Chapter 1566
Cultivation
After talking with Xu Xiaoping, we had a meal together.
The conversation at the dinner table went very well, and his approach of starting with music as a hobby was quite successful.
We agreed to go to his listening room to play with the audio equipment and play the piano when he has time, but whether he has time to go is another matter.
However, he did make a special trip to the compound the next day to tinker with the sound system.
We have guests to entertain today.
"Director Guo is here."
He called Guo Fan, who had been looking rather dejected lately, to his home.
"Here, I got a vinyl record of the soundtrack from '2001: A Space Odyssey'."
"You like science fiction, let's enjoy it together."
When it comes to science fiction, no one can ignore "2001: A Space Odyssey".
Countless science fiction films have drawn inspiration from Kubrick's ideas and settings.
Guo Fan had certainly seen it, and had seen it several times, because this play was not something that could be understood in just one viewing.
Because of this fondness, many tributes were made when filming "The Wandering Earth," such as MOSS's red eyes and the interior design of the space station.
"2001: A Space Odyssey" is a difficult movie to watch because it is not a typical science fiction film; it involves theology and philosophy at a great depth.
Ta-da... Ta-da!
A wide range of dynamic musical fluctuations came from the speakers.
One of the criteria for judging the quality and sophistication of audio equipment is its transient response and dynamic range.
When the already startling theme song came on, Guo Fan was taken aback, and the subsequent drumbeats struck his heart with every beat.
Even a layman could tell from Director Guo that these devices were extremely valuable.
"Did you know that this piece, 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra,' is the first symphony in the history of world cinema to be used in a science fiction film?"
Before this, most science fiction films used electronic music, especially the old-fashioned mixer sounds.
But Kubrick boldly pioneered the use of symphonic music in science fiction films, which subsequently became a convention.
The story revolves around a mysterious black monument.
It starts with apes, and after they learn to use tools to cause destruction, the bones that are thrown into the air fly into the sky, and all the shots become a long, narrow spaceship.
This cutting technique was first used in this film and has since become a common cutting technique in various films.
From apes to space technology, and then from space technology into black holes, with the help of an alien civilization, the protagonist becomes a luminous "holy infant" outside of Earth.
What makes this show so hard to understand is that it has no beginning and no end.
But God is also God here.
It's a sci-fi film that takes philosophy to the extreme. If you watch it expecting a sci-fi action movie, you'll definitely end up cursing.
In short: The threshold for watching movies is too high!
This play is essentially a science fiction interpretation of Nietzsche's famous work, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra".
Nietzsche believed that humanity is merely a medium, a transition.
It lies between primitive man and superman, serving as a link between the two.
Superman is not the comic book version of Superman, but a philosophical concept proposed by Nietzsche.
Genius, courageous, extremely domineering, enjoys fighting the strong, the embodiment of truth and morality, rises from suffering, free yet selfish and arrogant.
It is an ideal image that has both advantages and disadvantages.
Nietzsche believed that Napoleon and Caesar were the prototypes of the Übermensch.
Similar to the sage in Chinese thought, but completely different in terms of morality.
If you look closely at these traits, do they seem a little familiar?
That's right, he is MOSS.
MOSS stands for "Superman".
Furthermore, many scientists and philosophers have suggested that AI is closer to Nietzsche's vision of the Übermensch.
Humans evolved from apes, and humans created AI. Doesn't this just happen to fit Nietzsche's theory that humans are the intermediate entity?
But philosophy is philosophy after all, not a complete science.
But the reason why Guo Fan can become one of the few directors who make good science fiction films at the China Film Festival is that he truly understands science fiction and is truly cultured.
If you don't have a foundation in science and philosophy, don't even think about making a good science fiction film.
After listening to the song, he and Guo Fan discussed the underlying theme of the science fiction film, which was the philosophical classic "Thus Spoke Zarathustra".
“Nietzsche wrote in the book that the Übermensch is not a transcendent, detached, and self-righteous person, but rather someone who has to endure all kinds of slander and ridicule, like the ocean, in which all insults are sunk, yet still remains pure.”
"And you, I know that after the release of 'The Adventures of Li Xianji,' not only did the poor box office performance upset you."
"Many fans of the original animation are also fiercely criticizing you online."
Guo Fan gave a wry smile.
indeed so.
All I see on the forum is people cursing.
It's made him a bit "reclusive".
However, his self-deprecating humor about being withdrawn is not genuine.
He's just too afraid to make movies anymore, but recently the company has arranged a lot of music videos for him, and he's been working on them with great enthusiasm.
But constantly making music videos isn't a sustainable solution.
Guo Fan isn't worried about the other party lacking confidence in continuing to make movies; he's quite shameless.
During times of quiet reflection, it's best to learn and grow.
As the saying goes, "If you don't fly for three years, you'll soar into the sky when you do."
"A small failure is okay; the problem is how to learn from it and avoid repeating the same mistake."
"Your question is the same as many academics who are just starting out and have ideals."
"I don't understand what the word 'commercial' in 'commercial film' really means."
"So I'm going to give you a chance to see what a commercial film is, what film industrialization and standardization are all about."
“What is the most advanced filming work in the world?” Zhang Yuan patted him on the shoulder forcefully.
"The company recently partnered with Legendary Pictures to invest in a special effects blockbuster with a budget of nearly $2 million."
"As a major investor, we will also send people to oversee the finances and the filming process."
"I hereby formally appoint you to represent me at the Pacific Rim film set in Hollywood, to oversee the project for the company."
Guo Fan was stunned when he heard this.
A project worth 2 million US dollars... that's a true Hollywood blockbuster, and a blockbuster among blockbusters.
Should I do this job?
He was very flustered; he didn't know how.
But I was also very touched.
Holy crap, "The Adventures of Li Xianji" is a huge flop, and the boss still entrusted me with an important task.
I feel like crying.
Zhang Yuan sent him there as a personal representative to check other factions within the company, while also doing the other party a favor.
But regulation is secondary; he doesn't understand accounting.
The important thing is to learn.
"Work-study program, so you can see the world for yourself."
"Look at how Hollywood makes movies."
"How to combine on-site shooting with post-production."
"Later, when the film is in post-production, I will also film you visiting the special effects studio."
"Look carefully and study hard."
Guo Fan took a deep breath. This kind of opportunity was something that no film and television company in the whole country could offer.
Even China Film Group couldn't afford it!
I saw how Hollywood studios make movies, do post-production, and budgeting during this trip.
Director Guo's head was buzzing, and his temples were throbbing.
Then it'll have to take off!
Guo Fan now wants to pull Zhang Yuan along, just like Hu Hai pulled Zhao Gao along.
"I want to be the emperor so badly, I dream about it all the time!"
I miss myself so much!
The excitement was even greater than before.
But before he could react, Zhang Yuan poured a bucket of cold water on him.
"You need to understand one thing first."
"Filming is not like inviting someone to dinner, and foreigners are not pushovers either."
"They understand all too well where their advantages lie compared to the Chinese film and television industry."
"Just like when France and China cooperated to build a subway, would the other side be willing to give you their most advanced technology?"
"No!" "I wouldn't even sell it, let alone give it away."
"No matter how much money you spend, they won't give it to you."
"The rise of the Western world was due to the two industrial revolutions."
"They are all too aware of how important technological superiority is, so they will try every means to restrict others from developing technology."
"The same goes for the film and television industry. Hollywood absolutely does not want China to have its own film and television industry."
"They want us to always lag behind so they can reap all the benefits."
"Compradors would also help them restrict domestic development."
Zhang Yuan's tone turned serious.
"So this time, even if the company is an important investor, even if you are responsible for overseeing the company's investment projects."
"But the other side will still not open its borders to you. They will definitely guard against it and prevent you from seeing the most important technologies."
"You have to be mentally prepared."
"You're not going there to be a boss, you're going there to be a servant."
He knows white people's character all too well; they'll never give you any face if it's for their own benefit.
I'll guard against you like I'm a thief!
"Mountains crumble, people run away."
"We must humbly learn, even if it means secretly watching or spying, and persevere despite being met with cold stares."
"I'll study it again when I get home and build my own system."
"When we succeed and stand tall, they won't laugh at us for being country bumpkins."
Zhang Yuan was very clear that Legendary's main reason for cooperating with him was its interest in the Chinese market and its funds.
Just like those foreign companies in the early days of China's reform and opening up.
They won't kindly help you with your technology; they might even try to use it to strangle you, taking advantage of you before kicking you to the curb.
Or they could raise you like a pig, turning you into a dumping ground for their products.
That's what Hollywood thinks now.
We need to rely on a new generation of directors like Guo Fan to guard our borders and let foreigners know that we don't care about their rubbish.
The rise of the East and the decline of the West is a foregone conclusion, not only in economics but also in culture.
I'm not going to be a pig, I'm going to be Marshal Tianpeng, and one day I'll smash your heads open with a rake.
After hearing his words, Guo Fan suddenly felt a heaviness in his shoulders.
This, this, this is too heavy.
Why does it seem like I've suddenly been burdened with historical responsibility?
Am I capable of shouldering this burden?
And you even have to act like a pushover abroad...
According to Zhang Yuan, they would have to "steal and rob".
That doesn't sound respectable.
Director Guo was still young at that time, and young people are more concerned about their image.
Zhang Yuan knew he would definitely take the job, but he was afraid he wouldn't be able to bring himself to do it.
Therefore, we were prepared in advance.
"The Übermensch that Nietzsche spoke of was born from pain and suffering."
"Here, let me show you a picture."
He took out his phone, opened the photo album, and found an old photo.
In the photo, an elderly man in an olive-green military uniform with a red star on his head is standing on tiptoe, looking at the aircraft carrier's carrier-based aircraft system operated by a white man.
"The man in military uniform is Admiral Liu Huaqing, Chairman of the Navy."
"The third-highest-ranking officer in the entire armed forces, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy."
He is known as the father of China's modern navy and the father of aircraft carriers.
"I took this photo in 80 when I visited the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier at the San Diego Naval Base in North America, near the lighthouse."
Zhang Yuan pointed to the two people in the photo.
"One of them is a Chinese general, the highest-ranking officer in the military."
"One of them is a U.S. Army second lieutenant, a junior officer in the military."
What is the difference in their social status?
"The old man still tiptoed, just so he could see more and learn more."
"Even if that's it, they won't show it to you no matter who you are!"
In 70, the old man completed the "Preliminary Opinions on the Construction of Aircraft Carriers".
Despite opposition from most people, they firmly stated that "aircraft carriers must be built eventually."
The reason for the opposition at the time was that we lacked money and technology.
Fortunately, while promoting reform and opening up, Deng Xiaoping also strongly supported his ideas, providing him with both money and people.
Later, the old general presided over the establishment of an "aircraft carrier training class" to cultivate theoretical talents and complete technical reserves in the absence of ships.
He also strongly promoted the introduction of the Varyag in 90.
It can be said that all of China's later aircraft carrier technology and command personnel were his students.
"Do you think it would be of any use for the old general to take another look?"
"From a technical point of view, I think it doesn't matter much whether there's one more eye or one less eye."
"But in terms of attitude, it is remarkable that someone in such a high position can still be so humble and willing to serve the people."
"This belief has sustained the cause of future generations."
"How do you compare to General Liu Huaqing?"
This photo brought tears to the eyes of countless military enthusiasts and naval officers back then.
I felt wronged and ashamed.
But shame is the mother of courage. The old general is in such a state, what face do we still have?
Even if it means losing all sense of shame, we have to get the aircraft carrier built.
"My senior, Teacher Guo, once said, 'When you're on stage, having a sense of shame is the same as not having one, and not having one's sense of shame is the same as having one's sense of shame.'"
Xiao Yue gained fame and fortune by being "shameless" on stage; only with fame and fortune can one be concerned about saving face.
Of course, Guo Fan later became even more shameless than Xiao Yue.
I have to film several shots of even a dog passing by before I can move on.
General Liu's "shamelessness" in the photo is what makes future generations "shameful."
Looking at the photo and listening to his words, Guo Fan's eyes also reddened.
Seeing that he had successfully twisted the rope, Zhang Yuan nodded with satisfaction.
"Row!"
"I will definitely go and learn from it."
Guo Fan gritted his teeth and said.
"I'll steal two ounces of pig brains to use on myself."
"I refuse to believe that the minds of us Chinese are inferior to those of white people."
"So what if they started playing earlier than us?"
Once that defiant spirit took hold, my blood boiled.
"Take care on your journey, and please bear with me. I hope you will return after completing your studies." Zhang Yuan took his hand and held it tightly.
"I will drink with you then."
"Definitely!" The man blinked twice, his eyes reddening, and nodded vigorously before answering.
[Received a thank you from Guo Fan, Special Effects Production +1, Art Fundamentals +1!]
Zhang Yuan glanced at the profits and nodded with satisfaction once again.
More importantly, we need to develop our team.
Especially their own team, not the kind of team that came to the field halfway through or that only collaborated temporarily.
They are true brothers, loyal buddies.
These can't be dug up with money; they have to be nurtured little by little.
Just like women, you pay money to find them, and they leave when you run out of money.
Only those who have spent many years together and have a deep emotional foundation can truly understand each other and remain inseparable.
Make all the arrangements for Director Guo, so that both the company and Legendary Entertainment can cooperate.
I called director Toro and asked him to help look after my people.
Even serving you tea and water or acting as your assistant is fine, as long as you keep him by your side and let him take a few more glances at you.
After finishing up here, he hurriedly set off for Shanghai.
Guo Jingming's "Tiny Times" has reached the pre-production planning stage... (End of Chapter)