Chapter 1828: 1828 Invitation to a Supporting Role

Is "Saving Private Ryan" the best war movie ever made?

This question is bound to have different opinions, and everyone can give their own different answers, but there is no doubt that this movie can definitely occupy a seat among the top five best war movies in modern movie history. Steven Spielberg shot the most exciting Normandy landing in film history. Even the veterans who participated in the Normandy landing in World War II gave Steven applause. The magnificent long shot and realistic record The picture showed the true face of that battle in front of every audience, shocking the soul.

More importantly, "Saving Private Ryan" focuses the cruel and bloody war on the flash of humanity and the warmth of family affection. While deeply digging into the humanity of war, it also increasingly reflects the thinking behind the war. Steven injected vitality into this film, allowing this work to be recorded in history, and at the same time achieved a new pinnacle of Steven's directorial career.

However, when people mentioned "Saving Private Ryan" later, they mentioned more the story behind the film's journey to the Oscars, because the defeat of this work at the Oscars that year officially marked that Oscars entered the era of "academic public relations" , The strong public relations ability represented by the Weinstein brothers has gradually become the biggest variable in the award selection.

At the 71st Oscar Awards Ceremony, "Saving Private Ryan" is undoubtedly the biggest award-winning hit. This work is even considered by many people to surpass "Schindler's List", because the work combines commercial and The combination of art has reached a new height, and many people even thought that the best picture statuette had already firmly fallen into the hands of "Private Ryan".

But the result surprised everyone: the Weinstein brothers relied on strong public relations operations to let the little-known "Shakespeare in Love" catch up from behind, achieved a Jedi reversal, and won the final best picture.

After the Oscar Awards Ceremony, almost the whole society was shocked, not only because "Saving Private Ryan" was a hit, but also because "Shakespeare in Love" which defeated it was not worthy of its name. "Shakespeare in Love" can be said to be a good work, but there is still some distance from the best film, let alone a classic - and the "Saving Private Ryan" it defeated can indeed be worthy of the "classic" "This title.

This decision has also become one of the biggest unjust cases in the history of the Oscars. Twenty years later, the choice of the 71st Oscar has almost become a shameful existence, and it has been ridiculed by countless people. Made the wrong choice. "Shakespeare in Love" has been completely submerged in the long river of history, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who won the Oscar queen with this work, has also been regarded as one of the most fake actresses in history, but "Saving Private "Ryan" is famous in history, and time has proved the excellence of this work.

The entire history of the Oscars, with "Shakespeare in Love" defeating "Saving Private Ryan" as the demarcation point, has entered a new era. The Weinstein brothers have brought their personal connections, public opinion leaders, and media influence to the extreme. The competition has completely evolved into a public relations battle. Even excellent works must have excellent public relations-the smell of wine is also afraid of deep alleys; at the same time, the concept of "award season" was introduced, starting from September's Venice Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival Since the beginning of the festival, the public relations battle surrounding the Oscars has already started, which also makes the commercial added value of the entire award ceremony industry increase exponentially, and further expands the influence of the film industry.

It can be said that this is an important turning point for the further integration of film art and commerce after the advent of the blockbuster era.

Of course, it's certainly unfair to "Saving Private Ryan," an absolute classic worthy of the annals of history, relegated to a supporting role. Not to mention that Steven has spent countless efforts on this film, but has not been able to get the corresponding rewards. Fortunately, time has proved Steven's great status as a director.

Since the beginning of the "Saving Private Ryan" project, Hugo never thought that he could become a member of it. There are two reasons. On the one hand, the real protagonist of this movie is the director. The excavation of the story is definitely the biggest contributor to the success of the film; on the one hand, it is because the actor has basically locked Tom Hanks, Hugo and Tom have the same agent, and the two have a good personal relationship, so naturally they will not rob Tom character of.

But today, Steven sent an invitation—and it was Lieutenant John Miller, the leading actor in the movie.

Hugo was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing, "Tom suddenly got dengue fever?"

This also made Steven laugh, "Tom doesn't like to hear such bad news." After Robert wrote the script of "Saving Private Ryan", it was first submitted to Steven Spielberg and Tom -In the hands of the two of Hanks, it is because Robert believes that these two people are the most correct choices for the project.

In the selection of the actor, Robert chose Tom instead of Hugo, who is currently very popular. The main reason is age considerations. Hugo is only 30 years old this year. He is too young to play the lieutenant who leads the eight-person team. Moreover, the family fetters in the background of Lieutenant John Miller’s story will lack some convincingness. On the contrary, Tom, who is currently represented by an absolutely good man and a good father in Hollywood, has an inherent advantage—and Tom is 41 years old this year. The age is also just right. It can be said that Tom is indeed the most suitable lieutenant among Hollywood's first-line actors.

Unexpectedly, Robert's idea was immediately responded to. Both Steven and Tom had a strong interest in this project, which made the project take shape quickly.

"Currently, the scripts handed to you by Hollywood, except for the protagonist, require great courage." Steven then said with a smile, "So, I have no other choice, I think Tom will understand." Steven Wen's words also made Hugo laugh. After laughing, Steven went on to say, "It's actually the role of James Ryan."

In other words, the Ryan from "Saving Private Ryan".

The film tells the story of Lieutenant Miller leading an eight-man team deep behind enemy lines after the Normandy landings in World War II to find James Ryan, a soldier of the Airborne Forces. Because he was the youngest of the four brothers in the family, and his three older brothers had all been killed in the war. In order to avoid accidents for the last only seedling, the general decided to send the only son back to his mother at all costs.

This "decision" itself is full of tests of human nature. It is far more difficult than finding a needle in a haystack for a team of eight people to save a person—and a person who has not yet died. At stake. Therefore, whether it is the eight-member team or Ryan himself, the inner struggle and complexity are hard to describe.

"If you read the script, you should know that Ryan is a challenging role, and the actor's performance skills are very strict. This is the core of the movie, even more than John Miller. If his performance can't convince the audience and impress the audience , then the whole film effort is ruined. You know." Steven went on to explain, "Tom and I have auditioned at least twenty actors, but none of them are satisfactory."

To put it simply, the whole movie is to save Ryan, so if this Ryan cannot be liked by the audience, the anger and dissatisfaction will pour on Ryan like a storm. At the same time, realizing that the eight-member team is to save himself, Ryan is too happy to be wrong, too resistant to appear ignorant, too confused to appear cowardly... His mixed mood changes undoubtedly maintain the whole movie The heart of success or failure.

In the history that Hugo is familiar with, James Ryan was played by Matt Damon.

Matt's performance is a very stable and solid type. He knows how to use the characteristics of his appearance to integrate that dull, mature, and restrained temperament into the character. But Matt's own acting skills are lacking in spirituality. He is a typical actor who needs to meet the right role, and most of the roles he plays are relatively similar. Although his acting skills are solid, there is not much breakthrough. Therefore, Ryan, played by Matt, is more of a dull person, which makes people sympathetic but difficult to express the inner confusion.

Undoubtedly, Matt's version of Ryan will not be annoying, but it can't be relieved, especially the sublimation of the ending lacks the impetus of the performance, which is quite a pity. It can only be said that he completed the task honestly and well.

Now, Matt is an actor affiliated to the International Innovation Management Company, so naturally he missed the chance to participate in "Saving Private Ryan". No wonder Steven turned his brains to Hugo. Among actors in their thirties, Hugo's acting style undoubtedly opened up a trend, delicate yet explosive, varied yet profound.

"What's more, Tom has wanted to cooperate with you for several years, maybe this is the best opportunity." Steven added again, and he chuckled himself after speaking, "This is not a polite word, you You should trust me."

Hugo was also amused by Steven's explanation, "Yes, I believe. If there is a chance, I also hope to cooperate with Tom very much." This is also true. Not to mention the challenges and excitement brought about by starring in the script of "Saving Private Ryan" and playing the role of James Ryan are also hitting Hugo's head.

"I know you still have a job, and your schedule for the next period of time is uncertain. However, at least you promise me that you will seriously consider this proposal." Steven's tone was completely like a friend's gesture , he and Hugo are definitely at the same level now, "Of course, I know that it is a difficult task to invite you to play a supporting role, but...you will never know the result if you don't try it, will you?"

Hugo chuckled lightly, "I promise you, I will seriously consider it. I will ask Rick to send over the script tonight."

After getting an affirmative answer from Hugo, Steven hung up the phone with satisfaction. Hugo stood where he was, but before he had time to think, he heard Joseph shouting from behind, "Hugo, the rehearsal for the next play is about to begin."