Chapter Eighty-six Change of Plans
"Schindler's List" is adapted from the book "Schindler's Ark", Spielberg acquired the film rights as early as 1983, and the narrator of the book, Keneally, once asked him, "Please, when can you start filming?"
Spielberg's response was "It may take ten years."
Over the past decade, numerous events have taken place that have caused Spielberg to hesitate, until he heard about the Bosnian genocide and learned of many arguments denying the Holocaust, finally making up his mind.
In order to strengthen the sense of realism and to describe the darkest period for Jews, he recently decided to use black-and-white photography, which was strongly opposed by Universal Pictures.
"Yes!" Spielberg nodded at Ryan, his eyes shining brightly, and although he knew a lot about the boy, he was more and more surprised by him.
"And most importantly, don't you think the transformation of Oskar Schindler in the script is too abrupt? Schindler seems to have undergone an explosive psychological purification and suddenly became a hero. What's the difference between this and 'The Great Escape'?"
As Ryan spoke, Spielberg stood up and walked solemnly to the front of Ryan, this boy with some Jewish features, this boy who was about to turn twelve years old, a boy only slightly shorter than him!
"Rynn, whether you acknowledge it or not, you carry the characteristics of a Jew. For this bloodline alone, bring out all your suggestions." Spielberg bowed his head to him.
Everyone looked at Spielberg, who was a bit rustic but his pride would not let him bow to anyone easily, let alone a twelve-year-old boy.
"Mr. Spielberg, this..."
Deep in his soul, after all, was an Eastern-style education. Ryan not only changed to a formal title but also hastily dodged to one side.
Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow stared at this incredible scene, some dazed, some bewildered, their godfather was a figure standing at the top of Hollywood, unexpectedly...
"Mr. Spielberg, okay... Steven." Ryan's mouth twitched slightly, having plagiarized many times before, but this time he felt a little guilty, of course, just a little bit.
"The original Schindler was just a shrewd businessman, he accepted Jews only to make more money, but the tragic events that occurred later made him slowly turn in the direction of becoming a sympathizer, though it was merely sympathy."
In Schindler's List, the little girl in red is a symbol of hope and innocence. She appears several times throughout the film, each time wearing her bright red coat, which stands out against the dull and muted tones of the surroundings. The little girl's red coat has become an iconic image in the history of cinema, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the horrors of war.
"When German troops, because of the unfavorable war situation, exhumed and burned the bodies of those who had been murdered, Schindler saw the girl again!"
Ryan closed his eyes quietly, pondered for a while, and then said, "The girl appeared on the pile of corpses about to be burned, that red color which was even more vibrant than bloodstains thoroughly pained Schindler, also prompting him to complete a transformation."
"That's right! Ryan, that's it, you've solved the biggest puzzle!" At some point, Spielberg pulled out a small notebook and quickly started writing. As he looked at the scribbled notes on the paper, he suddenly said, "Ryan, I'd like to ask you to supplement the script, can you?"
"No, no." Ryan hastily shook his head, although he didn't mind the tabloids portraying him as a monster, he didn't want everyone to think of him that way. "Steven, this is your movie, I can offer some suggestions, but ultimately it's up to you to decide what to do."
Spielberg didn't say anything else, but instead looked at Ron Meyer who was somewhat stunned. "Ron, I still have that one request, during the preparation of 'Jurassic Park', let me finish filming 'Schindler's List' first, and I'll give up all my salary!"
It's said that when Spielberg picks up a camera, he's an artist, but when he puts it down, he's just a common businessman. This scene has given Ryan some feeling, to be honest, he says all this not because of the Jewish blood in his body.
Forget it, since I've already intervened, I'll help him all the way. Send Buddha to the West. Ryan sighed and first smiled at Spielberg, then looked at Ron Meyer.
"Mr. Meyer, I think Steven will be able to finish filming 'Schindler's List' within six months, and George and Kate should have enough pre-production on 'Jurassic Park'."
In his past life, Steven Spielberg finished filming in just over 70 days. The most troublesome part of this film is the pre-production preparation. Since the other party was very confident, they must have done a lot of preliminary work.
Nico and Jinsley looked over at him with incomprehensible expressions. They were well aware that Ryan rarely interfered in other people's affairs, so what was going on today?
"Ah..." Ron Meyer hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Mr. Scheinberg said that once Steven finishes 'Schindler's List', it will be hard to put his heart into 'Jurassic Park'. Ryan and Nicole, you're also investors, you should understand our difficulties."
This reason is indeed very strong and may happen, Ryan hesitated for a moment, after all, the $20 million investment was already a huge sum of money for them.
"Alright," Spielberg seemed to have made up his mind, "we can sign a contract that after we finish the exterior shooting of Schindler's List, I'll devote myself fully to making Jurassic Park, and push back the post-production work on Schindler's List indefinitely."
It seems that Spielberg couldn't wait any longer, probably because he had just put his foot in the door, and was more impatient than the rumors of the previous world. Ryan could also understand this mood, if it were himself, a wish that had been delayed for ten years would soon be fulfilled, and he might not be able to bear it either.
It's not a good thing for him to shoot "Jurassic Park" with this mentality. He muttered to himself, quickly calculating that as long as he participates in it, the benefits that "Schindler's List" can bring are obvious, don't forget that Hollywood has another name - Jewish Hollywood!
In an instant, Ryan made up his mind. "Ron, here's the deal. If Steven can't fulfill what he said in the contract, I and Jenkins Film will give up all our investment and profits."
"Ryan..."
Spielberg didn't know what to say, not to mention Jenkins' studio, just himself, he could get tens of millions or even more benefits from "Jurassic Park".
"Th...this..." Ron Mayer's heart was clearly racing.
Ryan looked at Nicole and Kimberly, they hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "We can also sign a contract."
Ron Meyer was thrilled, he couldn't wait to draw up two contracts and have them sign on the dotted line, then Spielberg would back out, which would be just wonderful for both Universal and him personally.
"Alright, I need to make a call to Mr. Schoenberg." Ron Meyer promptly went into the secretary's room.
"Ryan, I don't know what to say," Spielberg was taken aback by Ryan Jenkins, the original author of "Jurassic Park", being so supportive.
"It's nothing, this is what we should be doing!"
Having heard his words, Nicole Kidman, who knew Ryan best, imperceptibly rolled her eyes. If it was said that Ryan did these things for her, it wouldn't be strange at all, but for someone else...
What is this little devil plotting now? This was Nicole's only thought.
After a good half hour, Ron Mayer walked back in with a relaxed and smiling face, saying "Stephen, I think this will be a pleasant cooperation. I'll notify the departments below to draft the contract as soon as possible and cooperate with your work."
Spielberg's tense face finally relaxed, he seemed to be unable to wait any longer, and after greeting Lucas, he was about to leave.
"Wait, Stefan," Ryan called out to him. "You're planning on doing some location shooting at the concentration camp in Krakow, right?"
"That's right." Spielberg paused, explaining, "Actually, I went to Poland for a field survey a long time ago. And Ryan keeps the phone open, I'll be in touch with you at any time. I think I need to gather my team now."
"No, Steven, this is not right!" Ryan abruptly blocked him and Lucas.
"What's wrong?"
Ryan scratched his head and said, to be honest, these words coming from his mouth would make people feel a bit strange, but if he didn't say them, the All-American Jewish Association would do it in the future anyway, so why not sell someone a favor now?
"I've read some materials about Krakow and I know that whether it's in a studio or other locations, it's hard to recreate the situation back then. But Stefan, have you ever thought about how many people are resting there? Please don't go to the concentration camp, please don't disturb the spirits of the dead, let them rest in peace?"
Spielberg's notebook fell to the ground, his face was more serious and solemn than ever before, with a hint of regret. He had been preparing for almost ten years, yet not one child thought it was perfect enough. If it weren't for his reminder, he would have made a huge mistake, and among those resting souls were members of his own family!
"Thanks, Ryan!" Spielberg turned back around and gave his hand a firm shake.
"This is what we should be doing." Ryan brought up this sentence again.
"Yes, it should be done." Spielberg repeated in a low voice.
Ryan's face turned serious, clenching his fists and saying, "Yes! This is what we must do. Although I don't know my own origins, I know that we have the same bloodline, we all have a common responsibility to nail Nazism, Fascism, and Hitler forever on the pillar of shame!"
"We must let the world know about the atrocities that occurred in Europe during World War II!" Ryan then leaned into Spielberg's ear and whispered, "It's not just our responsibility, Steven, we should seek help from the American Jewish Committee."
Those physical characteristics of mine have already determined which team I'll be choosing, so let's just maximize the benefits! Ryan thought to himself as he went out for a meal with others.
Seeking recommendations, seeking collections