The Best Director

Chapter 351: Chapter 351: The Supernatural Phenomenon Reappears

“Congratulations. Young man, you’ve convinced us.”

Yahoo Entertainment: “14-year-old San Francisco girl paralyzed after being scared by a horror movie!” According to a reporter who acquired information from a staff member at the cinema: “She was lying there, her face turning green, lips blackening, trembling continuously. You know, uh… like she was about to die, oh! Just thinking about it is terrifying!”

NBC Channel’s Evening News: “We’re now outside the box office of a cinema in New York! Even though it’s past midnight, this place is as lively as a party! These young people are gathered here waiting to watch ‘Paranormal Activity’, because the tickets for the first show have already sold out. Hi, hello! Are you here to watch ‘Paranormal Activity’?” The Caucasian boy excitedly answered, “Yes! Yes!”

Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert: “This movie can scare you to heart failure, if you’re not just into ‘ketchup’ movies. Also, I wouldn’t recommend this movie for kids, even with parental guidance, as it could leave some serious shadows on their childhood. Okay, I need to go get some sun, which will drive away the fear in my heart. I give two big thumbs up to this promising magic lad!”

At 18 years of age, Wang Yang replied to Oprah on The Oprah Winfrey Show: “No, I don’t think I’ll be making horror movies for the time being.”

“Could it be that Yang already knew that he wouldn’t be invited to direct ‘Paranormal Activity 2’?… If not making DV horror films, what else can he make? Will there be a second movie for him?” — Chicago Sun-Times

“Lionsgate & Firefly announce ‘Paranormal Activity 3’, with the magic lad returning to the horror apartment after 6 years.” — Yahoo Entertainment

The youthful years of those born in the eighties were gradually fading away, leading to a new journey of youth. Time had already stepped into April 1, 2005. Early summer was arriving, heralding the start of a summer filled with movie blockbusters.

On this April Fool’s Day, Lionsgate & Firefly’s ‘Paranormal Activity 3’, made with a budget of 5 million US Dollars, would be released in 3120 cinemas across North America; the 40 million US Dollar production ‘Sin City’, distributed by Dimension Films, would enter 3230 cinemas; MGM’s comedy ‘Hooray Beauty Salon’ would premiere in 2659 cinemas; also available were non-opening week films like ‘Boys and Girls Black and White Match’, ‘Beauty Pageant Cop 2’, and ‘Brave Daddy’ for the audience to choose from.

“Yes, it can be said that the idea for ‘Paranormal Activity 3’ began incubating in ’98, making it the legitimate sequel to the series.”

As the release date was approaching, Wang Yang had an entertainment interview with the Los Angeles Times discussing ‘Paranormal 3’. When Lionsgate’s distribution department was promoting the movie, they naturally played down the director’s role, focusing on the producer and screenwriter, always mentioning phrases such as “the miracle returns”, “the magic Yang’s concerted production” and “the horror masterpiece magic Yang had been brewing for 7 years”…

This is how Hollywood studios typically promote big-name directors, with slogans like “10 years in the making” and naming a figurehead producer as the main draw. In reality, what makes a film come alive in the studio and editing room isn’t decided during the preparation stage; and with the changing tastes of the era and personal perspectives, the initial idea often remains just that, the initial idea. However, audiences do love to hear these claims.

But Wang Yang was not just a name-only figurehead; he was a genuine producer and indeed had great confidence in ‘Paranormal 3’. Firstly, it had been 7 years, and nearly 6 since the failure of ‘Paranormal 2’. The market’s appetite for the “home video camera filming real horror” pseudo-documentary genre had grown so hungry that both the novelty and the nostalgia were expected to greatly diminish any aversion to rehashed ideas. Moreover, as it wasn’t a remake, it could be viewed as a standalone film.

Despite disassociating from ‘Paranormal 2’, it goes without saying how crucial it is for this “rehashed meal” to be the “ultimate comfort food”; if unpalatable, the situation would be quite embarrassing. To bring out such a “century-old meal” after so long, it could not be more unpleasant!

Wang Yang knew that not only the critics would bash him, but audiences would also express their disappointment with curses, leading to a drop in anticipation for “Firefly.” No wonder numerous media outlets were saying that producing “Paranormal Activity 3” was “risky, unwise, foolish.” However, he wasn’t worried—with a well-considered script, a director Kevin Grout full of enthusiasm, and a supremely talented lead Chloe Moretz… the quality of “Paranormal Activity 3” was quite outstanding, or at least, he had had some nightmares because of it.

“It’s not a film that pretends to be artistic, but if you like horror movies, if you enjoy psychological thrillers, you definitely can’t miss ‘Paranormal Activity 3′!” Wang Yang expressed this to the Los Angeles Times, saying, “It’s a movie that’s tense and exciting from start to finish, very entertaining. You know, we’re back!”

We’re back! This statement by the amazing Wang Yang was used as the headline for his LA Times interview, and film enthusiasts seemed to feel that calm and domineering aura—”Paranormal Activity” is back! The amazing Wang Yang is back on the big screen! Quiet for over a year after “The Devil Wears Prada,” the fashion trendsetter, 21 for blackjack, R-rated comedies, musicals… His legend always persisted in the circles, yet his figure was not seen. But this year, this summer, is different!

If “Kung Fu Panda” is like “Furious Cars,” something routinely on the menu; “Firefly” is like a lavish feast that makes your mouth water even before it is served, then “Paranormal Activity 3” is like the appetizer before the main course.

“This week’s North American champion, who dares to challenge the amazing Wang Yang? Don’t be joking.” As for some media’s belief that “Sin City” would pose a significant threat to “Paranormal Activity 3,” that “Sin City” could take the weekly championship, or even that “Paranormal Activity 3” was being defined as “a potential dark horse,” fans of the amazing Wang Yang were disdainful. The CEO of Lionsgate, Jon Feltheimer, was also dismissive, Wang Yang’s appetizer will be more than enough to take down “Sin City”!

“Sin City” is certainly no saint, and even though Wang Yang politely declined the offer to make a cameo as a director, it still had Quentin Tarantino doing promotions, Robert Rodriguez and the comic book master Frank Miller co-directing, with a cast including Bruce Willis, Elijah Wood, Mickey Rourke, not to mention popular female leads like Scarlett Johansson and Alexis Braidel…

But in the eyes of Wang Yang’s fans, what of it? It’s not that it isn’t good; it’s just that Yang is too powerful, especially since it also dared to “anger” him.

This is part of the media and moviegoers’ view. Why did Wang Yang suddenly agree to produce “Paranormal Activity 3” for Lionsgate? Why did both companies schedule its release for April 1? To snipe at “Sin City”!

“They sent out the wrong film invitations at the wrong time,” said a hardcore movie fan named Pedro L, who claimed to have studied Wang Yang for years. Remember “Idle Hands”? Trying to cause a stir only to be beaten to a pulp by “High School Musical.” Over the years, Jessica turned down many offers thrown her way, but rejecting “Sin City” and “Fantastic Four” and swiftly joining “Firefly” really caused an uproar. What was most out of line was several producers from both films saying, “This role is really suited for her.” Wang Yang got angry.

Pedro L’s analysis suggests that according to the amazing Wang Yang’s traditional way of showing anger, these two films will be bombarded by him at the box office! “Firefly,” scheduled for June, won’t be able to personally deal with “Sin City,” so “Paranormal Activity 3” takes to the big screen, ensuring the opposition won’t even dream of taking the North American weekly championship!

This seemingly playful and humorous theory, however, garnered support from many people. They believed this was the reason “Paranormal Activity 3” appeared on movie posters in theaters, and Wang Yang was also teaching Scarlett Johansson and Alexis Braidel a lesson for siding with the “enemy.” Don’t forget who allowed you to start making a mark on the big screen! As for “Fantastic Four”? The lesson was certainly for Rachel McAdams.

“That’s an interesting point of view.” Upon hearing such a gossip-laden question from the Los Angeles Times—”Does ‘Paranormal Activity 3’ have any intention of sniping at ‘Sin City’?”—Wang Yang laughed heartily. He had heard of this fan rumor on his blog. Maybe because outsiders didn’t know that Scarlett Johansson, Alexis, and Rachel all asked for his “agent advice”; he even almost accepted the offer to guest direct “Sin City” for one US Dollar and had discussed with Rachel about the interpretation of the invisible woman “Sue Storm.” Sniping at what?

But now, as competitors for the same screening period, Wang Yang undoubtedly yearned for victory. He gave this answer to the Los Angeles Times, “I’ve seen their trailers and know about their plans to turn as much of the original comic into a movie as possible. ‘Sin City’ will be a classic cult film with a strong and unique style. Regardless of genre or market positioning, ‘Paranormal Activity 3’ is of a different type, and I don’t think the two can be lumped together.” He added, “The box office championship? We hope it’s us; nobody dislikes being the champion.”

“The championship belongs to ‘Sin City’!” Being a classic comic with countless fans, many were displeased with the talk of sniping and strangling. Do they really think “Sin City” is like a child’s sandcastle? What could a rehashed horror sequel possibly do? Ridiculous!

And so it went, from discussions to mutual ridicule, fans of the two cinematic camps had actually sparked several small-scale flame wars, all insisting that the weekly box office champion from April 1st to 7th would undoubtedly be “Paranormal Activity 3″/”Sin City”! Anyone who disagreed was considered a fool! They were all holding their breath, just waiting to let it out or choke on it.

There was no reason for either movie to disappoint the fans. “Sin City” received rave reviews from its screeners for critics and test audiences, who felt the theatrical release didn’t dishonor the comics; meanwhile, Lionsgate had arranged several audience tests screenings for “Paranormal Activity 3” to build hype and anticipation, and though the terrified viewers gave it high praise, they were somewhat skeptical of the repeated mockumentary format, seeing it as a bit of a cash grab.

Compared to the R-rated “Sin City”, the PG-13 “Paranormal Activity 3” had an advantage, with the young 8-year-old Chloe Moretz able to attend the premiere at the Xuelan Theater, accompanied by her parents and brother. However, Wang Yang wouldn’t allow Jessica, who was nearly 24, to see the film, even with the whole family by her side, for fear that the horror would be too stimulating and cause her to miscarry; plus, it wasn’t good for the baby’s mental development! So, he attended the premiere alone.

Jessica was not only isolated from horror films but also from anything tense or startling. As a pregnant woman more prone to catching colds than most, how could Wang Yang dare to play the scare game with his wife, or indulge in any twisted humor? He had even considered banning her from the “Firefly” premiere, as the climax of the movie seemed too intense… Jessica, on the other hand, insisted that she must attend, as she would be three months pregnant by then, and she was not as fragile as he was making her out to be; he was just being overly anxious.

No matter what, this thrilling feast doesn’t have a spot for the expectant mother.

“It better be scary, or I swear I’m going to slam you with rotten tomatoes online…” grumbled Natalie as she settled into a seat in the relatively full theater. On her weekend off, she chose “Paranormal Activity 3” for her cinema visit, planning to check out “Sin City” afterward. Maybe it was because she was shooting “V for Vendetta”, or for other reasons, but lately, she was irritable and easily angered, as if she were the pregnant one.

Why had no one capable of impregnating her come along yet! Natalie glared at the screen, tugging at her grey beanie that not a strand of hair escaped from. Ever since last month, she had been sporting a bald head. Thinking back to when she had shaved off all her long hair, she remembered the freeing sensation—let those notions of beauty and image go to hell! The reason for wearing a beanie, obviously, was to avoid being recognized. That was the only downside of being bald—it drew too much attention, making it easy to be spotted.

When she had hair, she could walk down the street unnoticed; but as a bald woman, everyone stared with curious eyes, wondering, “What’s with this girl?” Why? Does being bald make someone a bad person? Isn’t a person beautiful without hair? How shallow!

As Natalie laughed at the thought of all the shocked reactions from people, Wang Yang’s words came back to her, “You’ve wanted to do this for a long time, haven’t you? It’s not too late now! Congratulations, you are free, but there’s more you need to do…” Bullshit! It’s this guy again, she thought, turning her head away and watching the trailer for “Firefly” with interest, feeling an anticipation that surpasses even that of “Star Wars: Episode III”.

To better match the character design in the “V for Vendetta” comic, Natalie Portman went with a clean-shaven head. This move shocked all media and fans alike, from her sexy and elegant appearance on the Oscars stage presenting and receiving awards to speaking endearingly to the brilliant Yang; then suddenly, she seemed to be part of the bald community… The media had various reports, and fans who were close to dropping their jaws finally admitted that this girl was as unique and irresistibly cool as in “Léon: The Professional”, “Juno”, and “MIT-21-TEAM”.

“WRITTEN-AND-DIRECTED-BY: YOUNG-WANG”, “Bam!”, “JUNE-17TH-2005, Firefly.com”

Before the start of “Paranormal Activity 3”, audiences across North America once again saw the so-called “almighty trailer” for “Firefly”, the first edition of the theatrical trailer. There are different versions for different promotional spots: a first edition, second edition, various 30-second TV commercials, character editions, international editions, and so on. However, the most popular, well-known, and explosive is the earliest released first edition.

Driven by the YOUTUBE “Spoof Trailer Contest” event, the internet now has all sorts of versions, extending beyond the Flame Corporation and TV series into shows, news, ads, music videos, NBA and other sports, and amateur self-recordings…

Things haven’t been smooth sailing, though. Whenever YOUTUBE receives complaints and warnings from copyright owners, it blocks the infringing videos. Yet all this has grown nearly self-perpetuating, as netizens share and archive videos, posting and discussing in forums for fun, and the contest has become less significant. More people are simply joining in for the fun, with the mindset of “I want to make a XX version” or “I can do one too” or “Make one for friends to see,” embracing the wave of spoofing just for laughs. The “Firefly” trailers are becoming ever more abundant and ubiquitous in the online world.

“It’s about to start.” In a San Francisco movie theater, Evelyn stuffed popcorn into her mouth, one handful after another, her cheeks puffing out and swelling. Today she and her brother Eden and his girlfriend had rushed to catch “Paranormal Activity 3”. The siblings had recaptured some of the vibe from their younger days. At first, they had been mad at the magical Yang for tricking them, but years later, they realized that horror movie was the most terrifying one they’d ever seen. It felt as if an evil spirit might jump out of the screen at any moment to harm them…

In Los Angeles, a white woman sighed nervously as the Lionsgate logo flashed on the big screen followed by the flame emblem. Now a married mother, she had been a college student when the rough quality DV film had given her a serious fright, and to this day, she couldn’t forget the horrifying scene where Rachel McAdams smiled wickedly into the camera. The prequel was a must-watch for her! In New York, a young man with a beard adjusted his position, ready to enjoy this thrilling night with his girlfriend. He had been in high school when he watched “Paranormal Activity” and remembered vividly the memory of staying up late at the theater, queuing for tickets…

Although not directed by Wang Yang, the scriptwriter and producer from “Paranormal Activity” were enticing enough to bring countless older youths and teenagers into the theaters for “Paranormal Activity 3” and for the thrill of the magical Yang. Many others were waiting for the reviews to come out before deciding. As a middle-aged woman’s shouts of “Sweety? Sweetheart?” echoed on the screen, a cute brunette girl ran around a living room. The movie had started!

Watching the screen covered with a layer of home video camera quality, stamped with the recording time in the lower right corner, audiences across North America who had seen “Paranormal Activity” felt a strange yet familiar sensation. It was this feeling! The warmest of homes filled with danger, the feeling of tension and mystery that made hearts uncomfortably tight.

“…” As the movie proceeded frame by frame in silence, the theater was quiet—no music, no dialogue, no sounds, just a dim, blue-tinged bedroom on screen. Little Chloe lay in bed, and the audience could hear the intense breathing of people around them due to their heightened nerves and their own thumping heartbeats. What was there to be afraid of? There were no blood, no severed limbs, no violence, no trace of any evil spirits, just a little girl sleeping, nothing more intriguing than a child dancing on YouTube… The question was, why did it feel so spine-chilling?

Many had thought at the beginning that the little girl who played a young Rachel McAdams was really cute! But they quickly changed their minds. To many film critics with a sharp eye, the most redeeming quality of the movie seemed to be this little girl named Chloe Moritz. She had a natural talent that filled every scene with an atmosphere of suspicion and anxiety, making one worry for her; as for the movie itself, it lacked surprises. Director Kevin Grout was like an expendable transparent figure with no breakthroughs, even less natural and unrestrained than “Paranormal Activity”… The only thing worth praising Wang Yang for was finding a good actress.

“Ah—”, “Oh my God!” Theaters across North America showing “Paranormal Activity 3” suddenly erupted with screams and cries. The audience voiced their terror for the first time that night, gasping for air: “Huff, wow!”, “I can’t believe it!”, “This is it, a supernatural phenomenon, this is it!”…

Without knowing when, Evelyn’s complexion had turned very pale, her body unconsciously curling up, her lips either trembling or mumbling to herself. Suddenly, on the big screen, someone unknown burst through the bedroom door, leading the entire cinema to scream with her: “Oh—!” Whether it was her brother, his girlfriend, or the surrounding audience, they all jumped up from their seats as if electrocuted. That was the fourth, or maybe the fifth time tonight they had screamed: “Ahh—!”

“Paranormal Activity 3”, by lacking “authenticity”, had simply let loose, setting up sudden moments of violent footage. The audience was like walking through a narrow and dimly lit tunnel, constantly being frightened from behind, shattering the silence within the movie and also within the theater.

“Aaaaah!” Natalie screamed her lungs out, almost outshouting everyone else in the theater, even though other viewers were also screaming like they were on a roller-coaster.

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PS: This chapter has 5968 words. The flashback segments at the beginning are all free, so don’t say I’m padding the word count to deceive people! ^0^ Also, “Swordmaster Flying in the Sky” is charging towards the leader board with diamonds, everyone please help support him in the book review section, you get diamonds every day for free, thank you all! (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to give it your recommendation votes and monthly votes at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)