[Chapter 203: Beautiful Harmony]
After receiving the notification, Link returned to the production studio with the master copy and watched it a few more times.
With the 15% enhancement, the film's quality noticeably improved. The lighting, color balance, and sound became more harmonious. The shots possessed a greater sense of texture, and the actors' performances were more impactful.
While watching the film, Link took notes. He wasn't just looking for differences; he was also learning in hopes of making fewer mistakes in future shoots. He aimed to achieve a completion rate of over 99% without the need for an enhancement.
However, the improvement seemed quite advanced, akin to a higher-dimensional technique, which would not be easy to learn in a short period.
...
After finishing, Link handed the master copy back to the production department and notified the marketing department to arrange the film's release. Currently, the market alignment for Se7en was 75%, which was slightly higher than the last project. He knew that releasing it sooner would mean more potential earnings.
"Link, why does this movie look so much more polished than yesterday's version?" Daniel DeVito and the production team found Link after watching the upgraded Se7en.
"I did some fine-tuning. Let's see if you find any issues. If not, I won't change a thing," Link replied, yawning.
"No, no, there's no need for any more changes. This film is fantastic! If you were to alter it, it might ruin the film's integrity. In my eyes, it's already a perfect film -- truly perfect," Daniel said, pushing up his glasses, excitement reddening his face.
"Absolutely. The artistic quality rivals Spielberg's Schindler's List. I suggest we campaign this film for next year's Oscars; maybe we can snag a few awards," producer James Schamus stated.
The assistant director Paul Thomas Anderson and others nodded in agreement. Se7en had a high standard. During the previous internal screening, he had rated the film an 85; now, it was at least a 90. He felt that giving it a full score would not be an exaggeration.
...
Paul Anderson admired Link. He had joined Link's crew during the filming of Final Destination, initially thinking that Link only made commercial films like Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project. As a more art-house director, he had looked down on Link's work at first and did not truly respect his directorial abilities.
However, throughout the shooting of both Final Destination and Se7en, he witnessed Link's meticulous work ethic and impeccable cinematography skills. Link's editing prowess was nothing short of extraordinary.
What impressed him even more was how Link could excel in both commercial and art films. He made commercial films that audiences loved while crafting art films that were profound and aesthetically beautiful. This quality set him apart from about 99% of his peers, achievable only by a select few directors like Spielberg.
Paul Anderson decided to stay close to Link and learn the craft of filmmaking from him.
...
"Let's not worry about the Oscars; let's stick to the original release plan. If the Academy wants to hand out awards, great, but it's not something we should chase. We'll have more opportunities in the future," Link waved his hand dismissively.
If Se7en were to compete for an Oscar, it was best to schedule its release for the end of the year. At that time, the Academy members would prepare to vote, making it easier for well-received films released during that period to gain their favor. However, Link didn't believe the Academy would consider him -- a 22-year-old newcomer -- for Best Director, especially considering his reputation in the industry, which was less than stellar, often labeled a "hack director" and a disruptor of the film market.
The Academy members, mostly older filmmakers, preferred art films and often held conservative views. Link realized that attaining the Best Director award would be more challenging for him than for the majority of directors in the industry.
Hearing him say this, Daniel DeVito and the others stopped persuading him. After Link left, they gathered to watch Se7en two more times, praising it enthusiastically.
Daniel suggested submitting Se7en to the Cannes Film Festival for screening, to build its overseas reputation, which could save a lot on promotional costs when it was released.
Link did not object.
...
Once he wrapped up matters concerning Se7en, Saturday rolled around. Link took an early shift and drove over to the Rex Apartments.
Lily emerged from the kitchen, wearing a chic white LV dress with a blue apron over it. A pearl necklace graced her elegant neck, giving her an endearing, wholesome appearance.
"Link, you are here."
"Long time no see Link, you look handsome again."
"Hello, Mr. Link!"
As soon as he arrived at the apartment, the door opened from the inside. Lily's friends stood at the door to greet him, with eager eyes.
After chatting for a bit, Lily slipped back into the kitchen to finish cooking.
...
Link lounged on the sagging couch, said, "I didn't go to college 'cause I didn't have the cash or the shot back then," he said with a shrug. "If I'd had the chance, I'd have happily messed around on campus for a few years before directing anything."
One of Lily's friends commented, "Link, you're not too old now! You're only 22 -- hell, you're younger than many college students. It is not too late for you to go to college now!"
Another friend smirked and waved a hand dismissively, "There's no need for Link to go to university. With his level, he can be a professor in the film department of a university."
"What are you talking about?" Lily came out of the kitchen, wearing a white LV dress with a blue apron on the outside. She looked plump and beautiful.
"Talking about schooling, Link said he also wanted to go to college."
Lily looked at Link and smiled, "How can he have time to go to school? There are a lot of things waiting for him to deal with in the company. If he wants to go to school, he has to close the company first."
"What about you, Lily? Aren't you still there? I heard that when Link was filming outside, guess what, you were in charge of the film business. Everyone's calling you his right-hand woman!"
Lily's eyes narrowed as she shot a mock glare, her voice sharp. "Don't talk nonsense. I am only responsible for public relations in the company. Other things are not my responsibility and I can't manage them."
"There was indeed a lot of news about Guess Pictures in the second half of last year. I could see it every day when I opened the newspaper. There was also news about you answering reporters' questions on behalf of Guess Pictures. Lily, you are becoming more and more like a PR queen now."
Lily's face scrunched up, and she huffed, looking genuinely annoyed. "It was all Link's fault. I originally just wanted to be an assistant, but he pushed me into the public relations department."
Link flashed a lopsided grin, leaning back with his hands behind his head, not even bothering to argue. He just winked at her, letting her stew.
After chatting for a bit longer, Lily muttered something about burning the sauce and slipped back into the kitchen to finish cooking.
...
Dinner was a laid-back affair. Once Lily's friends downed their last bites and stumbled out into the night, Link, Cici, and Lily settled into the living room watching TV and chatting.
*****
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