Chapter 27: A Clear Purpose

"Vincent, not the black gears. I need those that gleam with a metallic luster, preferably stainless steel."

"Do you want grooves on the sides? Like the gears in Chaplin's 'Modern Times'? I think that would add an artistic touch."

"No, no grooves on the sides."

"That might look a bit plain, Simon. Let me show you a part so you can see what I mean."

"I know, but overlapping multiple gears will create a sense of depth that won't be monotonous. It will be like this concept sketch I made."

"Simon, your concept sketch is pretty but quite amateurish."

"That's why I am the customer and you are the shop owner, Vincent. It's your job to figure out how to realize my vision. Also, when the clock operates, all these gears must move. I need it to convey a strong sense of time passing."

"There are two options, Simon. If you just want to show that effect, I can set up a separate drive system. That's simple and cheap. If you want the gears to integrate with the clock's mechanical structure, it might take two to three months and it will be expensive."

"I'll go with the first option."

"Alright, then let's look at your next concept sketch. Is this, um, a butterfly?"

At the counter of Strong Clock Shop, Sandra Bullock, still clutching Simon's backpack, sat quietly beside him, listening to his lengthy discussion with the shop owner, Vincent Strong. Although she smiled, she felt somewhat frustrated at her inability to contribute to the conversation.

Her eyes also drifted more than once to the two concept sketches Simon showed the shopkeeper.

There were two clocks.

The first featured a pendant and was composed of numerous intricate gears. Because it was just a light gray pencil drawing, it indeed reminded one of the scenes from Chaplin's "Modern Times."

The other clock was shaped like a butterfly, beautifully patterned, with the butterfly's body cleverly divided into twelve sections for the hours. From Simon and the shopkeeper's conversation, it seemed he wanted it to be gold, which would definitely be more striking.

Simon and the shopkeeper discussed the details and custom pricing of the two clocks for over ten minutes.

After paying the deposit, Simon and Sandra left the clock shop together.

Standing on the sidewalk, Sandra saw Simon looking around and asked casually with a smile, "So, where to next?"

Despite her effort to hide it, Simon sensed a hint of complaint in Sandra's tone. He pointed across the street to a café: "Let's get some coffee and talk about the film."

Any slight annoyance she might have felt disappeared instantly.

She found herself happily crossing the street with him and inwardly mocked her own weakness.

Pathetic.

But, it didn't matter.

Simon locked his bicycle at the curb, and they entered the café together to find a place to sit.

After ordering coffee and a plate of pancakes, Sandra initiated the conversation, "Simon, what are those two clocks for?"

Simon explained patiently, "They're props for the shoot. The gear clock is for the opening scene of the movie, and the butterfly clock will be a decoration in Lola's room. As clocks, they of course represent the passage of time. However, the butterfly clock also has another layer of meaning—I hope this film will pave the way for another movie I'm planning."

In the original "Run Lola Run," the clocks featured were of a vintage European style, which fit well with Berlin's old European city ambiance.

However, Simon was now in Los Angeles.

A brand-new and vibrant city.

So, if he were to simply replicate the original, two vintage European clocks would look very out of place in the new film.

As the new version required significant adjustments in terms of time, place, and plot, Simon was essentially remaking a completely different "Run Lola Run."

Therefore, he planned to introduce some entirely different concepts from the original.

In fact, the original "Run Lola Run" didn't convey many deep philosophical thoughts, often presenting only superficial truths.

Director Tom Tykwer just wanted to express various ideas accumulated from his passion for video games through a film, quickly wrote a script, shot the film rapidly, cast his good friend as the male lead, his girlfriend as the female lead, and friends in other roles, joyfully creating a very entertaining movie.

Now, Simon's purpose in making this movie was also very straightforward.

First: To create a cool movie and showcase his abilities to Hollywood.

Second: To re-familiarize himself with the film production processes of the celluloid era.

Third: To promote the concept of 'the butterfly effect,' preparing the ground for the future release of "The Butterfly Effect."

Of these, the first two were goals Simon needed to achieve, while the third was more incidental—if achieved, great; if not, no big deal.

However, although the third goal depended on luck, Simon spared no effort in representing the details

.

The two newly commissioned clocks, the first a modern gear clock to match the new filming environment, and the second a butterfly clock, were clear nods to the concept of the 'butterfly effect.'

In fact, Simon planned to incorporate three 'butterfly' motifs throughout the film.

One or two might not leave a lasting impression on the audience, but more than three could seem excessive. Three was just right.

As the waiter served their coffees, Sandra asked after he left, "Another movie? Are you planning to make two films?"

"Not exactly," Simon shook his head, "The other one is 'The Butterfly Effect.' You've probably heard about the recent issues around it, right? I wrote that screenplay."

Sandra had just signed with Jonathan last week, and the media storm over the WMA packaging deal had erupted right after, causing her to worry briefly about having to find a new agent so soon. How could she not know about "The Butterfly Effect"?

But no matter what, she had never imagined that the screenplay for "The Butterfly Effect" was written by the young man sitting across from her.

Staring at Simon in awe for a moment, Sandra finally exclaimed softly, "Wow!"

Simon just shrugged and continued, "Most people who've read the 'The Butterfly Effect' script think the title is too obscure. The plot of 'Run Lola Run' can very vividly explain the concept of the 'butterfly effect.' So, through the overt prop of the butterfly clock, I hope 'Run Lola Run' will make more people aware of the term 'butterfly effect.'"