Chapter 234: Best Foreign Language Film!

The North American premiere of "I Am Not a Pharmacist" was attended only by the producers and crew from China, since the producer and lead actor were both in China.

Originally, Xu Can only planned to attend with the company's production staff.

Given North America's natural aversion to foreign-language films, Xu Can did not expect "I Am Not a Pharmacist" to achieve any box office success there.

Even a theater occupancy rate below 10% would be understandable.

Due to the inherent advantage of rapid Chinese character reading, Chinese audiences are accustomed to watching films with subtitles.

Foreign viewers find English-subtitled films difficult to follow, and most theaters do not display subtitles, so few choose to watch foreign-language films in cinemas.

The current number-one foreign-language film on North America's box office chart, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," earned only $130 million.

A film of such quality as "Life Is Beautiful" earned only $58 million.

Zhang Yimou's "Hero" earned $54 million, thanks largely to its grand visual spectacle.

In comparison, Xu Can's pure Chinese-language drama was truly a hellish-difficulty challenge.

Before the film's release, Hollywood media offered commentary on the trailer's impact.

"Judging by the trailer's quality, Xu Can is experimenting with a new genre; his cinematographic language and narrative style are remarkably mature and sharp—this may be a critically acclaimed film, even one capable of Oscar contention."

"But as a serious foreign-language film, its box office performance may defy convention and fail to sustain Xu Can's usual box office appeal."

The packed theater at the premiere could not confirm the film's box office potential—it only indicated Xu Can's large base of devoted fans.

Moreover, many of those in attendance were Chinese from the Los Angeles area.

His influence among North American Chinese communities had surpassed Yao Ming, even making him a spokesperson for the entire Asian community, an Asian luminary.

All three—China, Japan, and Korea—were willing to come and show support.

When Xu Can walked into the theater arm-in-arm with Taylor Swift and Emma Stone, the entire audience rose to their feet, applauding and cheering to welcome the night's star.

"I still don't get it—why are you two here?"

After sitting down, Xu Can complained.

They had nothing to do with this film—maybe just "bosses' wives"?

Attending the main cast's premiere screening felt a bit forced.

"I thought she was coming, so I came along," Emma Stone said, sounding slightly hurt.

"I thought Emma was coming too. Besides, didn't you say yourself you'd let me join the next premiere?" Taylor Swift pouted, confidently. "What, don't you welcome us?"

"Of course we welcome you."

Xu Can smiled warmly.

One was a popular young actress and Golden Globe-winning actress; the other was a rising music star—they could indeed bring the film plenty of buzz.

Xu Can would never turn down their company.

As long as there was no drama, everything was fine.

Soon, when the Star River Entertainment spaceship opening animation appeared, it signaled the film was about to begin!

……

【This film is adapted from a true story】

【Produced by Star River Pictures】

【Producer: Xu Can】

【Director: Xu Can】

【Screenwriter: Xu Can】

【Starring: Xu Can, Song Qian, Wang Chuanjun, Zhang Yu, Yang Xinmin, Wang Jianhui…】

【I Am Not a Pharmacist (DyingToSurvive)】

Upon seeing this title, Taylor Swift and Emma Stone were both puzzled.

Facing death to survive? Was this some kind of action movie?

Although the media and audience in the theater had previewed the film's content, they still furrowed their brows.

At the film's opening, Xu Can used a stark, cold cinematographic style to show a mundane street corner in a Chinese city.

No excessive beautification, no BBC filter.

The protagonist Cheng Yong sat in a corner, entirely ordinary—a typical Chinese daily scene.

Steam rose from a breakfast stall, the streets teemed with pedestrians, commuters cycling to work or school, elderly couples strolling along the road…

To Chinese viewers, this shot might seem ordinary.

But to North American audiences in the theater, it felt immersive, as if transported thousands of miles away to a Chinese metropolis.

The camera gradually focused inside a shop.

Xu Can, playing the protagonist Cheng Yong, sat inside an old knitwear store, eyes vacant, beard unkempt, face weathered.

His current worn-out appearance differed slightly from his role in "John Wick."

The weariness of a killer still carried a brooding, rugged charm.

This fallen small businessman was purely an ordinary, defeated middle-aged man—completely devoid of hope in life.

He wore tattered flip-flops, feet propped up on the counter, with not a shred of dignity left.

"Pfft…～…"

Taylor Swift and Emma Stone nearly spat out their soda upon seeing this scene.

The greasy man onscreen bore no resemblance to the well-dressed, elegant Xu Can beside them!

"Baby, is that really you?"

Emma Stone stared several times, unable to believe it.

"What do you think?"

"Wow…"

Originally, Sister Stone thought her acting skills were already good enough to catch up with Xu Can.

Now it seems, with just this single shot, she perfectly embodied the character's demeanor and aura.

If she were to play a down-and-out woman, it would likely be hard for her to act without a single flaw.

Thinking about it now, there is still a huge gap between her performance and his!

Sister Stone couldn't help but grasp Xu Can's hand, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she glanced at him.

"Truly, he is the man I chose."

On the other side, Taylor Swift caught a glimpse of this from the corner of her eye, let out a soft huff, and similarly grasped Xu Can's other hand.

Xu Can, sandwiched in the middle, felt the battlefield of love once again.