Phantom of the Theatre Page #2

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Here's the stage.

You know, Weibang,

over the years,

you're the only director to come to me.

Mr. Huang.

I've heard the stories, too.

That's why I want to make

a horror film here.

A film about ghosts in a haunted theater.

Interesting.

Weibang.

Aren't you worried that

the rumors are true?

Only the guilty are afraid of ghosts.

Right, Mr. Huang?

But, sir...

Censorship laws state that

films cannot promote

superstitions and aberrations.

What aberrations?

The Book of Rites and

the Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial

clearly state:

All beings die and

return to the ground.

That is how a ghost is defined.

Even our ancestors acknowledge ghosts.

Why should we resist them?

The movie I want to make

means to use ghosts

to say words that people can't say.

You're a talented young man.

You have vision and courage.

Over the years,

my friends have advised me

to sell this place.

But I just couldn't.

I don't know why I couldn't let go.

But now I think

I kept it around for you.

Thank you for your help, Mr. Huang.

Don't mention it.

Have you chosen your female lead

for this film yet?

I do have a choice in mind.

But...

But I don't know if she'll take the role.

Who is it?

Was Mr. Gu talking about me?

I've come to see you, mom.

I've been abroad the last few years.

I studied filmmaking.

I'm about to start on a new film.

I hope you'll be there.

Young Master...

Qiao Jun...

you were so gentle and kind.

Yet you gave birth to

such a stubborn child.

Mom, I promise,

you will be repaid

for your hardships.

Didn't you once say

that no one was kinder

to you than me?

Have I ever said that?

Go on. Fly away.

But don't scream in pain when you fall.

When my film opens,

I'll send you a ticket.

Move those flowers forward. Hurry!

Got it.

Li,

slow down the tracking shot.

- Slower?

- That's right.

Wait until Si Fan speaks.

Sure thing.

Si Fan...

so beautiful even with

such light makeup.

You know how to

please a lady, Liu Kang.

Picking you as the male lead

was a great choice.

Si Fan.

Complimenting each other like this

is pointless.

You know,

I only agreed to be in this film

because the script has

intimate scenes for us.

In that case, please go easy

on me, Liu Kang.

The makeup is ready, maestro.

Would you like to check?

Sure.

The director is here.

Are you two rehearsing?

Maestro.

Du Juan looks lovely.

How are you feeling, maestro?

With the two of you here,

I feel very confident.

It's time for the blessing, sir.

Come place incense at the entrance.

People still do blessing for movie shoots?

I'll be right back.

I'll go with you, maestro.

Would you like to join, Liu Kang?

No, thanks.

I'll get into character.

This way.

Come.

Light the firecrackers.

Ward away the bad spirits for good luck!

Why did it stop halfway?

Mr. Huang said that this theater is haunted.

We're making a film in a new era.

Let's not get bogged down

by archaic traditions.

Right?

Let's start!

Sir.

This theater's history is exactly why

we should follow all the rituals.

We don't want to provoke the spirits.

I may be making a film about ghosts,

but I don't believe in that nonsense.

Let's get to work!

I'm scared, Kang!

Of what? It's just an urban legend.

I'm right here.

Where are we going?

I'm scared of the dark.

It's too crowded and bright down there.

I'm taking you a place

where the two of us can be alone.

A place to be alone?

What are we doing there?

We have to be alone

if we're doing something

that we can only do when we're alone.

You're so bad.

You think I'm bad now,

but you're gonna love me later.

This place...

will do.

Slow down, Kang.

Let's play a game.

You're a playful one.

You're still into hide and seek?

Catch me, and I'll do anything you want.

Great. When I do catch you...

don't go back on your word.

Catch me first.

You'd better hide.

Here I come!

Little darling?

Where are you?

I'm right here!

Stop hiding.

We're both adults.

Why so shy?

You are gonna get it when I catch you.

Believe me.

I can smell your scent.

Stop hiding, honey

I know you're there.

Don't worry, I'll be gentle.

Mr. Liu? Mr. Liu.

Mr. Liu.

What are you doing here?

You're up.

Everyone is waiting for you.

I'm coming.

I'll head down first. Please hurry.

We'll play again.

Hurry, it's time to shoot.

Ms. Meng, Du Juan will walk forward,

and Xiao Shan will call to you.

Remember, this is your first encounter.

The camera will follow you the entire time.

A.D., let's start.

Get ready!

"Songstress of the Night"

Scene one, shot one, take one.

Action!

Please wait, miss.

Pardon my impertinence.

I heard you sing from afar.

It was beautiful.

If I may...

I would like to know your name.

Du Juan.

Such a lovely name.

Graceful, yet subtle in its beauty.

My name is Xiao Shan.

I am a scholar.

Miss, I would like to ask...

Excuse me.

Cut! Kang...

Are you OK? Kang!

What's wrong?

Get some water!

What's wrong?

Are you OK?

Kang! Kang!

Where's that water?

The ghosts!

It's the ghosts!

Kang!

Liu Kang's death was just an accident.

Don't be afraid.

Finish this film.

Once the shoot is over

everything will be OK.

I'm so sorry

about what happened today.

Some crew members resigned.

But I'll finish this film.

I'm here tonight

to ask you...

I'll finish this film.

Aren't you afraid?

Of course I am.

How can I not be?

But I have to face my fears, right?

Running away won't solve anything.

So let's face it together.

Don't worry about money.

Just focus on more important things.

Thank you for your trust.

We have to work together to finish this film.

Are you nervous?

You look good in this.

I'll ask your father for your hand

in marriage after your show.

I haven't agreed yet.

Cut.

Cut. Cut.

I'm sorry. You did well.

I... I think...

I just can't do it.

Good job.

I watched you for some time.

We think you're doing a great job.

Don't you think?

No way. I've never learned acting before.

Such a small crew.

You call this a set?

A director's job is to direct the performances

If he can direct others,

Why can't he act?

I'm worried that I don't have

Liu Kang's box office appeal.

You don't have to worry about box office.

Just do your job

and finish the film.

That's right,

I haven't thanked you

for the investment, Mr. Tang.

Don't mention it.

Don't forget about me.

When you make your next film,

you must cast me as the lead.

Take a seat, Mr. Tang.

Take a break, Ms. Meng.

I'm going to prepare the next shot.

Mr. Tang.

Ms. Meng, I would like to speak to you

about this production.

Can we step aside?

Wait here.

The director says we're done for today!

Ms. Meng. We're finished for today.

We've wrapped?

Please get some rest.

Ms. Meng.

Mr. Tang? Why did you come back?

This production is such a farce.

Everyone runs off,

leaving you here on your own.

That's not the crew's fault.

Look, Si Fan.

Do you like it?

Mr. Tang. This is too much.

That's not true.

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