The Greatest Showman #1102 - Director's Perspective

"Don't you think that when the setting becomes too complex, it can mislead the audience? In Alfonso's script, everything is simplified, with a clear and concise main line. This enhances the audience's visual, auditory, and even tactile experience, amplifying the entire viewing effect. When content becomes too complicated, the viewing experience inevitably suffers."

"This is indeed a concern. However, the setting serves as a foil for the theme. During the conceptual stage, I need to think bigger, more intricately, in order to integrate Ryan Stone fully with the core theme of the script. Only then..."

"Only then can the layers be stripped away, and what's left will resonate deeply with the audience. What you're suggesting is to add complexity first, building up to the full effect, then simplifying the layers to bring all the branches together. In the end, the addition is left to the audience to reflect on after the film ends. Wow... You really are a madman."

"Thank you for the compliment. Initially, I considered a simpler setting—just a scene of Ryan with his family, exploring the character's outline. But the deeper I dug, I realized..."

"Such a character would be too thin!"

Before Renly could finish, Rooney had already blurted out, causing Renly to laugh and nod. "Exactly, it would also diminish the core idea of the script."

"See, I've discussed this with Alfonso. We aim to strip away Ryan's gender attributes and return to the essence of life itself—birth, growth, breakthroughs, and pursuits. The focus will be on showing the purest state of life, regardless of gender or age." Renly's explanation made Rooney pause to think.

"If it's just through performance, there's no way to fully present these elements," Rooney said thoughtfully. She didn't try to pretend to understand everything; instead, she raised her doubts honestly. "Do you have a special approach in mind?"

"The idea in my head right now is... a pair of feet," Renly said with sincerity.

"First, it's the foot of Ryan's younger brother, marking the moment of birth that Ryan witnessed as a child. Then, through a montage, we see the younger brother's foot again—this time on a computer screen. His brother sends an email, and Ryan, stuck in Houston, can't make it to the scene."

Renly struggled to convey his thoughts. It was a difficult task, as a director's perspective is very different from that of an actor. But Rooney understood, her eyes lighting up. "You mean, through the two moments of birth, Ryan's position changes: one moment he's involved, the next he's an observer. This contrasts the trajectory of his life."

Renly nodded. Rooney followed suit, and the two of them looked at Alfonso, who couldn't help but chuckle.

The conversation between the two was fascinating. One minute, they were debating passionately; the next, they were in perfect agreement, building on each other's ideas. Their thoughts flowed in a way that left everyone else behind.

At first, more than forty crew members had gathered to welcome Renly and Rooney to the set. The scattered beer cans were a testament to the lively atmosphere. But gradually, the crew couldn't keep up with the rapid exchange of ideas. One by one, they drifted off, leaving just the three of them.

As a director, though, Alfonso felt differently. The brainstorming session between Renly and Rooney sparked inspiration within him. The collaboration between the two was nothing short of perfect.

Now, in the spotlight, Alfonso knew they were waiting for his opinion.

"Feet. I like that idea. We can discuss with Emmanuel how to show the connection between life and the universe through the lens. A newborn's foot—this inspiration is akin to 'Tree of Life,' right? I love it," Alfonso said, his mind already painting a vivid picture.

Then, his tone shifted. "However, the montage editing method still feels too cumbersome. It complicates the expression. What if we show it through an email screen? Ryan's brother sends him a photo of the newborn's foot and expresses regret that Ryan couldn't make it. After Ryan closes the email, the computer screen lingers on the foot picture, triggering his memories."

Renly and Rooney exchanged glances, both visibly excited. But Renly paused, a slight hesitation in his eyes. "Would such an image disrupt the movie's overall style? Could it undermine the structure?"

"I have the same concern," Alfonso admitted. "I'll talk to Emmanuel about it." Emmanuel Lubezki, the cinematographer for Son of Man and Tree of Life, was responsible for the photography on Gravity. "But this concept, the cosmic environment interwoven with life—let's see what inspiration Emmanuel brings."

Renly, still mulling it over, said, "Right now, the thing I keep coming back to is what you said earlier, Alfonso."

Alfonso's attention sharpened. "What did I say?"

"On the first date between Ryan's brother and his wife, did he mention Ryan?" Renly asked.

"Yeah. He looked up to Ryan. He was so proud of his brother. He'd always say, 'My brother's an astronaut. He's a genius. The way he thinks is so different.' You know, if someone talks to him about quantum mechanics, he feels like he's reached the climax of the conversation."

After Renly finished speaking, Rooney chuckled softly, adding, "I think if someone talks to you about quantum mechanics, you might just feel that climax, too."

The lighthearted moment passed quickly, as Alfonso continued, "I like small details like this. It ties in with the foot photo. No matter how Ryan feels, his brother's admiration for him hasn't changed. It's also a moment for Ryan to reconnect with himself—awaken the first spark, the first dream, the first motivation in his heart."

Alfonso became increasingly animated, breaking free of his usual shyness as he animatedly expressed his thoughts. "We could even add a lullaby—when Ryan begins to fight for survival again, he hums a lullaby softly. He could reflect on his younger brother's little jokes, and this would complete the emotional core of the entire scene."

Renly was taken aback. The actor in him couldn't quite see the full picture. "Singing a lullaby while surviving? I'm not sure Ryan Stone is that kind of character."

Alfonso paused, reflecting. "Yes, but between chaos and despair, it's like teetering on the edge of a cliff—where crisis and tenderness intertwine."

Renly's skepticism persisted. "No, I mean, Ryan's a cool, composed genius. He's not the type to hum a lullaby. This could feel too sentimental, right?"

Alfonso was caught off guard, his ideas clashing with Renly's interpretation.

"Maybe look at it from another angle," Rooney suggested, bringing a new perspective into the conversation.

"At this moment, Ryan reconnects with his roots, as if he's returned to his childhood. He's surviving to return to his starting point. The 'cool, composed' version of Ryan transforms back into his childhood self. He could hum a lullaby to his brother, awakening the purest version of himself."

Rooney finished thoughtfully, "The challenge lies in the acting. The difference can't be too stark, or the character will collapse. But it can't be too subtle, or the transformation won't be clear. This is the moment that will truly test the actors."

The complexity of the scene was obvious. Delicate and intricate, yet simple and profound. Soft and tough. Rooney imagined it, realizing the difficulty of pulling it off was akin to climbing a mountain. Honestly, she couldn't think of any actor capable of the feat—except Renly.

And with that thought, Rooney found herself excited, eager to dive into the work alongside him.