Chapter 237 Mickey Mouse Puts on Donald Duck’s Mouth!

Although radio has now become as widespread as television, it still has a large number of loyal customers. Not to mention that this is a national radio program, which will affect the judgment of many people who heard these remarks about buying tickets when they go to the movies today. .

Kenneth's remarks on National Public Radio's morning show reached Michael Eisner's ears, causing him to fly into a rage.

What does it mean to disrespect history? Does "Titanic" respect history? Just as "Titanic" was allowed to turn a tragic event that killed thousands of people into a love movie, "Pearl Harbor" was not allowed to have a love story?

These damn film critics are out of their minds!

Michael Eisner immediately asked the secretary next to him: "How are the negotiations with those protesting veterans?"

The secretary immediately said: "It has achieved certain results. We proposed to donate 3 million US dollars to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association to subsidize and take care of the surviving veterans who are living in difficulty, but the association requires 5 million."

Michael Eisner said with a gloomy face: "Give it to them, let them quickly appease the troubled veterans, I don't want to see any more protests! Also, let the Pearl Harbor Association cooperate to speak out, let ABC TV station broadcast it live, and let us Report your good deeds immediately!”

After the secretary left, Michael Eisner couldn't help but curse, "Son of a bitch, the Survivor Association, is taking advantage of this moment to strike!" Why didn't I blow up all of you bastards to death earlier?

Just because of this incident caused by this group of people, he felt that the box office would be reduced by at least 10 million. In order to quickly cut off the impact, he could only use money to fill their mouths first. Now we need to get them to cooperate with the promotion of "Pearl Harbor" as soon as possible to minimize negative public opinion and reverse the impression of potential audiences.

Michael Eisner is a little upset now. "Pearl Harbor" is the highlight of this year for Disney. It is a big project that Disney spares no effort to prepare. Whether it is internally or externally, he has already boasted about it and ensured that it can produce a good one. score.

Originally, it was not difficult for him. He also watched the film after it was made, and he felt that it was not inferior to "Titanic". When it comes to big scenes, they have it, and the war scenes are grand and heroic enough; when it comes to special effects, they also have it, and they don't call it "explosion" for nothing. The 40-minute explosion is enough for the audience to watch; when it comes to love, they have it even more, and they are a local American star that the audience loves. Paired with English roses.

But now it has encountered some setbacks as soon as it was released, and there is also "Pirate King" who seems to be doing well, watching from the side.

However, Eisner also comforted himself that as long as the minor troubles of the protest were resolved, "Pearl Harbor" would still be as lucrative as "Titanic"!

Then Eisner pressed the remote control and flipped through the channels randomly. He stopped after hearing a few words and glanced at the station logo. It was still Fox. He had just heard "Pearl Harbor."

"Hello everyone, with the release of two major 140-million-dollar productions, "The Pirate King" and "Pearl Harbor," the cinemas are particularly busy this weekend. Now we will also conduct random surveys and interviews with these people coming in and out."

As the reporter spoke, he stopped a young man who was about to enter the cinema: "Hello, are you here to watch a movie?"

"certainly!"

"Then which movie do you want to watch?"

"The Pirate King."

"Why did you choose "Pirate King" instead of "Pearl Harbor"?"

“I’ve heard that ‘Pearl Harbor’ was a rip-off movie, while ‘The Pirate King’ received better reviews. I’m very curious about how this pirate-themed movie will turn out.”

After hearing the young man's answer on TV, Eisner couldn't help but cursed, "Damn it, it was all caused by the group of protesting veterans yesterday!"

At this time, the reporter stopped another middle-aged man and saw that he was holding a little boy in his hand.

"Hello, which movie are you watching today?"

Before the middle-aged man could answer, the little boy shouted impatiently: "The Pirate King! I came to see Captain Jack Sparrow, and Chris told me he was very interesting!"

The middle-aged man smiled at the reporter and said: "Actually, I am more interested in "Pearl Harbor", but as you can see, my son is already looking forward to "Pirate King" after calling his children. All day~"

The reporter showed an understanding smile and watched the little boy dragging his father into the cinema happily.

Then the reporter stopped two young black men and said, "Hey, hello, what movie do you want to watch?"

The two said without hesitation: ""Pirate King"."

"Why not Pearl Harbor? Is it because there were veterans' protests yesterday?"

A black man said with a question mark on his face: "Protest? To be honest, I don't understand this history. I only care about whether the movie is good or not. Friends around me are saying that "Pirate King" is great, so that's why I chose to watch "The Pirate King". The reason for "Pirate King"."

Another black man said: ""Pearl Harbor" is too white, it is completely a historical story of white people. In comparison, "The Pirate King" makes me feel more familiar~"

The reporter visited three times in succession, all to watch "The Pirate King", which almost made Eisner in front of the TV a little nervous. Fortunately, a couple came up the next moment and said that they were here to watch "Pearls". The love story of "Hong Kong" made Eisner look better.

At this moment, a group of people came out of the cinema, who must have just watched the movie. The reporter quickly walked up: "Hey, hello, which movie did you just watch? How did you feel?"

The two teenagers shouted to the camera: "The Pirate King! The great Captain Jack Sparrow!"

"This movie is so cool! It perfectly matches my fantasy of the pirate world!"

"Captain Jack is so fascinating! He always looks mean, but people can't help but fall in love with him!"

"And the magical Black Pearl and the curse!"

The two of them were talking to each other, looking very excited.

"It's a great pirate fantasy adventure movie. It's perfect in every aspect. The plot, actors, soundtrack and special effects, especially the moment when the moon turns into a skeleton in seconds, are really impressive!"

"I brought my son to see it, but I completely forgot about him and was so fascinated by it!"

"It's great. It's also a fantasy adventure movie. I think it's better than "The Mummy". Captain Jack Sparrow is so charming!"

I interviewed several people one after another, and they all obviously had high praise for "Pirate King". The reporter said to the camera:

"Wow! Judging from the feedback from the audience, director Wu Yuchen has really subverted the perception that pirate movies are box office poison, and brought a pirate movie that is very popular with the audience! And I have a hunch that Johnny Depp will be very popular. Maybe my fame will reach a higher level with this "Pirate King"!"

Just as he was speaking, another group of people came out of the theater one after another, and reporters came to greet them. The first one they interviewed was an elegant old man with gray hair who looked old.

"Hello, sir, what movie did you just watch? Can you tell me your thoughts?"

The old man shook his head: "I just watched "Pearl Harbor". To be honest, this movie did not satisfy me. It is also a movie about Pearl Harbor, but it is far worse than "Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!" . I thought that after 30 years, with the improvement of film technology, better movies would be made. But obviously this time "Pearl Harbor" was a bit disappointing. War is not just explosions, let alone so much love. .”

After the old man finished speaking, he walked away, and the reporter caught another young couple: "Hey, hello, have you just watched "Pearl Harbor"? What did you think?"

The woman smiled and said: "I think it's pretty good. I learned more about the history of the Pearl Harbor incident, and the love in it is also very touching~"

Her boyfriend curled his lips when he heard this. Upon seeing this, the reporter immediately asked: "Sir, what do you think?"

The man didn't hold it back and said directly: "I don't think their love is touching at all. It's so bloody! I think the hero is out of his mind! He also helps others raise children, which is a big injustice." kind!"

His girlfriend heard this and patted him: "Hey, why do you think so! Since he loves her, he should accept everything about her. Your idea is too selfish and too narrow-minded!"

The man rolled his eyes: "Come on! When the hero's life or death is unknown, the heroine got together with his good brother. What a couple!"

The woman shouted dissatisfiedly: "Can you please stop making trouble unreasonably? They thought the hero was in trouble and he was just helping the hero take care of her!"

The man continued to mock: "Oh, yes, I took care of my good brother's girlfriend in bed! What a touching brotherly love!"

Seeing that the two of them were about to quarrel, the reporter immediately ran away, saying, "OK, let's see what other people think!"

This scene made Eisner so angry that he turned off the TV. At the same time, through the reaction of the interview, he couldn't help but feel a sense of crisis in his heart. After all, this time it was real word of mouth, not some deliberately criticizing film critics. "Pearl Harbor" wasn't really going to fail, was it?

Thinking of this, he immediately picked up the phone: "Increase publicity! Increase public relations, and try to get rid of all negative remarks as much as possible!"

This time "Pearl Harbor" has already invested 250 million, and more importantly, it has been promoted for so long. Everyone knows that it is a project that Eisner worked hard to create to compete with "Titanic", and it must not fail!

…

"Hey Depp, great! Now you're the crowd favorite!"

Wu Yuchen encouraged Depp and said, "I'm going to promote today. The audience was very enthusiastic after seeing Captain Jack Sparrow, and the children surrounded him and kept shouting."

Johnny Depp waved his hand. He was too tired to speak. Being popular means being popular, but being tired is also really tiring!

Wu Yuchen smiled upon seeing this, and then said to Hugh Jackman: "Hugh, this "Pirate King" will become your masterpiece, taking your career to the next level and completely entering the forefront of Hollywood!"

After last year's "X-Men", Hugh Jackman's fame rose again with the role of Wolverine, and he has climbed to the top of the second line. After "Pirate King", he will completely enter the front line.

Then Wu Yuchen said to Keira Knightley: "Keira, this time you will become famous in one fell swoop. You will no longer be Natalie Portman's stand-in. You will have more fans than her!"

Keira heard this and shouted: "Director, I want a salary increase for the sequel!"

Wu Yuchen laughed loudly when he heard this: "Of course!"

While they were chatting and laughing, the staff came over with the box office data for Saturday. Several people hurriedly gathered around, and even Depp, who was too tired to talk just now, came over and saw that it read:

"Pirate King", 25.34 million;

"Pearl Harbor", 16.92 million;

Keira looked at the number and rubbed her eyes in disbelief. She could understand that "Pirate King" could overtake "Pearl Harbor", but how could this number exceed so much at once!

You must know that yesterday, "Pirate King" was nearly 1 million behind "Pearl Harbor", but today it has overtaken it by more than 8 million! This made Keira wonder if she might be dazzled!

"Oh my god! Director, is this true? Am I not dreaming?" Keira screamed, covering her mouth.

Not to mention Keira, even Depp and Hugh Jackman were stunned. After all, the previous publicity campaigns for "Pearl Harbor" had always been ahead of "Pirate King", and they had been teasing "Pearl". "Hong Kong" popularity. I never expected to be so far ahead!

Wu Yuchen also showed a bright smile at this time, and then said: "Now we are far ahead! Aren't you happy?"

Keira immediately said excitedly: "No, of course I'm happy! But how could this happen?"

"How could this happen?!" Looking at the same data, Michael Bay also showed an unbelievable look.

"Could it be a mistake?! How is that possible!" Michael Bay roared again. But no one around him spoke up, they were all silent.

At this time, producer Bruckheimer came over with an investigation report, then showed a tired and frustrated look, and said to him: "Michael, let's take a look at this first."

Michael Bay quickly picked up the investigation report and read it...

"Because there was something wrong with Pearl Harbor itself." Wu Yuchen explained to several people around him with a smile.

"'Pearl Harbor' doesn't respect history that much, and the protests are just one of the reasons. But its biggest problem is the love triangle they set up.

"Pearl Harbor" wants to follow the example of "Titanic" and take the romance route to attract the audience. In fact, this is completely fine. But the love triangle they set up is too bloody. In "Titanic", although there is a love triangle, Jack and Rose have always been in love with each other. There are no flaws in their love, which is extremely touching!

And what about "Pearl Harbor"? The heroine first fell in love with the male lead, then fell in love with the second male lead, and gave birth to a child. Finally, after the second male lead died, the heroine returned to the male lead's arms. There may be many women who find this twists and turns of love touching, but I can guarantee that most men will never find it so touching!

Not to mention the sacrifices the rest of the film’s structure makes for this love triangle. "

After Wu Yuchen finished explaining, several people around him suddenly realized that there was something wrong with the core of the "Pearl Harbor" movie itself.

At this time, Hugh Jackman said: "In addition, we have such a wonderful "Pirate King" competing with it!"

Wu Yuchen snapped his fingers: "bingo!"

"So, we have won now?!" Keira asked.

"Haha, we are on the road to victory, but you must work hard to publicize it to speed up the pace of victory!" Wu Yuchen said to a few people around him.

At this time, Johnny Depp regained his dignity, gesticulating and shouting: "Don't worry, the great Jack Sparrow will lead "Pirate King" to open the door to victory!"

…

On the other side, Bruckheimer, Michael Bay and the head of publicity gathered together. Bruckheimer said: "Now we have to adjust the publicity strategy, and then we will focus on the special effects of the film as much as possible, and the love will slowly fade away. Also, put pressure on theaters not to reduce the number of our screens..."

The person in charge of publicity and distribution nodded and took notes. After he left, Michael Bay asked Bruckheimer: "Is it too late for us to do this?"

Bruckheimer sighed: "Let's make up for it as much as we can. I just hope that this time the film's losses will be as small as possible."

If the movie fails, he, the producer, and director Michael Bay are both responsible. Reducing losses can also reduce their pressure a lot.

Then Michael Bay looked at the 25.34 million single-day box office of "Pirate King" and couldn't help but said bitterly: "I didn't expect to lose to that guy this time..."

Bruckheimer also shook his head. If there is no "Pirate King" this time, and there are no competitors, they can use the advantage of publicity and distribution to monopolize the schedule. Even if the movie has some problems, it can still attract most passers-by.

But now, due to the existence of a strong opponent like "Pirate King", if "Pearl Harbor" makes some mistakes, it will lose its reputation and lose a large number of viewers that should belong to them.

Bruckheimer patted Michael Bay on the shoulder: "It doesn't matter, it's just one defeat. Just sum up the experience and try again next time."

He and Michael Bay both have profound backgrounds. Even if a big production like "Pearl Harbor" fails, it will not have much impact and they will still be guests of big producers. As for Disney? Wish yourself luck.

On Sunday, despite pressure from Disney, theaters did not reduce the number of screens for "Pearl Harbor," but nothing could be saved:

"Pirate King" 21.78 million;

"Pearl Harbor" 12.63 million.

The three-day box office of the first weekend was released, with "Pirate King" 65.05 million and "Pearl Harbor" 48.25 million.

As soon as this result came out, it was clear who would win between the two. The media who had not commented before due to various reasons began to appear one after another:

""Pirate King" beats "Pearl Harbor", reaching the top with 65.05 million in its first weekend!

""Pirate King" completely defeated "Pearl Harbor" and won a great victory!"

""Pearl Harbor" was attacked again, losing to "Pirate King" and finishing second."

"The aircraft carrier aircraft of "Pearl Harbor" are defeated by the skeleton pirates of "Pirate King"!"

The media and public opinion naturally sang praises for "Pirate King":

""Pirate King": the perfect fusion of adventure, fantasy, love and pirate culture!"

“The Pirate King’s search for freedom of exploration, adventure and charm!”

""Pirate King": A unique and charming sea adventure!"

""The Pirate King": Created a pirate classic and revived the pirate genre."

"The unmissable "Pirate King", the fascinating Captain Jack Sparrow!"

"Captain Jack Sparrow is charming and Johnny Depp is taking North America by storm!"

Renowned film critic Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praised Depp's performance:

"You could say [Depp's] performance is original in every way. There has never been a pirate or anyone like him in any other movie... His actions show a lifetime of practice."

At the same time, he also greatly appreciated the director Wu Yuchen who created "Pirate King":

"Wu Yuchen proved his ability to control large-scale productions with "Pirate King". This pirate movie is a perfect blend of various elements, creating a fascinating new world of pirates and creating a classic pirate movie." Movie!"

Nowadays, Johnny Depp is indeed very famous. His performance in "Pirate King" has won such alluring praises. Everyone even said that without Depp, "Pirate King" would have at least less charm. Drop half.

However, Wu Yuchen doesn't care about this. Depp really deserves this praise, and he doesn't feel that Depp has stolen his limelight. Promoting Depp now will help the box office of "Pirate King" continue to rise.

At this time, Depp directly shouted to Disney: "Now I want to ask Disney's Peter Schreider, can Johnny Depp be the leading actor in a $140 million major production?"

Depp is not a virgin who doesn't take revenge. When the other party complained that he couldn't handle the box office of a big production, he remembered it clearly. Now that "Pirate King" has become a huge success, he naturally wants to fight back!

In fact, while praising "Pirate King", the media naturally criticized and criticized "Pearl Harbor" in various aspects. This is roughly the fault that Wu Yuchen mentioned before, focusing on the bloody love triangle in the movie.

And now that Depp has made a statement, the media, who are not too concerned about the excitement, naturally come to Disney again and remind them to remember their previous bet with Wu Yuchen and the bold words he released at the time:

"Breaking records in the first weekend? Breaking 100 million in 5 days? The rhetoric of "Pearl Harbor" has become a joke!"

"Peter Schreider: Is your resignation letter ready?"

Peter Schreider actually wanted to hide, but he had no choice but to go to work. After all, the paparazzi blocked him and chased him. But this guy is also tough-talking:

"Resign? Why should I resign?

A bet? My original bet was that if Pearl Harbor failed, I would take the blame and resign. "Pearl Harbor"'s opening weekend box office was not as good as "Pirates", but it does not mean that the project failed.

"Pearl Harbor" hasn't failed yet! It's only been 3 days now, I believe "Pearl Harbor" can achieve high box office in the long run! "

These remarks naturally aroused jokes from all parties, and the media also reported on them:

"Disney, a stubborn duck, should put Donald Duck at the company's entrance!"

"Mickey Mouse has Donald Duck's mouth!"