Chapter 725: Chapter 132 Don’t Fucking Say I Did Nothing for You
As mentioned before, the mainland movie market still revolves around big-name directors, a single popular and box-office-friendly director can prop up a whole company. And in Adrian’s eyes, there are currently only two people in the mainland film industry who qualify, one is Feng Xiaogang, while the other, naturally, is Zhang Yimou, who has even more experience than Feng.
Though over the past decade he had made many profound films, he was sharp enough to transition when commercialization arrived—whether the transition was stimulated, or there was a demand from the management, or even if his transition wasn’t very successful, it at least had a significant impact on the mainland movie market. For this alone, despite various issues that might afflict him, he was still worthy of some admiration.
As for other directors, those born into so-called artistic families were all too high-minded, always intent on expressing deep meanings in their movies without any regard for the audience’s feelings. Those who moved up north found themselves ill-adapted to the local conditions, with their productions always ending up being brutally chopped by certain authorities. Although Adrian wasn’t fond of those authorities either, if they couldn’t even produce a decent movie with all the strict guidelines, how good could their abilities really be? How many outstanding directors in Hollywood weren’t squeezed dry by producers? Even Wu Bage would have to obediently follow the producers’ orders in Hollywood.
So even though New Pictures was behind Huayi Brothers and Bona Film Group in terms of funding, Adrian still had people invest secretly, which was one of the reasons he was optimistic about Huayi Brothers. Feng Xiaogang might be a notch below Zhang Yimou, but Huayi’s capital and connections were stronger than New Pictures’, they had been established earlier, and naturally, their prospects were brighter—this had already been "proven" by facts.
As for Bona Film Group, lacking a distinguished director to anchor them and still temporarily without a Poly purchase, they couldn’t be considered a rival to Huayi Brothers. Adrian’s indirect shareholding was simply with future considerations in mind, and since no other media companies with the potential to compete with Huayi had been established yet, Bona Film Group and Yu Dong were purely accompanying guests this time.
However, he likely didn’t have any hard feelings about it; one knows one’s own business best. Zhang Yimou had even taken the initiative to return to the Capital from Jiuzhaigou after receiving Adrian’s schedule, let alone Yu Dong, whose company had only been established for two or three years.
"How should I put it? There is no plan for the time being, but indeed there is the idea," Adrian replied with a smile, sipping his green tea, to Zhang Yimou’s inquiry. "From a director’s perspective, I think it’s worth a try."
Feng Xiaogang and Zhang Yimou, who were also present, did not react, but the CEOs of the three companies exchanged knowing glances. Wang Zhonglei had previously asked Adrian if he was interested in distributing "Big Shot" in North America just as a probe, but unexpectedly he had received a positive response, which instantly surprised and excited everyone present. Who wouldn’t want to enter the American market? But at the moment, Adrian also said this was from a "director’s perspective," so what exactly did he mean? Was he just speaking hypothetically, or were these personal thoughts rather than the outlook of AC Media?
Adrian, having observed all their expressions, chuckled to himself, then continued to address Zhang Yimou, "I’ve been through Mr. Zhang’s new script, which I got from Jet and Zhiling; frankly, it’s quite interesting."
Hearing this, everyone present once again exchanged significant looks, but Zhang Yimou was even more excited—indeed, what he was now hurriedly filming in Jiuzhaigou was "Hero," a large production planned in response to being spurred by "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." An ambitious work indeed, so when the collaborators from Hong Kong proposed inviting Jet Li to star, he became animated once he confirmed he could contact the other party.
At this time, Jet Li happened to be shooting "The Matrix" with Adrian. Initially, thinking of excusing himself due to his busy schedule, Adrian, upon learning this, suggested he take it up. Since he had already invested early on, he did keep an eye on the mainland’s activities. It was he who connected Bossworth to help Feng Xiaogang invite Donald Sutherland to act in "Big Shot," and he also had a significant investment in the film.
Jet Li knew that Adrian was considering what was best for him. Regardless, the mainland was where he established his career. Since it didn’t affect the shooting of "The Matrix," and he had already declined once before, he ultimately agreed to take on the role.
Coincidentally, not long after the incident, Lin Zhiling also received the same invitation. Now, thanks to her role as Jen Yu, she had already made a name for herself in the Chinese community, and William Kong, who was cooperating with New Pictures from Hong Kong, had also participated in the distribution of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." After Jet Li had agreed to participate, he immediately suggested inviting actors from Hong Kong and Taiwan to join the cast, incidentally recommending Lin Zhiling as well. Since Mainland China had already cast Chen Daoming as the King of Qin, Zhang Yimou had to reluctantly let go of his new muse and have someone contact Lin Zhiling for another cross-strait tri-regional cooperation like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
However, Lin Zhiling didn’t even think twice before declining. Having appeared in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," she considered herself an international star with a fair amount of fame in the United States, inevitably feeling somewhat haughty, and being from Taiwan, naturally scorned the invitation from Mainland China. Fortunately for her, she had an excellent agent. It had to be said that Lin Xilei was very astute; indeed, she was far more suited to being an agent than an actress. She firmly remembered Adrian’s advice that Lin Zhiling’s greatest value was still within the Chinese-speaking community. So, instead of rejecting the offer outright as her client wished, she took the script to Adrian, who naturally persuaded Lin Zhiling to accept and even advised her to postpone any plans to become an American citizen.
Whatever people thought of "Hero" in the previous life, it truly was a milestone for Mainland Chinese cinema, such as starting the era of blockbusters in the Chinese film industry and achieving quite commendable box office results in North America. Adrian, wishing to break into the Chinese film market, had no reason to pass up on this movie, did he? As for that muse, she might as well continue to work in the Mainland Chinese film industry.
"May I ask, Mr. Adrian," Zhang Yimou asked humbly, "what advice do you have regarding my script?"
"It’s not advice," Adrian waved his hand dismissively, "after all, it’s still just a script. Turning text into visual language takes a lot of effort; I’ve merely done some personal analysis and interpretation."
"Is that so?" Zhang Yimou was very curious; after all, this man from the United States, a media mogul and a director whose works resonated worldwide, had surprised him greatly that evening. The understanding of Chinese culture displayed by Adrian far exceeded that of the average Westerner.
"Let me put it this way, in my view, you and Stanley Kubrick belong to the same type of directors," Adrian said after some thought.
While others didn’t quite get the significance, Zhang Yimou, who had attended many film festivals, immediately showed a stunned expression. The Wang Brothers and Feng Xiaogang might not be aware of Kubrick’s status, but Zhang certainly was. And now that Adrian had compared him to Kubrick, while also being a prominent director himself, it was no wonder Zhang Yimou was pleasantly astonished. Making a few meaningless hand gestures, he chuckled awkwardly, "That’s too much of a compliment."
"I think it’s quite fitting, you really are of the same type," Adrian emphasized the word ’type,’ "You know, I have directed a film for Kubrick, so I’m very familiar with him, and because of my interest in the Chinese market, I have made an effort to understand various aspects of Chinese filmmakers. As one of the leading figures, Mr. Zhang, of course, you’ve not been overlooked. I think in many ways you and Kubrick are quite alike."
After asserting his authoritative viewpoint and pausing, Adrian glanced around the living room and continued, "For instance, you both are adept at using color, especially very vibrant colors—bright reds and yellows—that are absolutely striking. Your compositions are exquisite and spot-on, with emotive and impactful scenes, and the music always fits perfectly. Another point is, both you and Kubrick started out in photography, but..."
He lingered on his words, his smile becoming somewhat enigmatic, "The most outstanding aspect of Kubrick is that he only adapted others’ works."
"You mean..." Zhang Yimou, who had been behind the camera since the 80s, couldn’t miss Adrian’s implication, but frowning, he was clearly struggling to accept it.
"I’m being frank, please don’t be upset, but think about it, Mr. Zhang. So far, your most excellent films, the ones that have received the highest praise, aren’t they all adaptations of novels or true stories?" Adrian shrugged, "This method has a very great advantage: It makes it easier for people to appreciate the film. With an original work as a foundation, people more readily understand the story being told, and the director can more easily convert the script into the cinematic language. In fact, personally, I prefer the film version’s ending of ’To Live.’"
Despite the Wang Brothers’ lackluster interest, Zhang Yimou and his partner Zhang Weiping were completely engrossed.
"Now let’s talk about the script of ’Hero’," Adrian finally broached the subject, "Aside from the original script, I had Zhiling fax me a few revised versions. They read very well on paper, I can almost visualize a series of scenes in my mind. However, there are also many parts that feel... discordant—do you mind if I speak bluntly?"
"Of course not, go ahead," Zhang Yimou quickly stated.
"When I see the King of Qin showing his back to Wu Ming, gazing at the calligraphy on Broken Sword for a long while before suddenly saying ’I have realized it, it’s peace, it’s non-warfare,’ what feeling do you think I have?" Adrian said with a smile in his eyes, "It’s as if a divine thunderbolt strikes from the ninth heaven, softening someone completely. The only thing I can think of is: my God, isn’t this a bit too far-fetched?"
Feng Xiaogang burst into laughter on the other side, although he quickly covered his mouth, the others also began to chuckle. Adrian was naturally funny, and then to hear a Westerner suddenly blurting out a Beijing colloquialism somehow seemed comical.
Zhang Yimou scratched his head somewhat awkwardly, but before he could say anything, Adrian continued, "It truly gives off a very jarring feeling, it might even be better to have something like: ’Since ascending the throne, I have been diligent and dear, though wars abound everywhere, my actions, all but for the two words ’stop warfare’ that Broken Sword envisions.’ It seems that amidst all this, my confidant turns out to be an assassin."
This set of remarks instantly changed the eyes of those present; they were already impressed with the American, but didn’t expect him to cobble together a few words like that, although the phrase would have no literary talent in ancient times. Yet it was spoken by an American, the head of a major media conglomerate!
"If you agree, you could perhaps tweak it here a little bit, making it seem like the King of Qin is taking a gamble that Wu Ming has the world in his heart, therefore deliberately turning his back to him and provoking him with words," Adrian continued unabashedly, "Anyway, your primary audience is still the Chinese, you first need to make them comfortable, don’t you?"
"Hmm..." Zhang Yimou pinched the bridge of his nose, "I... I’ll consider it... I’ll take it seriously..."
"Don’t be so nervous, Mr. Zhang," Adrian burst into laughter, "These are just suggestions after all; as the director and producer of the film, it’s up to you to decide what’s appropriate. I believe this will be an excellent movie, just like your previous works and Mr. Feng’s ’Big Shot,’ it should be worthy of release in North America."
Upon hearing this, everyone perked up again, showing an attentive demeanor, what they wanted to know most was just that. Adrian internally chuckled at the sight, feeling the evening’s events were well under control, judging by their expressions the effect was quite good, and not in vain had he put up an act, although it was related to some of... their subconscious things, it was also not unrelated to Adrian being well-prepared.
With that in mind, he switched the subject, giving them no chance to interrupt, after chatting for a few more minutes he excused himself on the basis of jet lag not being fully adjusted.
"What on earth does he mean by that?" As soon as Adrian left, Wang Zhonglei couldn’t help but ask his older brother, regardless of the fact that Zhang Weiping and others were still present.
"Don’t worry, they’re still going to be here for two more days, right? Let’s see how things go," Wang Zhongjun said, frowning, "I was also planning to have someone gather more detailed information about Adrian Cowell."
In fact, the conversation that Adrian had with Zhang Yimou had given them enough to analyze, but the key reason they had yet to reach a probable conclusion lay in Adrian’s identity. Was he saying these things in his capacity as the owner of AC Media or as a renowned international director? Different identities implied different meanings for the same words. Without grasping the other party’s attitude, they couldn’t respond appropriately, which would leave them appearing passive.
Adrian was aware of this; after all, he was the architect of this situation and certainly understood their frustration. In reality, he had no ulterior motive; his main goal was simply to sound them out with his cryptic hints while also observing their reactions. Although he held a controlling interest in several companies, he had no intention of meddling in detailed affairs. The North American distribution of "Big Shot" and "Hero" was already settled.
The latter needs no further discussion since history has proven everything; it ranked third on the North American foreign film box office charts. As for the former, even though it depicted the life of Chinese petit bourgeoisie which might not appeal to Americans’ taste, the comedic elements, such as the satire on pervasive advertising or the final take on internet startups and real estate, were not incomprehensible. Of course, the anti-piracy message was bound to strike a chord.
It might not be a blockbuster, but with the right release timing and proper promotion, earning several million would be enough. Adrian wouldn’t use the shady tactics of Harvey Weinstein.
Harvey Weinstein had always shown interest in Asian cinema. Many Hong Kong films in North America were distributed or outright bought by Miramax. However, he had a typical strategy for acquiring Asian film distribution rights in North America: he started with a high offer that exceeded most expectations, deterring others from competing. After making a small down payment, he would drag out the process until the sellers were desperate and then express disinterest. By then, it would be too late to sell to someone else, and he would re-negotiate with the film’s producers for a much lower price.
Adrian was uncertain if "Hero" had fallen prey to this strategy. A quick scan through his memory revealed no related content—only that the film had been bought out by Miramax. Nonetheless, with Weinstein busy with tasks Adrian had arranged for him, Adrian saw no reason to pursue the matter further. However, he did recall incidents of Feng Xiaogang calling Weinstein a swindler, a memory he could easily access.
In truth, what Weinstein did wasn’t all that terrible. Each producer fought for their own interests. Shouldn’t mainland filmmakers investigate thoroughly beforehand? If Adrian were in their shoes, he would seize the opportunity to distribute as many films as possible in North America, cultivating a fanbase first. They might not suit the Western palate, but there were also many Chinese people. Just like selling shoes on a deserted island, the market could be cultivated. Isn’t that what Hollywood is doing in China right now?
Of course, this hinged on one condition: China must produce a sufficient number of decent quality films. Unfortunately, aside from Zhang Yimou and Feng Xiaogang, there weren’t many good storytellers in China. Even Zhang Yimou wasn’t as good a storyteller as Feng Xiaogang but excelled in visuals, cinematography, and music composition. Feng’s style, on the other hand, was too localized, and while the novelty might be intriguing a few times, Americans would eventually tire of it.
As long as most Chinese directors were still enamored with European styles and insisted on films revealing profound social themes—rather impractical ideas—such strategies wouldn’t work. Speaking of which, both Zhang Yimou and Feng Xiaogang were not formally trained filmmakers, which was... quite interesting.
Adrian’s actions, aside from expanding into the Chinese market and laying ground for the future, had another important reason.
"Don’t you fucking say I haven’t done anything for you," Adrian muttered in Chinese as he returned to his room, gazed out at the night view from the window, and stroked his chin, "If ’Ah Dou’ himself doesn’t want to stand up, no one can help him." (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to vote for it and give monthly support at ; your support is my greatest motivation.)