Xin shook his head slightly:

"You may be able to find investors for your script in China, but the investors will definitely arrange for you a leading actor and leading actress with box office appeal. Otherwise, the film will not be lost, but the production will definitely be extremely small. That kind of thing.”

"Then Hollywood..."

"Precisely because it is a script that came out of Hollywood. In other words, it is an old Hong Kong-style Shaw Brothers script that came out of Hollywood. Therefore, it may be more acclimatized in the mainland. Don't tell this story. , the entire Hong Kong scene is now in decline. So... I can only say that it is a qualified story script suitable for novice directors to practice, and does not require any director threshold. The director can film and the actors can act. This pair of two It’s a good opportunity for everyone. But... we can’t expect anything else. For example, it’s impossible to be a box office hit or receive good reviews.”

After Xu Xin finished speaking, Keanu Reeves couldn't help but ask:

"what are you guys saying?"

In terms of English proficiency, maybe ten Xu Xins are not as good as Chen Hu.

So the other party quickly translated Xu Xin's words completely.

But Keanu Reeves showed a smile.

Looking at Xu Xin nodded:

"Xu, you are absolutely right. I agree with your point of view."

look.

In addition to the status of the upcoming "newbie director". From an actor's perspective, Keanu Reeves obviously thinks so too.

"But... this was a dream of my brother's."

Xu Xin was stunned.

Subconsciously he looked at Keanu Reeves.

"Many years ago, when we had just met, during a casual chat, I asked him if he had any dreams. He said that he wanted to be an actor...but he became an action director. You are a director, you should understand what I mean. the meaning of."

"Um."

Xu Xin nodded subconsciously.

Anyone can be an actor, but how to get ahead is a problem.

In this regard, Chen Hu obviously did not do well.

"Our relationship is like that of real brothers, so we prepared this movie together. Xu, I want to fulfill his dream."

Keanu Reeves said, glanced at Chen Hu, and suddenly laughed:

"Xu, you know, I called him last night."

He made a "6" gesture.

"I said hey, brother, you know what? Today I attended a reception at Paramount and met a Chinese director named Goethe Xu. I don't know him, but since he is a Chinese director and can come to Paramount Meng's cocktail party shows that he should be very powerful. We can ask him for help. He has promised to come to my place tomorrow. Brother, come here with the script... You have been away from China for too long. Goethe Xu may be able to give us a lot. help."

"Well……"

Xu Xin looked at Chen Hu who had a speechless expression over there, smiled and nodded:

"Then what?"

"Then... Chen was puzzled at first, saying that he had never heard of the name Goethe Xu. Then he checked online and found your Chinese name. Xu ~ THIN ~ He told me: BRO! You know when you meet Who is the person who arrived? He is simply a myth among young directors in China! He just won the best director in Venice last year! The cumulative box office exceeded 200 million US dollars! He is also the... leader of the Olympic Games..."

"..."

Xu Xin's mouth twitched.

"He is still the designer of the torch! BRO! Are you sure it's him?...Haha, Chen sent me your photo. After I said it was confirmed, he was so excited that he couldn't sleep...but at the same time, he was very scared. Because he knows your achievements, he said that facing you is like NOBODY facing a famous Hollywood director..."

"Hahaha~ It won't happen."

Looking at Xu Xin who was waving his hands modestly, Keanu Reeves shook his head and said seriously and sincerely:

"Xu, as friends, Chen and I really hope to get your help. You know, I am the most capable of playing the role of DONAKA. But as a director and a friend of the character Tiger Lin, I hope it can come true. While my brother has this dream, he doesn’t want people’s impression of him to stop at the level of “he acted in a bad movie”…

Frankly speaking, this film may not be profitable, or it may have a mediocre reputation...but for my brother's dream, I hope that he will not recall all bad things or bad reviews. This has been his dream for more than ten years, and this dream deserves a... perfect ending! "

"Well……"

Hearing this, Xu Xin couldn't help but rub his chin.

Frankly speaking...

I really want to deal with this film, it’s actually very simple.

Not arrogant, but Xu Xin estimated that if he handed the script to himself, this would be the simplest solution.

And the reason why he said this was because... he already had an idea.

But this idea...

It would be very simple for him to do it himself. But if Keanu Reeves were to do it... I'm afraid it would be difficult.

In other words, it is very difficult.

And his idea is actually very simple, that is, to incorporate two elements into this script.

But these two elements…

It would be too difficult for Keanu Reeves, a rookie director, to make the film.

Unconsciously, he lit a cigarette.

After thinking for a while, he looked at Chen Hu.

This time, he used English:

"Actually, this script is very simple to handle. What I mean is me. If I were to film it, it would be very, very simple. Of course, I am not saying this to film this film, but to express my point of view. That It’s just... my way of thinking, I can handle it well, even directors from China can handle it well, but... Keanu may not be able to handle it well."

Under the confused gazes of the two people, Xu Xin picked up the pen and wrote two lines on the title page of the script.

"..."

Chen Hu's mouth twitched...

Looking at his expression, Keanu Reeves subconsciously asked:

"Brother, what did Xu write?"

Chen Hu glanced at Xu Xin, thought for a while, and said:

"Inner demons, and... changing times."

Keanu Reeves was stunned.

I looked at the script again.

He doesn't know Chinese.

But Chen Hu knew him.

"One, the inner demons. Two, the changes of the times."

This is his solution.

At this time, Keanu Reeves said:

"I know that the devil in the heart is a description of the search for oneself in the heart of martial arts practitioners. Xu and Chen told me. Warriors not only need physical strength, but also need to find an emotional support from the soul. . They need to understand what their martial arts is for, right?"

"!"

This time it was Xu Xin's turn to be surprised.

Oh yo?

sure.

Nodding unconsciously, he asked:

"What about the second point?"

"Well……"

Looking at Keanu Reeves's somewhat unrecognizable look, Xu Xin turned his head and said in English:

"The thoughts I am going to say next must be expressed in Chinese. Because I am not sure whether my English words are accurate or not. You translate it for Keanu."

"OK."

Chen Hu subconsciously sat up straight.

"First, inner demons."

Pointing to the words he wrote on the script, Xu Xin said:

"What I mean is that Tanaka is compared to the incarnation of Lin Hu's inner demon in a metaphorical way. He studies Tai Chi, and Tai Chi has yin and yang.

If Lin Hu is the Yang side of Tai Chi, the Yang pole means the growth of all things. Then Tanaka is like Yin, he represents the other side of Lin Hu.

On the other hand, he is violent and bloodthirsty, just like the impulse of a warrior, like a predatory tiger in the jungle who wants to fight with others.

The same is true for Tanaka and underground boxing matches.

In the movie, he is portrayed as Lin Hu's inner demon. For example, they have the same hobbies and the same purpose of martial arts, but Lin Hu chose the "fighting to end the war" inherited from the martial arts of the Celestial Dynasty. He is like a martial arts practitioner who has asked himself "Why do we fight?" to the end. .

But Donaka is different. What he pursues is indulgence and extreme self-indulgence. He doesn't care about anything except martial arts, blood, and sensory stimulation. He is so similar to Lin Hu, but so extreme.

In the script, you can use the literary drama of the two people. For example, the two people agree on martial arts in the same way, but when they talk about the world view, they are completely opposite. There will even be disputes, but at the same time, the two of them cherish each other, but they are destined enemies... I say this, can you understand? "

Chen Hu opened his mouth slightly and looked straight at Xu Xin...

"Don't be stunned, translate it to him first."

"Uh... ok."

Chen Hu quickly translated Xu Xin's words to Keanu Reeves as accurately as possible.

When the other party heard this, he also looked astonished.

After thinking about it, he took out his mobile phone.

"Brother, record, record Xu's words first. Quick~"

Chen Hu nodded quickly and started to translate Xu Xin's words bit by bit into his phone.

After finishing the translation, he saw that Keanu Reeves remained silent, and then he continued to ask Xu Xin:

"Director Xu, the second point..."

"This is more difficult. That is to use this story to explore whether martial arts is useful in today's era. Have you read Xu Haofeng's book?"

"……without."

"I suggest you take a look at what martial arts is like in his eyes. Besides, you are a martial arts student, so you should know. In fact, the martial arts everyone learns now are castrated versions that abandon the killing move, right?"

"Yes."

"So, we can add a metaphor to this film. This metaphor can be expressed by the police. For example, their attitude towards martial arts, for example, they feel that martial arts is completely useless in the face of firearms. Well..."

Speaking of this, Xu Xin thought for a while and said:

"For example, Donaka has relations with transnational criminal groups. They initially sent undercover agents just to find evidence. They had no interest in underground boxing matches at all, because guns are obviously better to use than fists.

And in some subsequent plots, you can shoot some such clips. So many underground boxers are like a bunch of lambs waiting to be slaughtered when faced with guns...

Eh? right!

You can arrange a story about Lin Hu saving Tang Naka, which can confirm Lin Hu's identity as an undercover agent. In the end, when Tang Naka discovers that Lin Hu is the undercover agent, the two of them will burst out like "My best brother is actually Betrayed me" plot conflict. This is very pleasing~

Of course, among these shots, the main thing is to reflect a proposition. For example, after rescuing Tang Naka, Lin Hu and Tang Naka had some conversations, and they talked about the martial arts they learned. In today's era, apart from being for people to watch like monkeys, does it have any role?

Whose fault is the decline of martial arts? Is it the era? firearms? Or concept? These martial arts practitioners, in today's monkey-like underground boxing match, have become the playthings of the rich to satisfy their thirst for blood. Do they really have any dignity as warriors? Wait, wait, wait, this series of things can be discussed...

But I'm afraid that Keanu can't do it well, because this requires some unique thinking from Chinese people. It can even lead to a collision of philosophical ideas between the East and the West... If you do these two things well... Then, my friend, I can't guarantee how it will fare at the box office and word of mouth. But... at least, I think you will have a place in any of the three major film festivals next year, no matter which one you choose. "

"..."

"..."

The sound of a pindrop could be heard throughout the room.

Except for Keanu Reeves' cell phone, which is still on, the recording time is changing every minute.

Even the air seemed to be still.

Keanu Reeves doesn’t understand.

So he could only wait for Chen Hu to translate.

But Chen Hu was already dumbfounded.

He was so stupid that he didn't know when the spiritual world had begun to chase Xu Xin's footsteps, and his words led him to... a more grand proposition.

In contrast to this grand proposition, his eyes stared straight at the two-line script...

For no reason, there was only one thought left in my mind.

"Lao Li and I have spent so many years of hard work, but compared with other people's stories... what the hell does it count?"

Ah~ It’s so fun to return to the old plot!