Director in Hollywood

How do you showcase a director's brilliance? By earning the recognition of another director.

Although separated by an ocean, Director Zhang couldn't resist offering high praise for Gilbert's film, even though he knew Gilbert wouldn't hear it.

After watching the film, Zhang said to his friend, "This movie is truly outstanding. Gilbert's techniques and methods are worth learning."

His friend, curious, asked, "Is this movie about ghosts?"

"Yes, why?"

"Wouldn't that be considered superstitious?"

Zhang thought for a moment and replied, "Probably not. I didn't even notice that aspect while watching. Plus, it's made by a foreign director. Even if you wanted to criticize, it wouldn't stick to them."

"Fair point," his friend agreed.

When The Sixth Sense was released in China, it caused quite a stir. Despite the cultural differences, certain emotions—whether familial or romantic—are universal, and audiences could find resonance in the story.

This wasn't just an ordinary drama. With its suspenseful elements, the high-impact twist in the final five minutes left many Chinese viewers, who lacked much cinema experience, astounded.

This reaction wasn't surprising. Even well-versed North American audiences had been thrilled by the plot twist, leading to a euphoric sense of satisfaction that lingered long after the credits rolled.

After seeing the movie, the feeling stayed with viewers, leaving them deeply moved and often reminiscing about it.

Upon its release in mainland China, numerous media outlets gave the film glowing reviews:

"Initially, we thought Hollywood movies dominated the global market with their explosive action sequences, dazzling effects, and slick editing. However, after watching The Sixth Sense, we realized our perception was too narrow. This film has no special effects, no car chases, no gunfights, and not even particularly attractive actors. Yet it's simply captivating." – Shanghai Daily

"Gilbert Landrini, one of Hollywood's most talented and brilliant young directors, has taught us how to make a great film at the age of just 27. A story is always at the heart of a movie. Tell a good story, and you'll have a great film." – Huashang News

"After watching the film, my heart remained unsettled for a long time. The emotional power of the movie is what truly makes it shine. I feel I need to learn from this, even though Gilbert is younger than me. As the saying goes, 'The capable lead the way,' and learning from him is nothing to be ashamed of." – A renowned Chinese director, known for Farewell My Concubine.

Besides coverage from major media outlets and the praise of countless directors and actors, classic magazines like Reader's Digest, Youth Digest, and Yilin capitalized on the film's success by publishing short stories inspired by it.

These stories ranged from tales of a 19th-century mother and son in America to touching romances between British royals and commoners. Though entirely fabricated, readers couldn't get enough and often believed these were true stories.

This only reinforced one truth: a classic is always a classic.

Thanks to extensive media coverage, celebrity endorsements, and Gilbert's existing popularity in China, The Sixth Sense performed well in the Chinese market.

The growing cinema audience, due to years of market development, ensured strong box office numbers. In its opening week, the film grossed 8.57 million RMB—a respectable figure for the time.

Maintaining a steady curve, the film's total box office revenue in China was expected to reach 20–30 million RMB. While this amount was negligible compared to other markets, the gradual growth of the Chinese box office began catching the attention of Hollywood executives.

This newfound interest in China contributed to progress in WTO negotiations, where restrictions on foreign films were loosened. Though some differences remained unresolved, China's accession to the WTO was now a certainty—just a matter of time.

Having facilitated the introduction of Hollywood films, Tian Congming was praised by his superiors and even promoted. Grateful to Gilbert for convincing him, Tian wondered if Gilbert had any plans to visit China during his vacation. If so, he could treat him to Chongqing hotpot, a must-have for any visitor.

However, Tian doubted whether Gilbert could handle the intense spice of Chongqing cuisine.

Gilbert, unaware of this upcoming hotpot feast, remained focused on his work. He had promised Naomi Watts to attend the premiere of Contact.

The journey of Contact had been far from smooth. Initially, Jodie Foster was set to star but withdrew after a difficult breakup. Warner Bros. had first approached George Miller to direct, but his poor health and commitment to other projects, like Babe, forced him to decline.

Without a suitable director or screenwriter, Warner Bros. was hesitant to proceed. At one point, they even considered Gilbert for the role, but he had prior commitments.

Ultimately, Robert Zemeckis, known for Forrest Gump and the Back to the Future trilogy, was chosen to direct.

As for the lead actress, after Jodie Foster's refusal, Warner Bros. considered Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, and Meg Ryan before Doug Walter insisted on casting Naomi Watts.

When Naomi Watts asked Gilbert for his opinion,Gilbert suggested that she take on the film

Setting aside the fact that this movie is already considered a classic sci-fi film, from today's perspective, it remains a rare example of a movie centered on a female character's perspective.

Generally, films with a female perspective are mostly romantic comedies. Julia Roberts built her career in Hollywood's A-list by starring in such movies.

Her recent film, My Best Friend's Wedding, co-starring Cameron Diaz, has already grossed over $100 million at the North American box office.

Other genres, however, are typically male-centric. Female characters in such films often serve as decorative roles, rarely driving the plot or playing pivotal roles such as saving the day.

Thus, the appearance of a film with a female-centered narrative—especially a sci-fi film—is exceedingly rare. This was why Gilbert encouraged Naomi Watts to take on the role.

Naomi Watts trusted Gilbert's insight into filmmaking, even though he was known to be a flirtatious man. She accepted the role, and now the moment of reaping the rewards had arrived.

Robert Zemeckis was no obscure director. He had directed Forrest Gump and the Back to the Future series.

The cast, including Naomi Watts and Matthew McConaughey, were well-known and well-loved actors.

Additionally, Gilbert showed up to the premiere with Cameron Diaz and Charlize Theron, and other Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon also attended.

The premiere was star-studded, rivaling even the biggest blockbusters.

During an interview, Gilbert said, "I really like the concept of this movie. It's exceptionally well done. Initially, Doug invited me to take on this project, but due to scheduling conflicts, I had to decline.

However, trust me when I say this: This movie is outstanding, and you won't regret watching it."

This statement inadvertently added to the film's prestige. Naomi Watts was delighted—Gilbert clearly still cared about her.

Inside the theater, Gilbert watched the entire film.

While the change in lead actors created some subtle differences compared to the original version he remembered, it didn't matter. The movie was still excellent.

After the screening, Gilbert shared his thoughts: "This movie treats its scientific details with an exceptional degree of seriousness, making it a genuine hard sci-fi film.

The debate between science and religion—about which one gets closer to the truth of the universe—is a profoundly serious topic. On-screen, such a topic often risks becoming tedious and preachy, let alone convincing its audience through conclusions alone.

However, this film not only finds common ground between these two seemingly opposing views but also presents it with rich entertainment value and profoundly moving emotional arcs.

Additionally, on a personal note, I think Naomi's performance was fantastic—truly remarkable."

Naomi Watts covered her face, appearing quite embarrassed, while the other guests in attendance laughed warmly, showing their agreement with Gilbert's words.

After the premiere, Naomi Watts privately asked Gilbert, "What kind of success do you think this film can achieve?"

A movie that is critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful—like The Shawshank Redemption—would still be considered a flop by studios.

If the box office performance was lackluster, it could harm Naomi Watts' current status in the industry.

Gilbert reassured her, "Don't worry. This movie will easily break $100 million at the North American box office. Globally, it should exceed $250 million.

Recovering the costs and turning a profit won't be an issue, especially when you factor in the home video market and other merchandise.

More importantly, this is a movie destined to be remembered in cinematic history. You have nothing to worry about."

Naomi Watts was taken aback. "You hold this movie in such high regard?"

"I do. There aren't many sci-fi films that can compare to this one. Congratulations, Naomi. You've just added another signature film to your acting career," Gilbert said.

Hearing this, Naomi Watts was thrilled. "I almost turned it down. It was your encouragement that made me accept it. Half the credit belongs to you."

"What's my reward, then?" Gilbert asked with a smile.

Naomi Watts leaned in and whispered something in his ear. Gilbert's eyes lit up. "That's good. I'll take it. I want that."

What exactly it was remains a secret—something to be revealed after Gilbert returns from New Zealand.

After attending the Contact premiere, Gilbert traveled to New Zealand with Cameron Diaz for a vacation and some location scouting.

Producer Cain Wexman also followed soon after. He planned to stay in New Zealand for the next few years to prepare for the massive Lord of the Rings project.