The Best Director

Chapter 272: The Long-Awaited Premiere

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“Do you believe that a person can change their destiny?”

“I think people should do everything they can, and then leave it to fate.”

On the big screen, the handsome Tom Cruise was discussing fate with Ken Watanabe in “The Last Samurai,” which was being shown in 2,908 North American theaters. While the audience munched on popcorn watching this historical war film; in another screening room sporadic screams could be heard as “The Haunted Mansion” premiered in 3,122 theaters; and films like “The Perfect Storm” and “The Matrix Revolutions” continued to resonate.

The week of December 5-11, following Thanksgiving, was not particularly lively for cinemas. The total box office for the seven days was only $126 million, and “The Last Samurai,” with a $32.78 million take, won the weekly crown. However, its reception was not that great. Although the audience approval rating was at 82%, critics’ freshness ratings were at only 65% and 56%. This level of discontent in the film critique community meant that its dreams of contending for the major Oscar awards were essentially shattered.

The upcoming 76th Oscars were destined to be a dull and predictable affair, excluding the “accumulated” sweep of “The Lord of the Rings 3” which was certain to take many awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and numerous technical categories. The scope for Best Actor and Actress was also very clear, with Sean Penn of “Mystic River,” which had received countless praises, and Charlize Theron of “Monster,” which had not yet been released but was already highly acclaimed at film festivals, having no real competitors.

However, the current focus of the media was still on the Christmas box office battle. The arrival of December 12th revitalized the spirits of many moviegoers; finally, they could watch some decent films! Undoubtedly, the most anticipated was “The Lord of the Rings 3,” premiering on the 17th, whose glow overshadowed many other films. Yet the market is never monopolized. With stars like Meryl Streep, “The Devil Wears Prada” was also a hot topic.

Last Christmas, Wang Yang brought the globally hilarious hit “The Hangover,” which ended up grossing $617 million. What about this year? Will this highly promoted urban fashion film, the eighth directorial work of his career, bring any surprises?

“In the novel, Andrea quits her job in the end, but she does not earn her boyfriend’s forgiveness…” “Let me count those brands, Prada, Armani, Versace, Chanel…” “The book is actually quite boring; it’s just one angry woman ranting about another evil woman. Let’s see how Wang Yang will film it…”

Listening to the audience’s quiet discussions, Clifford Pugh, the film critic from the “Houston Chronicle,” settled into his seat, and as he faced the big screen playing advertisements, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat expectant. Although he was a renowned film critic for a major newspaper, it was common knowledge that “The Devil Wears Prada” had not arranged any screening; he would have to watch the film when it became public.

Clifford wasn’t particularly fond of last year’s “The Hangover.” While it wasn’t a completely meaningless, traditional Hollywood production line junk, it still was a film where “you didn’t know why you were laughing,” and once the laughter was over, it meant nothing. One would walk out of the theater forgetting the characters’ names, the story, or to put it bluntly, the entire viewing process was unmemorable and charmless.

This year, “MIT-21-TEAM” made a lasting impression, and now “The Devil Wears Prada” with Meryl Streep, and taglines like “brutal office” and “life choices”—cliché but genuinely broad topics—should be good, considering Wang Yang’s directing history. It might be a surprise hit like “The Pursuit of Happyness” or “Juno,” becoming next year’s Oscar dark horse.

Regardless, Clifford Pugh held very high expectations and standards for Wang Yang and “TDWP.” It was his second work after winning an Oscar for Best Director, truly the first film post-Oscar. He hoped the miracle boy wouldn’t disappoint.

But judging by the young audiences around him and the full screening room, one thing seemed certain: “TDWP” was bound to be another box office hit for the magical Yang. Without “The Lord of the Rings 3” this weekend, “TDWP” seemed to have free reign in the movie theaters.

“Two tickets for ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ plus two buckets of popcorn, and a cola…” At a cinema in Chicago, a young couple was trying to purchase tickets, but the middle-aged female ticket seller spread her hands and said, “Sorry, we only have one hall showing ‘TDWP,’ and tonight’s tickets just sold out. You might consider the midnight showing.” The couple exchanged perplexed glances as the white young man questioned, “You’re joking, right?” The girl couldn’t help but curse, “I told you we should have bought advance tickets!”

In contrast to films like “Love is Compromise,” which featured older men and women, many young couples on dates tonight chose “TDWP.” After all, it also had the magical Yang and Meryl Streep, and the hooks of fashion plus beauty attracted special attention. Not being able to get tickets or good seats caused quite a few couples to argue, and then love is compromise.

But looking at the 3,056 North American theaters, it was clear that there were visibly more female viewers. On this Friday night, countless women of various ages and occupations flocked into cinemas.

“Five minutes left.” Fanny checked her phone screen’s clock; the trailer for “The Lord of the Rings 3” played on the big screen, and everyone around her began to quiet down. Fanny came to watch “TDWP” with her best friend, strictly out of respect and confidence in the magical Yang. She hated fashion, considering it the most useless thing on the planet, a complete waste of time. Therefore, she always disliked fashion films.

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Because of the fantastical Wang Yang, because she knew that Andrea would eventually leave fashion behind, which is an ironic commentary on the fashion industry, she decided to come see the film. Of course, she did notice that many in the audience were women dressed “beautifully and fashionably,” probably those office clerks. Noticing a blonde woman next to her taking out a small mirror to check herself, and smiling satisfactorily as if to say “I’m no less than Jessica Alba,” Fanny shook her head at these pitiable women mesmerized by fashion and luxury goods.

“TDWP” premiered in New York, with Flaming Films inviting a slew of journalists, critics, and some of New York’s fashion industry. The most noticeable was undoubtedly the editor-in-chief of “Vogue” magazine, Anna Wintour, who true to form arrived in a full Prada outfit, Prada handbag in tow, and wearing her signature oversized sunglasses, causing the press to frenetically snap photos; and when she stood next to “TDWP” author Lauren Weisberger, the flashes nearly shattered her sunglasses.

“Nothing much, nothing much, just a novel, and of course, many of its comments about me are unfair,” the press surrounded Anna Wintour, her aura formidable, wearing the latest fashion floral dress, and said lightly, “I haven’t seen the movie yet, but others’ perspectives are always their own, and only my own story and feelings are known to me, so I’m informing everyone, I’ve decided, I will start writing an autobiography.”

“Wow!” The journalists instantly let out a wave of surprise, with Anna Wintour successfully stealing the spotlight, they began to ask: “When will it be published?” “Will it be adapted into a movie?” “Will you invite the marvelous Wang Yang to direct it?” …

On the other side, Lauren Weisberger was also one of the stars of the premiere, having already seen the theater version, the film indeed placed Anna Wintour back on the route of “Hardworking Woman with Bitter Experiences,” thankfully still pitiable and tragic.

“Are you satisfied with the adaptation of ‘TDWP’?” When asked by reporters, Lauren Weisberger laughed and said: “Very satisfied! Marvelous Wang Yang turned it into a brilliant movie, and I really liked Jessica’s portrayal of Andrea.” She was truly happy with her alter ego Andrea, cute and clueless at first, then slowly gaining a touch of evil, the thrill of cussing someone out, to storming off in rage… That was Weisberger, that was Andrea.

Although Andrea, in the end, disdains the fashion world and walks away stylishly, the two “Andreas” on the red carpet were very fashionable and stunning. Jessica wore a white gown with a simple, elegant black ribbon, looking plain but elegant. At the moment, she was all smiles talking about wedding gowns with Vera Wang, her eyes brimming with happiness; while Meryl Streep wore a black evening gown, Emily Blunt chose a more eye-catching red dress.

Meryl Streep’s daughter Mamie Gummer also attended; she had a small role in the 2006 version, but her scenes were cut by editors during post-production; in this upcoming version, Mamie Gummer has a few background shots.

“So exciting!” At New York’s Ziegfeld Theater, the screening room is packed, the premiere has come to the viewing portion, and Jessica, sitting in the very front row, excitedly said to Wang Yang beside her, this was their second time fulfilling their childhood promise, four years since the last time during “High School Musical”! That unforgettable 18th birthday. She sees his smiling face, her palm is held, her heart suddenly racing, she laughs again: “I’m so happy!”

“Me too,” Wang Yang gripped her hand tightly, looking towards the large screen ahead, he was happy, yet the thrill and excitement he felt when “Paranormal Activity” hit the screens had faded a lot by now, eager to simply enjoy everyone’s achievements once more, to admire the lovely figure of the woman beside him on the screen. Movies have this kind of magic; they can keep the beauty of youth forever.

Soon, the 3056 theaters quieted down, and the audience at Ziegfeld Theater, whether critics or not, eagerly watched the screen.

On the large screen, a moth breaks through the darkness into a beautiful pastoral world, dancing gracefully with the butterflies. With Flaming Films’ opening animation over, and light, refreshing music playing, the screen began showing the names of the main creators: “Director: Wang Yang; Original Author: Lauren Weisberger; Screenwriter: Wang Yang; Starring Meryl Streep, Jessica Alba, Emily Blunt…”

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PS: Thank you all for your recommendation tickets, today’s chapter is 3,000 words, a bit short. But wow, I am feeling a huge sense of self-achievement, I’ve updated a total of 160,000 words in October, averaging over 5,000 a day. What I’m proud of isn’t the achievement, it’s the fact that I’ve maintained full attendance, wow! I’m not afraid to admit that this is my first time, never thought I would make it, amazing, thank you for your support! In November, I will continue to work hard, aiming to write well, update more, and maintain full attendance, thank you!

If you guys have monthly tickets tomorrow, feel free to throw some my way, our subscription and recommendation ticket standings aren’t bad, it’s just that the monthly tickets are always a few steps behind, truly tragic, hoping in November we can break into the top 60 of the overall rankings, thanks again! (