Letting go reluctantly

In the long river of films, there are always some works that can be remembered for a long time, regardless of whether they have been seen or liked. At least their names are heard of, such as "Citizen Kane", "Gone with the Wind", "The Shawshank Redemption", "The Godfather", and "Forrest Gump". Among these works, "Schindler's List" is also one of them.

"Schindler's List" truthfully reflects the historical story of German businessman Oskar Schindler protecting 1,200 Jews from being killed by the Nazis during World War II. This film is hailed as one of Steven Spielberg's most important works in his directing career.

Before the release of "Schindler's List", Steven Spielberg was mostly known as a successful commercial director. Films such as "Jaws", the "Indiana Jones" series, and "Jurassic Park" achieved tremendous success at the box office, placing Spielberg among the top directors. However, many professional film critics criticized Spielberg's works for lacking artistic qualities. The emergence of "Schindler's List" changed this situation.

"Schindler's List" is considered as Spielberg's self-transformation in terms of artistry. It not only won several Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, but also achieved great success at the box office. More importantly, Spielberg, as a Jewish person, presented the shocking Jewish Holocaust in the most authentic and unforgettable way.

Although there are many films that depict the Holocaust during World War II, including the later well-known "Life is Beautiful" and "The Pianist", "Schindler's List" remains one of the most influential works.

Hugo had watched "Schindler's List" multiple times and each viewing evoked different feelings. While it was undeniable that Spielberg portrayed the protagonist Schindler with a bit of excessive force, magnifying the American-style heroism in the story, the artistry and depth of the story were undeniable. It was undoubtedly one of the most important works in film history, deserving of the term "classic".

Hugo enjoyed this film not only for its depth and meaning but also for the rich emotions Spielberg invested in the characters. The main characters, supporting roles, and extras in the story were a microcosm of the era, embodying all aspects of humanity under that historical backdrop.

Hugo had always believed that this was the charm of movies, similar to music, as it carried people's emotions. Comedy brings joy, action films bring excitement, romance films bring romance... Whether it's commercial or art films, popcorn flicks or blood-soaked films, highbrow or lowbrow films, they all have their own value of existence. A good film is one that reflects the emotions of the audience.

Many people have been advocating the artistry of films, believing that "depth" is the core idea of a film, and only films like "The Shawshank Redemption", "The Godfather", "Forrest Gump", "The Lord of the Rings" and "Schindler's List" are considered good films. However, in fact, films, as an artistic medium, also come from life, and the depth of life is not only about warning and profound meaning, but also encompasses various life wisdom and trivial emotions. There is no need to burden films with so much responsibility.

Some movies are indeed worth contemplating, while for others, simply bringing a smile to the audience's face is considered successful, it's that simple.

Therefore, Hugo really liked the movie "Schindler's List" because it not only provoked deep thoughts but also left a profound emotional impact. Besides the protagonist, Oscar Schindler, the movie also portrayed many memorable characters, such as the Nazi officer Amon Goeth, the Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern, and others like the one-armed worker, the girl in the red coat, the Jewish maid, all of whom have left a lasting impression.

When Hugo learned that Tracey and Ron were working hard on the project "Schindler's List", it had an unprecedented impact on him.

Hugo had fully accepted the fact that he was in 90s, but he continued to move forward step by step without harboring too many fantasies about the future or envisioning grand blueprints. However, today, "Schindler's List" unexpectedly appeared in front of Hugo, making him realize that he was right in the midst of Hollywood's most glorious decade, the 1990s, and the year 1994, which gave birth to countless classics was right in front of him. Not only could he experience this era, but he could also be part of it as an actor.

There were numerous classic movies born in 1994, such as "Forrest Gump", "The Shawshank Redemption", "Interview with the Vampire", "Pulp Fiction", "Léon", "The Lion King", "True Lies", "Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Legends of the Fall", "The Mask", "Speed", "Natural Born Killers"... This long list of classic movies adorned that particular year with sparkling brilliance.

And now, Hugo stood on the last day before 1993, listening to the close proximity of "Schindler's List", and this feeling filled him with excitement!

Hugo exuded an aura of excitement from head to toe. Even Rick, let alone Joseph, could see it at a glance, which puzzles Rick to some extent. He wondered why Hugo was so excited just by hearing the name of the movie. Could it be that Hugo had read the original novel or the script, which was based on a true story about the survivors saved by Oskar Schindler? The novel was published as early as 1982, so it wouldn't be surprising if Hugo had read it.

"Why, are you interested?" Rick looked at Hugo curiously, smiling as he asked.

Inside, Hugo was shouting with excitement: Yes! I'm interested! To be a part of a classic masterpiece engraved in memory was undeniably highly appealing to Hugo. It was like a fatal attraction that left Hugo with no choice but to say "yes". It was just like when he found out he could collaborate with Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson. Hugo felt his hands trembling.

This feeling caused Hugo's amber-colored eyes to sparkle with anticipation and excitement. Joseph, who was standing nearby, saw Hugo's expression and felt his heart sink even further. If Hugo truly wished to be a part of this project, it was the responsibility of an agent to fulfill that wish. However, based on the current situation, Joseph realized he lacked the ability, and therefore, Ron was the best choice. This left Joseph feeling both disheartened and disappointed.

Although Hugo was currently filled with excitement, the allure of a classic masterpiece was like a dazzling zombifying disco ball pulling him forward. Saying "no" to "Schindler's List" was not an easy task. However, Hugo eventually calmed down. He knew that he was most likely not destined to be a part of "Schindler's List".

If Joseph relied on his own abilities to approach the "Schindler's List" project, he would undoubtedly face insurmountable challenges because Joseph himself was a novice in the industry. Therefore, Ron and Tracey were the best and most direct choices, but this choice seemed to be filled with obstacles.

Although Ron and Tracey were currently striving to become part of the "Schindler's List" project, they currently had no decision-making power. However, Hugo knew that Tracey would never willingly join him, and Ron's conditions were even more laughable: choosing him was like obtaining a key to the project, but the outcome remained unpredictable. However, the price Hugo would have to pay for an unknown outcome was betraying Joseph.

Of course, in the entertainment industry, they wouldn't use the term betrayal. Firstly, Hugo wasn't originally brought into the industry by Joseph; it was Ron who introduced him. Secondly, forming alliances between powerful individuals was a social reality, and it was not surprising that personal relationships were fragile.

But Hugo couldn't do that. If he were to leave Joseph to pursue a role in "Schindler's List", it would be considered a betrayal in his eyes. What would be the difference between his actions and when Ron handed him over to Joseph? Opportunities like "Schindler's List" would continue to arise in the future. Did that mean every time an agent failed to secure a collaboration, one should switch agents? Did it mean that Hugo must insert himself into every classic film? These were all just impossibilities for him.

Moreover, Hugo knew that without Joseph, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to audition for "Scent of a Woman" after the Golden Raspberry Awards. In the past year, while others may not see how Joseph has been of much help, Hugo knew that Joseph's assistance has been invaluable.

Both Hugo and Joseph started from scratch and have been steadily progressing in the acting industry. Hugo didn't believe he had the right to criticize Joseph for not having a broad network or abundant resources. On the contrary, Hugo was more willing to work and strive together with Joseph. If he missed out on "Schindler's List", perhaps he would encounter another great project. Who knew, right?

Thoughts swirl in his mind, but Hugo had made his decision. If he had to choose between a classic movie project and a close friendship, Hugo would without hesitation choose the latter. Therefore, although the temptation of "Schindler's List" was extraordinary and the decision was difficult, Hugo quickly made his choice.

"Oh, no," Hugo looked at Rick, shakes his head with a smile, and says, "I don't think Steven Spielberg would consider me, so I won't get involved." Then, Hugo pointed to Joseph and said with a smile, "I still have several projects that Joseph has found for me, waiting for me to read the scripts. I don't have time to think about anything else. A person should have ambition but not be greedy."

Hugo's words leave Rick momentarily stunned, and a hint of admiration appeared in his eyes. As for Joseph, who was originally extremely dejected, upon hearing Hugo's words, he froze in place as if struck by lightning, his body stiff and unable to react.