Chapter 69

In this setting, Chen Tiandu also participated in the recording of a special program on the movie channel titled "A Master's Dialogue on the World Cinema Journey." The main guests were Spielberg and Zhang Yimou, with Zhao Zhengxiang as the host. Due to the language barrier, Chen Tiandu acted more like an interpreter, sitting beside them. He was very humble, willingly translating any words the two couldn't understand.

CCTV's broadcast range is nationwide, and no other TV station can pose any threat to it. The Chinese people greatly admire what appears on CCTV, be it people or things.

Before this, Chen Tiandu had already gained some fame in Hollywood, but the Chinese people didn't know what this young man looked like—whether he was burly or had a full beard. Perhaps after this TV program airs, everyone will become more familiar with him.

Spielberg highly praised Zhang Yimou's talent and particularly hoped he would direct a science fiction film. Zhang Yimou immediately responded, "I really want to make a film of this genre. China has many imaginative and romantic stories, many ancient romantic tales. I hope this film can be as successful and appealing as Spielberg's films."

After a pause, he added, "It can be said that China has no science fiction films so far. I heard that Tiandu's film is a science fiction film, and I am very much looking forward to it. Young people have very advanced ideas and are quick to accept new things. The future of Chinese cinema needs young people like him who dare to innovate."

Chen Tiandu smiled, "I am ambitious, because science fiction films are the easiest way to break into Hollywood. Before this, not to mention China, only Hollywood could produce appealing science fiction films worldwide. Compared to science fiction films, I actually prefer to make classic story films like Mr. Zhang. Unfortunately, my limited life experience makes me hesitant to take on such a task, so I chose the imaginative science fiction film. I hope this science fiction film can set a good example for everyone."

Zhang Yimou immediately shook his head, "Don't follow our lead. China has many directors who can make story films, but currently, no one else can make science fiction films. Making this 'Matrix' is more important than making ten story films."

He spoke sincerely, but Chen Tiandu didn't dare to accept it, jokingly sighing, "The pressure is immense. I really don't dare to think too much; I just hope 'Matrix' doesn't flop and embarrass us Chinese filmmakers."

Representing Hollywood, Spielberg naturally couldn't avoid some sensitive topics. After Zhao Zhengxiang set the tone for the conversation, he immediately got to the point, asking, "Mr. Spielberg, some countries are boycotting Hollywood films represented by you. What do you think about this issue?"

Spielberg, of course, wasn't stumped. After some thought, he said, "Actually, after 'Jurassic Park' was released, some people criticized me, saying my 'Jurassic Park' had taken over their market. I have to admit that the world film market is dominated by American films. American cinema has established a good brand, which indeed causes problems, but these problems can be solved."

"How do you think these problems can be solved?"

"Ultimately, it's the audience who decides what kind of cinema shows what films. If you say I've taken over all your film markets, why don't you simply refuse me and not let my films enter your market? Many people want to make money, so they still let my films in. What can you do? This is a difficult issue to resolve."

Zhang Yimou said, "Actually, this issue was also mentioned by Tiandu in his graduation speech. Creating a competitive film environment and giving the decision-making power to the audience is the key. In the past, we focused on making art films and winning awards because we could get state subsidies. But now this path is becoming narrower, and we have lost a hundred times more audience. This number is alarming, and it's time for a change."

The topic shifted back to Chen Tiandu, who agreed, "Giving the decision-making power to the audience requires filmmakers to be more dedicated to making films. Perhaps people still think that commercial films only focus on money and lack story depth, but now we must win back our audience. Only the audience can be the ultimate judge of a film's quality."

Zhao Zhengxiang, looking very interested, said, "Actually, we are more interested in Chen Tiandu. Your script was chosen by Director Spielberg, and it's a script about an American WWII story. How did you manage to achieve this?"

"Very simple, to make a living."

"… This film has achieved good box office results in China, and some American values are very evident in the story. How did you come up with this idea? Did your family environment give you inspiration?"

"It did broaden my horizons and made me think beyond domestic wars. If I had set the story in China, this film probably wouldn't have been made, and I would still be struggling, right? The family environment didn't play a big role; it was mainly because I deliberately catered to the audience. I had to graduate and find a job to earn money and not go hungry."

Zhao Zhengxiang: "…"

"Alright, who would have thought that the birth of a classic could be so simple. Art is complex, yet often simple. Director Chen Tiandu has shown us the hard-fighting side of an artist. So, do you have a director you admire in China?"

Chen Tiandu immediately pointed, "I admire Mr. Zhang."

This answer was too perfunctory, and Zhao Zhengxiang, unsatisfied, continued, "Besides Director Zhang?"

Chen Tiandu thought for a moment, "Actually, there are many. But the director I admire most is Feng Xiaogang."

"Oh, why is that?" After all, Feng Xiaogang's films have never won any awards, and his style isn't appreciated by the older generation in the industry.

"I admire him for pioneering the commercial film industry in China. His New Year films have become the most reliable brand in domestic cinema. Moreover, his films make investors money and make the audience laugh, which is what the current domestic film industry needs most."

"Do you, Director Chen Tiandu, highly promote commercial films?"

"Not exactly. I'm just describing a type of good director. China now needs commercial film directors, but the persistence of art film directors is also an indispensable pillar of Chinese cinema. The current film environment in China is not good, but some directors still adhere to their ideals and are dedicated to art films. I admire them very much, and they will leave a permanent oasis in the desert of Chinese cinema."

Zhang Yimou lightly clapped, indicating his agreement. After the translation, Spielberg also nodded.

"Alright, I still want to ask Director Spielberg, as a director, what are the things you will never compromise on?"

Spielberg said, "There is one thing I will never compromise on—I will not make a film without putting my heart into it, purely for money. Many people think I made the 'Jurassic Park' sequels for money, but I made them because I liked the story. Another is history. Many of my films are similar, such as 'Schindler's List' and 'Saving Private Ryan,' which are all historical testimonies. For me, historical film subjects are the most important. As I grow older, I no longer just assume the role of the audience. I feel that I must express what I want to say, not just tell the stories the audience wants to see. This is completely different from the first half of my career."

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