Chapter 160

At the end of August, the crew of Inception departed from Jingcheng and flew to Luoshanji.

The accompanying staff included action coaches Yuan De and Yuan Hua, as well as executives and finance personnel from Outstanding Rising Film Company.

Translate: "The accompanying staff included action coaches Yuan De and Yuan Hua, as well as executives and finance personnel from Outstanding Rising Film Company."

The accompanying staff included action coaches Yuan De and Yuan Hua, as well as executives and finance personnel from Outstanding Rising Film Company.

As for the cast, there was Wu Yan Zu playing Dom Cobb, Chiba Shinichi playing Saito, and Yang Mi, who was purely a background extra.

Translate: "As for the cast, there was Wu Yan Zu playing Dom Cobb, Chiba Shinichi playing Saito, and Yang Mi, who was purely a background extra."

As for the cast, there was Wu Yan Zu playing Dom Cobb, Chiba Shinichi playing Saito, and Yang Mi, who was purely a background extra.

She went along with her mother's accompaniment, basically having no important scenes, just picking up some experience.

Translate: "The latter went along with her mother's accompaniment, basically having no important scenes, just picking up some experience."

The latter refers to Yang Mi, so she went along with her mother's accompaniment, basically having no important scenes, just picking up some experience.

Yang Mi, on her first trip to the United States, was extremely excited, finding everything novel.

Translate: "Yang Mi, visiting the United States for the first time, was very excited, finding everything novel."

But after sitting for a long time, she became somewhat fatigued.

Translate: "But after sitting for a long time, she became somewhat fatigued."

Fortunately, Jiang Heng had booked first-class cabins for everyone, so the service and travel experience were still quite good, not too unbearable.

Translate: "Fortunately, Jiang Heng had booked first-class for everyone, so the service and travel experience were still decent, not too hard to endure."

After nearly a day of long-distance travel, the group arrived in Los Angeles in the evening.

Translate: "After nearly a day of long-distance travel, everyone arrived in Luoshanji in the evening."

People from his own company came to pick them up at the airport and took the crew to the hotel.

Translate: "People from the company itself came to pick them up and took the crew to the hotel."

From a story perspective, the Matrix trilogy is complete and can be considered successful.

Translate: "From a story perspective, The Matrix trilogy is complete and can be considered successful."

As for the snow-covered castle, the twisted Paris, and the diverse seaside-style architectural complexes in the deepest dream level, they were quite simple for Jiang Heng.

Translate: "As for the snowy castle, the curling Paris, and the diverse seaside-style architectural complexes in the deepest dream level, they were very simple for Jiang Heng."

These visuals turned out stunning and shocking in the final cut, yet they were shot on location—one has to say director Nolan really has a knack.

Translate: "These shots turned out extremely stunning and shocking in the final cut, yet they were filmed on location; one has to say Director Nolan really has his ways."

At the press conference, the reporters' questions were sharp, given that The Matrix Reloaded grossed a worldwide $810 million and ranked among the top three in North America for the year.

Translate: "At the press conference, the reporters' questions were sharp, because the global box office of The Matrix 2 reached as high as 8.1 billion US dollars, and the North American market was also among the top three for the year."

The next day, the group went to the company, where the entire crew successfully met.

Translate: "The next day, the group went to the company, and the crew successfully met everyone."

After a few days of simple preparation, the Inception crew officially held the opening ceremony on Saturday, August 30.

After a few days of simple preparation, the crew of Inception officially held the opening ceremony on Saturday, August 30.

Many media reporters were present at the scene, and the usually well‑related Columbia Company also sent a representative.

Translate: "Many media reporters were present at the scene, and the usually well‑related Columbia Company also sent a representative."

Including Monica Bellucci playing Mal, Megan Fox portraying Ariadne, and actor Tom Hardy, among others.

Translate: "Including Monica Bellucci playing Mal, Megan Fox playing Ariadne, and actor Tom Hardy, among others."

However, The Matrix Revolutions earned only $210 million in North America, a sharp drop from its predecessor, with an estimated worldwide gross of just over $500 million.

Translate: "The Matrix 3, however, only grossed 2.1 billion in North America, a sharp drop from its predecessor, with the global box office expected to be just over 5 billion dollars."

As in the original film, Leonardo DiCaprio explains the dream to Paige, when a cozy, romantic Paris street café suddenly explodes, shrapnel filling the screen, yet the two remain unfazed, sitting and watching the play.

Translate: "As in the original film, Leo explains the dream to Paige; a warm, romantic Paris street café suddenly explodes, fragments filling the screen, yet the two sit calmly watching the play."

Also, Joseph's fight scene in the zero‑gravity hotel was performed using wires.

Translate: "Also, Joseph's fight scene in the zero‑gravity hotel was completed using wires."

As for filming, Jiang Heng decided to combine live action with special effects, emphasizing a willingness to endure trouble and spend money.

Translate: "As for filming the movie, Jiang Heng decided to adopt a method combining live action and special effects, emphasizing not being afraid of trouble or expense."

However, it wasn't a real train but a truck dressed in a train shell and moved.

Translate: "Except that it wasn't a real train, but a truck dressed in a train shell and then moved."

And the large train seen on the streets of Los Angeles was actually filmed on location as well.

Translate: "And the large train appearing on the streets of Luoshanji was actually filmed on location as well."

This scene was shot on location, with the crew using air cannons to launch simulated props, mimicking flying debris without producing smoke or flame, matching the dream‑explosion setting in the film.

Translate: "This scene was shot on location; the crew used an air pressure cannon to launch simulated props, imitating flying explosive debris all over the sky, producing no smoke or fire, in line with the setting of the dream‑world explosion in the film."

Jiang Heng now has ample funds, and the effects can save over 70% compared to typical Hollywood blockbusters, so hiring A‑list stars poses no pressure, let alone an as‑yet‑unknown Tom Hardy.

Translate: "Jiang Heng now has ample funds, and the special effects can save more than 70% of the cost compared to ordinary Hollywood blockbusters, so hiring Hollywood A‑list stars poses no pressure, let alone Tom Hardy, who is still not famous at this moment."

A single spin of the 'Omni‑Ring' creates the sensation of weightlessness.

Translate: "A single rotation of the Myriad Phenomena Ring creates the sensation of weightlessness."

The crew built the hotel hallway set on a massive 'Omni‑Ring' device.

Translate: "The crew built the hotel hallway scene on a huge Myriad Phenomena Ring device."

Jiang Heng also went along with everyone, rather than returning to his mansion here.

Translate: "Jiang Heng also went along with everyone, rather than returning to his own mansion here."

Therefore, for the other roles in the film, Jiang Heng tried to cast the original actors whenever possible, or bigger names, so the cast looks quite good.

Translate: "Therefore, for the other actors in the whole film, Jiang Heng tried to use the original cast whenever possible, or otherwise choose bigger names, so the lineup looks pretty good."

From a box‑office standpoint, however, The Matrix Revolutions could be considered somewhat of a failure.

Translate: "However, from a box‑office perspective, The Matrix 3 is somewhat of a failure."

"Director Jiang Heng, we Chinese have an old saying, 'Jiang Lang's talent is exhausted.' Before seeing it, I was very excited for The Matrix Revolutions, but after watching I found it just average. So what do you think—will this new film surpass The Matrix Revolutions?"

Translate: "\"Director Jiang Heng, there's an old Chinese saying: 'Jiang Lang's talent exhausted.' Before seeing it, I was very much looking forward to The Matrix 3, but after watching it I found it merely average. So what do you think—will this new film you're shooting surpass The Matrix 3? \""

The female reporter who asked the question is of Chinese descent, with a very Westernized appearance, always giving the impression of a smile that doesn't reach the eyes.

Translate: "The female reporter who asked the question is of Chinese descent, with a very Westernized appearance, always giving the impression of a smile that doesn't reach the eyes."

Jiang Heng said: "I think The Matrix Revolutions is a very good film, the most satisfying work I've done so far……!"

Translate: "Jiang Heng said: \"I think The Matrix 3 is a very good film, the work I'm most satisfied with so far! \""

Jiang Heng certainly isn't most satisfied with this film, but in this setting he naturally has to praise it.

Translate: "Jiang Heng's truly most satisfying work is definitely not this one, but in this setting he naturally has to praise its merits."

And when talking about the new film, he must display strong confidence.

Translate: "And when talking about the new film, he must display strong confidence."

If you don't even praise your own work, how can the audience believe you've made a good film!

Translate: "If you yourself don't boast that your work is good, how can the audience dare to believe you've made a good film!"

"The inspiration for Inception comes to some extent from The Matrix, yet it is a completely new, very fun story. I would rate it as very cool, and I believe the final cut will be excellent and win everyone's favor."

Translate: "\"The inspiration for Inception comes to some extent from The Matrix, yet it is a completely new, very fun story. I rate it as very cool; I believe the final film will be excellent and will be liked by everyone. \""

"Moreover, this film will compete for Oscars, and I believe it will yield a good return."

Translate: "\"Moreover, this film will compete for the Oscar; I believe it will reap good rewards. \""

The reporters immediately erupted in surprise, not expecting Jiang Heng to have such strong confidence.

Translate: "The reporters instantly erupted in an uproar, not expecting Jiang Heng to have such strong confidence."

Winning a major Oscar isn't easy; besides the film's intrinsic quality, it also requires "public relations."

Translate: "Winning the Oscar is no easy feat; besides the film's intrinsic quality being solid, it also requires \"public relations. \""

Given Jiang Heng's current financial resources, cost isn't an issue; the uncertainty lies in whether he understands the rules, and ultimately in the film's final effect.

Translate: "Given Jiang Heng's current financial resources, the cost is not an issue; the uncertainty lies in whether he understands the rules, and ultimately in the film's final effect."

"Director Jiang Heng, may I ask why you chose Megan Fox as the female lead? She doesn't look like she has much acting ability."

Translate: "\"Director Jiang Heng, may I ask why you chose Miss Megan as the female lead? She doesn't look like she has any acting chops! \""

After saying that, the reporters burst into laughter.

Translate: "After saying that, the reporters burst into a wave of laughter."

Jiang Heng replied: "I chose her because I think Megan Fox fits my original vision for the female lead perfectly; as for acting ability, I don't see it as a problem, since I believe there are no bad actors, only bad directors. I am a good director—what else do you have to worry about?"

Translate: "Jiang Heng said: \"I chose her because I think Megan Fox fits my original vision for the female lead perfectly; as for acting ability, I don't see it as a problem, because I believe there are no bad actors, only bad directors. I am a good director—what else do you have to worry about? \""

Upon hearing this, the reporters were stunned for a few seconds, then all shouted approval.

Translate: "Upon hearing this, the reporters were stunned for a few seconds, then all shouted their approval in unison."

Mainly because these people were either holding cameras or lugging video equipment, making applause impractical.

Translate: "Mainly because these people were either holding cameras or lugging video equipment, making it inconvenient to applaud."

Megan Fox, standing on stage, looked gratefully at Jiang Heng, never expecting the director not only to approve of her but to give such strong support, which deeply moved her.

Translate: "Megan Fox, standing on the stage, looked gratefully at Jiang Heng; she hadn't expected Director Jiang to not only think highly of her but also give such strong support, which truly moved her."

After the press conference ended, everyone went to the set to shoot; the first scene was the interior dialogue between the weathered Cobb and the elderly Saito.

Translate: "After the press conference ended, everyone went to the set to film; the first scene was the interior dialogue of the male lead, the weathered Cobb conversing with the elderly Saito."

Because makeup was required, actual shooting didn't begin until nearly noon.

Translate: "Because makeup was needed, actual shooting didn't begin until nearly noon."

However, Wu Yan Zu and Chiba Shinichi both performed well, nailing it in one take, giving the crew a good start.

Translate: "However, Wu Yan Zu and Chiba Shinichi both gave excellent performances, nailing it in a single take, which gave the crew a good start."

After shooting another scene, the crew broke for lunch.

Translate: "After shooting another scene, the crew broke for a meal."

Hollywood crews also eat boxed meals, but theirs contain meat and bread.

Translate: "Hollywood crews also eat in boxed meals, except theirs contain meat and bread."

Jiang Heng went with the local custom, having cola, a burger, and chicken wings.

Translate: "Jiang Heng, following local custom, also had cola, hamburgers, and chicken wings."

Around them were all women—Monica Bellucci, Megan Fox, and Yang Mi, among others.

Translate: "Around them were all girls—Monica Bellucci, Megan Fox, and Yang Mi, etc."

"Director Jiang, I'm on a diet—can I give you this chicken wing?" Megan Fox asked, holding her meal tray.

Translate: "\"Director Jiang, I'm on a diet—may I give you this chicken wing? \" Megan Fox asked, holding her meal tray."

Jiang Heng laughed: "Thanks, I've got enough to eat!"

Translate: "Jiang Heng laughed: \"Thanks, I've got enough to eat! \""

Yang Mi peeked in, chuckling embarrassedly: "I'm not full—don't give me any, okay!"

Translate: "Yang Mi poked her head out and chuckled: \"I haven't eaten enough—don't give it to me! \""

Megan Fox frowned slightly, feeling displeased, but still agreed.

Translate: "Megan Fox frowned slightly, feeling displeased, but still agreed."

She knew Yang Mi was acquainted with Jiang Heng; although she disliked it, she didn't dare offend.

Translate: "She knew Yang Mi was acquainted with Jiang Heng; although she disliked it, she didn't dare to offend."

After all, this person came all the way just to play a minor role with little screen time; no matter how you look at it, they seem to have come just for fun.

It made her very doubtful—this person couldn't be Jiang Heng's girlfriend, could they!

(End of chapter)