Chapter 705
Dawn 2 Script: Too Standard Mediocrity
Chapter 705 Dawn of the Second Script: Too Standard Mediocrity (Happy New Year's Eve)
With its beautiful and stylish magazine cover, coupled with outstanding marketing, the October issue of "Youth" was bound to be a huge hit.
This publication is beautiful, and Jinli clearly likes it more. She even took a picture and sent it to Gu Cheng.
Gu Cheng: [Do you like the October issue of "Youth"?]
Jinli: [I like it~]
Gu Cheng: [Do you prefer taking photos in the traditional Chinese style?]
Jinli: [It should be, but changing into traditional Chinese style clothing is very troublesome.]
Gu Cheng: [Let's find some time to take some traditional Chinese style artistic photos.]
Jinli: [Okay!]
The following day, Jinli learned from Sui Lingfang about the final results of "Counterattack" in mainland China.
—The global box office has reached 48 billion, and this number is still being updated every day!
Fang Jie said, "Because 'Counterattack' has already been taken off the screens in China, the media has stopped following up on it."
But given the current global box office trend, I think it should go beyond 9th place.
Jinli asked curiously, "What was the score for 8th place?"
Sui Lingfang: "50 billion, the 7th place is 55 billion."
Jinli pondered for a moment, “Counterattack is only 2 million yuan away from 8th place. Given its global reach, that 2 million yuan should be no problem.”
The gap between them and 7th place's 55 billion is a bit tight; barring any unforeseen circumstances, they should settle for 8th place.
Sui Lingfang said excitedly, "Even this result is very good. After all, from the beginning, we never thought that 'Counterattack' could break into the top 10 of the box office in mainland China."
From the very beginning, everyone just hoped it could become a dark horse, achieving great success with a small investment.
Later, I found it becoming increasingly popular and started to have high hopes that it could break into the top 10 highest-grossing films in Chinese film history.
After breaking into the top 10, it was discovered that it still had the potential to climb higher, and how high it would go was entirely unexpected.
Reaching 9th place in mainland film and television is already quite impressive; I never expected there would be a chance to reach 8th place.
Sui Lingfang exclaimed, "After this battle, your reputation has been completely established."
I no longer have to worry about your film offers; instead, I'll be worried about which one to choose for you. All the good projects will be prioritized for you—that's the appeal of a box office queen with billions in earnings!
Sui Lingfang seemed to be thinking of something, and said with some regret:
"Unfortunately, 'Counterattack' is a youth inspirational film, which doesn't offer much room for you to showcase your acting skills. It doesn't really show how great your performance is, so you're probably out of the running for major awards."
Jinli smiled slightly: "There are gains and losses. It's a youth inspirational film, but it's been able to sell better than commercial films, which proves the potential of youth-themed films."
Even if I don't win any acting awards, "Counterattack" itself should be able to win many awards as a film.
Sui Lingfang let out a long breath and said in a slightly excited voice:
"The 'Counterattack' film may not be enough to put you up for Best Actress, but another film that might be a contender for Best Actress has been revised."
Jinli had a sudden inspiration and said it aloud with Sui Lingfang: "Dawn 2!"
A year has passed since it was confirmed that Dawn would be making a sequel, and the script has been polished for a year as well.
This is a true blockbuster.
If filmed well, it can not only achieve box office success in mainland China, but also around the world.
These kinds of films are very lucrative.
But they are often popular but not well-received.
Therefore, Jinli appeared even calmer after her excitement subsided.
"I haven't seen the script for 'Dawn 2' yet. I need to see the script to know how well it's been adapted. Besides, 'Dawn 2' is a complete commercial blockbuster, and it's far more utilitarian than 'Counterattack'."
Even with such a positive and uplifting subject as "Counterattack," it was difficult to win Best Actress; "Dawn II" will likely face even greater challenges.
In films involving special effects, it's quite difficult to fully express the complex inner thoughts of the characters.
If you set the background in a specific environment and only show the characters' emotions, then every actor would probably be making horror movies.
What can evoke more emotional responses than horror movies?
But the Best Actress award isn't judged that way.
Especially domestic selections.
Chinese films tend to prefer actors using restrained emotions to express the complexity of characters.
Therefore, Jinli doesn't have a high opinion of "Dawn 2" or "Counterattack," which has already achieved a lot of commercial success.
Instead, she has a higher opinion of "The Invisible Secret," a drama whose script was not even fully polished. This drama is her trump card for winning the Best Actress award.
It's a pity that Yiyi Media doesn't make movies; otherwise, it would have been better if they had.
Between a film queen and a movie queen, the latter is naturally more prestigious.
After talking with Jinli, Sui Lingfang immediately sent the script of "Dawn II" to Jinli by express delivery.
Jinli received the script, studied it carefully, and found it a bit strange.
She read the script with high expectations, but after reading it, she felt that it didn't quite meet her expectations.
But she couldn't quite put her finger on what was strange about it, since she rarely watched post-apocalyptic movies.
After obtaining the director's permission, Jinli showed the script to Gu Cheng.
Although Gu Cheng wasn't exactly a doomsday fanatic, he had definitely seen more movies than she had.
In addition, Gu Cheng is also studying photography, so perhaps he can offer her a completely new interpretation from a photographic perspective:
Why did the director arrange and design this plot? How did he want to film it? What kind of visual effect did he want?
Jinli attaches great importance to this script for one reason: this time, the character she plays, Ruan Ruanruan, is no longer the second female lead, but the true female lead.
In Dawn of Light II, the male protagonist makes occasional appearances and plays a relatively key role.
The female protagonist, who was originally under the light of dawn, has completely disappeared; she has been killed off. From the characters' conversations, all we know is that she has gone missing.
in the apartment.
Jinli knocked on Gu Cheng's door after finishing her live-streamed study session that evening.
The two apartments were right across from each other.
Gu Cheng opened the door and handed Jinli a key.
"From now on, you don't need to knock; just open the door and come in."
Jinli took the key, but said, "I'm so sorry, I might disturb you if you're doing something else."
Gu Cheng closed the door and touched her forehead with his.
"First of all, I don't feel disturbed by your intrusion into anything; you know everything about me."
"Secondly, you are my girlfriend. You need to have me in your life, and I need to have you in mine. We need to adapt to each other until we are completely used to each other's presence."
And then—
Gu Cheng lowered his eyes, staring intently into hers, his gaze deep and intense.
He deliberately lowered his voice and said, "Actually, I wanted to give you all my bank cards, but I was afraid you wouldn't accept them."
Jinli gently bumped her head against his chest, pushing his body away a little.
"You guessed right. I didn't want to take it. This is your money, your money is yours, and mine is mine."
Gu Cheng was about to say something when Jin Li reached out and pressed her hand against his lips.
“I know what you’re trying to say, but I don’t think there’s any need to rush things, and I don’t think money should be an obstacle between us.” “Our views on money and values are different. I don’t want to control you, and I don’t want to be controlled by you.”
Gu Cheng blinked. "Then let's each compromise and try another approach."
Jinli asked curiously, "What method?"
Gu Cheng: "Let's set up a joint account and deposit money into it every month. We can use that one card for our own living expenses."
"I think I'm pretty easy to take care of, I don't need to spend a lot of money. My living expenses are about the same as yours. If you don't believe me, come and see for yourself."
Jinli stared at him for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay."
Gu Cheng couldn't help but kiss those bright eyes and pinch her waist.
The mirror reflected their images, like vines clinging to each other and growing together.
Everything happened naturally and beautifully.
……
……
on the sofa.
Jinli lay in Gu Cheng's arms and asked about the script for Dawn II.
"I always felt that something was wrong with this script, but I couldn't put my finger on what it was."
Structurally, it's a standard commercial film, and there seems to be nothing to criticize.
Gu Cheng rubbed her waist, thought for a moment, and said, "I think the problem might lie here."
The script design of Dawn 2 is too standard, like a script produced on an assembly line, with the same structure as a popcorn blockbuster, which is why you feel something is off.
Subconsciously, you believe it can be done better; you can't stand its overly standard mediocrity.
Jinli suddenly realized.
"I have seen the movie 'Dawn'. Although I haven't read your script, I can tell from the structure of 'Dawn' that..."
I can see what Director Chu wants to express, and that he will be trying to incorporate comedic elements for the first time.
Therefore, "Dawn" is not a standard commercial film. It incorporates many of the personal ideas that Director Chu wanted to express, making it a completely new attempt for him.
Undoubtedly, this attempt was successful, but with the second installment, Director Chu reverted to his previous cautious approach, unlike the bolder approach of the first Dawn film. He chose to return to the commercial film genre, which he was more familiar with.
Gu Cheng changed the subject.
"But Jinli, being mass-produced doesn't mean it's not good. Many blockbuster films around the world have similar structures, only differing in content."
But they've already figured out a formula and process for when to inflict pain, when to deliver pleasure, and how to progressively increase the pleasure.
Jinli pondered, "So you mean that this script is actually excellent, but I have too high expectations for it."
Gu Cheng nodded: "But that's only the first point I wanted to make."
"You should have also heard the second meaning: Director Chu did not choose to continue to break through, but instead retreated to the track he was more familiar with."
He's been operating in that market for many years, and audiences are used to his style. If he doesn't make a breakthrough, this film's box office performance probably won't surpass the first one.
"My opinion is that I actually share the same thought as you. I believe the script can be made even better, rather than being a formulaic production."
Gu Cheng thought for a moment and then put forward his ideas in more detail.
"When making the first film, Director Chu wanted to reach a wider audience and also aimed to make a splash during the Spring Festival season."
Although it was not ultimately released during the Spring Festival season, the comedic elements incorporated into the film gave many viewers a refreshing experience, and they felt that he was making a bold attempt to break through.
Moreover, he blended in perfectly, adding a touch of warmth to the cold apocalypse, although this warmth seemed more like a sarcastic mockery.
The comedy ultimately turns into a tragedy; its humor carries a tragic core, adding depth to the film. The first installment wasn't a purely commercial film.
"I think in the second movie, he should continue the approach of the first movie and add some comedic elements to increase the depth of the film."
However, once comedic elements are added, the plot will need to be changed.
So I'm just offering an idea. You're the lead actor; how the performance should be, and whether any changes should be made, is up to you.
Jinli considered it carefully for a while, "I think you're right. I hope this series can go on for a longer time, instead of just continuing the plot of the first one and acting as a shadow."
"I will think about it again and then communicate with Director Chu."
Gu Cheng patted her head and pinched her ear.
"It's already late, go to sleep, we have to get up early tomorrow."
"it is good."
Jinli was about to get up when Gu Cheng pulled her back down.
Gu Cheng said softly, "It's quite cold today. I didn't install heating. Could you help me warm up?"
Jinli chuckled, "Okay."
She felt extremely safe in Gu Cheng's embrace.
Suddenly, she grabbed the hands resting on her lap and threatened, "Didn't you say you were sleepy? Hurry up and go to sleep."
Gu Cheng chuckled softly, "Mmm, go to sleep."
Jinli, half-asleep, seemed to hear Gu Cheng nagging.
"I'll warm your bed from now on."
She thought to herself, "Others need to turn on the heating in winter, but I might have to turn on the air conditioning."
-
After finishing her work at 8 a.m., Jinli contacted Director Chu and shared her thoughts.
She thought for a moment and then said, "Actually, the character Ruan Ruan Ruan doesn't necessarily have to be the protagonist of the second part. She's more suitable to leave suspense and drive the story forward."
Using a completely new protagonist would actually allow you to maintain the style of your first film.
Director Chu said in a deep voice, "I understand your thoughts. I'll think about it some more."
Jinli hung up the phone, not having time to think about Director Chu's complicated feelings.
A week later, she received another call from Director Chu.
This time, the news Director Chu gave was quite shocking.
"You're right. Ruan Ruan Ruan isn't suitable to be the female lead in the second part. She's better suited to leave things unresolved. So I plan to use the clone created from Ruan Ruan Ruan's tissue fluid to become the protagonist of the second part."
You will continue the style and concept of the first part, while Ruan Ruanruan and the male lead will appear at crucial moments.
Jinli thought about it and thought it was a good idea.
"Director Chu, I hope to see your new script soon. I think it's even more interesting."
November has arrived.
Chenxi Entertainment has finally started promoting Jinli's fan meeting, which they had kept secret for a long time.
Morning Light Entertainment directly posted the message on its official Weibo account:
[November 9th, Jinli's fan meeting, see you all in Jinan (city)!]
When the news spread, many netizens watched online, and some even tried to impersonate Jinli's fans to infiltrate the crowd.
What is Southern Shanxi? I've never heard of it before. Isn't it too remote?
[In a city in need of poverty alleviation, Jinli, with her kind heart, chose a new city.]
[Can non-fans even get in? How do they register? And the announcement was so sudden; shouldn't it have been announced two weeks or a month in advance?]
The past is but a prologue, the future holds endless possibilities. May everyone embark on a new journey into the new year with boundless energy and high spirits! Happy Lunar New Year's Eve!