"Dolly, why are you like this? Can you act..." On the filming location of Steel Magnolias, Herbert Ross began to personally attack Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts again.
"Ahem..." Ronald, who had just arrived, spoke quickly and interrupted this unpleasant lecture.
"I mean, you can do a better job..." Herbert Ross was still a little wary of Ronald. Instead of using offensive words, he criticized the two actors' acting skills technically.
"Hey..." Ronald sighed and sat on the chair. Diane next to him handed over the thermos cup, which contained his favorite wolfberry black tea.
Ronald rushed to the set and first asked Duka Keith and Shirley MacLean to understand the situation. In the evening, he talked to Diane for a long time about the set's problems.
This is actually a problem with the selection of actors and directors. Herbert Ross was a stage actor, and he was actually full of psychological concerns for actors who did not have the so-called "acting skills" of the dramatic stage in the traditional sense.
disdainful.
Among the six major actresses, he admired Diane and Olympia Dukakis the most because they were former Broadway actors. His attitude towards Shirley MacLean and Sally Field was not good, but both
One is an Oscar-winning actress and has acted in Broadway plays in her spare time.
Only towards Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton, Herbert was full of discrimination. He often angrily criticized them on the scene for not knowing how to act. They only had beautiful faces and explosive figures, and nothing else.
When Ronald was on set, Ross would not be too harsh on several actors because Ronald was also a professional director. But after Ronald left, as time went by, he returned to his old ways and continued to treat them with abuse.
actor.
At the beginning, Maclean, Duka Keith, Sally Field and others would also protest, but after all, they were actors, not indispensable stars like Harrison Ford. So Herbert Ross
At the scene, I am still the only one who dominates.
This is determined by the nature of the director's work. If you don't listen to the director, nothing will be filmed. Only producers like Ronald who grasp Herbert's weaknesses and have director qualifications can simultaneously
In terms of professionalism and authority, Ross was suppressed and prevented from messing around.
If Ronald could have stayed on set until the movie was finished, he would have been able to retain his professional abilities and do his best without letting Herbert Ross speak rudely.
However, Ronald wants to take advantage of the opportunity that the strike is about to end to promote more projects, and it is impossible to stay with the group for a long time. The actresses can't help but worry that leaving will cause trouble.
"Come and drink some hot tea. I also have biscuits based on plant fiber. They taste good and don't have many calories..."
During the break between filming, Ronald invited six female celebrities to come over and enjoy the healthy snacks he brought. Female celebrities cannot eat too much food to manage their figure. Ronald got some oatmeal and aloe vera with lower calories.
The cookies were made to trick their nerves and encourage their morale, which was a little low due to Herbert Ross.
"Ronald, you are such a little angel. I am ten years younger and I will definitely get you into bed." Shirley MacLean is a straightforward person. She will fall in love with this biscuit with a little sweetness.
Ronald.
"Hahaha, if you say that, someone might be unhappy." Sally Field also picked up a piece and tasted it with black tea.
"Oh, don't tell me, these cookies are really delicious. It's okay to sell yourself for them." Dolly Parton and Dukakis also came over to tease Ronald.
Diane was chuckling beside her, ignoring these people's jokes. After all, she was the one who really tasted the delicious food.
Only Julia Roberts didn't dare to make a joke on the producer like this. She just held the biscuit and looked at Ronald from the outside. Although her character was also a free and easy-going person, she was severely punished by Herbert Ross.
When the director first thought about it, he thought all directors were serious and wondered if he was good enough to joke with someone of Ronald's status.
"Julia, come and have another piece. This doesn't have any calories." Ronald waved and invited Julia Roberts to come over and talk to her alone.
"Herbert and I have talked. He will reduce his comments on your acting skills in the future. Although he may have a bad temper, he is a very qualified director. I have seen the samples of these few days and your performance
Be smart and don't get offended by personal offenses."
"I know, Southern girls are not so fragile." Julia Roberts used the character's accent and tone to express to Ronald that she was fine.
"Very good. In 1985, I went to Alaska to watch your brother Eric's performance. He mentioned to me at that time that there was a younger sister in the family who was excellent in acting."
"I don't want to talk about this person." Julia waved her hands to indicate that she didn't want to talk about her brother Eric.
"Oh", Julia Roberts felt that her actions seemed disrespectful to Ronald, "I didn't mean that. Eric made a mess of himself. He was also very bad to his daughter and girlfriend. He often ignored him when he was high.
Their life and death. He drove after he was high, and hit a big tree on the side of the road while in a daze, almost killing himself. I took my niece home and raised it by myself. This person is an extremely irresponsible person.
Responsible person"
"I don't know about his current situation. You are a good girl." Ronald said he didn't mind. "Movies are different from dramas. You will know if you have come into contact with more directors in the industry. More film directors are not like
Herbert used dramatic standards.
How can I put it, we hope that actors can give full play to their own personalities, especially girls like you who are favored by the camera. You can rest assured and try to use your own intuition."
Ronald saw that Julia Roberts was a typical movie actress, sensitive and approachable, but actually introverted and shy.
For such actors, the most important thing is to make them feel that the filming scene is safe. They can try their best to get part of their own personality out of the safety shell and show it to the camera lens without worrying about being harmed.
.
Seeing that Julia Roberts' mood had improved significantly, Ronald said goodbye to her with a smile and invited him to go back and chat with everyone. It was obvious that Roberts was no longer so defensive when speaking and responding this time.
"Hahaha..." several actresses burst into bursts of laughter. As soon as Herbert Ross took a break, he returned to his trailer. The six female stars who stayed at the scene had a relatively harmonious atmosphere.
This is extremely rare in movies dominated by women. Ronald invited three Oscar winners to play supporting female roles. This strategy worked very well. There was no difference between the female stars in the crew.
Too many common cast members run against each other.
Because those who have won Oscars have already achieved the highest honors in terms of reviews and awards. The benefits that winning another statuette brings to oneself cannot compare with the earth-shaking changes brought about by the first statuette.
When we say that a female star is an Oscar-winning actress, there is actually no big difference between saying that she is a double-acting actress. This is true for the audience, and it is also true for Hollywood. And a person who has not won an Oscar for acting, or even been nominated, is not the same.
There is a huge gap between movie queens.
Too many people have won the statuette. In fact, everyone has the same perception as if no one has won it. Those who have won the most awards can show off their qualifications when chatting together.
This good atmosphere may be partly due to the fact that they were both offended by Herbert Ross's bad attitude. With a common enemy, their relationship was much better than that of the average movie crew.
"You have worked hard here, and Herbert will not attack you. I will let Mr. Michelle Cannold, the most senior person in the company, stay as a co-producer. When I am away, he will have full authority to represent you."
My attitude on the set."
Ronald comforted the actress and hid in the trailer to whisper with Diane. Diane was still familiar with her, so when he was with her, Ronald didn't have to think about how to talk. Even if he was tired and didn't want to talk, Diane wouldn't.
You may feel that you are deliberately neglecting her and have some thoughts.
After taking the trouble to deal with these artists so that they could work better, Ronald felt a lot more relaxed. "I think Herbert seems to agree with your acting skills, and he doesn't seem to have any bad words towards you. I
I'm very happy, otherwise I would have to consider other options."
"Well, I know, Herbert didn't have anything bad to say about me, and he was very professional as a director. He just had such a bad attitude towards Dolly and Julia that even I couldn't stand it anymore.
Shirley (McLean) said that he was not like this before, and maybe the death of his ex-wife had a great psychological impact on him."
Diane sat obediently in Ronald's arms, holding Ronald with both hands and talking. She felt that Herbert Ross spoke kindly to her because of Ronald's relationship.
"Think carefully about acting. This movie will be a small opportunity for you." Ronald stroked Diane's hair. She has always wanted to make movies and play interesting roles.
"I know, brother Ronnie", Diane hugged Ronald's neck and smiled.
Daydream's most senior executive, Michelle Cannold, also came to the set. He watched director Ross stop engaging in personal attacks.
Cannold had no professional authority and could only stop Herbert from swearing. There was no way to resolve his complaints about Dolly and Julia's inability to act. However, Ronald himself had to go to New York to meet Nora Ephron.
Discussing the script with Rob Reiner can only be done temporarily.
…
"Writers received modest revenue improvements, receiving a higher share of the cut when an hour-long program was sold internationally, but maintaining the same terms for programs shorter than an hour.
The writers also gained the rights to create some original screenplays and TV movies. The union's revamped board of directors approved the new deal in a vote of 26 to 6. Union members will go to a national vote tonight. Writers in Los Angeles and New York, both
Assembling to the union headquarters. Will this be a turning point in this protracted strike? Will the strike end? All will be revealed tomorrow morning."
"Huh?...What time is it?", Ronald was sleeping soundly, and was awakened when he heard the strike was over. He took a series of flights and fell asleep in the car from exhaustion.
"At six-thirty in the evening, I saw that you were very tired, so I didn't call you." Little Bud turned the key and started the car, "Where are we going?"
"Go to Nora Ephron's place." Ronald rubbed his face. He had to discuss the movie soon. On the way to New York by plane from Louisiana, he dreamed about it again.
Film clips.
In the movie, Sally, played by Meg Ryan, breaks down emotionally after her ex-boyfriend is getting married and completely gives up her long-term hope of getting married. In the end, Harry, played by Billy Crystal, goes to comfort her. The two had already been together.
It is the kind of situation that goes beyond ordinary friends but has not yet reached the point of being a lover.
This time Harry gave Sally a comforting shoulder as a friend. The two people who already liked each other suddenly opened their hearts and finally slept in bed. And this time sharing the same bed made Sally, who was picky about all kinds of things,
Li was also extremely satisfied. It turned out that everything Harry had boasted about was true.
Since it is the last movie that has been filmed, it must be a happy ending. Ronald came here this time to see what changes the newly added Carrie Fisher would bring to the script. In short, a good ending is Ronald
You must persist.
"Kelly (Fisher) liked the clips we shot of interviewing the elderly couples. She thought that these clips could be added to the movie, which would add a bit of a documentary feel to the movie and make Harry and Sally feel more like each other.
Human stories are more authentic and believable.”
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! As soon as Nora Ephron saw Ronald, she started chattering about her latest thoughts on the script.
"Huh? Your idea is very good. I think it's okay. Originally, this movie was a segmented story. Harry and Sally met by chance, then separated for a few years, and then reunited. This pattern requires a little psychological distinction.
interval, allowing the audience to accept this passage of time. I think it is good, each interview can have a thematic echo with the following story.
Well, also, we need to find professional actors to act out these stories. The Italian uncle talked about his many girlfriends and wives, and the way he boasted about them was so outrageous."
Nora Ephron admires producers who take her reasonable suggestions very seriously.
"Hmm, okay, your idea is good, Ronald."
"What do you say about Billy Crystal? Is he confirmed to star?" Ronald was concerned about the casting of the leading actor. Tom Hanks would have been a very suitable candidate, but he was busy with other projects. Than
Leigh Crystal is another dream choice, and he plays a great role. Ronald hopes he can join as soon as possible.
"Billy is willing, but I don't think it's convenient." Rob Reiner, the booking director, started to feel awkward again.
"Why? Doesn't his schedule work?"
"No, I think it's inappropriate..." Rob Reiner didn't know what to say, but he still told Ronald the real reason.
Because he still feels that the happy ending of this movie is a forced reversal of the story for the sake of box office. Billy Crystal will do a good job, but this will also ruin him. The critics will definitely be criticized for his performance.
In the end, Harry went against the logic of reality and got together with Sally and said bad things about him.
This is very bad for Billy Crystal, whose career is on the rise. When a male star is climbing up the ranks, this kind of interruption is the most taboo. He would rather have a bad box office than a bad review.
"I don't think there is any problem. Can't a positive ending win the love of film critics? Look at how wonderful life was in the past when Jimmy Stewart played, and in the end it was a happy ending. It was not a success at the box office and in reviews...
…Forehead……"
Ronald stopped mid-sentence. He was misled by the movie that the TV station played every Christmas. When he was taking classes in college, he learned that the initial box office failure of the movie made director Capra frustrated.
.To give this example, I just agree with Reiner’s opinion.
"No, let me give you another example."
"No need, Ronald. I don't think this movie can't have a good ending. It's just that Billy is not suitable. If we find another actor, we can still make it." Rob Reiner laughed.
"No, what's the problem with this?" Ronald was anxious. This kind of movie all depends on the acting skills and the chemical reaction between the male and female protagonists. They were originally a good partner, but if they don't act together, wouldn't they be sorry for the classic movie in their previous life?
"You see, Harry is a divorced man. He experienced the initial incompatibility, then the love faded, and finally divorced his wife. Sally's experience with him will inevitably make him have concerns.
Such a man has been through a lot and cannot just believe in fairy tales. He will definitely retreat. And his retreat will hurt Sally. Our lives are always interrupted by some accidental events."
"Hey..." Ronald felt that being a producer was very tiring. These artists all have tempers and their own artistic opinions. Even if you ask them to agree on the surface, if you have doubts in your heart, you won't be able to make a good film.
Movie.
"No, why can't this work? At the end of the third act, we can arrange another twist to bring them together?" Ronald felt that this analysis made sense, but love was unreasonable. With a look,
A moment of hesitation, maybe the two of them realize that they can't survive without you?
The most important thing is that the audience wants to see such a finale!
"Of course this is possible in theory. But the story has reached the end, and the charm is not enough to arrange a reasonable reversal that will satisfy the audience and bring the story to the finale. If you want it to be satisfactory, you may have to go to war with the comprehensive plot.
Usually the problems in the third act have their roots in the first act, and you have to do major surgery."
"This is all metaphysics, I don't think so." Ronald looked at Nora Ephron. It was obvious that Reiner was talking about some correct experiences in creation, which made Ephron's balance deviate again.
"Let's put it this way, I couldn't write a good twist where Sally finally changes her mind and accepts Harry again. It's a very difficult twist, unless you get Billy Wilder to write the third act at the end, otherwise it's very difficult.
Disaster."
"No, I can definitely find one that awards it." Ronald thought to himself, I have dreamed about the movie, and it must have a happy ending. "Even if I have to find Mr. Wilder, I will go find him."
"I'm just making an analogy, Ronald. You insist so much. I don't know what you think. Maybe you can write an ending and you direct the movie? You also understand that creation and criticism are not from the same perspective. Maybe you try to write
Once you read the ending, you will understand my difficulty."
"You...", Ronald felt uncomfortable. What Rob Reiner said was not a fallacy, but the law of creation. But Ronald did not believe that this was the real reason for his inner resistance to a happy ending. Maybe he and
Efron is not happy in his marriage, which is why he is subconsciously opposed to happy endings.
Nora Ephron shrugged, which meant that she was playing the "you can do it, you go ahead" card, and I had nothing to say.
"I just write. I think the movie is good. I'll write the ending and I'll direct it." Ronald didn't believe it. What was so difficult about writing?
"call……"
Rob Reiner actually breathed a sigh of relief. He originally lacked confidence in this kind of dialogue-based film and spanned a long time. It was because it was similar to his own life that he wanted to heal his trauma through filming.
But the more he tried to avoid this kind of thing, the more uncomfortable it became. Helping Efron change the script later, Reiner just wanted to escape from it all. Now Ronald was provoked by him and took it over. It happened to be his own castle, right?
Shi is considered an investor.
"You're as stubborn as Herbert Ross." Ronald complained. Artists always have all kinds of weird ideas.
"What happened to Herbert?" Rob Reiner and Herbert Ross were quite familiar with each other. His father, Carl Reiner, and Ross were veteran actors who worked hard together on Broadway.
Ronald briefly explained the matter, and Reiner nodded in agreement. Such an old-fashioned directing style is no longer suitable for the current star-based movie world.
Moreover, today's movies require the full performance of actors, and working methods discussed with actors are better able to stimulate their potential and produce masterpieces. At least the two movies made by Rob Reiner, "Stand By Me" and "Princess"
"The Bride" are not movies with excellent scripts. With his working method of respecting the actors and allowing them a certain degree of freedom, both movies were both well-received and box office hits.
Otherwise, he would not be so confident in front of Ronald. Ordinary directors will accept whatever Ronald says.
"Otherwise, you go to Louisiana to help me as a producer, and look at Herbert. I will take over writing the script for you. Regardless of whether you are willing to direct the movie or not, our original agreement remains unchanged.
.”
"Why not?" Rob Reiner originally wanted to take some time off. His ex-wife Penny Marshall always came to trouble him, and the alimony payment had not yet been fully clarified.
"Huh..." Ronald also let out a sigh of relief. Reiner agreed to be the producer and rushed to the set of Steel Magnolias to supervise Herbert Ross there. This was much better.
Reiner is also a Jewish director with certain successful works in the industry, and his father is also a well-known Jewish actor. In addition, Reiner is eloquent and a director who treats actors very well. So Herbert Ross curses people again.