noveldepot Chapter 61 Spike Lee's Recommendation
Chapter 61 Spike Lee's Recommendation
Xu Shengjie saw 22-year-old Marian in "The Devil's Advocate"; 25-year-old Gwen in "The Wrath of Time" with heavy makeup; 28-year-old Stella in "The Italian Job"; the ruthless female assassin Erin in "Monster"; the 40-year-old bald queen Furiosa in "Mad Max"; and 42-year-old hacker Cypher in "Fast & Furious 8".
However, what impressed me the most was Sergio's appearance in Dior's Got Talent.
So cool and alluring!
However, he had never actually met Theron when she was eighteen years old in real life.
A bit green, but already showing the potential to become a future Serbian champion...
If he had the time, he would definitely stay and get to know the King.
but now……
Xu Shengjie and Spike got into their respective cars in the parking lot.
Spike led the way, with Xu Shengjie following behind. The two soon arrived at a relatively private and quiet coffee shop.
This coffee shop is located on Beaver Street, not too far from Wall Street Plaza.
This must be the coffee shop Spike frequents; it's called Delmoni. The owner is also Black, but he seems very refined, unlike the Black people Xu Shengjie usually sees on the street. Is he an elite Black person?
The two went straight to a booth in the corner, where the view was excellent; they could see the yacht marina in the distance through the glass.
Spike and Xu Shengjie started talking about the script again.
The two had a very pleasant conversation, from Xu Shengjie's "Run Julie Run" to Spike's "The Blacklist".
"Jeffrey, are you really only nineteen?"
"certainly!"
"But I can tell you're an expert."
However, there was also a sense of awkwardness, as if he were a novice, which was really strange.
That's normal. In his previous life, after graduating, Xu Shengjie worked his way up from the bottom to become an assistant director in the industry, and even had the opportunity to direct his own films. Unfortunately, the ban by Brothers Pictures caused him to fade out of the industry. Although he still loves movies and often analyzes films on his own, he ultimately lacked practical experience and was a bit rusty.
He was proficient in all positions within the film crew, but he never actually sat in the director's seat.
In terms of overall planning and management, there is a lack of experience; it's like that of a novice.
Theoretically, it makes perfect sense, but in practice, it can lead to mistakes that only newcomers make.
But it was precisely because of this that Spike didn't have too many doubts.
The investors in *The Blacklist* were Supreme and Spike's film company 40 Acres and a Mule, with a relatively low budget of $2500 million. The film received positive reviews and was nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. However, its box office performance was rather dismal, grossing only $1300 million, making it a failure.
As in his previous works, he focused on the world of Black people in New York City.
Using the framework of a crime thriller, the film reveals the hierarchical relationships within the DUPIN network, the cycle of violence within the Black community, and the moral dilemmas faced by underprivileged Black people under the pressures of life.
You see, Black directors always portray the Black world.
What about directors of Chinese descent?
They either try their best to showcase the superior life of Chinese people, or they are indifferent.
Xu Shengjie vaguely remembers that this film wasn't originally Spike's project; Martin Scorsese was initially chosen. However, Scorsese chose to direct "Casino," so the project was shelved, and Spike took over instead.
Most importantly, this is an adaptation.
The original novel had a certain influence, but Spike, after taking over, added too much of his personal style and subjective interpretation, deviating from the source material and drawing much criticism. However, he has a very good reputation among film critics.
Xu Shengjie couldn't help but shake his head slightly.
In one day, he came into contact with two money-losing projects.
"Showgirls" has been unable to recover in twenty years; while "Black Street" received decent reviews, but its box office performance was a complete flop.
Isn't that a bit too unlucky?
Tomorrow I'm going to the Mahayana Temple to burn incense and get rid of some bad luck.
Knowing the fate of "Black Street," he was unable to offer any warnings... Spike appeared approachable on the surface, but deep down he was incredibly stubborn.
Most successful directors are probably like this.
Xu Shengjie lit a cigarette.
Thank you it's 1994, thank you it's New York.
Even if you smoke indoors, no fairy or lunatic will come over to stop you.
Because they dare not, they know very well that interfering with other people's freedom abroad will get them beaten up. But in China, they can gain massive amounts of traffic, making them a fortune.
"It seems your script is quite mature."
When do you plan to start preparations? Has the investment budget been secured?
"I'll handle the investment myself, and the script will be finished by the end of July, but I have a big problem right now."
"What?"
"I need to find a reliable producer to help me coordinate things so that I have enough time to complete the scriptwriting."
"You haven't found a producer yet?"
"Spike, look at me, I have a face full of collagen, and I'm still so young."
This is my first film. Before this, I was a street urchin. I failed my university entrance exam last year, which is why I had this idea. My network is limited; outside of Chinatown, I don't know anyone in the industry.
"Hmm, that is a problem."
Spike was initially a little jealous of Xu Shengjie, who, at such a young age, could write songs, screenplays, and even make movies.
At Xu Shengjie's age, he was still studying.
However, it was precisely because he went to university that he had the opportunity to quickly enter this circle.
Spike graduated from the film school at New York University, and even though he was Black, he received a lot of help as soon as he left the school.
For example, Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen...
The film school circle at NYU helped him quickly integrate into society and soon gave him opportunities.
In this respect, Xu Shengjie, who has never attended university, does indeed have an inherent disadvantage.
Have you heard of Danny Aiello?
"Who?"
"Danny Airo, an older brother of mine."
He's an Italian, a New Yorker, who acted in *The Godfather*. I was just starting out in the industry in '90, and my debut film, *Do the Right Thing*, was with him. He has a lot of connections in the industry, and he's a good guy—not as arrogant as some white pigs. He's friendly and willing to help people. He's a good producer; I can introduce you if you'd like.”
"May I?"
Xu Shengjie showed a look of delight.
"He's in New York right now. I'll find an opportunity to introduce you to him later."
However, he won't have time until after September; he's been busy promoting the film recently.
"What movie?"
"What was the name of a movie made by a Frenchman again?"
Luc Besson, the film is called "The Professional." He's going to France in September for the premiere, and then he'll have some free time.
The Professional?
Xu Shengjie couldn't immediately recall which movie it was.
However, Luc Besson... a Frenchman's film.
Then, thinking about the time period, a film that is well-known to Chinese movie fans came to mind.
Léon: The Professional!
Well, it's not that movie, "The Killer Is Not So Calm".
Matilda, Natalie Portman...
Xu Shengjie couldn't help but smile and nodded, saying, "Thank you so much!"
He remembered which one Dani Ayrault was: the restaurant owner, Leon's agent and middleman in "The Killer".
This is definitely one of Xu Shengjie's 100 favorite movies.
Unfortunately, he time-traveled too late and didn't have the chance to experience this movie.
"Jeffrey, what are your plans for the future?"
"Writing books, making movies, composing songs, that's about it."
"Don't you want to take the joint entrance exam again?"
You're only nineteen, and your talent is already beginning to show, but in this country, talent alone is far from enough.
You need connections.
"so?"
"So I suggest you take the joint entrance exam again and go to university."
If you like literature, then study literature, sociology, or history; if you like movies, then apply to film school—Columbia, NYU, or NYFA, which you're attending today—anything is fine; or if you prefer music, then apply to a music conservatory.
Now it seems unnecessary.
But once you become truly famous, you'll find that the connections you made in college will be the most valuable asset in your life.
One more thing, Jeffrey... don't waste money.
At the same time, don't trust any products or services; protect every penny you have.
Spike's expression turned very serious at the end.
Xu Shengjie was taken aback, but then a warm feeling rose in his heart.
"Spike, why are you so nice to me?"
"Because you and I are the same kind of people, stubborn, proud, and with outstanding talent."
Most importantly, we're all fucking minorities, and in this world of white pigs, we have to stick together.
Xu Shengjie smiled, a very happy smile.
I've never seen such a shameless person like you. Are you praising me or yourself?
However, this guy is really stubborn.
He was so stubborn that he watched Knicks games for thirty years, spending more than $300,000 a year on tickets, but he didn't even have the right to use a special lane and was almost kicked out by Knicks security, yet his devotion to the Knicks remained unchanged.
"Spike, I'll remember what you said today, thank you."
"Okay, that's enough for today. I have a party tonight."
I originally wanted to take you, but you're only 19, and I was worried about being reported and the police coming to our door.
"That's perfect, I was planning to watch the game tonight."
……
After parting ways with Spike, Xu Shengjie rode his motorcycle back to his residence.
I got home at seven o'clock.
With Julie not around and unable to concentrate on work, he dialed Zhang Ping'an's number.
Zhang Ping'an and his friends were going to the martial arts gym to watch the game that night; it was a gathering organized by their senior brother, Woodward.
Of Master Wu's twelve disciples, half are not in New York, while the others are scattered throughout various districts of New York, making it quite difficult for them to get together.
It's the weekend, and there's a ball game on.
At Woodward's summons, five of his six fellow disciples will come.
Apart from Woodward and his sixth senior brother Song Dechang, Xu Shengjie hadn't seen the other three senior brothers for a long time.
It would be nice to get together!
Xu Shengjie inquired about the time; the gathering was at eight o'clock.
He put the pistol and bullets back into the gun case, secretly bought two bottles of liquor at the Hong Kong Island Supermarket downstairs, and then rode his bike to the martial arts school...