Chapter 1400 (1/2)
Martin Scosese and Spielberg are two directors with different styles.
In terms of film art alone, Martin Scorsese is purer than Spielberg, who is one of the most successful commercial directors in Hollywood, far above Martin Scorsese in terms of his ability to make money.
Although they have different styles, they have a very good relationship in private, so it's up to Spielberg to discuss with Martin Scorsese the task of shooting the American version of Infernal Affairs.
Spielberg didn't call Martin Scorsese until it was dark in the cloud province. It was morning in the United States. Martin Scorsese was enjoying coffee and reading newspapers at his home in Los Angeles. Suddenly, he received a call from Spielberg, which surprised him.
On the phone, Martin Scorsese opened his mouth and asked with a smile, ”Steven, is it night in China now?”
”That's right.” Spielberg said with a smile, ”you really should come here to experience it. I shoot in the mountains. The natural scenery here is really wonderful.”
”Oh come on...” Martin Scorsese joked: ”I'm an old bone. I'd better not go to the mountains. I'm not as young as you.”
Spielberg said with a smile, ”we're only four years away.”
Martin Scorsese smiled and asked him, ”call me half the world away. Don't you just want to talk to me?”
”To be honest, I'm calling about a project that I want to work with you,” Spielberg said
”Oh?” Martin Scorsese asked curiously, ”is it about movies?”
”Of course.” ”Li Mu, the boss of Muye technology, bought the remake of Infernal Affairs from Warner and wanted to invite you to direct it,” Spielberg said
Martin Scorsese asked in surprise, ”Li Mu? My God is Li Mu, a Chinese man who has become a billionaire at a young age? ”
”Yes, he is.” Spielberg said with a smile: ”you should know that our cooperation with Li Mu is relatively close. The film I am making now is also invested by Li Mu.”
”I know, flying tigers!” Martin Scorsese said: ”I heard about it yesterday, saying that Warner bought the right to remake a Hong Kong film for $1.75 million, and it didn't take long for it to be bought back at double price. That's what you said about Infernal Affairs?”
Spielberg said with a smile, ”your news is very good. Yes, it's this film. Li Mu wants to invest and distribute it with DreamWorks. Do you have any interest?”
Martin Scorsese said: ”frankly, I'm very interested in working with people like Li Mu, but I'm not very interested in remaking movies. Besides, I'm still remaking a Chinese movie. Their film industry level is much lower than ours...”
Spielberg asked Martin Scorsese, ”Martin, have you seen this movie?”
”Not yet.”
”Let's see first.” Spielberg said: ”you take a moment to have a look first, and feel that the theme of this film is police and bandit film, and the setting is very brilliant, I am sure you will like it.”
Martin Scorsese thought for a moment and said, ”this I'm actually preparing a movie project about Howard Hughes. If it's well prepared, it may start shooting next year, and there may be time conflicts, right
Spielberg said: ”Martin, put Howard Hughes back. You can shoot his story at any time, but the cooperation opportunity of Li Mu is now in front of you. You should also know that cooperation with Li Mu can obtain a lot of powerful resources. This is a great opportunity. If you don't believe it, look at the pastoral ticketing system. DreamWorks is in North America's Pastoral ticketing system holds shares, which are the resources obtained from Li Mu after cooperating with him. ”
Martin Scorsese is in a dilemma. In fact, he wanted to make Howard Hughes's films for a long time. This period of time is in the early stage of preparing to put theory into practice. If he takes over the film of Li Mu at this time, he will undoubtedly postpone the film he wants to make later.
But Spielberg is right. Li Mu's resources are powerful. Even the top tycoons like Buffett and bill gates are not necessarily comparable to Li Mu in the media and entertainment industry. If they can get on with him, they will get a lot of resources in the future, so this is a rare opportunity.
However, Martin Scorsese felt a little bit reluctant to make a remake of a Hong Kong film in his heart, because he was worried that it was a movie project prepared by Li Mu as a Chinese and a wealthy Chinese, who deliberately threw money to prepare for the impact of Chinese films on Hollywood. If so, he would become a springboard for Chinese films to enter Hollywood Anyway, he is also a leading Hollywood director. If he really destroys his reputation and helps endorse Chinese films, he will be laughed at by Hollywood in the future
Listening to Martin Scorsese on the other end of the phone, he didn't reply. Spielberg probably understood what he was worried about. So he said: ”Martin, I'm not urging you to agree now, but I hope you can put down your prejudices to understand the cooperation project. At least, you should find a copy of Infernal Affairs and watch the movie from beginning to end, Personally, I think this movie is very suitable for you to direct, and I believe that with your ability, you can create a new height for this movie, and you can also create a new height for yourself through this movie, so you must watch it first. After watching it, if you are really not interested, I will not make more demands. ”When Martin Scorsese thought that Spielberg had said that, if he was still hesitant, he promised to come down and said, ”I'll go find a copy today.”
”The film hasn't been released on DVD in the United States, but several major film companies, including Warner, should have copies from Hong Kong film companies. You can borrow them,” Spielberg said
“OK。” Martin Scorsese said: ”I'll call later and see the film as soon as possible.”