The Best Director

Chapter 285: Chapter 285: The Magic Rise of the Agent

“Sin City” and “Fantastic Four” are both films well-received and closely watched by media and movie fans; naturally, an audition invitation to play their leading female roles is a very rare opportunity.

Both fall into the category of classic comic book adaptations. The comic master Frank Miller, who once worked on “Wolverine” and “Batman,” launched “Sin City” in 1991. The comic drew from the noir detective novels of Raymond Chandler, as well as the Japanese masterpieces “Lone Wolf and Cub” by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, featuring uniquely stark black-and-white visuals while embodying intense cinematic scenes and traditional sculptural art styles, coexisting with violence and humanity.

Upon its publication, “Sin City” was fervently pursued by comic fans and garnered a large hardcore fanbase, establishing Miller’s status as a master. Later creators like Mike Mignola of “Hellboy” and “Punisher” were heavily influenced by him.

In 1992, the 23-year-old Mexican-American director Robert Rodriguez burst onto the scene with his 16mm film “El Mariachi,” made for just 7,000 US Dollars, stunning the Sundance Film Festival. Subsequently, the films “Desperado” in 1995 and “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” in 2003 completed his Mexico Trilogy; meanwhile, 2001’s “Spy Kids” marked his first foray into the hundred-million-dollar box office club in North America, with the trilogy proving his commercial film-making abilities.

As everyone knows, “Sin City” fan Robert Rodriguez successfully persuaded Frank Miller, and the two decided to co-direct, adapting “Sin City” unaltered to the silver screen, in both story and the black-and-white visual style. In addition to Rodriguez’s own production company “Troublemaker Studios” investing, he also brought along the consistently cooperative Dimension Films as the main investor, with a budget of 40 million US Dollars ready to go.

Though 40 million isn’t an enormous investment, the allure of “Sin City” is too great, especially since the movie will be completely faithful to the original, even using the comic panels for the storyboards! This means it has almost a 100% chance to become a cult film classic.

It’s not just about appearing in a great movie; popularity would follow suit, and maybe even awards—a rare opportunity indeed! Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Elijah Wood, Benicio Del Toro, Carla Gugino, Devon Aoki, Rosario Dawson… one after another, actors with resounding names or fresh faces joined the cast. Relative to the modest B-movie budget, the lineup of actors could be deemed formidable.

The lead character “Nancy” is certainly not an unwanted role, quite the contrary, individuals like Jessica Simpson have expressed their desire to play Nancy; however, now, the “Sin City” crew has extended a “transformational invitation” to Jessica Alba, the Sunshine Angel.

In the original comic, Nancy has numerous nude scenes, and now the film intends to stay true to that; but as industry fans know, Jessica doesn’t do nude scenes. She declared in an interview last century, “Even if I’m criticized by everyone, even if I can’t act anymore, I will not do nude scenes.” Now, as she’s about to joyously enter into matrimony with Wang Yang, no one believes “Sin City” could change her principles.

So this invitation made it clear from the start that “Nancy does not have nude scenes” (as Jessica Alba refused to do the nudity, the original 2005 version of “Sin City” cut out Nancy’s nude scenes); secondly, Jessica didn’t state explicitly, but so far, she also doesn’t do kiss scenes, though the “Sin City” crew felt that being bothered by kiss scenes was too much—they can be negotiated, and if really not possible, they would film with stand-ins; they could also do without it altogether, since the nude scenes were already gone.

In fact, there were already several candidates for Nancy, and Jessica was the most popular choice among fans; unbeatable in looks, with solid acting skills—if she was willing to audition, then there is a 99.9% chance Nancy would be hers. Of course, like with the other offer for “Fantastic Four,” she would have to dye her brown hair blonde.

“Thank you for the invitation! But I’m sorry, I have no feelings for Nancy,” Jessica refused the invitation outright, not seeing any room for negotiation—no reason needed, a refusal was just that.

Was there even a need to consider? The multiple-choice questions of the past seemed to descend upon her once more— “Idle Hands” or “High School Musical”? “Sin City” or “Firefly”? The answer Jessica immediately came to in her heart was that anything that impeded her from being on Wang Yang’s set, anything that could potentially harm their relationship, would all be… NO! Five years ago, she had been too young, unclear about her own desires, what the greatest pursuit in life was; but now, she knew it by heart.

Never mind the scheduling conflict with shooting “Firefly”; she was uninterested in “Sin City” and Nancy. The comics sounded cool, and the Mexican-American team had a touch of familiarity, but those gimmicky nude and kiss scenes were annoying—she didn’t want to be bothered and had plenty of wedding preparations to deal with.

The “Sin City” production team wasn’t one to let go easily; like the Nolans, Rodriguez’s go-to producing partner was none other than his wife of 14 years and the mother of his four children, Elizabeth Avellan.

Unwavering in their approach, the couple persisted with reasoned arguments and emotional appeals. They talked until they were blue in the face, asserting that Nancy wasn’t Becky or Gail; she was compassionate and managed to preserve a strand of innocence and kindness amidst the sin, truly an angel in the film. They likened her to placing “Gabriela,” “Sweetheart,” or “Andrea” in the black and white scenes, which would surely be a striking sight—perfectly suited, really the perfect fit!

However, the relentless persuasion was cut short when Rodriguez received a direct call from Wang Yang, making it clear that Jessica was set to star in “Firefly”…

That was it, no solutions left! What could be done now? Everyone knew a fool would realize they had to find someone else for Nancy. Undeterred, Rodriguez pivoted to another plan. He set his sights on Wang Yang and warmly invited him to make a cameo as a director, offering a US dollar for one day of wielding the director’s microphone on the set of “Sin City.”

“Consider it as coming to play on our set for a day!”

And Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez’s good buddy, had already gladly accepted a similar cameo director invitation, which meant heading over to the “Troublemaker” company’s studio in Austin, Texas, where they had advanced digitized shooting technology like green screens.

Rodriguez was a zealous technophile. “Extremely Small Spies 3” was a 3D movie, and he belonged to the same camp as Robert Zemeckis, George Lucas, James Cameron, Peter Jackson, and Michael Bay. They all believed that CGI, 3D, IMAX, and digital cameras were the future of film and fervently pushed for technological innovation. Tarantino, on the other hand, was a die-hard film aficionado; without film, he felt out of sorts. This camp also included stalwarts like Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and the Coen Brothers.

Young but influential, Wang Yang was an embodiment of a contradiction: Was he part of the digital camp or the film camp?

He shocked the world with a digital camera, funded the digital technology training institute at the University of Southern California, praised CGI and 3D technologies in numerous interviews with media like TIME, and with businesses like the graphics engine company, I&B Department, “District 9,” and “Firefly,” he was marching forward with his mission. Yet he was not one to give up on film easily, having once said, “Film has an incomparable texture that I love. Of course, when digital can surpass the qualities of film, I’ll switch allegiances.”

From “High School Musical” to “The Devil Wears Prada,” every one of his movies held a true filmic quality, offering diverse visual experiences, from the height of summer to cool autumn and into warm winter. The films’ polished and beautiful visuals had been praised more than once.

Rodriguez felt that he and the digitally inclined Wang Yang would have much to talk about, and it would be a beautiful conversation if Wang Yang agreed to direct a scene for “Sin City.” Wang Yang was quite open to discussing cinema with Rodriguez, and Firefly could even start doing business with Troublemaker. The cameo director invitation was still under consideration— “Sin City” was great, but what scene to direct? Although, it was certain that “Firefly” would go to Texas for some of its shooting.

While Wang Yang pondered the guest director invitation from “Sin City,” Jessica flatly refused the lead role of “Invisible Woman” Sue Storm in “Fantastic Four,” stating upfront that there was no need for negotiation.

The production house, 20th Century Fox, was truly bummed out. Everyone suspected that Jessica was most likely going to join “Firefly,” making a bid for a slot in “Sin City” a dead end; but the filming of “Fantastic Four” would be after “Firefly,” and the Invisible Woman was such a sunny and impressive character! No nude scenes required, and the kissing scenes could be omitted, as Jessica’s mere presence would be more enticing than any other’s kissing stunts.

A 100 million budget, a generous salary and bonus! Filming in August! Why did she refuse so decisively? Fox and Firefly did have some past disputes over Blue Sky Studios, but business is business, wasn’t it overdoing it a bit?

Especially since “Fantastic Four” is an extremely popular superhero comic hailed as “the best comic book in the world,” Sue Storm could definitely showcase all her sensual charm! This would boost her popularity even further, solidifying her status as Hollywood’s leading lady! Future “Fantastic Four” sequels like “Fantastic Four 2” and “Fantastic Four 3” would come knocking at her door, so why refuse? Why!?

Her agent Miranda replied with the reason, “She’s not interested, and after marrying Yang, she needs more time to take care of her family.”

But Jessica knew the sweeter, more specific reason. In the second half of the year after “Firefly” wrapped up, even if Yang asked her to play the female lead, she wouldn’t do it! Because she had the most important and happiest event in a woman’s life waiting for her.

“Hehe! Yang, I have a question and want your opinion on it.” Just after leaving the art office, Joshua said with a smile as he followed by, while Wang Yang continued walking towards his own office, glanced at him a few times, and chuckled with a shrug, “Go ahead! But please drop the silly grin.”

Jessie refused Nancy, making movie fans and fans regretful, but Joshua wasn’t the least bit surprised. However, when his beloved Alexis received an invitation to play and was interested in participating, he couldn’t help but worry. Would Yang disapprove of the movie?

“Hmm! Let’s say this, ‘Sin City’ is almost certain to be a success, and it would be a breakthrough for Alexis to play Becky.” After thinking for a bit, Wang Yang gave his answer. In the original version, Alexis’s portrayal of the informant was impressive, breaking away from the sweet image of “Gilmore Girls.” She had previously shown an ambiguously good-and-bad performance in “MIT-21-TEAM.” He added, “However, Becky won’t bring much popularity. I would recommend the lead role in a romance movie for youth instead.”

“Yes, I agree! It’s tough to be in a Mexican crowd… but why Becky, why not Nancy?”

Joshua frowned in confusion. What were those people thinking! Wasn’t Alexis prettier than Jessica? Wang Yang laughed heartily and said fairly, “WELL, Alexis is enchanting, but like a beautiful landscape painting, she lacks a bit of sex appeal. She’s like Nancy when she was young, while your sister is an adult.” Joshua touched his forehead and pleaded, “Come on!” Wang Yang punched him on the shoulder, laughing, “I know they now want Scarlett Johansson for Nancy, not bad, huh?”

Joshua suddenly exclaimed, “Really? Scarlett is definitely spicy.” But after more thought, he still found Alexis more suitable and got more excited as he spoke, “Don’t you think Alexis’s serene and shy temperament is great? That’s what Nancy needs! And her blue eyes, wow! I can’t believe I’m her boyfriend!”

“I’ll give you Robert Rodriguez’s number.” Wang Yang pulled out his phone and started fiddling with it, but Joshua waved his hands, indicating he didn’t need it and said with a smile, “Actually, Alexis doesn’t care much about popularity, she’s doing well now. She just wants to challenge her image, and it’s fun to go back to Texas to shoot.”

Wang Yang nodded and said, “If that’s the case, then go for it! ‘Sin City’ is great.”

Returning to his office and sitting down, Wang Yang played with a chaos pendulum on his desk, then leaned back in his chair and sank into contemplation. He had always been pondering this world, which keeps moving like a chaos pendulum, yet compared to the world in his mind, many things were on completely different trajectories. Jessica wouldn’t do “Sin City,” nor “Fantastic Four,” so who would play Nancy, Invisible Girl…

“Lalalala—” Just as he was lost in thought, his phone suddenly rang. Rachel McAdams, he answered with a laugh, “Hello, Rachel.” Her cheerful voice came from the other side, “Hi, Yang, did I interrupt you?” Wang Yang replied, “Not at all, what’s up?” Rachel laughed, “I was invited to audition for Sue Storm in ‘Fantastic Four.’ I just wanted to ask for your opinion, should I play Sue?”

Jessica Alba was simply the hottest contender for Sue Storm, practically assured for the part, of course, now she had firmly declined. And Invisible Woman wasn’t a must-have for her, the “Fantastic Four” crew had other candidates in mind for Invisible Woman, including Julia Stiles, Kate Bosworth, Elizabeth Banks, Kady Strickland, and Rachel McAdams.

With Jessica bowing out, whether in terms of looks, popularity, or acting skills, Rachel naturally became the top choice. The media and public knew well, if Invisible Girl wasn’t Jessica, it would be Rachel.

1998 began with “Paranormal Activity,” the “High School Musical” trilogy, “The Hot Chick,” and then last year’s “MIT-21-TEAM.” Rachel didn’t star in “The Notebook” or “Mean Girls,” and the latter’s “queen bee” Regina George is now played by Ashley Tisdale.

“Why not?” Wang Yang answered seriously, Rachel acts with such spiritual energy, and in his mind’s movie library, he admired her performances the most, especially in “Morning Glory,” which she practically carried on her own. Her roles in “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and “Sherlock Holmes” were equally stunning. If Rachel played the Invisible Woman? No doubt she’d do it effortlessly.

However, he knew she wasn’t asking whether she could play the part, but rather if the movie was any good and if the role was suitable. Wang Yang thought for a moment and said, “Actually, you know ‘Fantastic Four’ was made back in 1994, but it wasn’t completed on time, and Marvel took back the filming rights.” Rachel said “yes,” and he continued, “They’ve been preparing for so long, they’ll definitely go full throttle with the promotion, who wouldn’t pay attention to a 100 million budget? ‘Fantastic Four’ can propel your global popularity.”

“Should I accept?” Rachel laughed. Wang Yang tapped his keyboard a few times, then spoke into the phone, “But, Tim Story, born in 1970, graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, my alumni. Directed a lot of MTVs, and his movies include ‘Barbershop,’ ‘Taxi.’ Uh, all I can say is, he’s not very reassuring, I’ve seen ‘Taxi,’ even though Story is young…” Rachel interrupted him, “How old are you?”

“Sorry! I’m analyzing for you here!” Wang Yang exclaimed annoyed, and Rachel’s laughter came carefree through the phone, apologizing, “Sorry, sorry! Ha ha, continue, please.” Wang Yang went on, “Story is young, but his approach seems clichéd and conservative. Rachel, he’s not cool, and ‘Fantastic Four’ needs cool.” Rachel understood he meant Story could mess it up and promptly said, “Oh, should I reject it?”

But Wang Yang didn’t hesitate, “NO! You should take it; it’s a very good opportunity. Because Story might mess up and get ridiculed by critics; but ‘Fantastic Four’s’ box office will still be impressive—it’s got the comic book popularity, and you can make Sue Storm charming, the part of the movie that isn’t a mess, the highlight, get it?”

“Yang, when did you become an agent?” Rachel asked out of nowhere. Wang Yang laughed and spun his chair, his voice laced with helplessness, “You know what’s the saddest part about this? I don’t get a commission!” They both laughed uncontrollably for a while, then Rachel fell silent for a few seconds before speaking softly and sincerely, “Do you think I can play Sue well?” Wang Yang immediately nodded, “Of course!”

“OK, hehe, OK! Thanks.” Rachel let out a sweet laugh, filled with confidence, “Then I’ll take it! And in 2005, I’ll take down your ‘Firefly,’ haha!” Wang Yang gasped fearfully, “Oh Lord, another…”

2005 would indeed be action-packed; movie fans excited at thinking about the upcoming screen battles. “Sin City” might not screen in the summer, but “Star Wars: Episode III,” “Batman,” “Firefly,” “Fantastic Four,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” among others, along with some yet unknown blockbusters, would all be taking turns hitting the screens.

No one knew that the daring Wang Yang, already a target under the “office building rule” or “everything is under control,” was becoming the most dangerous bomb! A $55 million production budget for “The Devil Wears Prada” raking in $500 million at the box office, “District 9” with a $100 million budget scoring $765 million, “Firefly” at $200 million earning X billion? Aside from the Serenity crew members, everyone entering the summer lineup of 2005 was a bit uneasy…

Wang Yang and Rachel chatted a bit more before ending the call, but he barely hung up the phone before it rang again—Scarlett Johansson. While muttering “What’s this about,” he answered, “Hi, Scarlett, is it about Nancy from ‘Sin City’?” Scarlett on the other end paused, “Ah, yes… yes.” Wang Yang immediately laughed, “Go for it! No problem.”

“Heheha!” Scarlett laughed off the awkwardness, then earnestly asked, “Yang, this might be a bit presumptuous, but why isn’t Jessica playing Nancy?”

“Jessica Alba has announced she’ll be joining ‘Firefly,’ playing the enigmatic girl River.” — Yahoo Entertainment. (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your votes and your support is my greatest motivation.)

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