[Chapter 244: TV Interview]
"Link, what does it feel like to be viewed as a murderer? Can you share your thoughts with everyone?"
At the set of the Turner Broadcasting television show, host Billy Crystal asked with a smile.
Link shrugged his shoulders, displaying an exasperated expression. "Billy, this isn't exactly a topic for jokes."
"Yes, the O.J. Simpson case is a tragedy and not something to make light of. However, what has happened to you is a comedy of sorts. Last month, Se7en premiered, and it faced tough competition at the box office from several major blockbusters. Just as it seemed on the verge of a loss, this incident occurred, linking it to Se7en.
With the media hype, Se7en became a household name, and its box office numbers surged. For two consecutive weeks, it topped the charts, overshadowing over a dozen commercial releases and emerging as the most popular film of the summer. Wow, the path to victory for Se7en was incredibly dramatic, almost like a thrilling inspirational movie!"
Applause erupted from fans of Se7en in the audience.
Link waved in appreciation and told Billy Crystal, "You made it sound so good. The truth is, it wasn't that thrilling. Just three weeks before the release, the film had grossed over $68 million, with ticket sales falling less than 30%. The word-of-mouth was quite positive. For an art film, those figures are outstanding. Even without the recent incident, it would have surpassed $100 million at the North American box office, potentially even crossing $200 million. As for the incident that just occurred, it merely sped up the process of the film's box office recovery; it didn't save Se7en from impending losses."
"You hinted that Se7en would have crossed $200 million even without the incident? It seems you have great confidence in this film," Billy Crystal remarked.
"Absolutely, after all, it is a well-crafted movie, isn't it?" Link replied.
"Yes, Se7en is indeed amazing. From the cinematography and set design to the lighting and color schemes, every aspect is iconic. What struck me the most was the last ten minutes of the film, where the three lead characters clash in a taxi, showcasing a battle of acting, culminating in the shocking reveal of John Doe's design. The plot twists continually hold you in suspense until the very last second; you can't be sure what will happen next.
It was fantastic! Without a doubt, it's the best suspense film I've ever seen, and it's a unique kind of Hollywood movie. Martin Scorsese said this film deserved a Palme d'Or, and I completely agree."
Billy Crystal had indeed done his homework, succinctly highlighting the most thrilling parts of Se7en without giving away any spoilers.
"See! Your enthusiasm for Se7en is precisely why I have confidence in its box office potential," Link stated.
"However, Link, following the success of Se7en, some media outlets criticized the film for glorifying and encouraging violence, potentially leading to copycat crimes, suggesting that the Simpson murder might be an example of such imitation. What are your thoughts on this claim?"
"This question touches on the definition of film. From the audience's perspective, films can be classified as good or bad. A good film is one that feels worth the price of admission after viewing it, while a bad film is the opposite.
From a filmmaker's perspective, a good film carries significance, whereas a bad film is meaningless, lacking in substance. Currently, many Hollywood films primarily offer entertainment value, like comedies, horror films, and animated features. Viewers may laugh heartily, feel their spirits lift, or be frightened out of their seats, releasing pent-up emotions and relaxing their bodies.
That's the value of film. But what would happen if all films were merely entertaining?
Film would eventually lose value. Entertainment isn't exclusive to films; other forms of entertainment could easily take over. Over time, film would be replaced by other entertainment mediums, such as the currently popular video games.
The distinct significance of film -- or its allure -- lies in its potential to be more than simple entertainment. It can offer depth, educational value, cultural dialogue, guidance in morality, spark intellectual reflection, and provoke thought. We see this in the increasing number of eco-themed films, humanistic films fighting against racial discrimination, and science fiction films celebrating technological wonder.
These unique meanings make film an irreplaceable form of entertainment.
Looking at Se7en from this perspective, you will find it doesn't glorify violence; rather, it exposes the ugliness and darkness existing in our society. These dark aspects are like cancer in the social body. If we ignore or tolerate their existence, what begins as a minor issue can lead to catastrophic consequences for American society and even humanity.
Se7en boldly uncovers the ailments that beset our society, revealing the problems so that we might pay attention to them and urge the government to take action. Only then will these societal ills diminish.
From this angle, the film is more like a scalpel -- cutting through the ailments, warning society, and encouraging progress, signifying a film with positive meaning rather than the opposite."
As he finished speaking, Billy Crystal and the several hundred audience members erupted in applause, which lasted for over a minute. Link had to stand up to express his gratitude.
...
"This guy often calls me long-winded, but he is even more so," Quentin remarked, watching the television with a snicker.
"Not at all! Link made some solid points; it's what the audience wanted to hear," Robert Rodriguez said.
"Hmph, of course, people think he's great now that his movie is a hit. If it flopped, they'd find him annoying," Quentin replied with a sly grin.
Last time he appeared on Billy's film show, he had talked endlessly and didn't receive such enthusiastic applause, which left him feeling dissatisfied.
...
"Dad, isn't Link amazing?" Sophia remarked, grinning at the television.
"Meh, it's just the same old rhetoric; nothing groundbreaking," Director Coppola said dismissively.
Sophia shot him a disapproving glance. "What about Se7en? Isn't it a good film?"
"Fair to middling. The screenplay is decent, and if given to another director, they could make it good as well. Technically, Link is an adequate director but not outstanding," Director Coppola added.
Sophia retorted, "Link manages to do well with both commercial and art films. His films have strong box office results and excellent reputations. Whether low-budget or high-budget, he excels at both. What would you consider an outstanding director if not him? It seems like you're just jealous."
"Jealous? Please! Can he make a film like The Godfather? Can he win an Oscar for Best Director?" Coppola shot back immediately.
"You're envious of his youth. Link became a great director at 22, while you were still a stagehand at the same age -- am I wrong?"
"Me?"
Francis Ford Coppola opened his mouth, at a loss for words.
Link was indeed skilled. At just 22 years old, while many directors were still in university or gaining experience on set, he had already produced a high-quality art film like Se7en.
Technically, he was among Hollywood's elite directors.
However, on a moral level, he was a disgrace. After gaining fame and fortune, he chased after beautiful girls, leaving a trail of foolish girls dizzy in his wake.
For him to admit Link was a good director, he'd first have to overlook his precious daughter.
Seeing his daughter gazing at the television with adoration for Link only made Coppola more irritable. He reached for the remote to change the channel.
"Hey!" His wife, Mrs. Coppola, lightly slapped his arm, reproaching him, "What are you doing? Link is speaking well; why are you reaching for the remote?"
Sophia looked puzzled as well.
Director Coppola frowned, glaring at Link on the screen; the kid was just irritating.
...
"Link, while watching reviews of Se7en, I recall a critic stating that the main characters are good people but end up with no happy endings. They suggested that this was an intentional design by the screenwriter to enhance dramatic conflict, which lacks rationality.
After seeing the film, I too recognized that all four main characters are good people, including the killer John Doe, who could be considered a Robin Hood figure. However, none end in a good way. Do you think this arrangement is reasonable?"
Billy Crystal began discussing the plot with him.
Link thought for a moment before saying, "In real life, such people do exist. However, they are scattered throughout society, and it's uncommon for them to stand in opposition as they do in the film. In the movie, I brought them together while also allowing for conflict; that's the charm of drama. The reason they all lack a good ending is that they are all perfectionists or idealists."
"Oh? How so?" asked Billy Crystal, prompting for more.
"For example, the old detective William is an exceptionally capable person filled with life wisdom. If he were more flexible in his work and willing to compromise with the bad people around him, at his age, he wouldn't still be a regular detective; he would likely be among the police department's upper echelons.
Detective Mills takes his job seriously, is ambitious, courageous, and despises evil. If he didn't chase ambition, he might have stayed in his hometown instead of coming to New York to make a name for himself. Alternatively, if he had been more timid, when John Doe held a gun to his head, he might have chosen to back down.
And Tracy, she's a kind, loyal, and understanding wife. If she had been a bit more selfish and resisted moving to New York to live in that cramped apartment with her husband, she may not have met such a tragic fate.
Lastly, John Doe; if he had been numb like many others, turning a blind eye to the ugliness surrounding him, he might have become an excellent journalist instead of a killer.
They are, in a sense, good people, yet none end up with a happy conclusion because they are too relentless in their pursuit of perfection."
"So, do you think striving for perfection is a bad thing?" Billy Crystal inquired.
"You can't rate it as simply good or bad; it's more about choice. For instance, among my peers, some directors pursue pure film art, favoring movies that possess an artistic quality. To maintain such purity, they avoid commercial films, disregarding market trends. Those directors who are fortunate might find success, while the vast majority will fade into obscurity after making one or two films.
On the other hand, some directors actively cater to the market and the audience, creating films that people enjoy, thereby becoming well-known and earning a good amount of money, leading a luxurious life -- like myself."
Laughter erupted among the audience.
Link continued, "Directors who opt for pure film art can abandon fame and fortune, clinging to their principles. Meanwhile, those chasing fame and fortune will adjust their approach to the market, making films that viewers love, thereby attaining riches and fame. There Is no clear good or bad separation between these two kinds of directors; they simply make different choices.
The protagonists of Se7en are much the same. In the film, they act according to their principles, without compromise and without going along to get along; some see them as good people based on this aspect."
Applause broke out again.
*****
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