Tokyo Literary Godfather

But Kei Fujiwara ignored all this, and the sarcasm in his words almost overflowed.

Moreover, in Yamazaki Naoki's impression, Fujiwara Kei not only likes to say this in private, but also often "talks nonsense" about these so-called art movies on TV programs. I think these films have no nutritional value, have neither commercial value nor artistic value, and are extremely unpalatable junk food.

But their unpalatable taste has become their selling point... and many directors and supervisors have used this to package themselves as maverick artists, which is also incredible.

Of course, Kei Fujiwara did not take the initiative to attack these artists. After Kei Fujiwara's TV series and movies became popular, there were always some film critics or filmmakers who criticized Kei Fujiwara's movies and TV series in public, which belong to the category of film and television works. [Fast food] It’s okay to eat it occasionally, but eating it all the time will cause malnutrition in people.

So Fujiwara Kei's counterattack was not polite at all. Kei Fujiwara's current fame and appeal to the masses are far beyond those of ordinary filmmakers. In addition, the words "extremely unpalatable junk food" are full of irony, which temporarily knocked those people speechless. Come.

"Yamazaki-kun also came to see this kind of film, and be careful not to write a script that is loved by the audience." Fujiwara Kei said half-jokingly.

Yamazaki Naoki said: "Actually, this movie still has merits... It's just that it's not suitable for most audiences and it's not attractive enough. But I can feel that the supervision of this movie is very thoughtful."

Kei Fujiwara shook his head: "No one cares about his ideas, and creators are most afraid of narcissism... Japanese movies have now declined like this. As a filmmaker, I don't think about how to break the situation. Instead, I still indulge in the artist's narcissistic fantasy." Among them... useless talent."

Yamazaki Naoki was silent for a while. He actually disagreed with Fujiwara Kei's point of view, but he didn't know how to refute it for the moment.

In fact, Kei Fujiwara's views were formed before he time traveled. He is the kind of person who extremely despises art films that are incomprehensible and even scorns Wong Kar-Wai. A professional filmmaker has never won at the box office or lost in awards. He has almost become a habit of cheating investors. The audience does not support him, but he can win awards.

If he was asked to choose between Wong Kar Wai and Wang Jing, he would choose Wang Jing a hundred times. Even if shit and shit can keep a lot of filmmakers from losing their jobs during the Great Depression of the film industry, the practical significance is already higher than that of art directors.

Kei Fujiwara's view may not be correct, and may even be a bit extreme, but for the current sluggish Japanese film market, his view is more practical.

"By the way, Yamazaki-kun's movie will be released soon." Kei Fujiwara asked again.

"Yes." Facing this senior and the road sign, Yamazaki Naoki was very respectful, "I also ask Fujiwara-sensei to give me advice..."

"Wow, wow." Kei Fujiwara smiled, "When the time comes, Yamazaki-kun will give me an invitation letter for the premiere."

Naoki Yamazaki was stunned, and then said excitedly: "Will Mr. Fujiwara be willing to come to the premiere? If so, it would be great..."

The appearance of a heavyweight like Kei Fujiwara at the premiere will definitely help the promotion of the film and at the same time boost the box office.

"You're welcome, in the cold winter of the film industry, filmmakers should keep each other warm." Kei Fujiwara said, and the two walked out of the theater together.

At this time, two more movies were over, the door of the theater opened, and the sparse crowd walked out.

Yamazaki Naoki couldn't help but sigh, "The situation in movie theaters is really getting worse. I remember it wasn't like this five years ago. What's the problem? Don't audiences like watching movies anymore? Or are TV programs just too popular?" It’s wonderful, and the audience is unwilling to come to the front of the big screen?”

Naoki Yamazaki muttered worriedly: "The movie theater will not disappear one day in the future..."

The fear of the disappearance of movie theaters has been haunting the minds of many filmmakers since the day the television came out. There has always been a saying that sooner or later television will replace movie theaters. Many people even think that in the future there will be video halls everywhere, but movie theaters will disappear.

Although Kei Fujiwara tells everyone from the perspective of the future that this is unnecessary worry - in the future, TVs will be replaced by computers and movie theaters will still be strong. However, at this time, Naoki Yamazaki represents many filmmakers of his generation. There is no such worry in my heart all the time.

Having said this, Naoki Yamazaki glanced at Kei Fujiwara with an imperceptible look... Yes, this guy is also one of the powerful accomplices in destroying filmmakers' jobs. Since the concept of Yuejiu drama emerged, Yuejiu has also become recognized by most movie theaters as the worst box office day on weekdays.

"Don't worry, Yamazaki-kun, movies will not disappear. On the contrary, video halls will gradually fade away from people's sight." Kei Fujiwara said, "The current booming scene in the American film market is proof of this. American films are not the same in China. Are they selling well? The market has potential, but our generation of filmmakers just don’t accept it. After all, Japan has a population of 130 million, plus the countries in Southeast Asia, it can support the market."

"The economy is also in a recession now...how many people are interested in watching movies?" Naoki Yamazaki lamented again. In fact, he was somewhat unwilling to admit that domestic filmmakers were relatively incompetent.

Kei Fujiwara smiled: "Have you ever heard of the lipstick effect, Yamazaki-kun?"

Yamazaki Naoki shook his head.

"Some economists in the United States have found that when the economy is in recession and society falls into the Great Depression, lipstick sales actually increase. When the economy is in recession, people's desire to consume has not weakened, but if they can't afford bulk commodities, they will turn to Some cheap luxuries, such as lipstick. And movies are also such cheap luxuries."

"A movie ticket costs more than 1,000 yen, which is much cheaper than going to a maid shop or nightclub."

At this time, Kei Fujiwara suddenly paused and turned to look at the [Transfer Statement] posted on the wall. He seemed to be thinking about something, so he stepped forward to chat with the boss standing at the front desk, and then exchanged After getting the phone number, he walked back to Naoki Yamazaki.

"What's more, the film market is cyclical in its boom and bust. Even in the era of movie studios, when the film industry was in full swing, there would be years when the overall box office was not good. The same is true today. You have to believe in the cold. The night will pass eventually.”

"But in addition to waiting for the sun to come out, we filmmakers also have to spontaneously light a bonfire."

"Will Fujiwara-sensei be the one to light the bonfire?" Yamazaki Naoki asked.

"Who knows? I do have such a plan, otherwise I would not have risked the financial chain to shoot five movies at once. The TV series business that I was already sure of winning has now stalled." Kei Fujiwara said, "I I hope to bring more people back to the cinema, and I am confident that I can achieve this goal. No one will invest money in a career that they have no confidence in, but..."

Kei Fujiwara changed the subject.

"There are no certain things in this world. Maybe my confidence and my plan will eventually prove to be an illusion. If that happens, I hope Yamazaki-kun will continue to work hard. The task of saving the movie will be left to you."

"Teacher Fujiwara will definitely succeed." Naoki Yamazaki suddenly raised his voice and said, "But I won't lose either."

"That's good. Goodbye Yamazaki-kun. I'm looking forward to your work."

With that said, the two shook hands again.