The Best Director

Chapter 176: Thumbs Up Three Times!

Wentworth, when you audition, you need to appear natural and confident, don’t get nervous! Understand?” In the corridor outside the audition room, Miller, dressed in a black suit, nodded expressionlessly in response to Wang Yang’s words, but Wang Yang still furrowed his brow slightly. He had seen too many auditions. For the role of Juno in ‘Juno’ alone, there were more than three thousand applicants – he could read an auditionee’s mood.

Wang Yang did not rush into the audition room, he pulled Miller aside and spoke in an even tone, “Yes, this time you’re the only auditionee. The dozen or so judges inside, I called them this morning, just for you; there are about ten more who couldn’t come in person, but you know, they will also watch your audition tape.”

Um, Mr. Wang, I really appreciate it!” Miller’s heart still couldn’t slow down. It wasn’t his first audition, but such special treatment was definitely a first for him.

Wang Yang shook his head; he was saying all this so that this guy could face the pressure squarely. In the audition room, there was no room for ‘NG’. He continued, “Now is not the time for thanks. Don’t be nervous, nervousness will ruin everything. To get a role, you need to convince us. I have rejected many because they were always hesitant, asking me ‘Is this right?’, ‘Do you prefer it this way or that way?”‘

The director isn’t God, the characters on the screen must be shaped by the actors, given vitality by them. We can even modify the script for you, but you need to have that kind of charm and presence. A successful salesperson is always extremely confident, he makes the customers believe the goods in his basket are the best; even if what’s inside is a pile of dog shit, he’ll say it’s the best and coolest dog shit.”

Wang Yang laughed a little as he spoke, reminiscent of the couple who had sold him a lousy Super 8 camera, like ‘Paranormal Activity’… He patted Miller, who was deep in thought, on the shoulder, saying, “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can others believe in you? How can they feel secure handing that role over to you? Think about it.” With that, he walked into the audition room first.

Whew…” Miller nodded silently, his mind filling with new thoughts, as though he had been enlightened, as if he suddenly understood something he had been pondering for a long time. He should have believed from the start that he was the character, not tiptoeing around for fear of making mistakes, without any doubts. Even though in reality he was the one being chosen, he had to act like a salesperson, like a host, treating the judges well.

He understood that in Hollywood, there were countless young men with the looks of “Tom Hanks” or “Tom Cruise”. They might get some opportunities and good impressions at first, just like the magical Yang said in the morning, “You look great, you should be on the big screen.” He had heard enough of such comments, but they always ended up with: “You’re not up to it! You can leave now, looks alone are not enough, come back when you can create something new!”

You must have something persuasive, something that moves others, but if you can’t even believe in yourself, how can others believe in you?

With these thoughts, Miller took a deep breath, his heart slowly calming down. He approached the door of the audition room with confidence and knocked before entering. This time, he was determined to succeed!

The spacious audition room was full of people, with 6 or 7 suit-clad judges behind a long table, a couple operating cameras, and 4 or 5 more on the sofas, the scene as bustling as a party. Miller recognized a few of them; the white man with the blue tie was Paul Jones from NBC’s production department; the middle-aged man with the receding hairline was director Dwight H. Litt…

Miller’s mind couldn’t help but reflect on Yang’s regard for him. For a dog walker he met in the park, to gather these dozen people for a private audition, was insane! Wearing a faint smile, he handed his resume and photos to the center of the audition table and introduced himself, “Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon, my name is Wentworth Earl Miller, and I am delighted for this audition opportunity.”

Yang, his appearance and temperament are indeed very good, sense of genius, a Princeton University graduate? Not bad,” ” attended my auditions before, now I really think he suits the role,”… the creators behind the audition table either scrutinized Miller or the documents before them, murmuring discussions, with Wang Yang in the center replying continuously, “Yes, this guy is a perfect fit. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have called you all here.” He glanced at Miller across the room, pleased to see that he didn’t display much nervousness.

There’s a

I know him, he’s

The assistant Russell handed Miller a sheet of paper that read, “A genius with a high IQ, taciturn, calm, paranoid, suffering from depressive disorder due to childhood traumas, values family above all…” among other character descriptions. Miller absorbed the words, a vague image forming in his mind­spoke in soft tones, showing little emotion, movements refined… Is that right? Exactly!

After Miller pondered for a while, Wang Yang nodded towards Dwight H. Litt by the camera, saying with a smile, “Wentworth, let’s begin the audition.” Dwight H. Litt took over, instructing Miller through basic audition content: “Front, side, turn around…”

Imagine there’s a time bomb that’s about to explode right in front of you, with only one minute left. It’s in a locked room, how would you act?” After completing a series of shots and having an informal chat, the executive producer Marty Andstan presented a new acting challenge, with all eyes in the audition room on Miller.

No matter whether the script includes this part or not, he had to capture what the scene demanded! Time bomb, 1 minute, secret room… This situation signified an extremely urgent emergency, seemingly doomed yet hopeful for rescue. Since it was a time bomb, the highly intelligent protagonist couldn’t just wait to die; he had to find a way to stop the bomb or escape the secret room. What was needed was that intense, thrilling feeling…

Sitting in the chair, Miller’s breathing became slightly heavier, his face expressionless and composed, as he looked at the interviewers in front of him, including Best Director, performing the motions of defusing a bomb with his hands. His eyes, unwavering as if frozen, flashed the normal human nervousness, yet remained absolutely cool.

Hmm, you stopped it 10 seconds before the bomb exploded, and you can’t let anyone find out about it. At this time, a prison guard comes over,” said Wang Yang, taking control of the acting prompt without explaining why there would be a prison guard in a secret room. Changing his tone, he glared with a rough and evil voice, “What are you doing here!?”

Miller remained calm and collected, responding with a gentle voice, “Nothing, just walking around, officer.” Wang Yang continued harshly, “Just walking around? Don’t you know this is a restricted area of the prison!? Aren’t inmates like you forbidden to come here?” Despite his expressionless face, Miller’s eyes showed a hint of confusion as he said, “Officer, I didn’t know. Nobody told me.”

Behave yourself!” Wang Yang casually picked up a stack of papers from the interview table to simulate a baton, pretending to hit Miller with it, and demanded, “Speak!” A flicker of pain crossed Miller’s face. He inhaled sharply yet quietly, but his eyes remained clear and resolute, he said firmly, “Really, nothing, officer.” Wang Yang smiled with satisfaction and casually remarked with a laugh, “Really nothing!? Kid, if I find out you’re lying to me, you’re going to have a very bad end.”

Paul Jones, Marty Andstan, Dwight H. Litt, and a dozen others silently nodded, quite satisfied with Miller’s performance. Perhaps the character’s temperament matched his so well that his subtle acting sparked a good chemical reaction; it was not a wasted special audition. Director Matt Bisray, who had conducted a few auditions for Miller before, was somewhat surprised. This time Wentworth seemed like a different person, much more confident, at least he didn’t ask, “Is this okay?”

Now, another bully from the prison comes over, demanding you pay protection money or he’ll get someone to beat you up.”

Upon hearing Wang Yang’s words, Miller stayed silent, saying nothing. He simply rose from his chair and took a few steps, indicating he would not acknowledge the bully.

Miller paced the hallway, glancing occasionally at the closed wooden door of the audition room. It had been 15 minutes since the audition ended, and Best Director had asked him to wait a while before leaving. He knew they must be discussing his performance in that room now. He kept convincing himself to act with absolute confidence, and it seemed the interviewers were quite pleased; he saw many approving smiles.

But was this feeling correct? Just as he pondered this, the door to the audition room opened. The interviewers, dressed to the nines, came out chatting and laughing. Dwight H. Litt, leading the way, looked at him and said with a smile, “You did very well!” Marty Andstan nodded, “Good, very suitable.” Matt Bisray gave a thumbs-up and laughed, “Wentworth, is that really you? Well done!” “Yang, you have found the right person.”…

Watching each interviewer pass by, listening to their praises, Miller’s heart began to beat faster, a sense of indescribable excitement gradually welling up inside him. Could it be true… He tried to maintain a calm smile, continuing to offer his thanks, “Thank you, thank you.”

Buddy, I’ve got this one for you!” Wang Yang, the last to come out, also raised his thumb with a laugh. Miller’s confident and excellent performance had convinced them, and the perfect match of his appearance and temperament was more than satisfactory. Although the audition result was not yet confirmed, because the recording had to be viewed by some interviewers who were not present today, he had made up his mind, and those who were there had agreed.

He looked at Miller, who could not hide his excitement, and said with a smile, “I think the lead role is yours, 99.9%. Unless Christopher Foersten returns with the fleet tomorrow, but I don’t think that’s likely.”

Miller was stunned, speechless. How could it be! It wasn’t the line “You’re not suitable,” but a 99.9% chance to be the main character in a TV series… His heart, racing with excitement, suddenly felt lost again. Really? Is this true? Just then, something swiftly crossed his mind like a splash of cold water, cooling half his fervor. Some things can’t be hidden, but it should be fine as long as he explained clearly.

Mr. Wang, there’s something I need to tell you,” said Miller, his face filled with sincerity. Wang Yang asked with uncertainty, “OK, what is it?”

Miller gave a self-deprecating smile and said, “I used to be an extreme and awful person. Because of the discrimination and hurt I suffered from a young age, everyone used to call me Stinky. I was a cynical person, so when I was studying at Princeton University, I caused some trouble. A black professor from our school, Cornel West, was poached by Harvard. I got angry and drew a cartoon for the Princeton Daily, describing Professor West as Harvard’s ‘newly bought slave,’ and then the matter blew up.”

Black professor, newly bought slave… Wang Yang’s brows furrowed instantly, racial discrimination!? His smile faded, and with a stern face, he asked, “What exactly happened?” Suddenly recalling Miller’s mention that he ‘suffered discrimination since childhood,’ he vaguely pieced something together and wondered, “What discrimination did you face? You’re not pure white? Mixed with black?”

Hmm, I’m of mixed heritage,” Miller nodded, acknowledging Best Director’s hatred for racial discrimination, which he shared, and quickly clarified, “My father has African American, Jamaican, British, and German-Jewish ancestry; my mother has French, Dutch, Syrian, and Lebanese ancestry. How could I possibly discriminate against Professor Wester? That was just an ironic jab in my anger.”

I understand.” Grasping the situation, Wang Yang broke into a smile again, well aware of the feelings and cynicism that come with such wounds, which every child who has suffered that kind of hurt has to some degree, like Daniel Wu, like Joshua… He was impulsive before the age of 18, often lashing out in anger, fighting recklessly, unwilling to coax girlfriends, and then cursing the principal… An angry little boy!

Thinking back, he couldn’t help but show a self-mocking smile. It was great to strike back at those bad people, but it was terrible to hurt oneself and those one loved. He gave Miller a pat on the shoulder and said with a smile, “Wentworth, no worries, as long as you can prove your ancestry. This won’t affect the audition results, but you’ll need to provide a certificate of bloodline for me.

No problem, no problem,” Miller repeated, finally releasing the excitement in his heart with a joyful and grateful smile, “Mr. Wang, thank you so much for today!” Wang Yang shrugged and replied with a smile, “No, you don’t need that. With someone like you, it’s either ‘Prison Break’ or ‘FBI special agents. He patted Miller’s shoulder again and walked towards the office.

I

Watching the young director’s retreating figure, Miller grinned and punched the air a few times, exclaiming “YES.”

The next day Miller quickly provided a family bloodline certification, indeed showing a complex heritage from eight different countries, including African descent. This resolved the “Prison Break” crew’s concerns about casting him as the male lead; after watching his excellent audition tape, and with Wang Yang’s endorsement, “I’ve chosen him,” the other audition panelists agreed to cast Wentworth Miller in the leading role.

In the midst of busyness, August 30 to September 5 also became history, and another screening week came to an end. That week, North American box offices totaled only $125 million, with ‘District 9’ still topping the charts. The film took in $26.48 million from 3,580 theaters this week, continuing to be the box office champion for the fifth week, constantly breaking Wang Yang’s personal records.

Another record-breaking feat was North America’s highest-grossing film, ‘District 9,’ which joined the $300 million club (earning $309 million) within five weeks, becoming North America’s third film of 2002 to cross the $300 million mark. The other two were ‘Spider-Man’ with $403 million and ‘Star Wars Episode I’ with $302 million. Overseas, ‘District 9’ maintained its strong final momentum with another $17.13 million for the week, bringing the overseas total to $416 million and a global total of $725 million.

Its continuing strong box office was partly due to the absence of compelling new releases, but after emptying overseas ticket stores too early with its simultaneous global release, there wasn’t much hope of substantial new earnings, aside from anticipating around 5 million from China’s mainland. On the other hand, global viral marketing, mysterious strategies before the release, and post-release marketing departments leveraged high media praise to launch an inundating viral campaign online, asking, “Do you want to miss a summer miracle?” and “a great sci-fi film” to create a bandwagon effect.

Meanwhile, movies like ‘My Wedding,’ which took in $17.70 million this week, ‘The Omen¹ with $15.30 million, ‘xXx’ with $12.47 million, and others didn’t resort to such gimmicks; and even earlier blockbusters like ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Star Wars Episode I’ conducted honest promotions, disdaining the new viral marketing.

The film companies all realized that viral marketing was a trend, with Flame Films leading the way, owning the market with no competition in sight. Viral websites, 3D posters, viral posters, guiding internet trends… This entire suite of viral promotions was an “eye-opener” for film companies, realizing their old methods of self-promotion online were now outdated. How could they remain indifferent after seeing these new tools?

But everyone knew that a mass rush would quickly lead audiences to become accustomed to the gimmicks, decreasing their excitement; even the viral marketing would gradually become commonplace. However, those unwilling to embrace these changes could simply walk away.

Of course, traditional advertising methods would never be obsolete. Another box-office miracle was unfolding as the heartwarming comedy ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ progressively expanded its theater count and weekly revenue, notching $17.70 million this week into second place, and this film, which cost just $5 million to produce, had already taken in $85.45 million in North America, indicating and revealing a strong, fierce demand for wedding comedy films.

Film buffs and the media couldn’t help but think of another movie set for release this Christmas, ‘The Hangover.’ The synopsis and trailers had already been released. A wild bachelor party leads to the groom’s disappearance, and to ensure the wedding can proceed in a day’s time, they must find the groom Doug, but the problem is that the three men can’t remember what happened the previous night.

Seeing the trailer with the adorably foolish yet sleazy fat man, the pitifully frantic toothless dentist, the bad-boy handsome teacher, the dinosaur-like mysterious mobster lady… and cameo appearances by Shaquille O’Neal, along with Will Smith’s brief but funny half-second shot without revealing his role, Robert Downey Jr., and Best Director’s own cameo beside the gambling table…

Most fans were filled with immense anticipation, almost convinced by Best Director’s words that “this is a comedy that can make you die of laughter.” Unless this director, who had just served the global audience a somber and sorrowful offering, had put all of ‘The Hangover’s’ few funny moments in the trailer. While awaiting the release of ‘The Hangover,’ they also speculated about who the characters were based on.

It was clear that the groom Doug was Tom Willing, the teacher might be Best Director, the luckless dentist could be Zachary Levi, and the fat guy? And tabloid media had already revealed that it wasn’t just three people that night; there was sufficient evidence to suggest Joshua Alba was also present and likely drinking. However, the people involved haven’t responded to this matter.

Not everyone chose to believe Wang Yang, and a considerable number of movie fans left messages on the official website for “The Hangover”, expressing the hurt they felt. Ted R. said, “I’m not going to see ‘The Hangover’ in its first week, I need a clear signal, is it funny or is it sad? I don’t think comedy movies are supposed to make people feel sad!” Karan D. was much more agitated, “I just realized I’ve been duped, ‘District 9’ is a total jerk of a movie!”

Before ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ was released, Magic Yang claimed it was inspiring and touching, and it was; ‘Juno’ was said by Magic Yang to be heartwarming and humorous, and so it was. ‘District 9’? The Sly Magic Yang did not define it, and said keeping the mystery would provide the best experience but that experience left my heart aching still! Now he’s saying ‘The Hangover’ will kill people with laughter, but I seriously doubt if, after ‘District 9’, he still has the ability to be funny? I think the trailers are all there is to ‘The Hangover’.” — A comment by Christina, supported by many.

As the number of viewers increased, the rating of ‘District 9’ on IMDB’s TOP250 dropped to 8.7, and audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes fell to 89%; but it remained steadily approved and admired by critics, with a small amount of mockery, boasting a 92% fresh rating from general film critics and 95% from top critics.

The film’s interrogation of human nature was chilling. — Boven Howans, “Movie Review”; shocking, thrilling, sad, profound, these aren’t all it is, its totality is called greatness. — Jonathan Rom, “Sunday”; It’s just a regular bloody show, Magic Yang is trying to tell us something, but it turned out as naive as his age. Maybe that’s already impressive, but objectively speaking, ‘District 9’ is not great. — Kevin Herlcotte, “Boston Herald” …

But America’s most popular film critic, Roger Ebert, snubbed those who trashed the rating, the old man who had given two thumbs up to four of Magic Yang’s movies consecutively, wrote a long piece in his usual light-hearted style, praising ‘District 9’.

There is only one word that can describe this film, unbelievable. Let’s digress a little, I met Wang Yang at ‘Paranormal Activity’, and honestly, although I called him Magic-Young then, who would believe that an 18-year-old could come up with anything big? I thought it would take at least 10 years before he earned two thumbs up from me again – 28 years old, still a promising future.

Who knew that half a year later, he popped up again with ‘High School Musical’, making mewant to return to school and dance with beauties. He incredibly created a phenomenon; then he’s going to shoot a biography of a middle-aged man? I thought he was lost in praise and mistook who he was? He silenced me with ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and ‘Juno’, truly two classics. Two years later, he came up with ‘District 9’, a masterpiece that shames the Hollywood summer blockbusters, almost killing me with a heart attack.

After agreeing with the “shame” comment, Roger Ebert formally reviewed the film: “This movie doesn’t have bikini-clad beauties, but it definitely won’t put you to sleep, because its camera work is too shaky for an arthouse film, like sitting on top of a crazy taxi, but it’s not meaningless or pretentious shakiness; it makes you feel intensely immersed, slowly tensing up. This kind of camera language is full of alternative charm.”

Disruptive sci-fi story, whatever they call allegory, or profound… those who mention them are right. If you cry when you see a cute little dog die, it’s normal; when you see a pauper sinking to the bottom of the sea for a rich young lady, who lives happily ever after, and you cry out of emotion rather than anger, there is something wrong; when you see an ugly shrimp-bug-like creature playing with toys among a pile of trash and you actually cry, maybe that indicates a big problem.”

What are you crying for? I’m crying because the Tenth District is built on a desert, not a beach.” Roger Ebert made a joke before seriously commenting: “They are isolated and abandoned in a pile of rubbish; Wikus, who has undergone a transformation and awakening of humanity, is abandoned in a pile of trash, being spat on and struggling in despair. The beautiful side of humanity is seen as worthless trash by the humans, while the ugly side receives accolades from the government’s packaging and promotion, and the people are none the wiser. That’s why I cry.”

Everyone is both a human and a shrimp-bug-person; the way we treat the other is the way we treat ourselves. I even feel this is an environmental film because Wikus creates a beautiful dragonfly out of recycled trash. Perhaps I’m thinking too much, but the whole movie is endlessly thought-provoking and rewatchable, of course, you’ll need a pacemaker.”

If there were an Oscar ceremony for the first half of the year, ‘District 9’ would sweep all awards; unfortunately, reality also includes the second half of the year, perhaps there will be many more great works appearing, but if ‘District 9’ and Magic Yang are not on next year’s Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Director, I’ll still use one word to describe it, unbelievable.”

At the end of the article, it came to his patented thumbs-up rating system, this time Roger Ebert astonishingly gave a “Three-Thumbs-Up”! Never mind that a person doesn’t have three thumbs, of course, if you include the feet, you have four, but such a thing has never happened. The old man seemed to realize fans might think he’s senile, so he explained, “Not a mistake! Two thumbs up for ‘District 9’ and Super Magic Yang, and the other thumb compensates Wikus!”

In response, many in the media and fans were amazed, Roger Ebert truly is Magic Yang’s “die-hard fan”, creating the three-thumbs-up just for him. In the future, will the DVD cover of ‘District 9’ actually have three thumbs? What about Magic Yang’s later movies? Four thumbs up? Five?

Just at this time, Wang Yang made an official announcement on his personal website and blog about his future plans, including a mysterious project reuniting with Natalie Portman, aside from “The Hangover”.

PS: Continue to ask for recommendation tickets, to keep Wa Li on the category recommendation list, thank you, brothers! A thousand votes a day is truly touching! (To be continued, to find out what happens next, please login to