King of Hollywood

Chapter 109: Chapter 109 Expected Complaints

“Undeniably, ‘Silence of the Lambs’ is a splendid movie, Anthony Hopkins captivated all audiences with just 21 minutes of performance; his portrayal of Hannibal’s intellect and psychopathy was chilling to the bone, and I believe for a long time, he will be synonymous with ‘Hannibal’. Judi Foster’s performance was equally striking. Although she similarly portrayed a resilient woman, unlike Sarah in ‘The Accused’, Clarice added a layer of composure and cool-headedness to her stubbornness. She perfectly displayed these subtle differences, and it’s no wonder that the judges awarded her Best Actress. As for director Jonathan Demme, his control over the entire film was just right, ensuring the story flowed smoothly while giving the actors room to perform, yet he never let the cast overshadow the plot.

However, this does not mean that ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ failing to win any awards is acceptable! Yes, Tim Robbins was good but not as good as Anthony Hopkins, but what about Morgan Freeman? What about Red, who saw hope and was redeemed because of Andy? I don’t want to say which film is superior, whether it’s the eeriness, criticism, and resilience of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ or the redemption, hope, and freedom of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, both are incredibly commendable, and I believe both will hold their own place in cinema history.

Unfortunately, the stingy Oscar judges didn’t think so, they would rather hand those awards to someone else than pay a bit more attention to ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. Okay, losing Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Director—Adrian was brilliant but just too young, the judges don’t like directors who are too young—these I can understand, but I cannot understand why it would also fail in Best Adapted Screenplay?@@novelbin@@

Yes, Ted Talley captured the essence of Thomas Harris’ original novel superbly, arranging those thrilling scenes just right, but ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ was undoubtedly more brilliant. Compared to Stephen King’s original novel, the film focused more on human care, highlighting the pitiful and sad nature of institutionalization, making hope and freedom seem even more beautiful, especially with that tear-jerking grand finale that perfectly concluded the story! From this, it’s clear that Adrian’s screenwriting was masterful.

Yet, the jury rather unfortunately gave this most hopeful award for ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ to ‘Silence of the Lambs’, an undeniable pity. Perhaps the judges had their reasons, but in my view, it frankly seems quite unfair.”

— Los Angeles Times, Ron Perlman

The day after the Oscars ended, the media seemed explosively engaged in voicing injustices for ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. Although post-Oscar criticism by pundits for some losing films is usual, such a coordinated attack as now is indeed rare.

There are those who watched calmly, those who analyzed fairly, those who mocked bitterly, and those who scorned cruelly. Ron Perlman’s article from ‘Los Angeles Times’ belonged to the second category, while Richard Selox’s from ‘New York Daily Times’ belonged to the third category.

“Obviously, at this year’s Oscar ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ judges once again fully exhibited their conservative side. It’s well known that the Oscars do not favor thrillers, science-fiction, or prisons among film genres, and even if these types of films get nominated, it’s hard for them to win an award.

Yes, I know someone will definitely say that ‘Silence of the Lambs’ is a thriller, but note that this movie is also largely a political movie, which is why it was favored by the Oscar judges. They might have intended to use this opportunity to award Best Picture to ‘Silence of the Lambs’ to show their broad-mindedness, yet they didn’t expect there to be another movie as pure as ‘The Shawshank Redemption’.

It can be said that ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ was born out of time, if it had been in any other Oscar year, it would have at least received a consolation prize; unfortunately, it came up against ‘Silence of the Lambs’, and the judges naturally wouldn’t consider another prison-themed film, even if its theme was completely in line with the mainstream taste.

I think, when Adrian Cowell walked into the Music Center with ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, he definitely did not anticipate facing such a situation, he must be the most tragic person at this year’s Oscars.”

Known for his sharp and harsh critiques, Richard Selox, regardless of whom, spares no one in his criticism, and this article published in the ‘New York Daily Times’ would certainly not change its style. Although previously he had both mocked Adrian and criticised ‘The Shawshank Redemption,’ the Oscars provided an evidently more alluring target.

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In any case, “The Shawshank Redemption” suffered a harrowing defeat that garnered widespread public sympathy. Richard Selox’s remark, “the most tragic figure of this Oscar ceremony,” was republished in various newspapers. The Hollywood Report even bluntly featured a photo sourced from somewhere showing Adrian looking somewhat downhearted, perfectly complementing the statement and thereby winning more support from the people.

“Yes, they really were a bit too much. I still can’t believe ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ didn’t win a single award! I really love this movie, I’ve seen it in theaters three times, and even bought the videotape to keep. I still remember the excitement I felt the first time I watched it. The Oscars were really disappointing,” said a young man during a street interview on ABC.

“Morgan Freeman’s acting was just so incredible, especially the third time he faced the Parole Officer, when he said ‘If I could, I would love to talk to that young man,’ I almost cried, just like when facing my father! It’s unbelievable that such acting didn’t win Best Supporting Actor!” another African-American young man was slightly more agitated during the interview.

Comments like these were far too numerous. As the main actors of the movie, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman were frequently questioned about it on various programs for over half a month, showing no signs of dying down. Sales of “The Shawshank Redemption” videotapes surged and quickly topped the rental charts, earning Bossworth Film Company a nice profit.

However, although emotions seemed to surge in the media, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences clearly didn’t take it to heart. Other than a spokesperson briefly claiming the “voting process was fair” at a charity event, no other responses were made. After all, such cases are common; it was just somewhat magnified this year.

As for Adrian, named “the most tragic figure of this ceremony,” he disappeared from the public’s eye after the Oscars and, like the Academy, took some time to let a spokesperson say something trivial like “thanks for the support, though it’s regrettable, it’s enough” and “we believe the Oscars’ judges are fair.”

Needless to say, this workaholic was definitely busy with his new film. They say his fifth project is almost completed in post-production, prompting many media outlets to tease him for having “excessive energy.”

“We all know this surprising genius director produces films at an incredibly fast pace, finishing one and a half movies while others complete just one, yet still ensures quality. Being the youngest Best Director nominee speaks volumes. It’s incredible. I wonder if his employees can keep up with Adrian’s work pace,” a TV talk show host joked during the program.

Of course, they didn’t know Adrian had two teams, so such concerns never arose. Regarding the pace on the other hand, there were surely people who could adapt.

Just after a heated discussion, Monica, still donning her 5-inch black high heels, looked absolutely seductive, perfectly complementing her near-flawless figure.

Sensing something, Monica hummed softly, clasping her clothes and turned to walk toward the inner office used for resting. Not knowing what was on her mind, she didn’t lower her hitched-up skirt but instead began strutting like on a fashion runway, causing Adrian, who stood behind the desk, to click his tongue continuously.

“Remember, move a bit faster. We’re going soon for the post-production dubbing,” Adrian called out just before Monica entered the room. The response he got was the loud shutting of the door.

Unperturbed, Adrian shrugged his shoulders and began getting dressed. (To be continued. For follow-ups, please visit www.qidian.com. More chapters are available, support the author, support genuine reading!)