Chapter 39: Put a Semicolon on Life Again.

Zhang Guorong was silent, his eyes swaying back and forth between the script and Wu Yuan's face.

The script of "Departures" is really good.

As an actor who has made dozens of movies, Zhang Guorong knows clearly that if this movie can be made and the level is good, it can indeed win the three major European awards.

Because Europeans and Americans themselves feel mysterious about Eastern culture, if there is a movie that explores Eastern views on life and death and funeral culture, it is indeed enough to attract their interest.

But it takes half a year to make this movie, and it is half a year to throw away all other work, which makes Zhang Guorong a little hesitant.

Among the dozens of movies he has made, only two movies have a preparation + shooting cycle of more than half a year, that is, "Farewell My Concubine" and "Happy Together".

And these two works did live up to expectations and brought him the highest artistic achievement.

Can this "Departures" do the same?

Looking at the young and unacceptable mainland director in front of him, Zhang Guorong hesitated for a while, but still did not agree on the spot.

"Director Wu, thank you for asking me to make a film, but I can't decide the six-month schedule with just a few words. I'll go back and think about it."

This result was expected by Wu Yuan.

He didn't think that he could persuade Zhang Guorong to stop all his work and follow him to the mainland for retreat and cultivation with just a few words. This is unrealistic.

Zhang Guorong is an Asian superstar! Moreover, he is active in both film and music, and has a lot of work to do. How could he agree to it without considering the impact at all?

"It doesn't matter. I will be in Hong Kong Island these days, and this movie will not start shooting in the near future. I haven't finished my work in the United States yet. You have time to think about it slowly.

"By the way." Wu Yuan thought of something and smiled, "I heard that you also want to be a director. Maybe I can help you connect with the China Film Group in the mainland?"

"No film company in Hong Kong Island is willing to take over, but it doesn't mean that the mainland is not welcome. "

Wu Yuan knew that Zhang Guorong actually had a talent for directing.

He participated in directing in films and TV series such as "Days of Being Wild", "Golden Branches and Jade Leaves", and "A Chinese Ghost Story", although his name was not left.

And the MVs he directed, "Dreaming of the Inland River" and "The Most Beautiful Youth", were also very well shot.

As early as 2000, he directed a public welfare short film of more than 30 minutes, "Smoke Flies and Smoke Disappears", a promotional short film to call for smoking cessation.

Zhang Guorong took charge of the story and the directing of this short film, and it only took five days to shoot!

Although the film is not long, it is very impressive in terms of plot rhythm, light and shadow art, and shooting. From the perspective of filming techniques, this film can fully reflect Zhang Guorong's talent as a director.

It cannot be said that he has no talent as a director. On the contrary, his talent as a director is quite outstanding.

To be honest, there are so many actors in the mainland who have become directors after being good at acting. They can do the job of director very well. Although they can't shoot any artistic masterpieces, they are more than enough to direct commercial films.

Why can't Zhang Guorong do it?

It's just that it's not popular for actors to switch to become directors in this era.

According to the original trajectory, in 2002, he finally prepared his first feature film "Stealing Hearts" as a director. The script, actors and actresses were all in the same group. Everything was ready.

As a result, the company of the film investor was suddenly detained and the funds were withdrawn, resulting in the abortion of the filming plan.

At this time, he was already suffering from physical depression, and this news was undoubtedly a double whammy for him. [6][9][s][h][u][x][.][c][o][m]

It’s not that Zhang Guorong didn’t have the money to make his own movies. He had the money, but as an actor, he couldn’t find a film company to distribute his films. There is a barrier between actors and film capital, which is not so easy to break.

At least in Hong Kong Island, you can’t make a movie just because you have money. You must have connections, relationships, and someone willing to help you and give you a chance.

In fact, it is the same in the mainland. If you are not from the three major universities, you can't get in touch with the major film studios, and it is basically impossible to be a director.

There are barriers to being a director these days, and even superstars find it difficult to transform into a director.

After the abortion of his first feature film, Zhang Guorong was completely depressed, and he suffered physically and mentally.

Later, he wrote in his autobiography: "I think I may have a little depression, and the reason is probably that I am dissatisfied with myself, dissatisfied with others, and even more dissatisfied with the world. Those days were really dark. ”

It can be seen that the collapse of his dream of being a director has caused an irreparable blow to him who already suffers from depression.

Since Wu Yuan wants to change him, he must of course solve some problems that may lead to psychological depression.

Isn’t it just to be a director?

There are a lot of superstars in Hong Kong Island, and all of them can sell box office. Those film companies look down on a movie with "Director Zhang Guorong" on it and are unwilling to bear the risk of box office losses.

But the mainland lacks superstars!

Just because Hong Kong Island can't do it doesn't mean that the mainland can't do it!

Now China Film is short of new generation directors. President Han keeps talking about hoping for more directors who can sell box office.

China Film is very happy to let Zhang Guorong develop in the north, whether he is an actor or a director, he will give support!

The three words "Zhang Guorong" can sell box office in the mainland!

I don't know how many mainland women's white moonlight is Zhang Guorong's Ning Caichen!

The movies he and Xiao Ma made, "A Better Tomorrow" and "Across the World", are idols in the hearts of countless men in the mainland!

No matter whether he is an actor or a director, as long as his name is on the movie poster, it is worth 10 million box office!

If he is willing to direct and act himself, it will be even better!

It's just that the two sides have always lacked a communication channel!

Zhang Guorong never thought of contacting China Film in the mainland, and China Film didn't even know that Zhang Guorong was preparing to direct his own movie.

Wu Yuan can be the middleman, it's nothing more than a matter of talking, why not?

In this way, Zhang Guorong will have no time to stay in Hong Kong Island for the whole year in the future!

Half a year with Wu Yuan to shoot "Departures", and half a year to make his own "Stealing Hearts"!

After shooting these two movies, both the body and the mind were healed!

Depression?

Zhang Guorong, who was happily busy for his first directing movie, had no time to be depressed!

It must be said that Wu Yuan's last suggestion deeply touched Zhang Guorong.

The dream of being a director has always been his dream since he retired from the music industry in 1989.

When he was interviewed by the media, he once said: "I think the director is the soul of the movie. I hope that one day I can fulfill my wish and make a movie."

Since 2000, he has been working hard for this dream and tried to make a public welfare short film, which received a good response from the industry, but it was still not smooth when preparing for his first feature film.

Almost no film company in Hong Kong was willing to take over this film. They all advised him to continue to be an actor and there was no need to be a director.

At this time, Wu Yuan proposed to help him connect with China Film Group in the mainland. It would be strange if Zhang Guorong was not tempted by this proposal!

In his heart, Zhang Guorong was inclined to nod and agree to Wu Yuan and sell his 100 pounds to him.

But the inner reason finally took over.

Zhang Guorong held the script of "Departures" tightly in his hand, stood up and smiled shyly at Wu Yuan: "I will seriously consider Director Wu's proposal."

"I will give you an answer as soon as possible."

After that, he shook hands with Wu Yuan again, indicating that he needed to leave.

He was afraid that if he didn't leave, he would really be persuaded by Wu Yuan's eloquence.

Wu Yuan stood up to see him off, with a smiling face: "Mr. Zhang, take care."

Nodding, smiling, and closing the door again.

Standing at the door of the box, Zhang Guorong took a deep breath, suppressed the complicated emotions in his heart, and walked out.

Coincidentally, his song was playing in the tea restaurant at this time.

"When the wind blows again, this heart will no longer care about running silently."

"I am willing to go back with tears."

"In the precious years, I will find the poem in my heart."

Hearing this song, Zhang Guorong paused.

"When the Wind Rises Again" was his farewell song in 1989.

At that time, Zhang Guorong thought that this song marked the end of his life.

But it turned out that it was just a semicolon.

And now, he is standing at the crossroads of life again.

Will this choice mark a new semicolon for his life again?

He doesn't know.

But he hopes.