章節 148: Chapter 148: Mother’s Way
"Without a war, but instead using a relatively gentle and simple method to convey the death of the Ryan brothers," Duke said to Tom Hanks as the sea breeze blew in. "It is still sufficient to express the necessity of rescuing James Ryan. In fact, I believe so."
Duke could tell that Tom Hanks was still waiting for him to finish speaking.
"But that wouldn't be a war commercial film; it would purely be an art film." Duke did not hide his thoughts, saying directly, "The opening battle is costly, yet essential; first, it needs to demonstrate the brutality of war..."
"To provoke reflection on war?" Tom Hanks smiled knowingly.
Duke shook his head, stating that reflection and humanity are merely a facade to elevate the film's quality. He continued, "The most important significance of the opening battle is actually to attract audiences into the theater, to keep them watching, and to get more people to pay for our film."
"Let's put it this way, Tom," Duke said seriously, "If you remove the two battle scenes at the beginning and end, how many viewers do you think would walk into the theater to watch this film?"
This was a simple truth, and Tom Hanks immediately understood. If the film could achieve the level described in the script, it might very well be a box-office success and receive critical acclaim. But could this young director actually achieve all this?
Tom Hanks had no doubt that with Duke's ability, the film would be explosive and likely do well at the box office once released. But could he fully embody what was in the script? Although the script was his own, being able to write it didn't guarantee the ability to film it.
Especially now, with a wave of skepticism in the North American film criticism scene, which was not optimistic about this film. If it were just the critics, it wouldn't be a big deal; after all, they had become known for being at odds with Duke after the success of *Independence Day*. However, many industry insiders who had read the script were also concerned, believing that Duke might turn this film into a World War II version of *Independence Day* or *Saving Private Ryan*.
It had to be said that people are influenced by their environment and public opinion, and Hollywood stars are no exception.
After chatting with Tom Hanks for a while longer, Duke called over the cinematographer, John Schwartzman. When he arrived, Duke asked, "How does it feel, John? Will handheld cinematography be a problem?"
"The sand is a bit soft," John Schwartzman replied, stepping on the wet sand. "It will definitely have an impact, but don't worry, Duke. I've already arranged for the latest handheld camera; it's lighter, making it easier to move while shooting."
"You'll be like war correspondents following soldiers into battle," Duke said, not joking, but rather with a serious tone. "As we discussed, I want a sense of realism; I want to shoot the opening landing battle using documentary techniques. The crew needs to capture the entire landing scene authentically."
"I want these shots to look like a color battlefield documentary filmed on June 6, 1944!" he emphasized.
"I'll find a way," John Schwartzman assured him.
They stayed there until the afternoon, and then Duke and the others returned to the film set on the outskirts of Dublin. On the way back, the assistant director, Zack Snyder, got into his car.
"Isn't it a bit difficult to shoot the landing battle first?" he asked.
"Zack, although Tom and the others are undergoing related military training, it won't change the essence of things."
This was a plan Duke had thought out long ago, and it naturally had his considerations. "We'll film the landing battle at the beginning of the entire movie, showing just how terrifying the landing scene was. It will allow the actors and everyone else, including you and me, to feel some of the life-and-death tests that the soldiers faced back then, which will help change our attitudes when shooting the subsequent battle scenes."
To shoot such a film, the investment required is not only money and time.
The pre-production work was busy and cumbersome; Duke almost had to work overtime every day. The difficulties he encountered were not something he could resolve alone; he often needed to gather the heads of various departments for brainstorming. He also understood that thinking he could complete such a massive work alone was nothing but a daydream.
For instance, coordinating with the *Braveheart* crew regarding the Irish army's filming arrangements. If Duke took charge personally, things would surely take a turn for the worse. However, the experienced and savvy Charles Roven managed to resolve this matter relatively easily.
The progress of the filming at the adjacent set was quite smooth; they had already completed the war scenes of William Wallace's allied forces against the English army. Other scenes wouldn't require as many soldiers. After more than ten rounds of negotiations, Charles Roven went to Dublin to meet with an important figure in the Irish military, and ultimately, 800 soldiers were brought into the filming of *Saving Private Ryan*.
Although the *Braveheart* crew had taken some time, Duke still gained some advantages here. The most typical example was that the issue of novice actors vying for camera time was resolved well enough, ensuring that those who had previously acted in numerous medieval war films wouldn't make the most basic mistakes while serving as background actors.
After communicating with the Irish officer leading the troops a few times, Duke let Zack Snyder and others lead the army to advance first to the beach positions. They, along with Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, and other main actors, would carry out the necessary rehearsals before shooting.
The crew had been stationed in Ireland for a long time, and aside from the routine holidays, many cast and crew members' families had come to visit. Leah, who had been busy with business in New York, also arrived in Dublin.
"Mom?"
Seeing his mother being led in by Sophia, Duke was a bit surprised. Since planning the success of Victoria's Secret, Santa Fia had seemingly risen to one of the top advertising companies in the United States, taking on many luxury brand accounts. His mother had become busier and busier, spending most of her time in New York, sometimes not returning to Los Angeles for weeks.
After pouring a cup of coffee for Leah, Sophia wisely chose to leave for the moment.
Duke walked over, took his mother's coat and hat, and hung them on the coat rack by the door. He then embraced her tightly.
"Mom..." He could see the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and forehead had noticeably deepened.
He moved a chair for his mother and brought over the hot coffee that Sophia had poured. Duke sat down beside her. "Mom, there's no end to work; just let the professional managers handle the company."
"What would I do if I didn't work?" Leah's gaze was slightly distant. "Just wait to grow old?"
This was not a good topic for women of any age, and Duke did not respond, saying, "You need to take care of yourself."
"You're starting to sound like Scarlett," his mother hinted subtly that he was talking too much today.
"I just haven't seen you in a long time, Mom."
Though he and his mother typically didn't say much to each other, the bond formed over time didn't require overly direct expression. Duke asked with concern, "Is work still busy? I was planning to come find you in New York for the Christmas holiday."
"I'm going to London to handle some affairs," Leah said as she handed him the coffee cup. Duke quickly took it and went to pour another cup, then listened as his mother continued, "I was originally going to have Scarlett come with me, but she's in Los Angeles..."
"Going to London?" Duke handed over the coffee cup.
"Victoria's Secret..." Leah took a sip of coffee and said, "We're preparing to hold the first annual runway show in London after New Year's."
Hearing this, Duke perked up. "How many media outlets have been invited?"
"Currently, more than a hundred confirmed attendees," Leah understood his intentions. "If you want to bring the crew over, I'll talk to the Victoria's Secret people. I'm sure they'd be thrilled to have you and Tom Hanks."
"I'll have Robin contact Warner, Fox, and Disney tomorrow."
This was entirely a win-win promotional opportunity. "They should be eager to see such a scenario."
Perhaps he could have Leonardo DiCaprio cozy up to a blonde model, creating a sensational rumor? This thought immediately popped into Duke's mind, which he noted down to plan for Charles Roven or Robin Grand to contact Leo's agent to see if there was a practical way to make it happen.
"Duke..."
Just as he was lost in thought, his mother's slightly serious voice pulled him back. He quickly came to attention. "Mom?"
Leah looked at Duke, speaking in a cautionary tone. "I don't mean to interfere with your personal life. There are models in this industry who are pristine and self-respecting, but Duke, some models who look glamorous are not suitable for dating."
"I understand, Mom."
Duke wasn't a rebellious fool; he understood his mother was concerned for him. He confidently said, "If one day I have a girlfriend, I will definitely bring her home first."
"That's not necessary." Leah returned to her calm tone. "I trust you know what you should and shouldn't do."
With his mother coming to visit, Duke decided to put aside his work and accompany her around the set. In reality, there wasn't much to see; most of the constructed scenes were the remnants of war-torn ruins, resembling a large construction waste site.
"And one more thing"
When they came to a newly built small bridge, Mrs. Leah suddenly stopped and said, "I invested the $10 million you returned and the $2.71 million interest, along with the profits from Speed, into Victoria's secret share expansion financing a few months ago. I set up a trust, and when you are 26 years old and more mature and stable, you will automatically receive this part of the shares."
"mother..."
Suddenly, Duke didn't know what to say.
Obviously, his mother used this method to return the money he earned to him.
...
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