"Dulles, get ready! I need a wide panoramic shot to create the effect of thousands of landing craft storming the beach!" Gilbert roared.
After finishing some of the dialogue scenes, Gilbert led the crew into shooting the opening battle sequence.
For the cinematography, Gilbert adopted the filming style of Saving Private Ryan from his previous life.
He discussed with his cinematography team, Dulles Randolph and John Schwartzman, using a documentary-style approach, almost like a factual record, for the first 25 minutes of the landing scene.
Before filming, the crew didn't bother with a detailed plot; instead, they mostly used handheld cameras to follow the landing soldiers at close range.
To remain faithful to the story and accurately reflect the era, Dulles Randolph and John Schwartzman specially processed the film negatives, desaturating the colors to achieve Gilbert's desired effect.
Another unique cinematography technique used in the film was the 90° or 45° shutter angle to capture the landing scene, filming the continuous movement of the actors and the thrilling scenes of bullets flying.
Of course, Gilbert also made some innovations, referencing the game Call of Duty: WWII from decades later, with many shots captured from the actors' first-person perspectives.
At that time, digital cameras couldn't achieve the same effect as film and weren't suitable for the big screen. So, having actors wear filming equipment for first-person shots was somewhat challenging.
However, the cinematography team and the technical department collaborated closely to develop a miniaturized wireless camera system.
Although still a bit cumbersome and difficult for some highly demanding scenes, simple actions like running or holding objects by hand were manageable.
The crew first filmed a wide panoramic shot of the landing craft charging, with a dozen assault boats creating the impression of a massive army.
However, in post-production, special effects would be needed to add more assault boats.
Since the film's overall color tone leaned towards cool colors, and visual effects generally work best with warmer tones, this presented a considerable challenge for Industrial Light & Magic.
After completing this shot, the next scenes involved the main actors on the landing craft.
Gilbert sat by the monitor on the shore, directing remotely via walkie-talkie, while Dulles Randolph was responsible for the actual filming.
"Dulles, film through John Miller's hand. Tell the captain his hand should be trembling, then he'll use drinking water to cover it up, and finally, move to his face as the camera slowly pulls back."
On the other Talkie, after giving instructions, Dulles Randolph replied, "Director, copy that..."
Once preparations were nearly complete, the landing craft began its charge again.
A close-up shot focused on Tom Hanks's hand, which trembled continuously, forcing him to use a canteen to mask it. Then Dulles Randolph, carrying the camera, retreated, and other actors entered the frame, reacting as pre-planned.
This shot wasn't difficult and passed perfectly during the test shoot.
However, the subsequent filming would be slightly more challenging. Acting on a landing craft, enduring the impact of the waves, made Tom Hanks feel nauseous and on the verge of vomiting.
Nevertheless, he tried his best to hold it in and completed his performance.
"Don't block the ramp! Landing in thirty seconds! God be with you!"
"One line to port, one line to starboard, move forward quickly, avoid those shell craters..."
In this tense moment, to maintain the suspenseful atmosphere before the landing, Gilbert tried to use continuous shots as much as possible to highlight the tension.
Close-ups on each character showed excellent detail, revealing their fear and tension.
The next shot was Gilbert's designed first-person view, primarily filmed by Vin Diesel due to his stamina.
From his first-person perspective, as the ramp opened, the soldiers inside the landing craft became easy targets, many of them being gunned down before even exiting.
This shot was incredibly immersive, capturing the dreadful, brutal tension and the bursting blood packs, making Sophia so nervous she barely dared to breathe while watching the monitor.
After this shot, Gilbert asked Sophia, "How do you feel about this shot?"
Sophia gave a thumbs-up and said, "Gilbert, you truly are a master of cinematography design."
"So, that means I'm not a master in other aspects?"
Sophia was silent for a long time before finally saying, "Perhaps, but at least you're much better than I am, much, much better."
For the proud Sophia Coppola to admit someone was better than her spoke volumes about her admiration for Gilbert's outstanding work.
---
### Behind the Scenes: Public Image vs. Reality
While Saving Private Ryan was in full swing, some preliminary publicity work was being done in North America.
"Tom Hanks, in his first collaboration with Gilbert, stated that he has always admired Gilbert's films."
"Gilbert said Tom Hanks is his most admired actor, and he's always wanted to work with him, and his dream has finally come true."
"It's reported that Gilbert's new film is an explosive and thrilling WWII war epic, with explosion scenes that won't be any less intense than The Rock."
In the publicity, Gilbert and Tom Hanks were portrayed as a perfect example of a mutually appreciative and highly sought-after collaboration.
In reality, it was pretty close, but Gilbert and Tom Hanks's personal relationship was only average, limited to their professional collaboration.
Any film crew, in their promotions, will always emphasize how friendly the cast and crew are, how they're like family, and how seamlessly they work together.
But the reality is never quite as imagined. For example, on the set of Speed, the lead actress Sandra Bullock was quite annoyed with Naomi Watts.
This was because Gilbert added many scenes for Naomi Watts, stealing the spotlight from Sandra Bullock.
After that, Naomi Watts even took over a leading role from Sandra Bullock in a film, Sliding Doors.
If the film's box office performance had been poor, it would have been one thing, but this small-budget romantic comedy surprisingly grossed 81 million dollars in North America and over 100 million dollars worldwide.
With this film, coupled with her successive roles in Gilbert's blockbusters, Naomi Watts completely rose to the ranks of an A-list actress.
But that film was originally meant for Sandra Bullock, so how could Sandra Bullock not harbor some resentment towards Naomi Watts?
Unfortunately, Sandra Bullock dared not act on it because Naomi Watts's sudden rise to fame was largely orchestrated by Gilbert.
Everyone knew that Gilbert even ruined Mel Gibson's reputation for Naomi Watts.
Under such circumstances, Sandra Bullock had no choice but to keep her dissatisfaction to herself; she wasn't Mel Gibson, who still had the power to struggle a bit.
If Gilbert knew she harbored resentment towards Naomi Watts, who knew what tactics he might use against her!
If Gilbert knew what Sandra Bullock was thinking, he'd be speechless. Had his image really become that terrifying now?
Actually, Gilbert generally wouldn't interfere in fair competition, but sometimes people would try to curry favor with him by giving Naomi Watts and Cameron Diaz special advantages.
Gilbert had told the three women more than once that he would not help them unless it involved serious incidents that jeopardized their careers or personal safety.
To become A-list stars in Hollywood, they should bravely face the storms.
Growing up under his protective wing, their ability to withstand risks would be too weak if his power ever waned.
There were many other examples of discord on other sets. When Gilbert was an executive director on Hook, he witnessed Julia Roberts, "Big Mouth," arguing with Spielberg.
Of course, that was when Julia Roberts was high on fame, disregarding everyone. If she were sober, even as an A-list actress, she wouldn't dare offend Spielberg.
Now, because she offended Spielberg, Julia Roberts's career has stagnated in recent years. She's not being considered for various major commercial projects, which is Spielberg's subtle revenge.
This woman, however, was smart. She quickly brought gifts to Spielberg's home to apologize, and even accompanied Spielberg on a two-week vacation in Europe.
As for what happened during those two weeks, those who know, know.
There are many other examples of discord. Saving Private Ryan was not a harmonious and loving family either; at the very least, Vin Diesel was quite unpopular with the other actors.
Except for Tom Hanks, who, by virtue of his extraordinary status, could remain aloof, the other actors had major issues with Vin Diesel.
Even the younger version of "Family Man" hadn't yet achieved fame, but his temper was already quite a headache.
Leonardo DiCaprio even complained to Gilbert: "Good thing I don't have any scenes with him, otherwise I might have pointed my gun at him."
Gilbert was also helpless; personality is difficult to change. Even if Gilbert was hailed as the Son of God, even if Jesus and Hong Xiuquan themselves came, they couldn't change Vin Diesel's personality.
Fortunately, Vin Diesel still knew whose set it was and respected him as the director, otherwise, the actor he chose might have thrown a tantrum with him.
Regardless, even if Vin Diesel was an actor highly valued by Sheena Boone, Gilbert would not hesitate to kick him out of the crew.
But then again, filming isn't a dinner party; it's a demanding and high-pressure job.
There were countless arguments on set every day due to filming issues. Dulles Randolph and John Schwartzman had several disagreements regarding their filming philosophies.
Without a strong enough producer or director to command the set, the entire crew would fall apart in such an atmosphere, and there would be no talk of completing the film's production.
---
### Gilbert's Legacy and Mentorship
Fortunately, Gilbert had long proven his abilities and methods through numerous films, making the entire crew revolve around him, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
However, thinking about the two cinematographers arguing still gave Gilbert a headache. He said to Sophia, "How about you lead a separate crew in the future, and I'll assign one of the cinematographers to you?"
Sophia thought for a moment and said, "If you're going to assign me a cinematographer, I want Dulles."
"Oh? Why?" Gilbert asked curiously.
Sophia shrugged and said, "Given my relationship with John, it would be difficult for me to scold him if we argued."
Gilbert thought about it and realized she had a point. On the other hand, John Schwartzman's abilities were indeed significantly superior to Dulles Randolph's.
Sophia's words were clever. By explaining her choice through relationships, she left the more skilled John Schwartzman for Gilbert, showing her understanding of how to be a subordinate.
Sophia then asked, "If Dulles and I argue, whose side would you take?"
Gilbert pondered for a moment before replying, "Logically, I should be on your side, but I stand by the law. I'll support whoever has a valid point."
This answer made Sophia pout in dissatisfaction.
However, Gilbert then said, "Don't worry, Dulles is a very sensible person; he won't deliberately make things difficult for you. You've been my assistant director for a few years now, so you're quite experienced. I believe Dulles won't have any objections unless it's something truly out of line."
Sophia pouted and said, "You think highly of me. You didn't see me when I was getting roasted by critics."
"Times have changed. You're not the same as before. You've emerged from the shadow of being the worst supporting actress at the Golden Raspberry Awards. Who knows, maybe you'll be the first female director to win an Oscar for Best Director!" Gilbert hyped up Sophia.
In fact, the first female director to win an Oscar in his previous life was Kathryn Bigelow. Gilbert wasn't sure if Sophia would win, but he knew that a female director, Chloé Zhao, won an Oscar for Best Director.
This director also directed the terrible Marvel movie Eternals, a film that was notoriously bad.
Gilbert, however, remembered the scene in it where a black actor cried and repented at the Hiroshima monument, which was full of irony.
Chloé Zhao's stepmother was also a famous actress, Song Dandan. He wondered how the two were related.
The Academy's bias against women wasn't a new thing, but the tide always turns, and Sophia had a lot of hope.
After Saving Private Ryan, Sophia was confirmed to independently direct a film, becoming the second director in Melon Studio with independent directing capabilities.
The project was also confirmed: Good Will Hunting, written by Matt Damon.
Matt Damon had repeatedly suggested that Gilbert direct the film, but Gilbert's schedule was packed until 2020.
He simply had no availability, so he proposed that Sophia direct the film instead.
Of course, to ensure the film didn't deviate from its original form, Gilbert would still serve as executive producer and supervisor, overseeing Sophia's work.
Good Will Hunting would be solely invested in by Melon Studio. Once the film's production was confirmed, they would then see which of their partners would be willing to distribute it.
To others, it might seem that Gilbert was being exceptionally good to Matt Damon, daring to risk investing in an original script.
But what they might not know is that if Good Will Hunting was filmed as well as it was in his previous life, box office success would be guaranteed, and it might even turn a significant profit.
Gilbert also asked his assistant director, Anne Burton, if she had any desire to direct a film independently, but Anne Burton declined.
"I've seen your work; the pressure is immense, and I can't handle it. I'd rather stick to being an assistant director!" Anne Burton said.
Everyone has their own pursuits. With Anne Burton saying that, Gilbert didn't push it. After all, to each their own!