Chapter 408

Whether Jeff Robinov can take it in, Cao Yang doesn't know.

Perhaps someone who can reach the position of Warner Bros. President, although they might be impulsive for temporary gain, is likely to be able to figure it out after calming down.

Because people in this position have some understanding of American and Jewish capital; they know some of the unspeakable operations and methods that ordinary people don't know.

Jeff Robinov was silent for a while before sighing, no longer mentioning this matter, but asking Cao Yang:

"Cao, to be honest, after reading the script, if... it really happens, 'Joker' will be the strongest contender for next year's Oscar Best Picture and Best Director.

So, even if it might not necessarily achieve anything at the box office, for the sake of the Oscars, we must treat this film seriously."

"So, Jeff, what do you mean?"

Jeff Robinov waved his hand and said very boldly: "The best! I hope the configuration of this film can be the best—actors, staff, equipment, venues, etc., all use the best."

Subsequently, he laughed and continued: "Of course, we already have the best producer, director, and screenwriter; this is the most important thing.

In addition, I plan to add another 10 million US dollars in separate budget; from this moment on, the purpose of this money is for the award campaign.

Let the past Oscars go to hell; the new war, the new award campaign war, has already begun, starting right now."

Uh, at this moment, Cao Yang didn't know what to say.

He had seen award campaigns starting eight months in advance, and he had seen them starting half a year in advance; later ones even started three or four months in advance.

But, have you ever seen an award campaign starting a year in advance?

He had seen it now.

From Jeff Robinov's words, Cao Yang could also tell that this Warner Bros. President seemed determined to win the Oscars.

But as for the box office, he seemed a little less optimistic.

It makes sense; even Batman, the superhero with countless fans, didn't sell huge, so "Joker," a villain inside with not much popularity, pulled out to be made into a film, doesn't look like it can sell huge no matter how you look at it.

Moreover, it can be seen from the script that this film itself is an art film with satirical meaning, digging into human nature, and reflecting reality.

"It's a pity, Heath Ledger died."

Jeff Robinov shook his head with some sighs and said to Cao Yang:

"Cao, I know you might have initially wanted 'Joker' to link up with the 'Batman' sequel, and Heath Ledger was also your choice for the film's protagonist, but he died from taking medicine a month ago; this is a very regrettable thing.

I know his death might have disrupted your plans, but things always need to be solved; do you have a backup candidate?"

Cao Yang could hear that there was regret in Jeff Robinov's words, but it wasn't regret for Heath Ledger's death, but regret for the trouble his death caused for "Joker."

He misunderstood.

He thought that after Cao Yang collaborated with Nolan to produce the "Batman" sequel, the "Joker" he directed himself would definitely use Heath Ledger, the actor who played Joker in "Batman," to achieve a linkage effect.

After all, this kind of linkage, as long as the "Batman" sequel explodes, in a sense, is equivalent to a super-luxury promotional trailer for "Joker"; having the same person play Joker in both films is more conducive to the audience's immersion.

Cao Yang certainly had a backup candidate.

It can't be said to be a backup candidate either; from the beginning, he never thought about using Heath Ledger.

Cao Yang somewhat wanted to continue using the original lineup, with Joaquin Phoenix still as the male lead.

Although it was ten years early, Joaquin Phoenix had been hanging around the art film circle all these years, and his acting was still quite good.

It can be seen from the fact that he had been nominated for Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor, as well as Oscar Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor through different films.

Of course, Cao Yang's requirements for acting weren't high; it mainly had to fit the image.

Honestly, Cao Yang had a very deep impression of Joaquin Phoenix playing Joker, especially his several dance segments; that kind of twisted release after repression shaped and interpreted the Joker's personality very well.

The only thing Cao Yang was a little worried about was whether Joaquin Phoenix, ten years younger, would fit the image of Joker.

"Do you have any candidates?"

Cao Yang asked Jeff Robinov.

Since the other party mentioned the lead actor issue, they must have been prepared.

Of course, as "New Pirates of the Caribbean," directed by Cao Yang, was about to break 1 billion US dollars, even the Warner Bros. President couldn't interfere with his hiring in this kind of film with an investment of "only" 70 or 80 million US dollars.

At most, he could only give Cao Yang some suggestions.

Jeff Robinov said with a smile: "What do you think of Nicolas Cage? His recent 'National Treasure' film series has had a pretty good box office, and his acting is also good; after all, he has won an Oscar Best Actor. I think he should be able to play Joker well."

"I heard he hasn't been doing very well lately; it is said that his financial situation is already on the verge of bankruptcy."

Cao Yang thought for a moment and said.

Cage's acting is still quite good, belonging to the type that can handle both art films and commercial films, and his age fits Joker, but the image is a bit lacking.

Cao Yang really couldn't imagine him playing Joker Arthur.

"Precisely because his situation isn't very good, there will be a significant concession in his salary; the cost-performance ratio is still quite good."

Jeff Robinov explained.

Cao Yang thought about Cage's image playing Joker again... forget it, it's not suitable.

Nicolas Cage started from this year, first going bankrupt, and then in order to pay off debts, step by step becoming the "King of B-Movies."

Cao Yang is confident that if Cage played his "Joker," it would likely make him popular again, which would also likely allow him to avoid becoming the "King of B-Movies."

But Cage's image just isn't suitable.

He can act out decadence, but his decadence carries some toughness and roguishness.

This is different from Joker's decadence.

"Forget it, his image isn't suitable."

Cao Yang refused directly.

Jeff Robinov nodded; since Cao Yang said his image wasn't suitable, then it wasn't suitable. He didn't think he could compare to Cao Yang in the choice of actors.

"What about Depp? We can also invite Depp."

Although Depp is now one of the most expensive actors in Hollywood, his acting goes without saying; two-time Oscar Best Actor is the best proof.

In terms of box office appeal, "Inception" and "New Pirates of the Caribbean," two consecutive films breaking 900 million US dollars globally—does this need more words?

Cao Yang shook his head and said with a smile: "His image isn't suitable either."

Depp's image is not only suitable for playing "weirdos," but when he plays other images, he carries some "nobility" and "aloofness," which is also one of the reasons why he was rated as the sexiest man in the world by Hollywood media.

He is not suitable for playing a bottom-level small character like Joker.

Even if he played a "small character" in "Sweeney Todd," there is no denying that his "small character" was sexy and had nobility.

In other words, it's a bit out of touch with the ground.