"Thank you, little George, I owe the visa issue to you..."
"Ah, hahaha... This is also to contribute to our investment. Those visa officers usually do nothing but mess around, interfering with America's appeal to the global elite. It is simply boring..."
Wang Ying, the director of "The Joy Luck Club", went to the film school there to cast her actors and spotted a student who was said to have great potential, as well as a famous actress from Xujiahui. Both of them had the same characteristic, that is
She has a traditional Chinese face shape and a classical beauty, which looks very consistent with the story of the movie.
But when they got the casting contract issued by the production team and went to the embassy and consulate to apply for visas, they were rejected by the very bureaucratic visa officers there. As a result, the good casting was unable to come to America to film scenes here.
The original production cost of this movie was not high, but it would have been far beyond the cost to shoot the scenes here, or vice versa.
Wang Ying was very confident in her vision for casting and didn't want to change her casting, so she asked Ronald for help.
Ronald was also furious. He called George Jr. and asked him to help solve the problem. Originally, this kind of matter could be expedited by asking a congressman to write a letter, or at least asking a senator to write a letter. This time the First Lady
The formal text talked about the film's important role in cultural America's liberal values and asked them to consider visas for the two important actors as appropriate.
After the White House's text was sent to the embassy, the two actresses Xiao Yu and Lao Xi who came for the second time did not use the large stack of materials they went back to supplement. The high-level consul personally chatted with them about "The Last Emperor"
", I got a special long-term visa for artists.
Both of them were a little confused. It wasn't until they received an international long-distance call from Wang Ying that they realized that it was Ronald who helped mediate the special case. For a time, Xiao Yu and Lao were in two units, the Film Academy and the People's Theater.
Rumors spread like wildfire that Xi's "cousin/nephew" was the godson of the great commander of America, and everyone said they were going there to enjoy their fortune.
The flight the two took this time arrived in Los Angeles. Ronald picked them up and asked Xiao Yan to arrange a translator and assistant. After that, he remembered to call Xiao George to thank him.
"Thank you to your mother Barbara for me too. Her letter was very helpful. It was not easy for the two actors to get artist visas this time. It has many benefits for our film shooting..."
If it were not for this special work visa, the two would not be recognized by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). This part of the cast could not exceed a certain proportion, and they would also need to write a letter explaining why the union actors could not achieve the required effects...
"Ahahaha, what my mother likes to say recently is that America's liberal values have defeated the alliance. She now looks down upon this kind of behavior (rejection of visas for normal work)... I will convey your gratitude.
of."
Ronald did not expect that Barbara would personally take action. In fact, it has already reached the primary stage of the election of the Grand Commander, and it is said that the Grand Commander and his family will be relatively busy.
But after handling two major events, the Gulf War and the disintegration of the alliance, George Sr.'s latest public approval rating is now as high as 89%... Even if the economy is facing the biggest recession in 80 years, this has not shaken.
Not only was there no one within the Xiang Party to challenge his re-election, but even the rival Donkey Party...
Several major challenges to candidate Dukakis in the last primary, such as New York Governor Mario Cuomo and black civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, have declined to seek the nomination.
Another Tennessee senator, Al Gore, who was underage last time, also said that his son was in a car accident and needed medical treatment, so he gave up the election for the leadership. However, what the media did not elaborate on was that his son’s car accident was actually
What happened in 1989.
The upcoming primary election is probably just a formality for George Sr.
Unexpectedly, he ignored his campaign promises at the time and raised taxes on the middle-class and wealthy voters. This was a major event that happened once in decades, and it did not harm his re-election. He is really a very lucky commander-in-chief.
.
…
"A Few Good Men" has started filming, and Bob Reiner is planning to finish filming Jack Nicholson's scenes first. His scenes focus on court scenes, and he is a famous Hollywood acting master. If the filming is delayed,
Reiner was afraid that it would put a lot of mental pressure on the actor, so he always wanted to play opposite him...
Ronald also wanted to see Nicholson's acting skills live and see how different he was from ordinary actors.
Yang Yanzi came over and told him that two actresses from China had heard about a Jack Nicholson play and wanted to see it. Seeing that they were very concerned about their professional abilities, Ronald agreed.
Take them with you.
"This is your ID. When filming, you must be outside the cordon, and you must not make any noise to interfere with the filming. These two weeks are the time Ronald spent five million dollars to sign. If it affects the progress, it will be very serious.
Big loss..."
When they arrived at the scene, Yang Yanzi told Xiao Yu and Lao Xi the rules of Hollywood. When they heard that they would be paid five million for two weeks of shooting, and it was for one person and in US dollars, they both nodded.
Hollywood capitalists are not as free as they imagined. A star actor has to be supported by him. From this point of view, these rules are normal, otherwise half a million US dollars will be wasted if he is delayed for one day. This amount of money is worthless in China.
It's time to make a movie.
"You are wrong in your calculations. Five hundred thousand is just Jack Nicholson's salary for the film alone. The main character, the big star Tom Cruise, received twelve and a half million for the entire film... This is because he was the first
A supporting role was given to him by Ronald as a friendship price for the sake of an old friend..."
Xiao Yu and Lao Xi were so frightened by this number that they didn't dare to say anything and just watched obediently.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! "Hello everyone..."
Jack Nicholson arrived late and had not yet changed into his costume. However, he had a very good attitude. When he read the script with the actors before, he showed no airs at all, so everyone was not very disgusted with his character.
.
"Hey, look, the producer has come over to check whether his investment is worth it..." Seeing Ronald at the scene, Jack Nicholson would definitely not miss the opportunity to joke.
"Listen to Bob here...I'm just a humble investor..." Ronald pointed at director Bob Reiner, saying that his role was just to watch the show.
On the set, there can only be one voice, and that is the director who has the final say. Otherwise, it will cause a lot of confusion.
Ronald's respect for the director is also to show everyone that in the future, whether it is Nicholson or Cruise, or Demi Moore and other supporting actors who can also play protagonists in other movies, they will be in the movie
In matters, Reiner must have the final say.
After a lot of things such as lighting, focus, and positioning were over, it was close to two hours. Finally, everyone was in the right pose. This was a court debate scene, and many shots needed to be shot repeatedly.
Bob Reiner knew the importance of this scene, so he shot it with one camera, and relighted each camera transition in order to achieve that carefully designed effect, allowing for light, performance, and the opponent's reaction.
They are all integrated into one, giving the audience a sense of repetition and an emotional roller coaster ride.
…
"Colonel, you are aware of Santiago's letter and that you had a meeting with two of the longer-serving soldiers, correct?"
Not only Xiao Yu and Lao Xi in the distance were nervous, but Ronald and director Reiner were also nervous. Tom Cruise and Demi Moore, who were starring opposite Jack Nicholson, were also nervous.
This is the advantage and disadvantage of acting party scenes. If your performance can compete with Jack Nicholson when it is finally on the screen, then you will be accepted by the audience and your acting skills have reached a big level.
If you fail to catch the other person's reaction and it is obvious that you are weak, then it is better not to play against such an actor. Or find an actor who is not that great, or just play a supporting role without a large rivalry.
.
If the audience sees you and capable actors doing well in a limited scene that can be covered up by the plot and camera, then they can still say that even though you are a star, your performance is not bad.
Therefore, since Tom Cruise entered the industry, he has been acting opposite actors of the best actor level. It is hard to say whether he is right or wrong. Although his own acting skills are improving, they have been overshadowed by his opponents. Even if there are wonderful scenes,
But he is often suppressed by his opponents.
"Yes..."
Jack Nicholson only had a short one-word reply, but it also put a lot of pressure on Cruise opposite him. Sometimes, the actor really has an aura, and he can just say one word when he is there.
If you don't say it, it will also put pressure on the actors who play the opposite roles.
"Cut!"
This "stop" call was not made by the director, but by Tom Cruise himself out of nervousness.
Ronald frowned, which showed that he was under greater pressure...
"I have to use the pickup microphone I brought. The one you are using doesn't work. I feel like it can't pick up the characteristics of my voice very well."
Tom Cruise waved his hand, and a person who looked like an assistant brought an instrument.
"Hey..." Cruise patted the pickup.
Ronald saw a Scientology logo on the pickup...
The faces of the sound crew at the scene were all very ugly. Is this going too far? Everyone turned their eyes towards Ronald.
Ronald didn't say anything. He stepped forward and picked up the crew's tape recorder, played it backwards and listened to it again. There was nothing wrong with the on-site recording. He went over to discuss it with Reiner...
"Do stars have their own dedicated microphones?" Xiao Yu and Lao Xi nodded silently. This Hollywood big name is the real big name. We only complained about whether there was meat in the lunch...
"You try this..." After discussing with the director, Ronald agreed to allow Tom Cruise to use his own recording equipment. On the one hand, it was due to his personal relationship with Scientology;
He was under pressure from Nicholson to do his best.
Anyway, he uses this equipment himself, and others use the crew's equipment, so that everyone can be satisfied.
Unexpectedly, Cruise was persuaded by his ex-wife Mimi Rogers to believe in Scientology. Now that Mimi Rogers divorced him and betrayed Scientology, Cruise believes more than his ex-wife...
…
"Colonel, why on earth was Santiago..."
Filming resumed, with the camera continuing to focus on Tom Cruise.
After several attempts, he finally felt that his voice was clear enough. Also stimulated by Nicholson, who was behind the camera and starring opposite him, Cruise was now in good condition.
"Sometimes, good people fall into the hands of bad people..." Jack Nicholson enthusiastically cooperated with the filming.
"But you said that all the people and things in the base are under your control. Without your consent, nothing can happen. Without your consent, no one can touch Santiago.
Head, Colonel..." Tom Cruise found the feeling with this 100% supporting role. The stronger Nicholson's reaction was, the stronger his reaction was stimulated.
An emotional Tom Cruise stepped forward, raised a finger, pointed at Jack Nicholson and started talking.
Bob Reiner's specially designed scene, under the lighting, the green of Nicholson's military uniform, the dark blue of Cruise's military uniform, and the blurred black and gold light in the background formed a sharp contrast, making the drama conflict.
Higher and higher.
The lighting of this scene clearly borrowed from the opening scene of "The Godfather". The light created an outline light on the faces of the two protagonists. The light on Cruise's face gave him a frontal character.
It feels like the light used in Rembrandt's paintings, the outlines are clear, the dark blue top and white shirt reflect his face full of justice...
When it came time to flip it over and shoot Jack Nicholson's scene, Ronald guessed that director Reiner would ask for some overhead light to blur the focus and form a shadow area on Nicholson's face.
The image of a powerful villain is about to emerge...
"I want the truth!"
Tom Cruise's reaction is getting higher and higher, and it is about to reach its peak. His handsome face is a little distorted. He is a lawyer seeking justice for a cowardly soldier who did not violate the regulations and was corporally punished by his peers because of his cowardice.
The image jumps out.
"You can't accept the truth!" Jack Nelson also exploded. His acting skills were obviously more refined, and the climax was still under control. In addition to anger, the expression on his face also showed an inexplicable pride in what he did.
"This world needs men and women with guns to defend it. Who does it rely on? Does it rely on you? Or you?"
Another layer of disgust appeared on Jack Nicholson's face. These people would make some red tape. If they weren't so tough on the cowardly deserters, how would they deal with the alliance and how would they deal with Guantanamo who was just around the corner?
Cuban?
"Cut!"
Director Bob Reiner's face showed both satisfaction and a hint of regret. Jack Nicholson's performance in this piece was so sublime that when the camera turned over to hit him, he might not be able to explode to this extent.
…
Alas, if I had known earlier, I would have shot with two cameras. I would rather sacrifice some of the photography quality to capture this tense rivalry scene.
"Oh, oh, a big star who spent five million dollars to film for two weeks also acted like this himself?" Xiao Yu and Lao Xi looked at each other, both showing shock.
There are some so-called big names in China, but their acting skills are not as strong as others, and there are a lot of staged scenes. They may not do this kind of dueling behind the camera themselves, especially when it comes to young actors, they don't have to find someone to replace them.
, just perfunctory by myself...
No wonder he was able to take away five million US dollars in two weeks. This person is acting with his life. No actor in China can match the quality of such a simple performance. It is life-like and has a very high level.
The drama, tension and layering are all top-notch.
"Good guy, why don't you just take it easy?"
Ronald was also shocked. Was this for me? He was afraid that I would come to supervise the work, so he showed his true skills? If I had known you were capable of this kind of performance, how good would it be to let director Reiner film you first? Look over there
He also looked remorseful.
"Jack, would you like to save some effort? Director Reiner is very satisfied with your acting skills and regrets not filming you..."
Ronald chatted with Reiner for a few words, but he still came forward to communicate with Nicholson. He, a director, couldn't say this kind of thing that made people hold back and not act too well.
"It's okay with me, Ronald...just watch it and it'll be fine." Jack Nicholson said with a smile on his face.
"You don't know, after I won the award, I was asked to play a supporting role in many movies, asking me to act as the leading actor. After filming Batman, many movies asked me to play a supporting role, as if I were a mascot.
It can be a hit in a movie.
What's wrong with you? I offered them sky-high salaries, and they all agreed, hahaha... I came to the set just to fool them. Anyway, those unlucky directors and producers can't tell what a good performance is...
But I feel very bad about myself. I am a drama addict. I am always asked to shoot those rubbish, which makes me more and more disgusted.
Your movie was really fun to shoot, and Tom acted well. I haven’t had such fun acting in a long time. Every time I play a role for him, I treat it as a fun experience. Don’t worry, I’m getting happier and happier every time I act.
The better…
Not many people who hire me to act know how to use me. You understand me best. For five million dollars to allow me to perform like this, you are getting a big deal, hahaha..."
After that, Reiner filmed a few more videos, and sure enough, Jack Nicholson's performance was even better. There was something different every time. What was particularly good was that his rhythm was very accurate every time. If
If you use a stopwatch to record each of his lines, you will find that the rhythm is as accurate as a Swiss watch.
"Teacher Xi, do you think all Hollywood actors are so terrible? Are there any actors in our country who can achieve such a level?" Xiao Yu became more and more guilty as he watched. Isn't the standard of Hollywood performances too high?
"Maybe some old actors can do it, such as Lan and Yu from your place, Zhao and Shi from our place. It's a pity that the old ones are old and the ones who are no longer here are gone..."
Sure enough, as Nicholson said, after re-lighting his scene and filming his scene, his performance became even better. At the end of the day, the entire crew was convinced. The most difficult scene was solved so easily, including Tom.
·Cruise was also inspired by him to give his best performance.
"This puts me at ease. I won't have any worries when I go to Kansas to run for awards." Ronald was also very satisfied with his casting, and even made the well-informed director Bob Reiner repeatedly say that he would be a producer.
He was the best person he had ever worked with, and he felt very comfortable. After bidding farewell to everyone, he went to compete for various Oscar awards with the crew of "Silence of the Lambs".