Chapter 367: Movies Are Like Women
"Love and hate, ice and fire, life and death—yes, these seemingly extreme words can be applied to every one of us because they are diametrically opposed. What is meant by 'extreme joy begets sorrow' and 'all glory is fleeting' is just that: as long as one comes into this world, one will experience their own happiness and pain, joy and sadness. People's characters too have passionate and indifferent sides, and likewise, they must also endure life and death."
After dinner, Clattenburg sat in front of the television, having switched early to the Fox Cable TV network, which he had subscribed to only last year. Though it was not yet time for the premiere of "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire," the pre-show had already started.
He had come across "A Song of Ice and Fire," the fantasy novel series, earlier this year in a book review supplement and tried reading it. He then became helplessly addicted, turning into an avid fan. Knowing the novels were adapted into a TV series, he had been eagerly anticipating the drama.
He wasn't overly concerned about the quality of the TV series. The screenwriting involved the original author George R.R. Martin, and the director was none other than Hollywood's leading new-gen director, Murphy Stanton. The cast included famous actors like Jessica Alba...
"The TV show should be quite good," Clattenburg thought.
Compared to book fans like him, Daisy, also waiting in front of the TV, had no interest in the novels. She was waiting for the show simply because it was a Murphy Stanton work.
While the TV was on, she was also busily interacting on social media and discussion groups. As Murphy had successive blockbuster hits and even snagged an Oscar nomination for Best Director, the discussion group had expanded rapidly like a balloon. Tonight, everyone was closely watching the premiere of "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire."
Over the years, Murphy had amassed a large following of movie fans. Instead of going to the cinema on a Friday night, these fans chose to stay at home.
However, accessing "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" required a certain threshold: cable TV, unlike public television, demanded a hefty monthly fee.
Like Daisy, who had just subscribed to the Fox cable service this month.
"Seeing Murphy's new work makes it all worthwhile," she told her discussion group on social media. Many shared her sentiment, saying, "Murphy's production, guaranteed quality!"
Some were puzzled, "Why would Murphy want to make a TV series? Isn't it rare for a popular director to do TV?"
Given Murphy's choice to shoot a television series, Daisy knew a bit about this and began typing furiously on her keyboard to give what she thought was a reasonable explanation.
"Making TV series is also interesting; it keeps one busy and quickly shows the results of one's work."
After her comment, someone agreed, "Yes, when your series is picked by a network, you can see the ratings and impact in just 7 or 8 months. Compared to films, waiting for a story to come to life could take years."
Daisy typed further, "Time must be considered one of the eternal demands of life for big directors. From the conception, preparation, filming to setting a release date and promotion... Spielberg's 'Schindler's List' took him 10 years, George Lucas spent his life entangled with 'Star Wars.' Investment, actors, technology, and even weather sometimes become the 'Godot' that directors must wait for. So many great stories get buried, delayed, or taken to the grave because of these factors..."
Though she spoke sensibly, Daisy was ultimately an outsider.
A deputy leader of the discussion group, who was an insider in Hollywood, rarely spoke up but now chimed in.
"Movies are like women, too expensive and demanding much care, requiring love and sincerity, and in the end, you still need a massive amount of time to know whether the outcome is a happy 'Gone with the Wind' or a heartbreaking 'Superman Returns'... In this age of fast-consumption economy, people's patience is truly limited, and there are few who can patiently wait 10 years anymore."
This person seemed quite emotional. Just as Daisy finished reading that, he posted an even longer message.
"Compared to movies, TV shows indeed require less investment and yield quicker results. Moreover, now that large entertainment conglomerates own their movie and TV production studios with frequent personnel exchanges, this provides convenience for film directors. Like Spielberg with 'Band of Brothers,' it's not uncommon for big directors to step into TV production in Hollywood. Few stubbornly stick to living in an ivory tower; most prefer to communicate with more people through their works, expressing their desires. Who cares whether the medium is television instead of film?"
"Small screens can also reflect grand ideas. With big directors like Murphy and Spielberg leading the
way, this unusual path will have more followers. Of course, the beneficiaries will always be us, the passionate and loyal audience."
As the clock neared 9 PM, more and more people gathered in front of their TVs.
In the film society of UCLA in Los Angeles, many gathered due to Gal Gadot's connection, with many society members keenly following Murphy's activities.
This event, convened by John and Moson, attracted many people. Gal Gadot, due to a class tonight, didn't return to Santa Monica but came here right after class, waiting for the premiere of "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire."
Though she had never liked Murphy's style of work, she would do everything possible to support her boyfriend.
As 9 PM approached, the Fox cable network was using the final moments to hype up "Game of Thrones."
"'Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire' essentially narrates an epic of troubled times, a gripping tale of lives of people with distinctly different characters yet deeply connected destinies in this turbulent world, striving to find their ultimate paths and meanings in life. Here, the status of individuals varies, but the journey of life is never smooth because of it. Everyone must ponder, struggle, choose, and try their best to find their path in life. In this arduous process, each person experiences their own joys, sorrows, separations, and reunions..."
As the time hit 21:00, "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" began on time on the Fox cable network!
Clattenburg drank the last sip of coffee from his cup and focused intently on the TV as the prelude of the series appeared on screen, waving his fist slightly.
"That's the feeling!"
The opening of the TV drama continued the narrative style of the original prelude. It began with three Night's Watchmen climbing over the wall to the north, and the surrounding atmosphere felt so cold and gloomy. The chains were slowly pulled, the heavy wooden gate was gradually raised, and the three men passed through the long corridor with torches in hand.
As the final gate rose, what everyone saw was a vast expanse of white snow, clearly not bringing much relief. After all, the Wall was originally constructed of solid ice to defend against the evil and barbaric forces from the vast northern wilderness, the last 'strong' barrier protecting the entire kingdom. Stepping beyond the Wall meant entering a dangerous environment filled with unknown factors, requiring constant vigilance and awareness of one's surroundings.
Daisy momentarily closed her laptop, turned her chair around, and stared at the TV. The start of the drama was tense, indicating something not so good was about to happen.
Indeed, very soon, one of the three, a seemingly clever young man, noticed a faint wisp of smoke rising from a depression not far away. He dismounted and crawled through the snow, struggling to reach a small hill that allowed for observation. After he breathed a sigh of relief upon reaching it, he suddenly became extremely panicked.
The camera moved slowly like his gaze, finally resting on the small depression where Daisy excitedly saw a ground covered with blood-soaked pieces of corpses, a hellish sight of carnage. Just as the man hurriedly turned around, he saw a little girl's body nailed to a tree.
That minute made Gal Gadot sigh and shake her head. Murphy was indeed determined to carry through his "gritty, violent, and dark" style to the end!
For a moment, she felt as if she was about to vomit.
Unlike Gal Gadot, the others around her were engrossed, captivated even without knowing the original work by the large-scale drama that immediately caught their eye.
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