Chapter 36: Big AB-Style Acting

The original "Final Destination" was initially a script intended for the TV series "The X-Files," but was later adapted into a film by the Chinese-American director James Wong. Of course, at this point in time, the "X-Files" project doesn't even exist, let alone the script.

In fact, many Hollywood directors of Chinese descent excel in horror and thriller films. James Wong's achievements are well-known, and James Wan's "Saw" series and the "Conjuring" universe are classic horror films that have left a lasting impact.

If one were to continue working in the horror-thriller genre, logically, "Saw" would be a better choice for Gilbert. This film was shot in 2004 with a budget of only $1.2 million, which in today's context could be accomplished with just tens of thousands of dollars.

However, after careful consideration, Gilbert decided to pass on this film. He could keep the script and the idea for future projects, but after finishing "Final Destination," he was determined to branch out.

To become one of the world's top directors, one must have a diverse range of work. Even horror masters like James Wan have directed films like "Furious 7" and "Aquaman."

Gilbert's ambition was not just to become a carbon copy of James Wan; he aimed to reach the same level as Spielberg and James Cameron.

In his previous life working in online movies, such thoughts could only be kept to himself as daydreams. But now, with such a great opportunity, not seizing it would be a waste of what fate had offered.

Inside a soundstage at Disney's production studio, a scene set in an airplane cabin was being filmed. After initial adjustments, the filming process was smoothly progressing.

Thanks to Gilbert's clear vision for the film, everything was going incredibly well—almost too well. When reporting on the crew's work to CEO Robert Iger, producer Kane Wexman marveled, "Bob, you wouldn't believe it. Gilbert is just a young director under 22, yet he's so mature. His directing techniques, framing, and shooting methods are as seasoned as someone with decades of experience in Hollywood."

Robert Iger was inwardly surprised but maintained a contented smile. "I've told you before, Gilbert is a genius."

At this point, Kane Wexman was genuinely impressed by Robert Iger's eye for talent. "Bob, I'm starting to believe that Gilbert is exactly the kind of person we're looking for at Touchstone Pictures. Will he be the next Steven Spielberg or James Cameron?"

Robert Iger chuckled, "I think he'd prefer to be known as Gilbert Landry..."

Gilbert himself wasn't concerned with how Touchstone Pictures viewed him; he was focused on nailing this scene.

"Claire, where are the details in your performance? Don't just widen your eyes—put some expression into it! Do you think you're Big AB?"

Gilbert's scolding made Cameron Diaz shrink back, not daring to speak up.

The rest of the crew watched silently, not daring to intervene. Art director Selena Hefie curiously asked cinematographer Durandolph, "Who's Big AB?"

Durandolph shrugged, indicating he didn't know either.

Of course, they wouldn't know. If there's no mistake, at this time, Big AB would be just four years old, far from starring in "Dove in the Clouds" or "Eye-Widening Warrior."

But that didn't stop Gilbert from using her as an example to encourage the cast to deliver better performances.

Among them, Cameron Diaz was the one who got scolded the most. If a scene wasn't right, Gilbert would scold and guide her repeatedly.

Yet, it was rare for Gilbert to use English curse words like "f***" or "s***." Instead, he often slipped in phrases like "卧槽" (Wocao), "真彪" (Zhenbiao), and "二傻子" (Ershazi), which the crew couldn't understand.

They later found out that Gilbert knew Chinese, having studied it as an elective in college. The words he used were Chinese swear words.

This left the crew a bit dumbfounded. The director was cursing at them, and they had no idea what he was saying.

To get to the bottom of it, several crew members even bought basic Chinese language textbooks to study.

But these books certainly didn't teach curse words, so they ended up learning directly from the director!

Soon, the set of "Final Destination" was filled with phrases like "卧槽" (Wocao), "真彪" (Zhenbiao), and "血马艹蛋" (Xuemacao'dan).

Even though their pronunciation wasn't accurate, they were cursing with seriousness and sincerity.

To Gilbert, the scene was somewhat amusing.

After scolding Cameron Diaz, Gilbert's heart softened when he saw her teary-eyed expression, and he began patiently explaining the scene to her.

Seeing her still confused look, Gilbert sighed and clapped his hands, saying, "Okay, let's get ready and start moving."

The crew members ended their huddle and quickly dispersed to prepare.

In this scene, the emphasis was on Matt Damon's performance. Fortunately, among the young actors, Matt Damon was doing quite well.

He had acting experience and natural talent.

Once everything was ready, the airplane cabin scene began shooting again.

"Final Destination, Scene 5, Take 2. Action..."

This scene was actually two scenes: the first showed the plane exploding, as seen in the protagonist's dream, and the second showed the protagonist waking up and insisting on getting off the plane, followed by the subsequent events.

"Alex, can you switch seats with Blake? We want to sit together." With those words from the girl, Matt Damon's character, Alex, woke up from his dream.

The camera focused on Matt Damon's face, drenched in sweat, with a panicked expression. The details were spot on.

Contrary to what many might think, filming a scene isn't just about getting it all in one go. It's composed of different shots, repeated multiple times, with the best parts selected during editing.

So making a movie isn't as simple as it seems. Even with the original version as a reference, without proper training and experience, an outsider wouldn't be able to direct.

Of course, decades later, in that land across the ocean, actors, writers, and even comedians would try their hand at directing. That era was an exception.

These people should thank their diligent assistant directors; otherwise, who knows what kind of films they would have produced?

After Alex, in a panic, was escorted off the plane like a madman, his teacher, the guy he fought with, Browning, Browning's girlfriend, and the female teacher all followed him off the plane.

The class monitor also called for Alex's friend to get off the plane and see what was going on with Alex.

Now it was Cameron Diaz's turn. After witnessing Alex's sudden outburst, her character, Claire, felt uneasy.

This was the scene where Gilbert had previously criticized her for "eye-widening acting," and Cameron Diaz had failed to deliver.

However, this time, Cameron Diaz did well. She toned down her wide-eyed expressions and, although still a bit raw, at least her face showed some emotion.

The doubtful and hesitant Claire pondered for a moment but eventually decided to get off the plane.

After this take, Gilbert announced a location change. The next scene would be shot at the old terminal of Los Angeles Airport.

This terminal was already slated for demolition. After obtaining permission, Gilbert planned to shoot a scene where the explosion causes the glass to shatter.

The special effects and pyrotechnics supervisor, Tony Ledley, was meticulously setting up the scene, while also establishing a safety perimeter for the shoot.

Tony Ledley had been recommended to Gilbert by George Lucas. Having worked with Lucas for several years, Ledley was a seasoned explosives expert.

This was the power of connections. Without recommendations from these major directors, where would Gilbert find such talented professionals in Hollywood?

"Tony, how's the setup going?" Gilbert asked.

"It's all set. I've established a safe distance of five meters from the glass explosion, which should be enough to perform the scene safely," Tony Ledley assured.

"Okay, make sure everything is safe. I don't want anyone getting hurt," Gilbert reminded him.

"Don't worry, we've run multiple simulations on the computer. There won't be any issues," Tony Ledley replied confidently.

Gilbert nodded, trusting the professional's judgment.

With a shout of "action," the scene officially began.

Once the airport scenes were all shot, this explosion would mark the end of the shoot.

Of course, the shot of the plane exploding in mid-air would be added using special effects.

The "Final Destination" crew wasn't wealthy enough to blow up an actual plane for fun.

After the explosion, the camera focused on the actors' expressions, marking the end of this scene.

After being yelled at and guided by Gilbert every day, and then discussing the script in his room at night, Cameron Diaz had made significant progress in her acting.

By the end of this film, Cameron Diaz could very well be considered a competent actress.

...

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