673 Core Clues

If the original "Killing Reincarnation" were adapted into a movie, it could easily follow the tone of Japanese films like Battle Royale or Confession, where the themes are heavy and profound. However, a Hollywood adaptation is more likely to be a commercial, popcorn flick, and as such, it can't maintain that depth.

Rather than focusing on reincarnation and life as overarching themes, it's better to narrow the scope and center the story on Cage. His journey, from deserter to unsung hero, offers a compelling arc. This approach will keep the film's pacing intact while allowing viewers to explore larger ideas through Cage's personal growth.

As Paul mentioned, the film explores the meaning of war, death, and life. But Renly sees an additional layer—the significance of time.

A hush fell over the group as they turned to Renly, who was now at the center of attention. Paul asked, "Is that so?"

Renly smiled, clearly amused, and replied, "Why ask for my opinion? I'm just an actor, not a screenwriter. I offered a perspective on character growth, but it's up to Derek and Billy to refine the rest."

This wasn't modesty; it was the truth. Renly wasn't involved in scriptwriting. All of his insights came from understanding the character's development and the progression of the story.

For an actor, the ideal script is one where the narrative and the character's evolution are intertwined. Events must either shape the character or be shaped by them—there should be no wasted scenes or subplots. Whether it's a commercial blockbuster or an art film, a well-crafted script does not allow for extraneous material. Even in the most straightforward "save-the-world" stories, the connection between plot and character must be clear.

However, an actor's view is limited. They can't see the entire picture, the nuances of other characters, or the full arc of the story.

Billy nodded, sensing that the discussion had reached a turning point. "So, explain it from an actor's perspective."

Renly was ready. "Paul's view is accurate. I see the script as divided into three parts: the beginning, the growth, and the retrospective." He raised an eyebrow, adding, "What do you think? Does it have that touch of Eastern reincarnation?"

Everyone nodded thoughtfully. The use of Eastern philosophy, particularly the theme of reincarnation, resonated even through the English translation. While the original novel, Killing Reincarnation, came from Japan, Hollywood's version could still retain an aura of Eastern culture, though it might miss some of its subtleties.

"The first part is when Cage meets the J team. He's an outsider, thrown into the conflict, while the team members are soldiers, committed to the war," Renly explained. He paused for a moment, reflecting on his conversation with Jeff, which had begun as a vague idea but was now beginning to take shape. The group brainstormed together, making the process all the more dynamic.

"In the second part, Cage experiences his death cycle on the battlefield. In addition to Rita, he sees the death of his comrades—some of whom die because of his mistakes, some to save him, and others who perish in battle."

As Renly continued, Tim suddenly raised his hand, catching Renly off guard. Tim, a bit unsure of himself, suggested, "I think we need to add something here—not just death, but the soldiers' belief in the war. If it's simply a massacre, it builds a bond between Cage and his teammates, but it disconnects them from the reason they're fighting. Even in death, these soldiers are still striving to win."

There was a brief silence. Tim, noticing the quiet, nodded awkwardly and added, "Well, that's my thought." He looked around, unsure of his contribution, feeling a bit self-conscious.

Renly snapped his fingers, drawing Tim's attention. "That's the director's role," Renly clarified, turning toward Paul.

This detail, the soldiers' ongoing fight even in the face of death, could be a single line in the script—"The soldiers fought bravely to kill the enemy." But how that's presented visually depends on the director.

For instance, a scene where aliens kill soldiers might be framed to emphasize the brutality of their deaths, or it could highlight the soldiers' tenacity in continuing the fight even as they're dying. These differences in perspective would fundamentally change how the audience perceives Cage's character and his journey.

Paul, deep in thought, waved his hand in understanding and gestured for Renly to continue.

"The third part is the war's end. Everyone is resurrected, and Cage encounters his comrades again. He knows them, but they don't recognize him. When Cage and Rita meet again, Cage's eyes are filled with the wisdom of reincarnation, while Rita sees a stranger, though one who feels strangely familiar."

Renly took a small pause before adding, "This moment can mirror their first encounter—Cage's eyes filled with the knowledge of time's passage, while Rita's are full of the confusion of seeing someone so changed. It's a subtle yet powerful commentary on the nature of time."

Life, Renly mused, is like meeting someone for the first time. Time's power is relentless. It can destroy the most sincere emotions, but it can also deepen and strengthen them in unexpected ways. For Cage, time has shaped him; for his teammates and Rita, it's as if they're encountering him anew, yet also, somehow, seeing a lifetime's worth of change in him.

This approach introduces a new layer of meaning to reincarnation and infuses the film with an almost Zen-like rhythm.

Renly leaned back, finally taking a sip of water to soothe his throat. He hadn't had the chance to order coffee yet, but the discussions were in full swing.

Derek, who had been silent for a while, finally asked, "What about Cage's change in mindset between the second and third parts? We didn't discuss how his connection to his teammates shifts. They're fighting for their homes. How does Cage's attitude evolve? Why is that shift important?"

Renly didn't hesitate. "That's your job," he said, playfully throwing the responsibility back to Derek.

Derek's surprised look made Renly laugh.

Billy picked up the thread, explaining, "During the second part, Cage forms a bond with his teammates. They fight for their homes and their country, and this fuels Cage's own sense of purpose. As he watches his comrades die, his desire to protect them and honor their sacrifice grows. By the end, Cage realizes he can't fight alone. He must join forces with his teammates, embracing their shared mission."

Derek nodded in understanding. "So, he learns that he can't be a lone hero. He joins his teammates, fighting alongside them for a cause greater than himself."

The story now had a clearer trajectory, centered around Cage's personal growth, framed by the concept of time and reincarnation, set against the backdrop of a war. Despite the philosophical depth, the core of the film remained a battle-driven, commercial action movie—a balance that would depend heavily on the director's handling.

With the new vision in place, Renly couldn't help but feel excited. The unknown was always thrilling, even if the outcome was uncertain. At least they were striving to create something different.

Billy, lost in thought, suddenly broke the silence. "Why did we start discussing all of this?"

"Thematic core," Derek answered, "and the movie title."

"What about 'We're All Mortals'?" Tim suggested. "In this film, there are no real heroes. The heroes are ordinary people who rise up through struggle. Every mortal is a hero, fighting for their home."

Renly thought about it. "'We're All Mortals' is a bit too quiet. It doesn't have the impact we need." Lucinda chimed in, adding, "It's not catchy enough. Maybe something like Nirvana or Reincarnation?"

Paul leaned in, asking quietly, "What does reincarnation mean in Eastern culture?"

Renly was taken aback, realizing that the topic was deeper than he'd expected. "It's the idea that the soul is trapped in an endless cycle, bound by time and space, repeating over and over."

Paul nodded, and after a moment, he proposed, "How about 'Edge of Tomorrow'? It's about being stuck on the edge of the future, unable to move forward or return to the present. Constantly breaking through, reaching for tomorrow."

The group fell silent, each considering the title. "Edge of Tomorrow" seemed to capture the essence of the film—struggling against time and fate, constantly striving for a better future.