1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 74: The World Cup is Over. Please continue reading and add to your favorites.

In 1997, a movie called "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" was released.

It tells the story of an undercover agent who goes undercover into a mafia family.

However, the plot did not fall into the cliché of a battle between good and evil.

The themes are friendship, loyalty, and betrayal.

The focus is not on how thrilling the undercover police process is or how irreconcilable the good and evil are, but rather on portraying the contradictions and inner conflicts between these two extreme types of people.

Xu Shengjie was deeply impressed by the superb performances of Al Pacino and Johnny Depp back then.

Unfortunately, this film is not an original work, but rather an adaptation of the memoirs written by Joseph D. Piston and Richard Woodley.

I guess they've already started preparations.

This film was shot in 96, and Xu Shengjie had no opportunity to participate in it.

This is a film that won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

……

Danny Airo took the $200,000 investment share.

Spike, too.

Xu Shengjie calculated that, based on his previous budget, he only needed to invest $600,000!

Profits will be distributed, but Xu Shengjie believes they may not necessarily decrease.

The original Run Lola Run used a cast of second-tier actors with no influence in North America. Its production cost was around 2.5 million marks, equivalent to an investment of $175 million. It only grossed a little over $8 million at the North American box office, mainly because it didn't acquire the rights there and sold them directly.

It is said that the director of "Run Lola Run" did so to pay off debts.

When he was making this movie, his company was almost bankrupt, but it was this movie that brought it back to life.

It's estimated that at that time, the director was also eager to sell the copyright in order to recoup his costs.

The film grossed over 20 million dollars worldwide, less than 30 million dollars... Of that, it earned around 18 million dollars in Europe, while the rights for Asia and other regions were probably sold off in a bundle, so there was almost no buzz about it.

But this film has left a significant mark on film history.

Now, Spike represents the circle of independent filmmakers in New York; Verhoeven represents the filmmakers in Hollywood and Europe; Robert can provide him with media access, while Dani Airo can help him with filming and provide Xu Shengjie with some resources he had not considered before.

For example, winning an award!

"The script is excellent!"

Dani Airo skimmed through the script.

Although he hadn't looked at it carefully, based on Spike's previous introduction, he already had a general understanding of the script.

"If we can complete the film smoothly according to this script... Jeffrey, when do you expect it to be finished?"

"At the earliest, it will be the end of December, and that will be very rushed."

"That's unnecessary."

Danny Airo tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pondered for a moment, and then said, "There's no time to spare; it's too rushed."

The application period for next year's Berlin Film Festival will end at the end of October or the beginning of November. There's no time, absolutely no time!

The theme of next year's Berlin Film Festival is focusing on the underprivileged. The film *Julie* aligns with this theme to some extent and has a high chance of winning an award.

"If Berlin isn't an option, what about Cannes?"

"The theme of Cannes next year is anti-war, and there will be a lot of anti-war works."

"Julie doesn't have an advantage in terms of subject matter, so it's unlikely to win a major award, but..."

Danny Airo looked down at the script on the table.

After a moment's thought, he said, "I'm going to France in September, so I'll contact Mr. Jacob then and ask him for advice."

Jeffrey, you don't need to think about these things. All you need to do is make a good movie.

If there's no hope in Cannes, then we'll choose the Venice Film Festival... There's plenty of time, don't worry.

This, I suppose, is the power of connections!

Danny Airo's words made Xu Shengjie feel much more at ease!

……

In the original timeline, the filming of "Run Lola Run" lasted for 7 weeks.

This involves many issues, including funding and other aspects.

We have plenty of funds right now!

The actors were already in place, allowing more time for preparation.

After skimming through the script, Danny Airo asked Xu Shengjie for the role of Lola's "father".

This big shot really enjoys making cameo appearances in movies.

The same applies to "Léon: The Professional" and "Run Julie."

"Is Charlie an actor too?"

"certainly."

"What works do you have?"

As he was leaving, Danny said to Harris.

Harris turned to look at Theron.

A little embarrassed, she said, "The child in the cornfield, number 3."

"The one with James Hickox?"

"Yes!"

Theron said, "She's just a nobody, nameless, a young woman."

Similar to a minor character.

She felt ashamed and couldn't lift her head.

But unfortunately, this film is the only work she can currently produce, adapted from a Stephen King novel.

Xu Shengjie gave her a gentle hug and whispered in her ear, "Don't be discouraged. There are no small roles, only bad actors."

"Thanks!"

Dani Airo didn't care.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "I have a project next year, and the director and screenwriter is John Herzfeld."

I'll contact Harris when the time comes, and if he's available, he'll give it a try. But it's a small investment, a small production, and the role isn't very big…”

"It's alright, it's good for her to gain more experience!"

Harris spoke first.

"Danny, what's your name?"

"What?"

Xu Shengjie had become acquainted with Danny Ai Luo by this time, so he was very casual.

"It's a movie, what's it called?"

"Two Days in the Valley".

Xu Shengjie whispered to Theron, "We can give it a try. I think it's better to take the initiative than to wait for an opportunity to come."

"good!"

Theron nodded and agreed.

……

Two days in the valley, a terrible movie.

Logically speaking, this movie would hardly be remembered, but it became known because of Theron's presence.

Bad director, bad script, bad distribution...

After filming this movie, director John Hertzfeld disappeared from Hollywood.

Xu Shengjie knew about this movie because of Theron. Although the movie was terrible, it was through this film that Theron's beauty became known, attracting the attention of many filmmakers. Yes, it's said to be her breakthrough role.

To be honest, if it weren't for Charlize Theron, Xu Shengjie would have had no idea this movie existed.

What was even more unexpected was that Dani Ayrault was also involved?

He really loves acting!

After the contract was signed, everyone went about their own business.

Spike Lee went to prepare for his film "The Blacklist," while Dani Airo began pre-production work on "Julie."

Harris flew to San Francisco to secure a role for another of her artists.

But this left Theron with nothing to do, so Xu Shengjie gained another little follower.

Xu Shengjie did not resist.

Just kidding, with Sergio Sergio as your little shadow, what's there to resist!

However, after Julie called last weekend, she has not contacted Xu Shengjie again.

This made Xu Shengjie feel a little uneasy.

He didn't say he was truly in love with Julie, but after a month of deep communication, she knew my strengths and weaknesses, and I knew hers; there was bound to be some affection involved. Besides, Julie was his go-to leading lady in his films!

Hopefully nothing bad has really happened.

Xu Shengjie plans that if he doesn't contact Julie this week, he will take the initiative to contact her next week.

The appearance of Theron, to some extent, alleviated Xu Shengjie's anxiety.

……

July 17th, Sunday.

Xu Shengjie and Theron watched the World Cup final conclude at home.

Brazil has become a four-star Brazil, enjoying immense glory.

Baggio, bearing the disappointment of being penalized, left the world with an unforgettable image of his back.

Xu Shengjie watched that retreating figure, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Jeffrey, you..."

"I'm fine, I'm just... just... just a little touched!"

As he spoke, he got up, went into the second bedroom, took out a guitar, and sat down in front of the television.

At this moment, it was the awards ceremony.

The Italian team, as the runner-up, stepped onto the podium.

For Baggio, who missed the penalty, standing on the podium at this moment was not an honor, but more like an execution under the spotlight.

Xu Shengjie tuned the guitar and plucked the strings.

Theron looked at him with surprise, somewhat confused.

"Jeffrey!"

Shh, listen to me sing.

"what?"

Send someone to love me

I need to rest in my arms

Keep me safe from harm in pouring rain

Give me endless summer

Lord, I fear the cold.

Feel I'm getting old before my time

As my soul heals the shame

I will grow through this pain

Lord, I'm doing all

I can to be a better man……”

This song, called "Better Man," was written in 2000 by Robbie Williams and John Chambers and included on his album "Sing When You're Winning." The lyrics are full of the core message of persevering through adversity and striving to become a better version of oneself.

In later generations, especially with the help of the TV program "World Football", this song was regarded by fans as a tribute to Baggio.

The singer probably never expected that this song, originally a celebration of love and a song about becoming a better man, would become Baggio's signature song in China.

Yes, at least in Xu Shengjie's heart, this song is a song dedicated to Baggio!

Theron was a little confused, but also understandable.

Especially when watching the melancholic yet handsome man standing on the awards stage on TV, Theron suddenly felt that this song was really fitting for the occasion.

After the song ended, the Brazilian team began to celebrate.

He silently put down his guitar, then suddenly stood up and opened his arms.

"Jeffrey, are you alright?"

Xu Shengjie, with tears still on his face, burst into laughter and hugged Theron.

"Jeffrey!"

"Hahaha, now it's time to celebrate my achievements!"

"What did you gain?"

I've paid my dues

time after time

I've finished my sentence

But committed no crime

And bad mistakes

I've made a few

I've had my share of sand

Kicked in my face

But I've come through

And I need to go on and on and on and on

We are the champions my friends

And we'll keep on fighting till the end

We are the champions

We are the champions

No time for losers

'Cause we are the champions of the world..."

Charlize Theron has heard this song, "We are the Champions"!

So, you're a fan of the Brazilian team?

But you were just crying and singing for the Italian team... Jeffrey, are you crazy?!

……