"Isn't this song from Inception? Cobb and his team used this song as their wake-up signal."
Watching Nicole Kidman, played by Nicole, passionately sing Edith Piaf on the big screen, many viewers noticed a key detail.
"That's right, now that you mention it, I realized it too. No wonder the Inception team used this song; it's because Nicole Kidman starred in both movies."
"Wow! Her acting is truly amazing. In Inception, she was heroic, proud, and powerful, but in la vie en rose, she was tragically heartbreaking."
"Look at her expression, like a frightened sparrow. She's afraid of everything."
la vie en rose was being shown on the big screen. As an award-contending film, Eric did his best to pave the way for Nicole.
All the media and film critics that could be invited were there to collectively enjoy this masterpiece.
The film showcased Piaf's entire life, from youth to death, including both the good and the bad.
She grew up during a war, and her mother was a street singer, a prostitute, who couldn't care for her, almost leading to young Piaf's death from illness.
She never experienced maternal love and resented her mother.
However, at 17, she haphazardly had a child with a newsboy. Then, like her mother, she became a street singer and wanderer, which led to her 2-year-old child dying from illness.
Later, she met a benefactor who discovered her singing talent and propelled her to the top of the music industry.
Then Piaf became arrogant, started acting like a diva, and indulged herself, even falling out with her benefactor.
Severely lacking love, she didn't know how to pursue it. She fell in love with a married man who had three children.
Even though she knew this relationship wouldn't last, Piaf was deeply entangled and couldn't extricate herself.
Ultimately, because she missed him so much, the man tried to fly to her overnight but was involved in a plane crash and died.
This blow completely shattered Piaf's spirit. She began to hallucinate, and her mental state became erratic and abnormal.
To make matters worse, she suffered two car accidents during this period, a double blow to her body and mind.
Alcoholism, drugs, and addiction—she suffered from all bad habits.
But in contrast to Piaf's tragic life, her artistic career reached its peak at this time.
Like Van Gogh and Beethoven, many artists are like this: they can't live without madness, only reaching the pinnacle of art when on the verge of collapse.
It wasn't until the final moments of her life that the timeless classic, 'I Regret Nothing,' came to her.
On the stage of the Olympia Theatre, Piaf delivered the most spectacular performance of her life.
Soon after, the Queen of French Chanson passed away at the age of 47.
At the time of her death, she weighed only 71 pounds, approximately 65 catties (32.5 kg).
To make la vie en rose well, Nicole specifically learned French and practiced French chanson singing, investing a significant amount of effort.
In the film, for all the on-stage performance scenes, her original voice was used, not pre-recorded audio.
This is exactly like Joaquin Phoenix, who is currently filming bohemian rhapsody; both have given their all.
Howard also put in tremendous effort. Eric gave him full authority, trusting the veteran's ability to control biographical art films.
Holding Nicole's hand tightly, Eric was moved by her desperate cries of despair over Marcel's death, and his eyes welled up with tears.
Looking at Nicole, her face was already streaked with tears, her emotions having returned to the state she felt during filming.
"Dear, is my makeup smudged?" Nicole whispered.
"No, you're beautiful, my dear!"
"Phew, I feel a bit choked up inside. Perhaps, as Piaf wrote in her diary, just try to pursue love and don't worry about anything else!"
It was evident her emotions suddenly became very agitated, as if she wanted to embrace him for a passionate kiss.
Honestly, Eric wanted to too, but he had to restrain himself. Reason told him that would lead to an explosion.
Feeling her hand being squeezed tighter and tighter, Nicole also realized she was overly emotional and quickly wiped away her tears.
"Baby, I'll love you properly when we get home later."
"Mm."
Finally, to the Queen of Chanson's singing, the two-hour-plus film drew to a close.
As the lights came on, everyone present stood up and applauded, many with red-rimmed eyes.
Eric and Nicole embraced; at this moment, no one would doubt.
He then shook hands with Howard: "Howard, you've created an excellent work of art."
The 50-year-old man smiled and nodded: "This is the result of our collective effort. You provided an excellent script, Nicole contributed incredible acting, everyone was perfect."
Nearby, many film critics and reporters gathered around.
"OMG! Nicole, you stunned me today. It was so perfect, absolutely perfect, especially that four-minute-plus long take."
"Your emotional changes were fantastic, absolutely groundbreaking. I love it, I really love it!"
"Thank you, Joe!"
"I also loved that part the most. That long take was heartbreaking. I've seen many biographical films about Piaf, but undoubtedly, la vie en rose is the best made."
"Howard, you old guy, you've come out with such a great movie again. It almost made me cry. Look, look, are my eyes red?"
"Uh, it doesn't seem so. Your tear ducts are too high."
"Haha. But I was truly deeply moved. And you also showed Piaf's flaws, those neurotic behaviors, which is very good. I like this objective expression."
Howard pointed to Eric: "The most talented screenwriter in Hollywood is standing right in front of you. Theoretically, this should be considered his work. I can barely find any places to change."
Eric waved his hand: "Without a good director, even the best script is useless, isn't it?"
As an art-house film, and one aiming for awards, la vie en rose was destined not to have a wide release.
It opened in just over 500 cinemas, and its box office for the first three days of the opening weekend wasn't particularly high, as art-house films are actually more suitable for home viewing.
However, the advantage of art-house films cannot be matched by commercial films: their screening period is very long, lasting until the Oscar ceremony ends.
If it wins a major award, the screening scale will instantly expand across the United States and continue for about another month.
Of course, if it doesn't win an award, it will have to slink away, and perhaps even be cursed and scolded by cinema owners behind the scenes.
napoleon dynamite also didn't have a very large release. Unlike la vie en rose, which received unanimous praise, its word-of-mouth was highly polarized. Those who liked it thought it was great, while those who disliked it found it too boring and too strange.
As a campus youth film, this situation usually wouldn't occur. The reason lies in the film abandoning the typical campus youth protagonist.
It features a boring, dull, and unremarkable male protagonist, just like most people in reality, but unlike most protagonists in movies.
A solo dance by the male protagonist in the film would later be brought into the game world by World of Warcraft, becoming the prototype for the male Blood Elf dance.
Eric didn't know how much box office napoleon dynamite would earn, but with its current performance of over 13 million, it has clearly been a success, especially since its cost was only 400,000 US dollars.
Sometimes scratch-offs really do reveal big prizes.
Monday, Los Angeles.
The Christmas holiday hadn't ended yet. Some families habitually watched TV while eating breakfast, while others watched after finishing their meal.
In the mornings, due to fewer entertainment programs, the remote control was usually held by the father, who would watch morning news and such.
After anchor Emma finished reporting a news item, she suddenly took a script handed to her from the side.
Seeing this, experienced viewers knew that a relatively major breaking event must have occurred, and they involuntarily focused their attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt this program with a breaking news report. We have just received a report from the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office."
"Police Chief Grills Strange held an impromptu press conference to announce urgent news. Let's go live to the scene."
The camera then switched, showing a serious-looking middle-aged man. Those who followed local news recognized him.
Wearing a police uniform, the man spoke loudly: "I am Grills Strange, Chief of Police of Los Angeles. Danger has appeared again, and we are looking for you!"
"Los Angeles needs you, New York needs you, the entire United States needs you. A girl in danger needs your help."
"Appear quickly, Super Hero, show your courage, and bring hope and light to the people of the United States!"
"Appear quickly, Super Hero!"
Watching the Police Chief on TV saying strange things, those who didn't understand were bewildered, "What is this? Did I time travel?"
But soon, someone helped them understand.
"Dad, don't you know? This is a charity wish-granting event."
"A little boy under 5 years old has congenital leukemia. His parents are worried he won't make it and hope to fulfill one of his wishes."
"That child, named Wendy, wants to be a Super Hero. Not long ago, the Make-A-Wish organization launched a petition, and I've already joined."
"Huh? What on earth are you talking about, son!" The old father clearly didn't understand.
The son, putting on his shoes, said: "It's on Century Avenue. The event is there. You can come and see."
Watching his son ride off on his bike and disappear in a flash, the man turned his attention back to the TV.
The scene had already shifted to a household. Hearing a knock, the owner opened the door.
Clang, clang, clang.
With the sound of metal rubbing and clashing, Iron Man walked in. The cool, red and gold armor instantly stunned the little boy, whose mouth was clearly wide open in surprise.
"Wendy, I hear you want to be a Super Hero. Now is the time."
"Someone outside is in trouble. Put on your suit, and let's fight side by side!"
At this moment, the child suddenly cried out, seemingly having just come back to his senses, realizing that Super Heroes really existed in the world.
He nodded excitedly and, with the assistance of staff, put on a small-sized armor.
"Now, let's go save the world!"
"GO!"
On Century Avenue, the streets were now lined with people.
The moment little Wendy stepped out of his house, cheers immediately erupted.
"Iron Man, say hello to everyone! I am Iron Man!"
"Hi, I am Iron Man!"
Today's armor was made by MGM's finest prop master. Not only was it beautiful, but it also had some built-in functions.
For example, speakers, cool lights, and jet propulsion.
Flying high was naturally impossible, at most a few tens of centimeters off the ground, and the fuel only lasted for about a hundred meters of flight, but it was enough.
Next to Century Avenue was Winnie Park, which MGM had rented out.
Then, to the astonished gazes of the crowd, two Iron Men, one large and one small, lifted off the ground, with gas injection from their feet and palms propelling them forward.
After flying for a few tens of meters, a little girl tied up on the roadside appeared, crying for help, with the wildly laughing Iron Monger nearby.
"Come on, Iron Man! You cannot defeat me!"
"Ah!"
No sooner had he spoken than the robot fell to the ground under the colorful beams emitted by the two armors.
The little girl untied herself and came over to hug Wendy: "Thank you, Iron Man, you are a true Super Hero!"
The people on both sides of the road also applauded. Everyone today was very interested and had time to play a game with a little boy.
Perhaps it was out of morality and sympathy, or perhaps because they once had a Super Hero childhood.
Continuing forward, Red Skull and a group of thugs appeared in the middle of the road, blocking their way.
"Iron Man, you are forbidden to pass here!"
"Wendy, there are a lot of them. What should we do?"
"I... I don't know."
"Let's call for backup, call for more Super Heroes, okay?"
"Okay!"
"Then shout with me, Steve, Thor, Natasha…"
As the two shouted, the onlookers also joined in.
Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, daredevil, and other Super Heroes leaped out from the crowd, and together they defeated the bad guys.
Escorted by a group of Super Heroes, little Wendy arrived at Winnie Park.
A stage had been set up here overnight, and he was lifted onto a high table.
The Mayor of Los Angeles stepped forward and handed him a key.
"Iron Man, thank you for your contributions to Los Angeles. I now present you with the key to the city. You are a respected Super Hero."
Little Wendy happily raised the key above his head, and a round of applause and cheers immediately erupted from below the stage.
"Wendy, remember you are already a Super Hero. Super Heroes are fearless; they dare to face all difficulties and challenges."
"I heard you're sick, but do Super Heroes fear sickness?"
"No, absolutely not!"
"That's right, we must bravely face illness, overcome it, and inspire more people with your deeds, okay?"
"Yes!"
"To thank you for fighting evil, someone has composed a song, and we hope to dedicate it to you."
Swish!
The stage curtain suddenly parted to reveal two rows of more than twenty children standing there.
Little Wendy's eyes widened in surprise: "Missy, Liam, Olivia, Emma."
These children were all little Wendy's classmates, and Avril was standing in the middle of the children.
"Wendy, Iron Man, this song is for you, and also for all the Super Heroes in real life!"