The Best Director

On the fifth day of the Sundance Film Festival, a landmark deal was struck, setting the second-highest record in the festival’s history. Flame Film Company purchased “Memento” from Newmarket for $8 million, securing all movie rights including theatrical distribution and DVD sales. Managers from various film companies muttered to themselves upon reading the news in the newspaper, “That young man has gone mad again.”

As revealed by “The Cinema News,” “Memento” wasn’t exactly hot property. Nobody would call it a lousy film—in fact, there was praise all around and its script was excellent, likely to snag the Best Screenwriter award at Sundance this year. But apart from Flame Film, hardly anyone was interested in acquiring it. The labels given by film companies were “Critically acclaimed but not commercially,” “Box office max of $5 million,” and such. If its production cost had been $1 million, many would have bid, but with a $5 million cost, it was bound to lose money.

“This was Flame Film’s first time making a move at an independent film festival, and it was a surprisingly big one, which is very much in line with Wang Yang’s style of doing things. Without any competition, the purchase price of ‘Memento’ still reached $8 million, demonstrating Flame Film’s resolve and confidence. Could this underdog film, on which Wang Yang placed great hopes, achieve a miracle?”

Initially, Flame Film offered $6 million, but Newmarket was unwilling to sell. A profit of $1 million was too small; they would rather continue to attend other festivals or even distribute it themselves. It was only when the price reached $8 million, and Flame Film clearly stated, “We won’t raise the offer anymore,” with no other companies competing, that Newmarket finally agreed to the deal.

Naturally, they were very pleased, as this investment brought them a profit of $3 million, a return on investment of 60%, definitely a delightfully unexpected ratio! Of course, they had to share this $3 million with other smaller companies such as the Parker Team and Summit Entertainment, who were also investors in this $5 million independent film. The presence of multiple investors in a film is normal practice to lower investment risks; in the case of blockbuster films with over a hundred million in production costs, sometimes there can be dozens of investors.

“Chris, I’m very pleased that Flame Film could acquire ‘Memento.’ It’s our biggest accomplishment in film acquisition since we were founded,” Wang Yang said with a smile. Nolan and his wife also smiled faintly. Wang Yang continued, “I believe that ‘Memento’ can achieve a lot in the market, not just the predicted $5 million.”

After the deal was done, the Nolans invited Wang Yang to dinner, which he gladly accepted. He understood this was not just about networking; the Nolans were also eager to know Flame Film’s plans.

Nolan was still dressed in a suit, white shirt, and blue tie, his hair neatly parted with some sheen. Emma Thomas wore a casual women’s jacket. The couple watched Wang Yang speak seriously. Hearing him predict a substantial box office, Nolan said, “Thank you,” and Emma Thomas took the opportunity to say with a laugh, “Yang, can you tell us about the release plan for ‘Memento’? Oh, it’s my husband’s hard work, and I’m so eager to know.”

“Ha, I understand!” Wang Yang replied with a laugh and a nod. He organized his thoughts and was about to speak when Nolan perked up his ears. Wang Yang said, “We plan to release the film during this year’s Halloween season, starting the early promotions immediately, mainly online; come September we’ll begin pre-release promotion.” This included costly items like poster advertisements and interviews. He added, “We plan to arrange screenings at specific theaters before the official public release, 500 theaters for the opening week, and if we do well, we will expand further.”

500 theaters! Emma Thomas couldn’t hide her delight. For an independent film, this was a significant number, indicating Flame Film’s commitment, with higher quality promotions promised. Nolan furrowed his brow, telling himself not to be too happy too soon. Sipping some water, he asked, “Yang, will the version released to theaters be the same as it is now?”

“Of course!” Wang Yang replied without hesitation, spreading his hands with a smile, understanding what Nolan was worried about. “Chris, I can assure you, we won’t be recutting or altering ‘Memento,’ no way! Unless you’ve got some new ideas, but I must tell you the current version is already excellent.”

Nolan internally sighed with relief, his smile returning. He had feared ‘Memento’ might be re-edited; not that it would be turned into some sort of mockumentary, but the current version was his baby, and he wasn’t keen on changing a thing. If Flame Film decided on changes, he could abstain from involvement, but it wouldn’t have changed the fact that he had no say, as the film’s rights now belonged to Flame Film.

Fortunately, it didn’t seem there was anything to worry about now. Nolan couldn’t help but laugh, “I’m well aware of what I filmed and edited. Yang, I’m confident enough to prove your words; the current version is indeed the best.” Emma Thomas’s face broke into a happy smile, clearly relieved. If Flame Film had wanted to alter ‘Memento,’ it would have led to a falling out with her husband, which she desperately wanted to avoid.

“Chris, what I love about ‘Memento’ is its complexity.” Wang Yang looked at Nolan, sharing his own understanding. “Watching this film is like playing a jigsaw puzzle. It seems to have a pattern, but sometimes you can deceive yourself. You need to analyze and think, to slowly unravel the film’s mysteries. The thrill and excitement are what make mystery films, and ‘Memento,’ so enchanting. I wouldn’t dream of spoiling it.”

Nolan maintained his faint smile, but the sparkle in his eyes indicated his internal joy. He let go of the last bit of his worry and was grateful that ‘Memento’ was acquired by Flame Film. Wang Yang was someone who understood films, his films, and this understanding and respect meant more to him than the distribution of ‘Memento.’

“Actually, I have a question. What is the true ending of ‘Memento’?” Wang Yang asked with genuine interest. At first, he thought he had understood it all, but as he replayed it in his mind, doubts crowded in, revealing many possible interpretations and answers. Just as Nolan was about to speak, Wang Yang suddenly raised his hand and stopped him, “No! Don’t tell me!”

Nolan and Emma were taken aback. Wang Yang shook his head and laughed, “What’s the point if I know the actual answer? The open-ended conclusion is fantastic as it is, allowing everyone to have their own interpretation, and that’s what I like the most.” He paused and, with self-deprecation, added, “I just said I wouldn’t ruin it and then immediately asked a foolish question, oh my…” Both Nolans laughed.

The three of them talked a lot more about movies and Hollywood. Hearing Emma Thomas sigh about raising investment for “Memento,” Wang Yang looked at Nolan with interest and asked, “Chris, do you have an idea for the next movie? We would be glad to invest, but it would probably have to be next year. Ha, we’re out of money now, we need time to retrieve our funds.”

A flash of excitement crossed Emma’s face. She glanced at the Nolan next to her and gave him a “do your best” look. Nolan ignored her, merely nodding slightly and said calmly, “There is one idea, but it’s only an idea at the moment. I want to make a biopic… of Howard Hughes…”

After spending a week in Park City, the Sundance Film Festival still hadn’t concluded, but Wang Yang said goodbye to the little town filled with the smell of film and returned to Los Angeles, picking up the scissors again to continue editing “The Pursuit of Happyness” with Margaret Goodspeed. The initial cutting phase was already done, and now they were on the fine-cutting stage, slowly reducing footage and adjusting the structure. After the final cut, their goal was to bring the initial 200-minute version down to 120 minutes, which was being accomplished in an orderly fashion.

For the position of the original music composer of “The Pursuit of Happyness,” Wang Yang also started to look for candidates. Through an introduction from Robert Zemeckis, he contacted Jan Kaczmarek, a 46-year-old famous Polish composer and film scorer who was relatively unknown in Hollywood. However, Wang Yang found in his mind’s database that Jan Kaczmarek won the Oscar for Best Original Score in 2004 with “Finding Neverland,” and he also composed the original music for the touching film “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.”

Wang Yang was pleased. He almost didn’t need to conduct an interview to decide on Jan Kaczmarek. It wasn’t because Jan had won “Best Original Score,” but because of his scoring style, which used strings and piano to perfection, simple yet elegant. This style was exactly what “The Pursuit of Happyness” needed, whether in joyful or sad moments, it never lost that touch of freshness and warmth.

In his call with Jan Kaczmarek, Wang Yang expressed his sincerity and understanding and appreciation for his music, cordially inviting him to Los Angeles to score “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Jan Kaczmarek didn’t reject the offer outright, nor did he immediately agree; he hoped to see the film’s look before making a decision. Wang Yang naturally agreed. He understood Jan Kaczmarek’s concerns but also believed that “The Pursuit of Happyness” would move the composer. They finally agreed for Jan to come to Los Angeles for discussions after the fine cut of the film was completed.

“Oh, really?”

In the living room, Wang Yang lay on the rattan sofa with a phone in his hand. Upon hearing the news from Mark Strong, he smiled and said, “Wow, does that mean I’m walking the red carpet? Yes, it is quite exciting, even if just as a supporting act. By the way, can I wear a pair of board shorts up there?” He chuckled and added, “Just kidding, Mark. I find your head to be like a donkey sometimes. OK, I’ll find an agent, I’ve always been looking…”

Sounds of the door opening came from the entrance. Aside from him, only one girl had keys to this place. He whispered into his phone, “Mark, thanks for the news, goodbye!” After hanging up, he flipped off the bed and headed towards the door, a mischievous thought suddenly crossing his mind. He had come back early today, and Jessica didn’t know it, the lights were off… With that in thought, he silently hid his figure.

Soon, Jessica walked in carrying several large bags of items, seemingly having just returned from supermarket shopping. She placed one bag on the coffee table and made her way to the kitchen with the rest, talking to herself, “It feels like I’ve forgotten something. What is it?” Wang Yang followed behind her, trying to tread lightly, but couldn’t help thinking how clueless she was, not even noticing him just three steps behind.

Once in the kitchen, Jessica opened the refrigerator and began putting drinks and other food items from the bags inside. Wang Yang tiptoed up behind her, barely holding back his laughter, he gently tapped her on the shoulder. Jessica let out a startled “All”, whirling around sharply, and Wang Yang quickly planted a kiss on her face, which was promptly met with an emphatic slap, as her reflexes took over.

“Yang!?” Recognizing him, Jessica’s eyes widened in surprise, pulling back the kick she was about to deliver. Wang Yang, clutching his burning cheek, winced in pain, “Yes, it’s me.” Jessica, frowning and irritated, asked, “What are you doing!” She felt her own palm throbbing and immediately reached out to caress his face apologetically, “Did I hurt you?” Grinding his teeth, Wang Yang said, “It serves me right for the prank gone wrong.” Suddenly, he couldn’t hold back his laughter any longer and burst out laughing, “Was that domestic violence just now? Oh my…”

“You… you’re so silly!” Jessica couldn’t help but smile, punching him in the chest, “You scared me to death! Do you always enjoy scaring people, horror director?” She gave a dismissive laugh and continued to put groceries into the fridge, appearing unamused. Wang Yang, watching her transfer food, asked as he paced around, “Bought a lot, huh? Got any beer?”

Jessica gave him a puzzled look, “No, how could I have bought any?” Wang Yang, still massaging his sore cheek, said, “I don’t know, some people seem to manage. By the way, Jessica, I have some news for you, try not to get too excited, okay?” A skip in Jessica’s heartbeat—could it be about marriage plans? She turned around, keeping her composure, “What is it?”

“The Oscars, we’ve been nominated for the Oscars!” Wang Yang exclaimed with a fist pump, “We got nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress!” Jessica paused, then laughed, “Really!?” Wang Yang nodded, “Really!” Jessica rolled her eyes with a laugh, closed the fridge, and walked back to the living room, “I don’t want to talk to you!”

“Alright, actually it’s for the Best Original Song, ‘High School Musical’ probably has a few songs that will get a nod,” Wang Yang followed her out, seriously adding, “And, the Oscar committee has invited us. The invitation should be arriving soon.” Jessica responded distractedly, “Oh, is that so?” Seeing her lack of interest, Wang Yang’s already moderate enthusiasm waned further, he shrugged, “Yes.” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free