Chapter 231 - Subversive Changes

At the urging of Eckles, Lin Mingyang finally "dawdled" and finished writing a script, but he also brought Eckles another piece of news.

"So you've already taken care of Scarlett Johansson?"

MGM's headquarters building, Eckles' office, Lin Mingyang once again took over, unceremoniously sitting on Eckles' seat, while Eckles could only helplessly make it across the table from him.

"Please pay attention to your wording, I just asked her out for coffee and to catch up!"

Lin Mingyang stretched out a finger and shook it, correcting Ecks' statement.

"You guys chatting and catching up is in the newspaper, do you think that's normal?"

Ecks had no good reason to throw Lin Ming Yang a copy of yesterday's newspaper, on which the scene of him and Scarlett Johansson chatting and drinking coffee had been secretly photographed by the paparazzi. Lin Mingyang is a hot Hollywood star, plus a new generation of American sex goddess Scarlett Johansson, although the two together really did not do anything, but the paparazzi as long as the slightest "imagination", a pile of sexy peach color news is born.

The newspaper Lin Mingyang even look at a lazy glance, "I am now in the supermarket to buy things, as long as and the saleswoman to chat a little more, by those paparazzi bumped into can make up a whole lot of stories, not to mention and Scarlett drink coffee!

Lin Mingyang so said Ecks has believed seven points, do not look at Lin Mingyang weekdays gossip, but really let the media to get real evidence of the situation almost never happened, those newspapers and magazines for his private life reports, all are based on speculation and imagination. In this issue Lin Mingyang has been very cautious, if he really and Scarlett have abnormal relationship, it is estimated that the whereabouts of the two will not be so easily found by the media.

"Then let's talk about the script!" Ecks didn't continue to dwell on the topic, "How did you suddenly come up with the idea to write such a story?"

Lin Ming Yang shrugged, "Isn't this kind of movie that combines detectives, thrillers and conspiracy theories very popular nowadays? If it's in a little bit related to religion, the audience should be very willing to spend money to walk into the movie theater, 'Da Vinci's Code' is a good example!"

"But why Holmes?" Eckles pursued, "These days, unless you're a 'superfan' of traditional detective fiction, you can't bear to hold a large copy of The Complete Sherlock Holmes Mysteries, can you? Maybe you do have that thick set on your bookshelf, but do you dare say it's bigger than a piece of wallpaper?"

Lin Mingyang did not immediately retort, although the talent to penetrate the surface of things with insight and the extraordinary ability to recognize the truth from easily confusing ruses embodied in the character of Sherlock Holmes did have a charm that transcended the ages and fascinated people. But one thing that is not in doubt is that Sherlock Holmes is a fictionalized character who began appearing in the late 19th century in a series of stories and novels created by British author Arthur Conan Doyle. The brilliant detective soon became one of the most enduringly influential figures in popular culture, and the adventures he endured have become some of the most widely read and sacred chapters in the history of the English language.

But time has changed, pipes, canes, black hats, murder, deduction, catching the culprit... the 19th century set of "original detective" now can not be said to be dead and stagnant, but it is really boring some of the sour, people will be put on the shelf is not too much.

In a serious and thorough study of Arthur Conan Doyle's four novels and 56 independent short stories, Lin Mingyang more and more feel that Sherlock Holmes stories to today, there must be a new change, so he thought of the "cross" this fashionable reason, a more than 100 years ago, a meticulous brain, in the face of ever-changing technology and means and an endless stream of high technology. Whether a sophisticated brain of more than 100 years ago can still be invincible in the face of ever-changing technology and endless high-intelligence criminal methods is a profound proposition that Lin Mingyang wants to explore in this movie.

In fact, this kind of idea is not Lin Mingyang's first creation. If the deliberate subversion in his film is to better suit the requirements of the audio-visual language of the new commercial blockbusters for large scenes and action, as well as the audience's desire for ambiguity and excitement in the commercial psychology, then the classic "Sherlock Holmes" as the originator of the period of time of the countries. In fact, the classic "sleuth" image of each country has never stopped the genetic mutation with the times.

American writers in the middle of the 20th century mutated him into a drunken and lonely tough guy, and Japanese deduction "masters" in the "last century" transformed him into various "geeks" ranging from Conan, who could not grow up, to Renzaburo, who was an old man with no sense of humor at all. The "geeks".

Perhaps the audience has been "tired" of these changes with the times, so Lin Mingyang this time in a bold breakthrough in the original era of the limitations of the basis, but also a traditional Holmes restored out.

"To put it in very fashionable terms nowadays, Sherlock Holmes may be considered the first superhero in cultural history, but he won with his intelligence. Even as it has evolved to this day, he remains the most recognized iconoclastic figure in the world, even to the point where many people believe that Holmes is not a fictional, but a real person."

Lin Mingyang patiently explained, "The more Conan Doyle's novels you read, the more you will realize what a rich resource Holmes contains in his body, he is skilled in many skills, he can play the violin, kung fu, and boxing, as well as being a professional fighter and connoisseur with a sword. Holmes possesses such a strong moral compass when it comes to delivering justice and bringing bad guys to justice that he has spent almost his entire life just being able to be a good detective. Although previous generations have done a satisfactory job in presenting this character, if put into the context of a different era, I think there is really a lot more in Holmes that can be worth exploring."

From the eyebrows that Ecks wrinkled together you can see his conflicted heart right now, it is indeed too difficult for such a classic character as Holmes to recreate a classic, because the British series of Sherlock Holmes from the 80's has already portrayed this character very well, and if the descendants want to surpass it, at least in terms of the actors, they really can't find anyone with a similar face embryo and acting credits like Jeremy Brett.

Moreover, the detective story of Sherlock Holmes is basically known to everyone, so the old familiar script wants to seriously restore the style is not easy, and restore out and the previous work, especially the British drama "Sherlock Holmes" series for comparison, the topic of conversation is not only the quality of the film and the effect of so simple. Therefore, whether it is the story or the characters, it is difficult to start from any angle.

It's not that Axe doesn't trust Lin Mingyang, but remaking a classic is a difficult job. It's not easy to restore the original look of a classic, but it's also difficult to go through the audience's comments or alterations, and then the production of the sequel has to depend on the deliberations of many parties to be able to know. As you can see, it's not easy to remake a classic, and it's even harder to subvert it. It is not easy to make it look good, but also to make everyone accept the classic again, elegant but not vulgar, and make the effect of transformation, which is even more difficult.

Ecks stood up, propped up the table with both hands and leaned over to Lin Ming Yang.

He stared into Lin Ming Yang's eyes, "How sure are you?"

Lin Ming Yang looked at Ecks as if he was looking at a monster, "It's not like it's the first day you've known me, what do you think?"

"Alright, count me as not asking!" Ecks withdrew his body back, then grabbed the phone on his desk, "Cord, you inform the media that we're going to hold a press announcement in the afternoon, at which time we'll be announcing MGM's recent plans to shoot a new movie."

Ecks instructed a few more things over the phone, and when he put down the phone Lin Ming Yang looked at him with a stunned expression.

"I script which has just been written, do I need to be in such a hurry?"

Ecks nodded solemnly at him, "MGM is off to a great start this year, and I hope that this state of affairs will continue... Moreover, ending the untrue scandal between you and Scarlett on the grounds of collaborating on a movie, I think it's good for both you and her!"

At the announcement meeting that afternoon, Eckles personally announced the filming plans for The New Sherlock Holmes in front of over a hundred media outlets.

A reporter asked on the spot, if watching this movie whether you need to know about the original novel in advance, Eckels on the spot is very sure to give the answer: "Whether it is to know this film when or now, I would say no. Felix gives the answer never reliable, if he rules and regulations to make a movie, then he will not have the current popularity and fame. "

----

With the momentum of the big win, the shooting of MGM's new movie naturally attracts attention from all sides, the male and female protagonists of the movie have already been determined, Lin Mingyang personally acted as the screenwriter this time, but did not intend to act as the director himself. As the last suspense before the film starts shooting, the director of "New Sherlock Holmes" has naturally become the focus of media attention.

And the scandal between Lin Mingyang and Scarlett Johansson also died down, but even if MGM does not come out to clarify at this time, it is expected that the media's will not focus on this matter, because recently the U.S. entertainment industry broke another explosive news.

About the pop diva Madonna and British director Guy Ritchie is ready to divorce the news as early as the beginning of the year has been boisterous rumors for a long time, but the parties have not come forward to confirm. But recently Reuters, People magazine, the New York Daily News, The Sun and many other media outlets have published reports stating that the two have officially announced the end of their marriage of less than eight years.

While news of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's divorce has been rumored from time to time, it has never been viable. In July this year, it was even rumored that Madonna had an affair with New York Yankees baseball star Alex Rodriguez leading to the latter's divorce, but Madonna debunked the rumors in public and firmly stated, "My husband and I have absolutely no intention of divorcing."

She has since also taken a break from touring to accompany Guy Ritchie to the London premiere of his new movie, Gangs of Rock. And Ritchie, in an interview with People magazine, said, "As far as I know, I don't have a single problem in my marriage."

Just when the media and the public thought this was another untrue farce, Madonna's side issued an official statement that the marriage had come to an end, and there was a media outcry.

Madonna herself, who is currently on her "Hot and Sweet" world tour in Boston, did not explain the divorce, but her spokeswoman announced: "Madonna and Guy Ritchie have both agreed to a divorce. They both hope that the media will treat them and their families with respect during this extraordinary time."

Britain's The Sun newspaper cited "a reliable source" as saying that it has been difficult for the two to continue living together since they had a heated argument not long ago over the amount of time they were spending on their respective careers and Madonna's desire to adopt another African girl. The two had planned to officially announce their divorce next year. However, due to the fact that they have been too busy with their respective careers to deal with the many problems between them, the relationship has deteriorated further, and with Guy Ritchie wanting a divorce so badly, Madonna finally has no intention of pretending to be a loving couple anymore.

The end of the marriage also marked the beginning of the war, and a divorce lawsuit was inevitable between the wealthy Madonna and Guy Ritchie. Madonna is the world's richest female artist today, Forbes magazine counted her from June 2006 to July 2007, $72 million in revenue. The media naturally did not miss this opportunity to "join in the fun", the newspapers were full of news about Madonna's divorce, about Lin Mingyang's gossip has long been thrown to Java.

Lin Mingyang naturally also concerned about this big event in the U.S. entertainment industry, other people have a focus on Madonna, but he is concerned about the Guy Ritchie.

Why Guy Ritchie and Madonna divorce, break up after he can share how much property, these questions Lin Mingyang do not ask, he wants to know is Guy Ritchie has no time, willing to come to do the director of the "New Sherlock Holmes".

As a new British director who specializes in violent image style, Guy Ritchie is one of the few directors whose debut film is a hit, and who has made the world remember and go wild with two works, and has established a unique position in the film industry with just Two Old Smoking Guns and Stealing and Robbing.

Guy Ritchie's films are best remembered for their fragmented plots and parallel narratives. The most famous one is the scene in "Theft and Deceit" in which all three sides crash into each other, meeting for the first time in the movie and influencing each other without any knowledge. Here the director uses cross montage to invert the causes and consequences, showing the results before explaining the origins one by one, enhancing the effect of black humor.

Fans of Guy Ritchie's films enjoy the thrill created by the strong conflict of dramatic characters in his movies. In Guy Ritchie's movies, there are usually close to 10 characters of equal weight, and these characters often cross each other's paths as they fight over an item. The director then uses a lot of flashbacks and fast editing to present the behavior of these characters in a form of anxiety and confusion, while the music and the editing complement each other and blend perfectly to make the movie cool.

Guy Ritchie's success lies in the fact that the complexity of the characters' relationships does not slow down the pace of the movie, but rather speeds it up with a lot of fast and furious editing. This has polarized the audience's opinion of the film: some were forced to abandon the film because they couldn't keep up with the plot due to the lack of clarity of the clues in front of them.

It can be said that the perfect blend of story editing and music is the reason why Guy Ritchie's movies are so popular among many moviegoers. However, it is also because of the strong stylization that makes the audience analyze a lot of information on the way to the movie, which makes the mainstream moviegoers stay away from it. This also explains why Ritchie's movies are niche films; it is generally difficult for him to make movies that are massively successful at the box office.

It's not surprising that Lin wanted to make a subversive Sherlock Holmes movie and thought of Guy Ritchie. Anyone familiar with Guy Ritchie's work knows that the 37-year-old British director likes to make frequent use of narration, and often builds up a large number of informative and intertwined clues in order to tell his stories. For a movie with a suspenseful, deductive tone, this characteristic of Guy Ritchie is exactly what Lin Mingyang needs.

The niche style of the film, the postmodern style of editing, these are all acceptable to Lin Mingyang, really troubled him to make a choice or Guy Ritchie's extremely unstable quality of work.

Guy Ritchie wrote and directed Theft and Deception, which caused a sensation upon its release and even broke the highest box office record in British movie history, becoming the highest-grossing film in British movie history. But he went on to make admittedly bad movies like Stepping Over the Line, a movie co-written by Ritchie and his own wife, which was so poorly received that the husband and wife were both trolled by the Golden Acid Mae Awards.

In addition to Lin Mingyang's own misgivings, his idea met with considerable resistance when it was discussed within MGM. Most people thought that if they gave the movie to Guy Ritchie, they probably wouldn't even be able to recoup their investment in the end. Guy Ritchie is in the center of the divorce controversy, and it is not a wise choice for MGM to approach him at this time.

The conference room almost showed a one-sided situation, Lin Mingyang one hand propped up his head, his fingers are very hidden in the rubbing his temples, he is now for this really feel some headache.

Ecks, who was sitting next to him, didn't rush to express his opinion, but was quietly considering the pros and cons of the whole thing. And Lin Mingyang cooperation for so long, for his those "incredible" ideas, Ecks has long been seen strange, in fact, he and Lin Mingyang every time there are differences of opinion, but the results prove that Lin Mingyang's choices every time did not make any big mistakes.

Eckers knows that Lin Mingyang in doing a thing when he himself is not 100% sure, but just that kind of intuitive judgment of success is already very scary, so this time in the case of all the people are opposed to the situation, but he chose to stand on the side of Lin Mingyang.

"I think we can let Guy Ritchie give it a try!"

The moment this statement was made, everyone else in the conference room, including Lin Ming Yang, was dumbfounded. No one said anything, but there were a lot of expressions on their faces. Lin Mingyang glanced towards Ecks with slight gratitude and finally made up his mind.

"Does everyone have any more comments?" Whenever Lin Mingyang said this, it pretty much meant that the meeting was coming to an end and he already had a decision in his mind.

"I think it might be more prudent to ask Guy Ritchie to come up with a shooting program first!" The head of the distribution department made a compromise suggestion.

Lin Mingyang nodded, "Let's do as you say on this matter, then... adjourn the meeting!"