Chapter 844: The fiercely competitive Spring Festival
The main reason why Cao Baoping took the initiative to seek He Xin's opinion was that Jiang Wei admired him very much. During the cooperation of "Latent", the two people had the same ideas. Even the script of "Latent" was based on He Xin's ideas.
, not to mention that it was nominated for the Golden Horse Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "The Wind".
Of course, He Xin, with the title of screenwriter, is standing on the shoulders of his predecessors. Regarding the adaptation of the novel "Sunspot", he did not dare to express his opinions at will. He only put forward his own ideas in a macro perspective from the perspective of a movie script.
:
"The descriptions of the characters in the novel are very exciting, but the characters in the script must have a primary and secondary relationship. Of course, one line is mainly based on Yang Zidao and Igu Xia..."
It should be said that this line is consistent with the narrative method of the novel, and it is also a relatively conventional routine for script adaptation, especially the love line between Yang Zidao and Igu Xia. Love is an element that almost all movies must have.
During this time, the book "Sunspot" was almost turned over by He Xin. I can't say that I could recite the entire book, but at least I could retell the wonderful parts of it, so he was very involved and detailed in what he said.
But when he was speaking, the attentive He Lirong discovered that Cao Baoping seemed to be listening very seriously and nodded cooperatively from time to time, but there was a trace of indifference, or joking, and disdain in his eyes. The girl snorted secretly.
, and silently made a note in his heart.
"In addition, I have a less mature idea, which is to see if I can single out the character Xin Xiaofeng as the main line. I think the interaction between him and Yi Guchun is a bit like a cat-and-mouse game, which is very exciting. And he is
The initiator of the Reservoir massacre case, compared to Yang Zidao and Chen Bijue, his sense of guilt and guilt for his friends should be the heaviest, and this inner drama is also very exciting."
In fact, when it comes to this adaptation idea, He Xin is somewhat lacking in confidence, because he came up with such an idea simply because he likes the character Xin Xiaofeng. If he wants to play Xin Xiaofeng, he naturally has to make this character the protagonist, but compared to Yang Zidao's line,
It's obviously a little thin.
Before he even thought about it, Cao Baoping's eyes lit up, he looked at Jiao Huajin next to him, and said impatiently: "So you miss Xin Xiaofeng?"
"Well, I just think this character is very tangled and very tense. It must be very enjoyable to play. Of course, the adaptation of the script is based on your ideas, Mr. Cao. This is just a little selfishness of mine, hehe!" He Xin was embarrassed.
smiled.
Since there was no reference to the original version, he did not dare to be confident, but since he had an impression of the character Xin Xiaofeng, he had a vague feeling that Xin Xiaofeng should be the main character.
"Snapped!"
Lao Cao slapped his thigh and said with surprise: "So we have thought of something together!"
"..."
He Xin was inevitably startled.
Lao Cao explained hurriedly and excitedly: "Hua Jin and I have the same idea as yours. The line between Yang Zidao and Yi Guxia is too conventional. Since it is a crime theme, we also think that Xin Xiaofeng and Yi Guchun
Each line is worth writing about. As for the element of love, it can be an embellishment, but it cannot be used as the main line. This will not reflect the heaviness of the subject matter, and..."
Cao Baoping talks endlessly. He is usually taciturn, but he is a very emotional person at heart. It is only at this time that he becomes passionate.
As an excellent director, just like an excellent actor, his character must be more emotional than rational. After all, creation requires passion and inspiration, and being too rational will often appear to be craftsmanship.
At the end, Lao Cao also deliberately added: "The reason why I chose Xin Xiaofeng's line is to also elevate the character of Yi Guchun. Otherwise, it may cross the line and it will be difficult to pass the review."
The villain cannot be the number one character in a film or television drama. This is a matter of principle.
In fact, when He Xin read the novel for the first time, he also felt that the author had some incorrect views and sympathized with the criminals while ignoring the victims. When he heard Cao Baoping mention this issue, his heart suddenly moved, and he thought of those who were rehabilitated in later generations.
Some people were imprisoned for decades due to unjust, false, and wrongful convictions, and some were already executed. However, in other cases, the real culprit was revealed, and the injustice was finally overturned.
"Teacher Cao, if this is the case, can we design it so that the three of them are not the real murderers!"
"Not the real murderer? What do you mean?"
Cao Baoping was a little confused. If they were not criminals, then the premise of the story would not exist.
He Xin also had a flash of inspiration and thought: "Well...of course they are not innocent. When they committed the crime in the novel, they had just graduated from high school and it was a crime of passion. After all, they were young at the time and there was no way they could do it.
They were very calm, and they probably fled in a hurry after hurting the family. But they didn't really kill anyone. The murderer was someone else, but they didn't know it... Well, in this way, the tragedy of the characters was amplified.
It’s easier to gain sympathy from the audience, and of course it can avoid censorship.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Jiao Huajin hurriedly said: "This is a good idea. It will appear softer, avoid controversy to the greatest extent, and the story will make sense. Oh no, I should say this is a wonderful reversal."
Cao Baoping, however, lowered his head and remained silent, still pondering over He Xin's proposal. After a while, he raised his head and frowned: "This is a good idea, but it's too coincidental. And who is the real murderer? What's the reason for killing him?"
Where is the family that died?"
"Perhaps another thief broke into the house, was discovered, and then killed him..." Jiao Huajin thought for a while.
Before she finished speaking, Lao Cao shook his head and said: "This is too coincidental. Would other thieves be so bold? I'm afraid they would run away as soon as they saw the blood flowing all over the floor. Who would dare to steal anything? And don't forget
Well, this is an unsolved case, there is only a fingerprint from Xin Xiaofeng’s lost astronomy magazine left at the scene, and there are no other valuable clues.”
As he spoke, he also said thoughtfully: "But Xiaohe's suggestion just now also reminded me that in the novel, three teenagers killed people and wiped out their families, and also carefully wiped away all the traces left at the scene. If Xin Xiaofeng hadn't escaped when he
The astronomy magazine was dropped, and witnesses saw the tattoo on Yang Zidao, so it was an unsolved case!"
As a screenwriter who specializes in suspense crime themes, yes, Lao Cao is first and foremost a screenwriter. There must be careful and logical reasoning. The story can be bizarre, but it must be reasonable.
He shook his head and said: "Three teenagers who just graduated from high school killed people with passion, and then handled the scene very calmly after the end. This does not make sense..."
He glanced at Jiao Huajin and continued: "If there is another real murderer, then this murderer is definitely not an ordinary person. While cleaning up the traces left by himself, he also cleaned up the traces of Yang Zidao, Xin Xiaofeng and Chen Bijue.
I also erased it together. This kind of thing is not something that any thief can do casually."
Script adaptation is to re-write a story based on the original novel, and sometimes it requires brainstorming. Cao Baoping's visit this time should be said to be very fruitful, and he opened up a lot of ideas in the exchange with He Xin.
"Xiao He, Hua Jin and I will come up with the script as soon as possible. My requirements are not high. I don't want any interference during the creation process. I am responsible for the creative staff behind the scenes. In addition, I must have seen all the actors."
The biggest conflict between the director and the investors is the fight for the right to speak. Fortunately, He Xin is very self-aware and always leaves professional matters to professionals. Besides, Cao Baoping is not the kind of person to mess around, so he nodded without hesitation.
Said: "This is no problem!"
As he spoke, he pointed at He Lirong, who had been listening to them discussing the script all afternoon, and said: "Xiao He will be the producer of this drama and will be responsible for cooperating with you."
"Okay, happy cooperation!"
Cao Baoping even shook hands with He Lirong politely. His initial impression of this girl was pretty good, and being a rookie producer also meant that He Xin trusted him. This was very useful to him.
Before I knew it, it was getting dark outside.
"Teacher Cao, Xiao Jiao, let's find a place to have dinner together later?" He Xin invited with a smile.
Overall, he was very satisfied with Cao Baoping, especially the agreement on Xin Xiaofeng as the main line of the script, which made him particularly happy.
"Forget it today, since there will be more opportunities in the future, we won't bother you."
…
In late January, blockbusters released during the Lunar New Year period were released one after another. Jiang Wen's "Let the Bullets Fly" finally failed to break the domestic film record of 673 million set by "Tangshan Earthquake" with a box office of 661 million. It should be said that Jiang Wen gave the pants off.
Save face, otherwise you would have to resort to tricks or pay for the box office out of your own pocket, and breaking the record would be a matter of minutes.
But I also echoed Jiang Wen’s words, “You stand and make money.”
For a while, Boss Jiang stole the show, and the only one who could compare with him was probably Uncle Ge.
The 2011 Lunar New Year Festival can also be called the Ge You Festival, because he starred in the three most important blockbusters. Cheng Ying in "The Orphan of Zhao", Master Ma in "Let the Bullets Fly", "Fei"
2》Qin Fen.
He Xin has watched these three films. From the perspective of his colleagues, it should be said that Cheng Ying in "The Orphan of Zhao" seems to be quite satisfactory. This may be because Xiao Ming, who has many scenes opposite Uncle Ge, stretches his hips too much and makes Uncle Ge too.
The lead is wrong. Compared with Tu Anjia played by Lao Wang, the gap is obvious.
It was in "Let the Bullets Fly" that Mr. Ma truly demonstrated the strength of Mr. Ge, the Cannes Best Actor. In terms of acting alone, he definitely surpassed Fa Ge and Jiang Wen, who had more important roles.
Qin Fen in "Fei 2" is of course the most friendly, consistent with Uncle Ge's style. Although there are many criticisms of "Fei 2" from the outside world, He Xin feels that "Fei 2" is the most relaxed among the three films, especially
King Yan also gave an actor-level performance.
Due to criticism from the outside world and disappointment from movie fans, the box office of "Not 2" did not exceed 500 million in the end, which was a full 200 million less than "Let the Bullets Fly".
As for director Chen's "The Orphan of Zhao", it finally grossed 191 million, breaking his personal box office record of 180 million set by "The Promise" six years ago.
On January 19, "New Shaolin Temple" was released. Because it gathered many stars such as Andy Lau, Xie Biwang, Fang Shilong, Fan Xiaopang, Wu Jing, etc., and the stars of "Let the Bullets Fly" and "Fei 2" were in front, the outside world
Expectations are high for this movie.
The pre-release publicity was also very lively, saying, "Liu Tianwang has practiced Shaolin Kung Fu hard, his skills are extremely flexible, and he can handle consecutive scenes with ease without any pressure!"
"Fan Xiaopang's Republican style is stunning!"
"Thank you for doing the scenes in person. Every time I do it, I shed tears. It turns out that he is allergic to horses and needs to take anti-allergic medicine before filming..."
Facts have proved that the more hype there is, the more disappointing it is. On the day of the premiere, director Chen Musheng even shouted the slogan of a box office of over 500 million. As a result, the box office in the first week of release was only over 100 million, and the final box office is likely to stop at 200 million.
Compared with the lively Lunar New Year festival, the upcoming Spring Festival festival seems a bit deserted, and there are many comedies. What makes He Xin and Xu Guangtou most depressed is the movie starring Liu Dehua and Gong Li, which was originally scheduled to be released on Valentine's Day on February 14th.
"I Know Women's Hearts" has suddenly been moved to February 3rd, the first day of the Lunar New Year. It will be released on the same day as "The Amazing Romance", the animated film "Panda", and "Jonky Road".
Originally "Jonny Road" was not optimistic, and the release of "I Know Women's Hearts" will undoubtedly greatly compress the film schedule of "Jonny Road". After all, the combination of Xu Guangtou and Wang Baoqiang cannot be compared with Liu Dehua and Gong Li.
It is also far different from the combination of Gu Tianle and Wu Junru in "The Wonderful Heroes".
"What should I do? Ah Xin." Bald Xu was really anxious.
"What else can we do? Increase publicity and make the premiere as loud as possible."
He Xin is also helpless. Not only are there not enough stars in his films, but the investment scale is also very different. The investment for "I Know Women's Hearts" is said to be 100 million, and it is estimated that more than half of it is the salary of Andy Lau and Gong Li; "The Wonderful Heroes" is 5
Ten Million, the main focus is comedy special effects. "囧路" has none. In the eyes of theaters and audiences, it is a low-budget comedy similar to the previous "Nightclub".
On January 31st, "The Greatest Happiness" debuted first. With a star-studded cast and the 18-year-old "Happiness" brand, it earned 16 million at the box office on the first day of release, and exceeded 50 million in three days of release, surpassing the box office.
"New Shaolin Temple" won the weekly box office championship for three weeks.
On February 1st, the premiere of "囧路" was held ahead of schedule, and He Xin lowered his face and posted a lot of hero posts. After all, his face is quite valuable, and friends in the industry came to support him, including those who starred in "The Amazing Heroes"
》The essay is also here.
"Xiao Fan, thank you for your support!"
Among the celebrities who came to support the premiere, the most shining one was undoubtedly Fan Xiaopang. This sister stunned the Cannes red carpet in a dragon robe last year and was very topical.
To be honest, He Xin is really grateful.
"Brother Xin, look what you said, why are you so polite because we are all from our own side!" Fan Xiaopang pursed his lips and said with a smile.
I have to say that Fan Xiaopang was at the peak of her appearance at this time, and she was really very beautiful. In fact, putting aside those messy private life matters, these sisters are still very generous, straightforward, straightforward, and quite charming.
Manliness.
"Director Xu, congratulations!"
Bald Xu was even more flattered. Thinking about the time when "囧囧" was filmed in the original time and space, in order to invite Fan Xiaopang to guest star, this guy even imitated Jiang Wen and invited Fa Ge, and wrote a sincere letter to Fan Xiaopang.
invitation letter.
Speaking of which, there is still a long way to go between his and Fan Xiaopang's coffee positions. They can't reach them even with their feet.
"Ms. Fan, thank you! Thank you!" This guy nodded and bowed hurriedly.