Birth of an actor

Neither Harry Hay nor Rock Hudson were final options for William.

Not only because William found a better option in Harvey Milk, but also because compared to Milk, the other two have too many controversies.

Harry Hay Needless to say, as Amon Goffman suggested to William, to make Harry Hay, the film will inevitably involve a large number of ideological issues, and these issues have always been the most difficult. processed.Just as everyone knows that McCarthyism is a tragedy and a farce, but within a few years after the Watergate incident, Hollywood made a "President's Team" to satirize the political darkness of the White House, but there was no film that truly described the McCarthy era?Because the studios know that such a movie will not only fail to please the audience, but also offend the government.

As for why Rock Hudson wasn't cast, there's a reason it's kind of like a gay version of The Aviator -- yes, that's Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCap The "Aviator" starring Leo.

Rock Hudson is one of the most well-known movie stars in the golden age. If you want to show his life, you must also reproduce James Dean, Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant and other superstars. Compared with the rich and luxurious scenes in Hollywood at that time, this is simply to re-shoot some scenes that have been shot in "The Aviator".

Moreover, although there is no Rock Hudson in "The Aviator", Howard Hughes and Hudson lived in some overlapping years. If there are too many similarities between the two movies, the one released later will always have more. It's a bit of a loss.William is also not prepared to spend a large budget to make a huge gay movie, which will only have the opposite effect when the social environment is not yet relaxed.

In addition, do the words "Hollywood superstar in the closet", "synonymous with handsome", "popular lover", and "box office guarantee" sound particularly familiar?William was startled by the overlapping points between himself and Rock Hudson, and suddenly lost interest in playing each other, because apart from the similarities in their screen images, they were so different in other places. These differences made William feel, He can't really empathize with Rock Hudson's mental state and choices in every period, and it may be difficult for him to play this character well.

So in comparison, if you want to make a purely LGBT movie, the best choice is Milk.

Harvey Milk is the first government official in the history of the United States to take part in an openly gay election and successfully campaign. He is a pioneer of the North American gay movement in the 70s. When he served as a member of the Supervisory Committee of the San Francisco City Government, he promoted San Francisco homosexuality. Passage of the Employment Equity Act led the fight against California's Proposition [-], which would have banned gays and lesbians from holding public office, including teaching.It is no exaggeration to say that at that time, Milk was the beacon in the hearts of the American gay community. His actions inspired countless people, but when he was in office for less than a year, he and Mayor George Moscone Ni was shot and killed by colleague Dan White.

The only thing is that Harvey Milk was already a hero when he was alive, and he was hailed as a god after his death. If the American gay community can canonize a saint like the Vatican, then he must have already had a title , making a biography of such a politically connected figure is completely different from making a Shakespeare, John Nash or Howard Hughes, especially when most of his former colleagues and friends are still active , it can't be too serious like a science and education film, and it can't be too joking to say that it deviates from the truth.

It is necessary to find someone who is familiar with the history of that era to be the screenwriter. A gay writer or screenwriter, preferably who has personally experienced those events, and someone from Harvey Milk’s campaign team to do it. Script consultant.

The Jewish agent recommended to William one of his compatriots, that is, Larry Kramer, who was nominated for the Oscar for Best Screenplay.

Kramer is well-known in some fields. He is not only a film screenwriter, but also a novelist, playwright and LGBT rights activist. He co-founded the non-profit group AIDS patients unite to play the power organization and the gay men's health crisis organization. Today The scale of development can be called huge, and he has personally experienced the AIDS crisis that swept the United States in the 80s, and he is very experienced in how LGBT groups fight for equal rights and how to participate in political elections.

Larry Kramer was very honored to be asked to write the screenplay for Harvey Milk, but he also had his own concerns: "I know every story of the Stonewall movement because I personally I have been through, I feel deeply about the AIDS crisis, because it took the lives of two of my friends in the 80s. But I have been living in New York, and I really don’t pay much attention to the West Coast. In the 70s, I often read Ha News about Vi Milk, but never had contact with him. To be honest, I really want to take this job. I have a hunch this is going to be a really great job, but I've been out for decades, I know that Harvey Milk's status in the hearts of gays is no less than that of Martin Luther King Jr. to the black community. If I want to write a script about Milk, I need enough time to prepare—”

The problem is, there isn't enough prep time.Larry Kramer is almost 70 years old and currently only works three to four hours a day. At his writing speed, Willot could not have waited months for the script alone.

Willlott also contacted Harvey Milk's former campaign team members, Milk's campaign manager Clive Jones, now a gay rights activist, and assistant Anne Kronenberg, who is currently based in San Francisco The city government, political consultant Tori Hartman, is still providing political consulting services to many Democratic candidates, and there are some other people who can currently be contacted. They have heard that Milk's deeds may be brought to the public They are very excited behind the screen, and are very willing to provide everything they know about Milk, and even willing to participate in the film production for free, but it is obviously impossible to expect them to write the script.

When he was at a loss, William suddenly thought of Dustin Blake, who he had met in the hospital before, Jonathan Bates's most respected friend. There are actually favorites in the video database of .After William found out and watched it, he found that Dustin Blake is indeed a very talented person as Bates said. His documentaries have a unique style, clear themes, smooth narrative, and there are many delicate and moving emotions in the documentary. It's like a pseudo-documentary movie with a handheld DV, and the plays he wrote are said to have a very high attendance rate on Broadway.

So William tried to contact Dustin Black, and when the other party heard that he had the opportunity to be a screenwriter for Harvey Milk's biographical film, he was so excited that he immediately wanted to buy a ticket to fly from New York to Los Angeles!

"Please let me participate!" Dustin Black's tone was even more fiery and firm than when the bride said I would at the wedding: "I was born and raised in California, and I am familiar with everything there. And I've known Harvey Milk since I was a teenager, and I actually come from a very traditional Mormon family—”

"Mormonism? Wow." Amon Goffman, who was also on the phone, couldn't help but exclaimed.

'Don't make a fuss. 'William silently gestured to the agent.

Dustin Black did not criticize the behavior of the Jewish agent. To be honest, whenever he talked about his family background to others, he got almost the same reaction, so he explained it with ease: "No The polygamous Mormon family is also forbidden in the orthodox Mormon doctrine. The one who insists on monogamy is the Mormon branch that split off in the [-]th century. What I want to say is that I The background of growing up is no different from other Catholic, evangelical, and Jewish families. They are all very traditional and conservative. When I was five or six years old, I realized that boys of the same sex were more attractive to me than girls of the opposite sex, and the family’s beliefs told I was wrong, I struggled and suffered for the next ten years, until I happened to see a documentary about Harvey Milk, that was the starting point of my road to liberation, I no longer suppressed, no longer for Pained by being different sexually, even being separated from family and church as an adult - Harvey Milk was my spirituality for a long time. I bet you won't find it again The second screenwriter who knows him as well as I do, at least knows Milk and gay life, I must be unique in New York."

William and Amon Goffman looked at each other and were a little moved. The Jewish agent said, "Actually, we contacted Larry Kramer before—"

"So it's a choice between Larry Kramer and me?" Dustin Black's voice was devastated.

"Larry was also very willing to write the screenplay, but the problem was, we needed to see the script within a few weeks, and Larry couldn't do it all by himself."

"I can work with him! Larry Kramer is actually my idol. His screenplay "The Normal Heart" won a Tony Award and is also my favorite drama, and he also participated in the production of the documentary "After Stonewall." , which was an amazing work. So, I'm really looking forward to working with him, and although I haven't co-written a script with anyone, it shouldn't be a problem."

With Dustin Black's answer, the Jewish agent contacted Larry Kramer again and asked him if he would not reject co-writing the script. Fortunately, Kramer didn't mind at all, so the movie script matter It was finalized in this way, and Willot signed screenwriting contracts with them respectively in the shortest possible time, and the preparation of the crew also started at the same time.

……

On Christmas Eve, the much-anticipated third installment in the Harry Potter film series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, held its North American premiere at Lincoln Center in New York after its world premiere in London. Screening.

Because he was busy preparing for the biography of Harvey Milk, and because he had fewer roles in the film "Prisoner of Azkaban", which was more like a cameo appearance, William did not fly to London to attend the world premiere, but It was at the premiere in New York.

Then as soon as William walked on the red carpet, he immediately attracted all the spotlights, and the media scrambled to surround him. The scene was lively and spectacular, and the three young leading actors including Daniel Radcliffe were liberated.They have just entered adolescence. The reporters could only ask about their studies or filming experience in the past two years. Now they dare to ask questions about love affairs and intentionally create scandals. The enthusiasm of American entertainment reporters makes the three little stars really overwhelmed. Now Seeing that someone turned the media's attention away, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

In addition, William has not participated in any talk show for almost two years, and the latest interview was for the cover photos of "Vanity Fair" and "Variety Show" a few months ago. The media's desire for news about him has long surpassed all other Man, when William showed a little willingness to be interviewed, countless questions were thrown at him in an instant.

Some asked questions about the next step in the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", about the release time of "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" and the ambitions of the awards season, and "Meet Your Father-in-Law 2" " made insinuations about the marriage of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and of course asked about "Brokeback Mountain".

The crew of "Brokeback Mountain" has been in Canada for a while. Although Ang Lee ordered the crew to close the filming and not communicate with the outside world, there are still a few filming anecdotes that flew from the Rocky Mountains to Hollywood.

For example, William Bradley, who had already booked one of the leading roles, only came to Canada once. It seems that after coordinating the financial matters, he never appeared on the set again. Someone confided the slightest news about Bradley.For another example, the two actors filming as the protagonists in the crew at this time are Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Recognized as young actors of the acting school, these two movie stars are not unknown small roles, and of course it is impossible to engage in the work of doubles.

Coupled with the recent rumors in Hollywood that William Bradley did not sign a contract with the crew of "Brokeback Mountain", various media have long been unable to control their curiosity, and have already made up their minds about the ten scenes where the cooperation failed to turn against each other. It's a big show.

William originally intended to announce the direction of the next filming in the near future. Now is the right time. He approached the microphone of the "Hollywood Reporter" reporter and said, ""Brokeback Mountain" is not in my future plan."

This sentence caused an uproar among the reporters in front.

"Why? Is it because you still can't accept having sex with the same sex?"

"Which actor can't you cooperate with?"

"Did you reject Li An or Li An rejected you?"

"Will "Brokeback Mountain" still be produced and distributed by Willot? I heard that Miramax seems to be very interested in this movie?"

"It was a joint decision between director Ang Lee and me to stop acting. I met Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal on the Canadian set. They are both great actors and more suitable for this movie. As for the reason, it is because my next movie conflicts with "Brokeback Mountain" in terms of schedule, but I will still participate in "Brokeback Mountain" as a producer." William made an understatement, taking all media reports into consideration. Unkind speculations were all blocked back, and at the same time, a more daydreaming topic was left behind.

Sure enough, the sensitive reporters all turned their guns, and all the questions that followed were about the "next movie" that William had just mentioned.At the same time, everyone was racking their brains, trying to figure out clues to William's next work from various past movements, but unfortunately, they couldn't get anything.

But everyone is very excited, they have a gut feeling that this movie will definitely be a big hit.Think about it, making William Bradley drop the movie that is about to start at the last minute-yes, in most people's opinion, William Bradley didn't make "Brokeback Mountain", it must be What he voluntarily gave up, and it is impossible for the crew to choose not to have him——can it be an ordinary movie?

So when William announced that his next film would be a biopic of the same name about Harvey Milk, whether they knew who Harvey Milk was or not, and whether they knew his deeds or not, people in the media decided one after another: let the name Appearing in all newspapers and magazines tomorrow!

……

If you want to say that the most exposed name in Hollywood recently, it is undoubtedly Harvey Milk. Even the unfilmed movie tentatively titled "Milk" is the most anticipated Lord of the Rings movie in addition to "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" recently. Outside of the finale of the series, it is the most watched film in Hollywood.

All this stems from the interview William received at the North American premiere of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", and those interviews also triggered a series of reactions.

The first to bear the brunt is of course the media's various speculations about "Brokeback Mountain", but because Willot does still hold the leading power in the film, and Ang Lee is also interviewed in Canada, saying that the decision not to cooperate is the result of several discussions between the two It was co-produced, and expressed great expectations for "Milk". The media saw that there was no excitement to watch, and there was nothing to dig out. The interest in "Brokeback Mountain" gradually dissipated, and Ang Lee was able to lead his crew to be quiet. Quietly filming in Canada.

But this did not delay the media's multiple (over)interpretation of William's choice, and the final answer they interpreted was-the reason why William made "Milk" was that this movie could help him win more than "Brokeback Mountain". The second Oscar winner.

In recent years, even those who are not sharp-eyed can notice that the Academy is increasingly favoring biographical films. In just a few years after entering the 21st century, there have been two Oscar winners, one Finally, one Best Supporting Actor and two Best Supporting Actresses were awarded for biopics.

And this kind of momentum has already attracted smart people to speculate. For example, the real-life adaptation of "The Devil" starring Charlize Theron has become a big hit in next year's awards season. Leonardo DiCaprio is filming "The Aviator", which also has Oscar ambitions.

So when William chose Harvey Milk, realistic characters, minorities, political metaphors, plus Milk's documentary of the same name has won seven Oscars for best documentary, it is hard not to believe that he is trying to break the Oscar Cursed, climbed to the top of this theme - although everyone agrees, William Bradley is one of the very few superstars who are not restricted by any rules.For most movie stars, climbing the peak is often a downhill road, but for William, it seems that after climbing to the top of the mountain, he also brought his own hang glider. , Others watching envy and admiration.

The homosexual community in North America is more excited about "Milk" than the media. Although Hollywood produces some LGBT-themed movies every year (most of which cannot be released), Harvey Milk's biographical film can be approved. , the significance for the gay community is extraordinary!

It is not an exaggeration to say that although John Kennedy and Hillary Clinton are all political idols loved by the gay community, the only political figures who are recognized by all gays are their "own people" who have given their lives for the cause of equal rights. Vi Milk, now his deeds will be put on the big screen, or will he be played by Oscar winner William Bradley, what does this mean?It shows that homosexual themes have been able to enter the mainstream Hollywood film circle!

Can't help but remind people of when Tom Hanks filmed "Philadelphia Story" and "Will & Grace", the first drama series featuring gay characters broadcast in prime time on public stations, all of which have milestones The meanings of both have also had a profound and positive impact on American society.

The spokesperson of the GLAAD organization publicly invited William to attend the No.15 GLAAD Media Awards ceremony to be held in April next year. The attitude towards LGBT film and television works and public figures, there is no competition nature, as long as it is LGBT-friendly works can basically win the award-the spokesperson also reserved a trophy for William in advance, "I am very happy to award the Outstanding Film Award in the next session. To "Milk."

Countless LGBT groups contacted Willlott, offering to provide any help for "Milk". When Willott reported that some gay extras might be used in the film, several large LGBT organizations came a few days later. They faxed a list of thousands of people, claiming that all of them were gay volunteers who were willing to act as extras for the crew for free.

Some gay politicians in California, whose campaign managers called Amon Goffman's office directly, asked whether the film might be released within the next year, and hoped that it would be produced as soon as possible because "it would be very important to the election." help."

The preparations for the film are underway in an orderly manner. The cooperation between Larry Kramer and Dustin Black is very exciting. The first version of the script has been released. William has not read it yet, but according to the company's script analyst , out of five stars, it can be given four stars. Another producer who grew up in San Francisco and has been openly out for many years also said that the script is Harvey Milk, whom he knows and understands.

However, there is another problem before William, that is, the director's choice-as for William himself as a director?Maybe in the future, but for now he has to learn how to be a good producer.

The Hollywood director who is best at shooting biographical films is Ron Howard, and he is also an acquaintance who has worked with William on "A Beautiful Mind". Willot contacted Ron Howard as soon as the project was confirmed, but he was currently busy with The publicity work of "Missing" will be followed by a collaboration with Russell Crowe on "The Iron Fist Man", which is also a biographical subject. There will be no free time in the entire first half of next year.

On the contrary, there are two directors who took the initiative to contact and recommend themselves, showing a strong interest in directing "Milk". One is Gus Fan, who was nominated for Oscar for Best Director after filming "Uninhibited Sky" and "Good Will Hunting". Santer, the other is Bryan Singer who wants to return to the big screen after filming two "X-Men" and then directed two seasons of the American drama "Doctor House".

Compared with Gus Van Sant, who has experience in shooting gay films, Bryan Singer's film style is more messy. He has dabbled in crime, thriller, and science fiction, but the two directors have one thing in common. That is, they are both GAY—Hollywood has always had no image requirements for directors and other behind-the-scenes staff. Although the two did not deliberately come out publicly, they never concealed their daily lives. Sexual orientation is considered an open secret in Hollywood.

Gus Van Sant or Bryan Singer are both suitable candidates for the director. Because of Sante's character and experience, it would be safer to choose him, but William has always had a concern when deciding on the candidate, that is, when When the director, leading actor, screenwriter, and even the extras of the crew are all gay—and considering that there must be a certain proportion of gays behind the scenes—won’t the movie look a little too “GAY”?

A film that is self-indulgent in a small circle and cannot face the public is not what William wants. He cannot let the structure of "Milk" be unbalanced-not that the director must be heterosexual, but his film style cannot be too " Homosexuality", in this regard, Gus Van Sant is not as good as Bryan Singer. The former's works always have too much ink on same-sex relationships, while the latter's style is more diverse.

William has also considered other directors, but it is too difficult to find one who can balance business and art. The most suitable Ron Howard has no schedule, and Ang Lee also has his own "Brokeback Mountain". Others Either there is no time or it is not suitable. After thinking about it, there are only two candidates, Gus Van Sant and Bryan Singer.

Just then, William received an unexpected call.

From Steven Spielberg.

……

Not long after filming "The End of Happiness", Steven Spielberg began to look for the next target as the film entered the post-production stage.

And his purpose this time is very clear - to Film, not Movie.

Steven Spielberg has a very clear attitude towards the division of film themes. If he wants to make a serious film, such as "Schindler's List" or "Saving Private Ryan", he Will call them Film, but if he were making a more entertaining movie like Jaws or Jurassic Park, he'd just call them Movie.

Although both words express the meaning of the film, there is no doubt that the former is more serious and formal, while the latter is more informal and entertaining.

In the past few years, he has made too many Movies, "Artificial Intelligence", two "Harry Potter", "A Game of Cat and Mouse", the just-wrapped "Happy Terminal", and also produced a mini-TV series "Band of Brothers". ", the most recent film was "Saving Private Ryan" in 98, which also helped him win the Oscar for Best Director for the second time.

In other words, since "Saving Private Ryan", he hasn't won any awards for more than five years.

Spielberg is almost 60 years old, but that will have to wait two more years, now that he is in the golden age of directorial creation, he does not want the next 20 years - no, it should be said that all the next in the years.Spielberg is not planning to retire at the age of 80. Film is a lifelong career-it would be too boring to make all commercial films.

Moreover, he also wants to win another Oscar for Best Picture. "Schindler's List" is his only work that won the best picture, and it has been ten years since now, and it is time to work hard towards this goal again.

Recently, Spielberg has been searching for inspiration, but there are no good ideas. He kind of wants to make a story about the Cold War period, or remake "West Side Story", a tragedy he likes very much, and even wants to make Washington or DC. Lincoln biopic.

It was at this time that Spielberg saw the news in the newspaper that William Bradley was preparing to make the movie "Milk". He asked his agent to inquire, and after finding out that the director had not been confirmed, he began to be a little moved. After two days of thinking, I decided to fight for the director position of "Milk".

This decision surprised Spielberg's agents, surprised that he would want to shoot gay subjects.

But Spielberg himself thinks there's nothing to be surprised about.

"Do you think I'm one of those people in Hollywood who treat women, minorities, and homosexuals equally on the surface, but insult and discriminate behind the scenes?" Not against homosexuality, my wife and I have donated to gay foundations, and I also made The Color Purple."

Of course the agent knows about The Color Purple.This is Spielberg's first work that can truly be called an art film. It not only uses real people with almost all black actors, but also uses black women as the protagonists, and describes the same-sex love between them-of course, influenced by Due to age and other reasons, Spielberg's lens language is very to the point, which is not too vague a hint - but, this also means that he was actually hovering on the edge of homosexuality as early as 20 years ago .

Spielberg shrugged. Why can't you film gays?"

"Biography and homosexuality seem to be a combination that is easy to win." The agent couldn't change Spielberg's mind, so he could only find a reasonable reason for himself.

It wasn't until Spielberg got home that he told his wife Kate Capshaw another reason he didn't tell his agent: "I was going to try Milk because of William Bradley. "

"Are you grateful that he made you and Harry Potter possible?" asks Kate Capshaw, who knows her husband well.Leading the filming of two "Harry Potter" movies was a very pleasant experience for the childlike Spielberg. Although the end of this journey was due to some differences, everyone, including Spielberg himself, knew that It is extremely unrealistic for him to direct seven "Harry Potter" movies. It is actually just right to break up after the second movie.

"William helped me fulfill my wish. I owe him a favor. This is a reason." Spielberg confessed: "I was planning to return to realistic themes in the next film, and it would be best to bring some humanistic expectations. "Milk" fits those bills, which is the second reason. Also, having one of the best actors in Hollywood and only having him in a supporting role is such a shame, I've always wanted to work with him again once."

At Spielberg's urging, his agent quickly contacted Willot and expressed his willingness to cooperate.

When William learned that Spielberg took the initiative to throw an olive branch, just as the other agent once felt, he was very surprised at first, and then he was surprised-Spielberg was not exactly the commercial and sexual character they were looking for. Artistic director? !

The crew of "Milk" with not many members is also very excited, after all, it is Steven Spielberg!

If one of the directors in Hollywood can be called a film master in both the fields of business and art, Spielberg is definitely at the forefront. In terms of business, his "Jaws" opened the concept of the summer file, " ET" changed the evil image of aliens in traditional sci-fi movies, "Jurassic Park" brought the whole Hollywood into the era of special effects, artistically, "Schindler's List" restarted the shooting trend of black and white movies, "Salvation Private Ryan is known as the most classic World War II movie.

More importantly, directors who have been famous for a long time have their own royal teams. Spielberg has an assistant director, editor, prop artist, soundtrack artist, etc. who have cooperated for many years. The arrival of these people can quickly make "Milk" "The vacancies of the crew are filled, and the mature team cooperates more tacitly, and all work can progress very quickly from preparation to post-production.

After digging out Spielberg's private phone number saved a long time ago, William quickly got in touch with the other party. Of course, he had to ask Spielberg why he became interested in "Milk".

In the face of William, Spielberg has another explanation. "Although I have made a lot of special effects movies, I am actually most interested in historical themes. I like all kinds of movies related to American history and freedom struggle." He said, "And, freedom Peace and equality, the constitution and human rights, I like to promote those as a filmmaker."

This answer is very American-themed, and it is also in line with Spielberg's consistent creative style.

It is more in line with the current requirements of the "Milk" crew.

"Can you tell me what you think about the story that Milk is going to tell, Steven?" William asked. "I guess you already know something about Harvey Milk."

"Of course, I spent two days Google him." Spielberg said with a smile: "Milk's life began to be wonderful when he went to San Francisco, so I don't think the film needs to tell his life in general, but The focus should be on his life in San Francisco and the election, especially the impact of the election campaign on people’s perceptions and affirmative action in the entire society. Be as documentary as possible, and pursue depth rather than spanning.”

This coincides with William's thoughts. He couldn't find a reason to reject Spielberg, and now he has no reason to refuse: "I'll get someone to send you the script first, and maybe someday we can have a meal together." Let's chat about the script over lunch."

"No problem." Spielberg immediately entered the role of director, "But I have to find out first, besides you, what other actors do we have?"

……

The first thing after the director is confirmed is to negotiate the remuneration issue. After all, Spielberg is not a high-quality and cheap director.

An interesting point in Hollywood's salary system is that actors with a salary of more than 3000 million US dollars are common, and those with a salary of [-] or [-] million US dollars are not uncommon, but directors with a salary of [-] million or more are relatively rare.However, while an actor has a high salary, he can rarely participate in the box office profit sharing, unless he/she has an indispensable position for the film, and the big directors can usually share the salary plus the box office share. If a new director is lucky enough to make a popular movie, he can also get a sharing contract in the next series of movies.

"Milk" as