1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 99 Start-up

Chapter 101 Start-up (5+2)

Richard Gere established himself as a gentle and romantic heartthrob through films like *American Gigolo*, *An Officer and a Gentleman*, and *Pretty Woman*. In the eyes of countless middle-aged American women, he was a good man and a good husband.

But where there are fans, there are also haters.

Janet Maslin is Richard Gere's number one hater.

She joined The New York Times in 77, where she worked as a film and literary critic.

He was one of the most famous film critics of that period.

I don't know what Richard Gere did to offend her, but starting in the 1980s, probably with "An Officer and a Gentleman," she frequently criticized Richard Gere in the newspapers. Even "Pretty Woman" didn't do him any favors.

Richard Gere is a hypocritical gentleman.

Looking at his works, they are all the same, and there is always an uncomfortable sense of incongruity in his every move.

Yes, it feels out of place!

It makes people feel fake, very fake.

Perhaps it has something to do with him personally; his performances are always nauseating.

This is Janet's comment on Richard Gere after watching "Pretty Woman".

Pure black!

Pure black without any reason.

Harris actually knows Janet?

That's understandable, though. She's an agent based in New York, so her relationship with the New York media is definitely very close.

Moreover, Janet holds a high position at The New York Times.

She, along with Michiko Kakutani and Dwight Garner, are known as the three major commentators for The New York Times.

Michiko Kakutani and Dwight Garner focus on literary criticism, while Janet, in addition to literary criticism, also dabbles in film and television criticism.

Harris flipped through the report while comparing the photos.

"Jeffrey, I remember you said you had a good relationship with David?"

That's David Henry Huang.

David Henry Hwang?

"Yes!"

Xu Shengjie replied.

"If possible, ask him to get Frank Rich to make some statements."

"Frank Rich?"

Xu Shengjie looked at Harris and asked, "Who is that?"

"Jeffrey, you really need to brush up on your knowledge and learn more about the New York cultural scene."

Harris said helplessly.

Just as she was about to continue, Edward Norton interjected, "The best theater critic on Broadway."

His commentary can even influence theater production and the direction of the Tony Awards—he's also a commentator for the New York Times, isn't he?

"Yes, he also works as a commentator for The Washington Post."

In the United States, movies are a form of entertainment for the general public.

However, on a cultural level, Broadway theater far surpasses film and television.

Different level of sophistication!

It's like how the rock music scene looks down on pop music, and pop singers look down on hip-hop and rap—it's the same thing.

If you can't make it in Hollywood, but you can succeed on Broadway, you'll likely be able to return to Hollywood and gain recognition.

Broadway actors and Hollywood stars —

They're clearly not on the same level.

"He is a critic in the theater world —"

"Don't worry, although Frank focuses on theater, he can still influence the cultural sphere."

"Okay, I'll give it a try."

Danny Airo then stood up and said, "Harris, give me a backup."

"what?"

"I'll contact Kenneth Turan."

He just moved from The Washington Post to the Los Angeles Times as a columnist, and I'm sure he'll like this material.

Zhang Ping'an felt dizzy and disoriented ever since he came in.

Zhou Wenqiong, on the other hand, widened her eyes.

Is this how Hollywood operates? It's fucking dark!

But where did Jeffrey get all this dirt on him? Was he prepared in advance?

If that's the case, then he's really too cunning!

Everyone got busy with their own tasks.

Xu Shengjie immediately put the matter out of his mind.

Just as Harris said, these scandals won't kill Richard Gere, but they'll definitely give him a lot of trouble.

By the time he recovered, filming for "Run Lola Run" was finished.

When the time comes, no matter how much he tries to pull, we'll see what happens in the movie.

Xu Shengjie is full of confidence in his version of "Run Lola Run".

However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease.

Many things are not always within one's control.

Just as Xu Shengjie was focused on preparing for the start of filming, a news report on the 22nd silenced him once again.

That evening, a CBS Hollywood news report shattered Xu Shengjie's peaceful state of mind.

The interviewee is Jon Voight.

After finishing filming a family adventure movie called "The Tin Soldier," he encountered a CBS reporter as he left the set.

CBS is no stranger to Xu Shengjie and Julie.

Xu Shengjie has been featured multiple times in Madison Square Garden, during the four-game series between the Knicks and the Rockets, and in the SportsSaturday program.

The reporter had obviously seen the Los Angeles Times report, so he asked Jon what his opinion was on the matter.

"I know about this, but I don't know much about it."

"But as far as I know, Jeffrey Tsui originally invited your daughter Angelina Jolie to star in this film."

"Yes, they did have such an agreement."

The child's script was inspired by Julie.

However, I have other plans for Julie. She's currently filming "Outer Boundaries," and I'll be taking her to the set of "Heat" to learn more. She's still young, needs time to mature, and needs more guidance.

Jeffrey's script is great, I've heard. Both Pao and Spike like it.

But I think young people should be more down-to-earth.

Have you ever participated in film production? Do you know the film production process? Do you know how to manage a film crew?

Richard meant no harm; he was simply offering Jeffrey some advice from his own experience.

"So, you also think Jeffrey Xu is unreliable?"

"Ha, I didn't say that—sorry, I have something to do, let's talk later."

Jon left in a hurry.

But his statement caused a huge uproar.

Angelina Jolie once had a kisscam interaction with Xu Shengjie during a CBS broadcast of the NBA Finals.

Furthermore, some media outlets have reported that Xu Shengjie and Angelina Jolie were once together.

So, did Julie's departure also stem from a lack of trust in Xu Shengjie?

If even his girlfriend doesn't trust him, is his work worth looking forward to?

More importantly, Jon revealed in the interview that he was inspired by Jolie.

So, did Xu Shengjie really write this script all by himself?

"Run Lola Run" was a small production with an investment of only $150 million.

Theoretically, it shouldn't have received much attention—film crews start shooting every day in Hollywood and New York. However, due to Richard Gere's comments and Jon Voight's interview, many people who were previously unaware of the film began to focus their attention on the crew, as well as Xu Shengjie and the lead actors.

In a tenement building in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York.

The cameras, sets, and everything else are ready.

The scene and shot of "Run Lola Run" are about to begin.

Charlize Theron had finished her makeup and was taking a deep breath in front of the camera, mentally preparing for the shoot.

I am Lola, I am Lola!

Xu Shengjie sat in front of the director's monitor, carefully examining the footage.

The set was quiet, and everyone's attention was focused on Xu Shengjie and Charlize Theron under the camera.

"Tim, soft sticks, action!"

Tim Herlich is in charge of the script supervision today.

He was a veteran; he picked up the clapperboard and stepped forward, announcing, "Act 1, Scene 1, First Time—"

Snapped.

The sound of the clapperboard was soft and gentle.

Immediately afterwards, the phone rang.

"Position number one, aim at the phone."

Xu Shengjie held the walkie-talkie and gave instructions in a low voice.

The phone continued to ring. A hand grabbed the receiver, and Theron appeared in the frame, but she didn't move; only her body was filmed.

Theron delivered her lines fluently.

Xu Shengjie immediately shouted, "Cut! Great! Sally did a fantastic job. Let's do one more take."

He put down the walkie-talkie and stood up.

The start-up went smoothly, and Theron's lines were very emotionally charged.

Danny Airo and others applauded softly behind him.

He certainly doesn't seem like a rookie; his effortless demeanor makes him look like a seasoned veteran who's been on film sets for years.

Moreover, Xu Shengjie's design for the camera and lighting is also very clear.

Those in the crew who had initially harbored some doubts were now speechless after the filming was completed.

Zhou Wenqiong walked over in a hurry.

Today is Saturday, and she didn't have class, so she came to the film set to help out.

The same goes for Tim.

"Jeffrey, something's wrong."

"What?"

"A reporter wants to interview you."

"ah?"

Xu Shengjie frowned and said in a deep voice, "I'm very busy. If Richard Gere said anything else, don't tell me the details."

Just tell the reporter that you don't have the energy to respond to that nonsense.

"It's about Julie!"

Zhou Wenqiong cautiously looked at Xu Shengjie's slightly immature face and said softly, "Mr. Jon Voight seems to have said something unpleasant."

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