Chapter 624: Film and Politics
"Congratulations, George..."
Ryan hugged George Lucas, who was walking back from the podium, and the film master who was about to withdraw from the directorial industry said, "This award belongs to all the creators who participated in Star Wars movies."
Just now, the organizing committee presented George Lucas with a special award - the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
"Star Wars Prequel 3: Revenge of the Sith" made a big splash at this Cannes Film Festival.
This is destined to be a Cannes Film Festival in Hollywood. When Ryan's energy was redirected back to the podium, Michael Moore, wearing glasses, was whispering with Quentin Tastino on the stage, and then took over the Palme d'Or at the 57th Cannes Film Festival from Sophie Marceau.
When he stood on the stage to receive the award, there was a strong applause from below, but there were boos and whistles mixed in the applause, so he could not express his acceptance speech. It took him five or six minutes before the scene calmed down.
Michael Moore finally delivered his acceptance speech, as always, with a distinct political color.
"I don't know how to express myself. I thank the jury, thank Miramax, and thanks to the people who worked with me. A few weeks ago, we still had a lot of difficulties, and now the movie can be seen all over the world. Someone stole the freedom, and now there is a president of the United States of America who deprived the people of freedom. I want to dedicate this Palme d'Or to all Iraqi children, all American children, and those Americans in Iraq. I am not alone, at least tens of millions of Americans have the same views as me."
With the end of the Iraq War and the disappearance of weapons of mass destruction, and with the release of "Fahrenheit 911" in North America, Michael Moore obviously wants to seek greater demands, such as affecting the presidential election.
Unfortunately, this person's vision and ability do not match his ambition at all. It is just an extremely naive joke to expect a documentary to affect the presidential election that involves so many interest groups.
Not to mention the Republican Party, even the Republican opponent, the Democratic Party, will not support this documentary.
Using the facts of at most half to mix the lies of the other half, the Palme drew no difference from the pig-headed president and the federal government he criticized.
Perhaps Donald Trump will support him. This rich man who regards show as an instinct, announced that he will be preparing to participate in the next presidential election some time ago. The only regret is that the celebrity in North America who served two political and business terms only regards Donald Trump's actions as another comedy he is about to stage.
Just as Ryan was thinking about it, the award ceremony had already ended, and there was a brief press conference below, followed by the organizer's reception.
Almost all reporters were immersed in the political fanaticism caused by Fahrenheit 911, and the questions raised were centered around the documentary. French actress Emmanuel Bea, who served as judges, even said in response, "We have indeed seriously considered whether to give George Bush Cannes Film Emperor!"
As for the chairman of the jury, Quentin Tastino, he did not hide his love for this documentary, and seized almost all kinds of opportunities to praise "Fahrenheit 911".
I don’t know if this personality director has excellent acting skills or is really emotional. During this period, he even used four or five ‘fxxking’ to enhance his tone.
And when a reporter said that some parts of the film were even worse than the TV screen. Quentin was very angry and said loudly, "I know you only like beautiful pictures, you are only interested in this. OK, I will answer your question. The movie is not just beautiful pictures. Have you seen photos of American soldiers abused Iraqi prisoners of war on TV? It is not beautiful. But it is very powerful. After seeing it, I sadly turned my head away..."
When the reporter was about to continue talking, Quentin said like a child, "I don't want to listen to you say anything else."
Then he angrily took off the headphones used for the translator and threw them on the table, no longer listening to the reporter's speech.
Political and regional concepts have never been far away from movies. Although it is claimed that the awards have nothing to do with politics, all the jury members present were immersed in political passion without exception, and almost all of them were affirmed that the film "Fahrenheit 911" won the Palme d'Or.
They spoke to the reporter's microphone and published compliments such as "The video catches me, makes me laugh, and then makes me sad the next minute", "It is a brand new video that I have always hoped to see at the film festival", "It is a very powerful video that can reflect the current reality".
The French side seemed to have made up their minds to use the greatest praise to commend this documentary that is not popular among mainstream American society.
Even when a Hong Kong reporter asked why "2046" did not win any awards, he was interrupted by the French judges. He said rudely, "Please don't ask questions just for such a video. We have limited time."
When it all ended and sat in the celebration party held by the organizers, the filmmakers from Hollywood were clearly divided.
The representative characters of mainstream films led by Ryan and George Lucas sat together and had no contact with Michael Moore and others on the other side.
"Hello, Ryan, long time no see."
"Hello, Miss Cruz."
After the organizer's brief ceremony, Penelope Cruz came over to say hello. Ryan gently held it in her hand that reached over, and then nodded.
There were endless people coming to say hello, including a director named Zhang. His words were polite and thankful. After all, the distribution company introduced by Ryan made his works set a box office record for mainland movies in North America.
Although the film was bought out by Miramax's North American copyright, it was an honor even if it couldn't get the money.
"Hero" won a box office of $53.71 million in North America. Although most of them came from the contributions of Chinese and Asian audiences, it was enough to allow Miramax to recover the cost of purchasing copyrights and promotions at the box office. As for how much profit it can make in the end, it depends on the copyright of the TV and DVD videos behind it.
Ryan knew that the other party was considering the North American distribution of "The Ten-Side Ambush", but he didn't accept the topic of his words at all. After chatting for a few casual words, he threw him to Harvey Weinstein. With his big fat man's character, it's okay to be afraid of the movies. If he liked it, he would definitely squeeze out every drop of oil from these overseas filmmakers.
In some ways, it is not unreasonable that the director surnamed Feng called him a liar.
But the essence of capital is to pursue interests. Hollywood's purpose is to be business first. Who will do things that do without interests as a good person?
“It seems that the dishes here are very suitable for your preference.”
A few simple sentences sent away the Miss Zhang who knew the winks very well. Ryan turned his head and Natalie, who was sitting next to him, was stuttering on the exquisite French dishes. After hearing his words, she wiped her mouth and said, "Because during the process of eating, many unnecessary social engagements can be avoided."
"Dear, you're so smart." Ryan also picked up the knife and fork, and Natalie shrugged and said in a voice they only heard, "These people who came here are either from Europe or from Asia, and getting to know them doesn't bring us benefits, right?"
"Oh, Nat." Ryan whispered exaggeratedly, "You are so realistic."
"Learned from you."
After saying that, both of them laughed.
Natalie's reason is simple and real. They need Hollywood, but Hollywood may not need them.
Ryan was patient in socializing, but he just didn't want to be rude in public. The etiquette education he received since childhood did not allow him to act rudely on such occasions.
About ten minutes later, Harvey Weinstein came over from the other side and sat in the seat that John gave up.
"The asking price is too high." The fat man shook his head. Seeing that Ryan was not very interested, he had to continue, "He and his investors offered a 20 million US dollar sell-off price. God! Are they crazy? This is just an Asian movie!"
"Then give up." Ryan took a tissue and wiped his hands. "No matter who bought the North American copyright, such a price will only lose money."
Harvey Weinstein greeted Natalie and said to Ryan, "You guys go ahead and I'll talk to a few overseas producers, and I'll always gain something."
Not long after the other party left, Ryan prepared to say goodbye and go back to rest early, and would return to North America tomorrow, and there was still a long-distance trip waiting for them.
Just as he walked into the elevator, John Lassett and several people from Pixar Studio also walked in.
"Ryan, can you take your private plane by the way?" John Lasette was not polite.
"Of course it's OK."
The elevator arrived at this time, Ryan walked in with Natalie in his arms, and continued with John Lasette who was following him, "Is the premiere of "Superman Family" ready?"
When the elevator door was closed, John Lasette gestured to him with an ok sign, "I'm just waiting for the holidays of all schools in North America."
Both parties live on the same floor and exit the elevator and enter the corridor. John Lasset sighed in a low voice, "We avoided Warner's "Troy", but we will face Sony Columbia's "King Arthur" the next week."
"The audiences of these two movies are different." Ryan stopped at the door of the room and didn't care.
"It will always bring some unpredictable impacts." John Lasette also understands this truth, but if a movie is too hot, it will definitely have a huge impact on other movies of the same period.
He saw Natalie open the door and waved to this side, "See you tomorrow, Ryan."
"See you tomorrow." Ryan walked into the room.
Starting from "Star Wars Prequel 3: Revenge of the Sith", another hot summer season kicked off, with several large productions investing over $100 million, fighting in this hot period. (To be continued...)
Chapter completed!