Chapter 372: International Courier

Chapter 372: Chapter 372: International Courier

Irene’s heart sank slightly.

She knew that the box office and critical reception of The Hulk were not satisfactory, making Ang Lee’s situation in Hollywood somewhat awkward.

But in her view, the problems with The Hulk lay more in the studio’s interference and the difficulty of balancing commerce and art, rather than a lack of directing ability on Ang Lee’s part.

She had always greatly admired Ang Lee’s talent and his passion for film.

Irene quickly comforted him, "Ang, do not say that. I am very clear about the situation with The Hulk, and many of our peers understand it too. The movie’s commercial attributes were too strong, and there was too much studio interference; they simply did not give you enough creative freedom. Your talent and strength are obvious to all in Hollywood; you just have not encountered the right project yet."

She paused, taking the opportunity to get to the point.

"Actually, besides checking in on you, there is something I want to discuss with you today. During this time, I read a very moving story, Annie Proulx’s novel Brokeback Mountain. I have already acquired the film adaptation rights and want to turn it into a movie."

"Brokeback Mountain?" Ang Lee’s voice carried a hint of curiosity.

"Yes," Irene continued. "The story tells of a forbidden love between two cowboys spanning twenty years. The emotions are very delicate, profound, and powerful. I think it is a very good story with great potential to be adapted into a film. However, I am not the right person to direct this project, so I thought of you immediately."

There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds, followed by Ang Lee’s surprised voice.

"Irene, are you joking? You are one of the few all-around directors in Hollywood. Whether it is commercial blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Italian Job, or art films like Million Dollar Baby, you handle them with ease. With your ability, you could certainly direct a story like Brokeback Mountain well. Why would you say you are not suitable?"

Irene smiled helplessly.

"Ang, you flatter me. I really do like this story and believe it can be a good movie, but I know in my heart that I am not the best candidate to direct it. This story requires the director to have an extremely delicate grasp of emotions and a deep understanding and empathy for a specific group, and in that regard, I am indeed not as good as you."

She did not over-explain her considerations, simply saying, "Just read the novel first. I believe that after you finish it, you will understand what I mean."

Ang Lee’s initially indifferent attitude changed immediately upon hearing Irene’s words.

He knew that Irene’s judgment was always accurate.

A work that she could praise so highly while admitting she was not suited for it must have its own unique qualities.

His curiosity was thoroughly piqued, and he urgently wanted to know what kind of novel it was that made Irene "daunted."

"Alright, then I must take a look." Ang Lee’s tone became eager. "But I am currently on a cruise ship in Northern Europe. Most of the ports we stop at are small places, so I might not be able to buy this novel. Besides, the library on the cruise ship has limited resources, so it probably does not have it either."

"That is fine," Irene said immediately. "Just give me the name of the cruise ship you are on, the address of the next port of call, and your contact information. I will have someone buy a copy of the Brokeback Mountain novel in the United States and have it air-shipped in the fastest way possible to ensure it reaches your hands."

"That is really too much trouble for you, Irene." Ang Lee’s tone carried a hint of gratitude. "I will send you the address right now. Come to think of it, I am really curious about what kind of charm a story that you value so much could have."

"Rest assured, you definitely will not be disappointed," Irene said with a smile. "After you finish the novel, if you are interested, we can discuss the details of our collaboration. I can guarantee that as long as you are willing to direct, I will give you full creative freedom, and the production budget will be absolutely sufficient; I will not let you be subjected to any outside interference."

"Alright, it is a deal." Ang Lee readily agreed. "I will send you the address as soon as I have it ready. Thank you, Irene, for still thinking of me at a time like this."

"You are too polite, Ang," Irene said sincerely. "I have always greatly admired your film style. Your delicate portrayal of emotions and your deep insight into human nature are things I deeply respect. I believe only you can capture the true essence of Brokeback Mountain."

The two chatted a bit more about everyday life.

Ang Lee shared some local customs of Northern Europe, and Irene briefly mentioned her upcoming work plans.

After hanging up, Irene’s phone quickly received the address information sent by Ang Lee, including the name of the cruise ship, the next port of call being Bergen, Norway, and his contact information on the ship.

Irene immediately sent a text message to Vera, asking her to immediately send someone to a bookstore to buy the Brokeback Mountain novel, and then air-ship it via international courier to the designated address in Bergen, Norway, ensuring the novel reached Ang Lee as soon as possible.

Vera quickly replied, indicating that it had been arranged and it was expected to arrive within three days.

After doing all this, Irene breathed a sigh of relief and went downstairs to have breakfast.

Her parents and Sophia were already sitting at the dining table.

Seeing her come down, Eleanor asked, "Who were you on the phone with just now? You were talking for so long."

"Director Ang Lee," Irene sat down and picked up a slice of bread. "I extended an invitation for him to direct Brokeback Mountain. He is currently vacationing in Northern Europe, so I asked Vera to mail the novel to him. We will discuss follow-up collaboration after he finishes it."

"Director Ang Lee? That is wonderful!" Sophia’s eyes lit up. "I said he was the best candidate; I hope he likes the story."

Francis nodded. "Ang Lee’s directing style is indeed very suitable for Brokeback Mountain. If he can agree, the quality of this movie will be guaranteed. However, his current situation is a bit delicate. After The Hulk, his influence in Hollywood is not what it used to be. Can you really give him full creative freedom?"

"Of course I can," Irene said firmly. "Since I invited him to direct, I will trust him completely. Creative freedom is a director’s lifeline, especially for a story like Brokeback Mountain. Only by letting the director film according to his own vision can the true soul be captured. I will not interfere with the director’s work like other studios, and I will try my best to meet his production budget needs."

She paused, then added, "Besides, I believe in Director Ang Lee’s professional ability. He has directed emotionally delicate films like The Wedding Banquet and Eat Drink Man Woman, as well as martial arts blockbusters like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Although The Hulk was a bit of a setback, it does not affect his talent. I believe Brokeback Mountain will be his comeback work."

After finishing breakfast, Irene returned to her room, opened her computer, and began organizing her thoughts on the script adaptation for Brokeback Mountain.

Although she did not intend to direct the movie, as the producer, she needed to provide the director with as much detailed reference material as possible.

She remembered the suggestion Sophia made last night and decided to strengthen the scenes of Ennis and Jack spending time together on Brokeback Mountain in their youth in the script, while also increasing Alma’s internal monologues to make the story fuller and more three-dimensional.

She also looked up some materials on the living conditions of the LGBT community in the United States during the 1960s to 1980s to understand the social background and cultural atmosphere of that era, so that she could more realistically portray the characters’ situations and emotions in the script adaptation.

These materials allowed her to more deeply appreciate the difficulty and preciousness of the feelings between Ennis and Jack, and also understand more clearly why this movie could touch so many people’s hearts.