Chapter 158: Internal Entertainment Circle’s No. 1 Psycho, Recommend Strict Investigation, Doesn’t Seem Like Acting
《Big Shot》 This movie is one of the several projects that Guang Ying Shi Meng is preparing for its transformation in the middle of this year.
But because Hong Kong has always loved this type of crime genre movies in the past, yet has suffered repeated defeats in recent years, 《Big Shot》’s investment is not large, and after purchasing the script, he let the “insider” Chi Ye “mess it up completely”.
So, the overall atmosphere of the film crew actually doesn’t have that big crew feeling.
After Chi Ye joined the crew, 《Big Shot》 had basically finished preparing, because they had been waiting for Chi Ye 《Xing Ni》 to wrap up beforehand.
Even though the Hong Kong circle is not doing well now, this kind of treatment is still something only first-tier big stars can enjoy.
“Who is the male lead?”
“Heard he has strong connections.”
“Waited so many days, finally here.”
Most people in the film crew are Hong Kongers, including the director, who is also a not-so-famous director of a certain crime genre in Hong Kong, surnamed Chen.
That day, as Chi Ye joined the crew, rumors about him started circulating within the crew.
“Heard even the script was revised several versions, and he personally revised it…”
“What the hell?”
Everyone shook their heads, but soon group leaders and the assistant director shouted: “Chi Ye Teacher Chi, please everyone have coffee and milk tea, come line up to get them!”
“Thanks Teacher Chi!”
The film crew instantly became lively, full of heated discussions.
That’s right, on the first day of joining the crew, Chi Ye followed the operation that the Empress Dowager once used to “win over people” for him, buying coffee, milk tea, and small fans for the entire film crew.
The implied meaning was also to tell everyone: the male lead has joined the crew.
“Everyone does this, very normal.”
In the room.
Teacher Wu sat next to Chi Ye, smiling at him: “But you’re very skilled at it. When I joined the crew, I didn’t buy anything for everyone.”
Chi Ye was surprised: “I know Brother Zhenyu you like money, but I’m just handling my own share.”
Teacher Wu was stunned, then burst out laughing: “What the hell, you think I’m gonna ask you for reimbursement?”
Everyone laughed.
President Jin, who had just poached 《Big Shot》 Director Chen, put down the script and looked at Chi Ye: “We all saw the new version of the script, it’s indeed better than the original… just the review issue, not sure if it can pass on the mainland side.”
“Leave that to the boss to worry about.”
After Chi Ye finished, he was puzzled: “Aunt… isn’t President Jin coming today?”
“She’s in the inner room, will come out later.”
Director Chen explained.
“Get ready to ‘get abused’.” Teacher Wu reminded gloatingly: “This time the boss got you several ‘teachers’, tsk tsk… you’re in for it.”
Chi Ye paused: “Teachers?”
“Yeah, the acting teacher and martial arts instructor coming with the crew.”
“…”
…
Meanwhile.
Inner room.
Jin Sui didn’t go out to see Chi Ye right away, but was flipping through the script. Ten minutes later, she put down the script and looked at the two highly paid “teachers” sitting next to her.
These two teachers, one is a Hong Kong veteran actor, invited by Jin Sui to join the crew and teach Chi Ye acting skills.
The other is a well-known Hong Kong crime genre screenwriter.
That’s right, to prevent accidents and “back up” Chi Ye, Jin Sui invited quite a few people.
—What Jin Xia didn’t do back then, Jin Sui as the aunt directly did, vaguely forming a “reincarnation”.
“What does Teacher Wu think of this script?”
Jin Sui looked at Screenwriter Teacher Wu.
“Hmm…” Teacher Wu smacked his lips, telling the truth: “It looks very good.”
It looks very good?
So there are still bad parts?
Jin Sui looked at him without speaking.
“It’s just… the story is very good, you can tell Teacher Chi… Teacher Chi has stories in his brain, but… for Zhao Tai’s character design, can someone his age handle this kind of character? And… 《Big Shot》 the scale of the entire story, can it pass review on the mainland?”
Teacher Wu still has some skills, pinpointing the issue.
Jin Sui was silent for a long time, then suddenly smiled with relief: “Indeed talented.”
Everyone in the room: ” ?!”
“Cough cough.”
Zhang Jie beside lightly coughed twice.
“Review is fine.” Jin Sui reacted, waving her hand: “I had someone check this script before preparation, no big issues, don’t worry.”
“Good, that’s good.”
Everyone thought of Jin Sui’s background and energy, and stopped talking.
“Hmm… acting skills are indeed an issue… I read the script too, Zhao Tai this character… young actors find it hard to perform his complexity.”
Jin Sui pondered for a moment, looking at the other old actor surnamed Zhang: “Then please Teacher Zhang teach Chi Ye well in the crew… he actually has some acting foundation, that 《Circulation》 he acted very well… you get what I mean?”
Acting Teacher nodded quickly: “Got it, don’t worry, I’ll teach him well.”
As he spoke, he suddenly smiled bitterly, pointing outside: “Actually for playing villains… Wu Zhenyu is much better than me, and he has opponent scenes with Chi Ye…”
“Teacher Wu is busy with his own role, can’t follow him full-time.”
Jin Sui smiled: “The villains you played when you were young were no worse than Teacher Wu.”
Acting Teacher was pleased, modestly said a few words, then: “…Shall we go out and see?”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
Jin Sui nodded.
《Big Shot》’s start-of-filming ceremony had already been completed in the morning, and after years of beatings, the Hong Kong circle no longer had the bad habit of dawdling on the day of the start-of-filming ceremony.
Plus the film crew had been waiting for Chi Ye, so by the afternoon, the entire crew was up and running, and Chi Ye welcomed his first movie scene in life.
When Jin Sui and the others walked out, Chi Ye had already done his makeup and changed into Zhao Tai’s clothes from the movie—a brown Armani custom suit.
At this moment, while other staff and actors were preparing, he was looking down at the character bio, adjusting his state.
—Zhao Tai.
What kind of person is this?
In the original Teacher Bao version, Zhao Tai is a person bad to the extreme.
He is the illegitimate son of the big boss of a listed group in Binhai.
He has noble status, arrogant and domineering, disregards the law, does drugs, kills, rapes women.
In short, he does all the bad things, making people disgusted at first sight, wishing he would drop dead the next moment.
In other words, a completely flat stereotypical villain.
But in 《Big Shot》, Zhao Tai is still that bad, but no longer flat, but a fuller bad, even madly bad, neurotic madness, yet in some instant, making people feel he is pathetic and pitiful.
Yes, this incorporates shadows of classic mad scoundrels like Azu from the Korean version 《Old Hand》 + 《New Police Story》.
But not a fusion monster.
Because Chi Ye has his own understanding of this role.
Zhao Tai is a scoundrel, a madman, that’s unquestionable.
But similarly, he is still an illegitimate son, he has overseas study experience, under the spotlight, he must be a refined, witty and humorous high-educated returnee elite.
This is determined by his growth environment, upbringing, and experiences from childhood.
Even, his private routine is extremely regular, involved in taekwondo, wrestling, Muay Thai and other combat skills.
So, that’s why there are so many fight scenes in 《Big Shot》.
For such a person, if just simply showing his brainless evil, it’s actually illogical and unscientific.
The original version perhaps to pass review, didn’t dare shoot like the Korean version, or other reasons, anyway, Teacher Bao didn’t show this trait, at most the director hinted a few times in shots, but left it unresolved.
This led to, although Zhao Tai exploded, the impression left is just a flat bad guy, no redeemable qualities or “personality charm” in any other aspect.
Far less classic than Azu on Earth.
Chi Ye is different, he now “dominates” this project, he personally wrote this character, so naturally, he wants to give “him” life.
—Logic, the logic line is key.
No one becomes “bad” for no reason, so why did Zhao Tai become outwardly refined and polite, inwardly extremely mad, eccentric and violent, neurotic madman?
Actually, it’s the illegitimate son identity that made him inwardly inferior and sensitive, even paranoid.
He craves recognition from his father like a big mountain, so he studied desperately, became excellent, strong （practicing combat skills）, but because of his identity, he never got recognition from those around him.
Even if he did a hundred times better than big brother, father and others wouldn’t give him appreciative looks, only private mockery: just a bastard raised by the little mom.
So, over twenty years of suppression, childhood experiences, gradually twisted Zhao Tai’s personality.
In front of people, he is the high and mighty young master, super rich third generation who says jump and they jump, deals closed one after another, “business prodigy” in partners’ mouths, privately, moody, his sensitive self-esteem can’t accept anyone defying his will.
Until adulthood, he habitually uses violence to solve problems, because no one dares resist him, and more because this way is the most satisfying, most stress-relieving—except a few at home, no one can overpower him!
With this layer of logic, and manifesting the character’s contradictions, the character won’t be flat, and audience will resonate with his pathos in some movie viewing moment.
How do classic villains that go down in film history come about?
Just like this.
Of course, premise is, you have the strength to perform such a complex role.
Teacher Bao didn’t succeed, Korean version 《Old Hand》 succeeded, but Chi Ye feels it’s not enough.
He can do better.
…
On set.
Noisy sounds gradually faded, Jin Sui and Acting Teacher, Screenwriter Teacher walked behind Director Chen.
“Honestly, no young actor can basically handle this role.”
“…Let’s see the effect first, if not, grind it slowly.”
Voices from behind, Director Chen turned back, Jin Sui put her index finger to “shh”, the two teachers beside immediately shut up.
Director Chen nodded, then turned to the camera.
At this moment, in 《Big Shot》, Zhao Tai’s first appearance scene was being shot.
…
Underground garage LED tube lights buzzed, pale white light cutting cold folds on a black Maybach.
Close-up shot—”Bin·A88888″ license plate.
Buzz.
Tires rolling over speed bump made a dull sound, a man in Armani custom slim suit was crushing half a cigar with his shoe tip, sparks bursting last red on the leather sole.
“President Zhao, the directors are all waiting for you.”
Assistant jogged over, tablet computer in hand showing today’s meeting agenda.
Zhao Tai expressionless, standard posture stepping out of the car.
Bodyguards on both sides bowed, someone went to car to clean and replace carpet, the leader jogged to follow, neck accidentally revealing a ferocious snake tattoo.
Zhao Tai strode ahead, before entering tugged loose his tie, above collarbone a not-yet-scarred wound, fingers faintly bloody.
Suddenly, he stopped.
Everyone stunned, all stopped together.
He turned back to scrutinize the bodyguard leader, suddenly reached out to straighten his slightly crooked tie, softly: “Must pay attention to attire before entering company, don’t forget next time.”
Bodyguard leader smelling the blood scent on his nose tip that couldn’t be washed clean, scared pale, swallowed saliva, nodded quickly: “Yes… yes… President Zhao, I was wrong.”
Zhao Tai pointed at bodyguard leader, smiled: “Nice tie color.”
Then he stepped into the company building.
Others behind immediately lowered heads, checked their own ties and clothes ok, then followed with small steps.
“…Damn, such strong presence?!”
Off-camera, film crew watching Chi Ye who with almost no lines, but a few looks and actions instantly “shocked” everyone, all dumbfounded.
Yes, presence too strong.
As if just now not acting, he really became that scoundrel madman everyone fears.
Especially the last stop, straightening subordinate’s tie scene.
This small detail probably wasn’t there before, and luckily the bodyguard leader is a veteran actor, otherwise… really couldn’t handle just now.
However…
“What a pity, Teacher Ni was half a beat slow just now, otherwise perfect.”
Director Chen sighed in regret: “Gotta reshoot!”
Everyone around speechless.
“Keep one take first…”
Acting Teacher looked at Jin Sui: “Something’s off… his… his acting skills…”
Teacher Wu also dumbfounded.
He wasn’t because of Chi Ye’s acting, but… why did he vaguely see a shadow of his young self in Chi Ye?
Yes, has the charm of his young self, but… seems different.
Too natural, every gesture’s expressions and actions… pressure even stronger than him!
What situation?!
Teacher Wu classic surprised furrowed brows, but this time, not encountering history, but encountering treasure feeling.
He really got interested, originally just going through motions for work, now couldn’t help changing a bit.
The next few days made this change even stronger, even unbelievable.
…
《Big Shot》, classic elevator freakout scene.
Zhao Tai previously at dining table force-fed food into female star’s mouth, in gym beat sparring boxer half to death, broke opponent’s leg, also beat Chen Yongqiang who came for demolition payment to severe injury, and faked it as suicide jump.
After a series of events, his inner irritability, arrogance, disdain for everything around reached peak, then in elevator, emotions erupted.
In the elevator.
Lights pale white, quiet somewhat oppressive.
Zhao Tai stood there, body surrounded by invisible manic aura, brows tight, eyes full of impatience and disdain.
Mirror elevator door reflecting his tall figure.
Surroundings now empty, he loosened his impeccably tied tie, shook neck, making “crack crack” sounds.
“Clang”
Custom suit button suddenly popped off, fell on elevator handrail, making “clang” crisp sound.
Zhao Tai tilted head staring at this button, suddenly noticed himself in mirror.
Hmm… hair messy, attire disheveled…
What to do…
Suddenly, he grabbed fire axe from corner, smashed at mirror.
“Bang—!”
Explosion-proof glass cracked like spiderweb, shards flying with gold-rimmed glasses smashing on wall.
“This damn mirror.”
Zhao Tai tore tie completely, licked blood in mouth: “Makes faces all crooked.”
“Much better like this.”
“…”
…
Twenty-third floor meeting room blinds all dropped.
Cui Jingmin in gray suit pushed contract across table: “Young President Zhao, this acquisition case…”
“Call President Zhao.”
Zhao Tai smashed crocodile skin wallet on contract, expressionless.
Spilled coffee staining brown on acquisition price number, gradually rotting.
…
Female secretary third time handed wrong file, Zhao Tai playing with lighter, metal lid “click” suddenly stopped.
“You very afraid of me?” Flame licked file corner, his pretty eyes staring at female secretary: “Know me?”
In burning paper char smell, he pinched woman’s chin, shook ash into her collar: “Now remember?”
“I eat people.”
…
Zhao’s Group building.
Full view floor-to-ceiling window front.
Zhao Tai stood overlooking city, fingertip blood dragging long streak on glass.
Three hundred meters below square, police cars surrounding jumping foreman.
Migrant workers pulling “give back our blood sweat money” banner.
“Prepare helicopter.” Zhao Tai calm-faced, threw bloody tie to secretary, phone screen lit with public security deputy director call: “Tell that uniformed little cop…”
Cigar smoke blurring his arrogant mouth: “I’m the fucking law.”
…
Half a month later.
Scene dead silent.
Jin Sui covering mouth: No, gotta tell Xia Xia, this Chi Ye might have violent tendencies!
Suggest strict check, doesn’t look like acting!
Director Chen frowned shaking head: “Not crazy enough.”
“Ah?” Teacher Wu beside dumbfounded: “This not crazy enough? You wanna shoot a real nutcase?”
“No.” Director Chen corrected: “I mean Zhao Tai this role not crazy enough.”
