The Best Director

Chapter 486: Chapter 486: Iron Man

Chapter 486: The Ironman

“10, 11, 12, 13…”

At the Williamsburg armory on Marcy Avenue, which has been set up as Neville’s home, elegant yet fortified, the crew of “I Am Legend” were busy with pre-shoot tasks—setting up cameras, checking the set. If exterior scenes couldn’t be filmed during the day, they would shoot here, where numerous shots for this large set couldn’t be completed even in one or two days.

A black pull-up bar hung over the doorway to the living room. Wang Yang gripped the bar on both sides, his body suspended in mid-air, teeth clenched as he vigorously pulled himself upward. His chest touched the bar for a second, then he relaxed his muscles to lower himself before pulling up again…

Smith and his son looked up at him—Jaden counting loudly—not because the director was demonstrating an action move, but simply because Wang Yang himself loved having fun. Full of admiration and envy, Jaden had forgotten that his dad could also do many in a row. The 8-year-old Jaden had recently officially become Wang Yang’s disciple, his foremost student; whereas Jessica, demoted from “foremost student” to “in-house foremost student,” felt somewhat reluctant to let go.

Wang Yang had taught Jaden some basics of the Bajiquan and planned to gradually start teaching him proper boxing routines, which would keep Jaden busy for years.

He couldn’t supervise his disciple’s practice as often as old man Wu did, so whether or not Jaden succeeded would depend on his own effort. If Jaden gave up because he couldn’t handle the hardship, that would mean Wang Yang had accepted a lazy disciple. However, based on observations over the years, Jaden had a strong passion for martial arts and was willing to endure and practice persistently, which made Wang Yang optimistic about his disciple’s growth. Now that he bore the title of master, he couldn’t help but teach the child some life lessons.

Back in the day, old man Wu nagged Wang Yang about many things. He didn’t want to neglect his duties; neither Will nor Jada could stop him—it was all agreed upon before becoming a disciple. He couldn’t let a scoundrel emerge from his guidance.

“Phew—refreshing!” After doing twenty reps, Wang Yang let go and landed steadily, feigning effortlessness in front of his disciple; though his back and arms actually felt a bit sore and weak. It wasn’t because he’d aged, but recently he had indeed been overworking.

“Wow! Master, you’re so cool!” Jaden clapped and punched the air excitedly, truly wanting to express his profound admiration for his master. Wang Yang put on a serious face and lectured, “Martial arts isn’t about being cool; it’s about strengthening the body, making yourself stronger! Only with a strong, healthy body can you do the things you want to do. So, cherish your body and train hard!” Jaden nodded, almost understanding.

Observing the master and disciple, the surrounding crew members had amused smiles on their faces. Will Smith was also grinning, confident in entrusting his son to Yang for instruction. He only feared that Yang would be too busy to teach Jaden.

“Alright, go play. We need to start working,” Wang Yang patted Jaden’s head and then began discussing the next scenes with Will. Jaden didn’t leave but listened quietly to their conversation. Since he was always well-behaved, being on set was fine. However, filled with overwhelming respect for his master and seeing his dad set to act, he couldn’t help blurting out, “I want to act! Master, I want to make a movie with you and dad!” @@novelbin@@

Both men paused and smiled at the boy. Wang Yang chuckled, “Kid, your time will come, but not for a few years. Later, right?”

With the frankness of a child, Jaden’s words deeply moved Will, who had also considered the possibility. Among his three children, only Jaden hadn’t acted yet. He didn’t necessarily have to become an actor, but his eagerness and natural acting talent were the strongest. He had mentioned wanting to act many times, including just now. If Yang were to have the “Smith father and son” star in a movie again or find a suitable role for Jaden alone, Will wouldn’t have to worry at all.

“Yang, if there is a fitting opportunity, you really should consider it.” Although Will’s smile didn’t cast any doubt on his stance, he understood that directing couldn’t be forced. However, from the production side, planning and keeping an eye out could bring more opportunities.

Wang Yang nodded without a second thought, as he already had plans to adapt a script about a father and son. In a few years, the roles’ ages would be perfect for the Smith father and son to star in. Besides, Wang Yang knew Jaden’s acting talent and wouldn’t pick the wrong person. He said, “OK, I will. Let’s talk about this some other time.” Currently, there were too many uncertainties—he couldn’t promise anything right now, not knowing if other plans might suddenly arise tomorrow.

However, for a child, “later” is already a promise, and on that day, Jaden smiled for the entire day, too excited to sleep, knowing he would soon be making a movie with his dad, playing a master like his brother.

Time passed day by day, and the calendar gradually turned to September. This year’s scorching summer had faded, giving way to a cool Autumn.

The filming of “I Am Legend” and “The Deceased” both went smoothly. It has to be said that, after these two months of what seemed like a farcical endeavor to shoot simultaneously, Wang Yang’s reputation soared anew. If before people admired and respected him, now quite a few in the crew almost regarded him as a god, so fierce! As the busiest man, he took care of everything, leading them forward at high speed, just like the media often said, “He has an incredible energy” and “He is a born leader.” Everyone expressed their agreement.

Of course, apart from the director’s brisk and good shooting, the second major reason for the swift progress was down to the outstanding performance of the actors. The number of NGs on both sets was very low. It took about the first ten days of shooting to hit the right rhythm and intensity, but it became smoother and smoother, with countless perfect takes.

This was no fluke but the inevitable result of careful casting, thorough preparation, strong abilities, first-rate chemistry, and a team that worked together seamlessly.

Will Smith’s performance was worthy of an Oscar-winning actor, whether he was giving “Sam” a bath, shopping at a music store, or during the scenes of a mass evacuation of citizens, he shone brightly. Not to mention scenes of him walking the streets of New York or playing golf on an aircraft carrier, none of which posed the slightest difficulty for him. And “Sam,” who was played by three German Shepherd dogs, also received a thumbs up for their liveliness, loyalty, cuteness, and bravery. Next year, their full display on the big screen will be sure to impress. If the Oscars had a category for “Best Animal Actor,” “Sam” would definitely win the award.

In another set, there were even more geniuses at play. The stellar effects of an incredibly luxurious cast were fully realized! Even Michael Pitt, who had no Oscar nominations to his name, did not fall behind. With every move, he was like a real cop, vividly bringing to life the sunny sophistication at the police station, the subdued frustration during conversations with the mob boss, and the irritation and fear when alone. As for Heath Ledger, who was driving himself crazy, it could be said that once he stood in front of the camera, he was the character. It was no surprise that the guy created a uniquely stunning undercover cop.

At the same time, seasoned actors like Jack Nicholson and Kevin Spacey, as well as Mark Wahlberg and others, showed their controlled, full-throttled acting chops. They, too, witnessed the magic of the young whirlwind named Wang Yang on set. This 26-year-old director was showing the world’s most outstanding directing performance.

“Ah!! ——Is that all you’ve got? COME ON! COME ON! COME ON! Fight back, hit me!”

Loud thuds resonated through the spacious boxing gym as, on the blue ring, Wang Yang cornered Heath Ledger with relentless punches, almost unleashing a wild beating. Of course, both were fully decked out in protective gear, Wang Yang in red and Heath in blue. At this moment, red gloves kept landing on the blue helmet and blue chest protector. Heath, being thrashed, let out a loud yell, attempting a counterattack, but was suddenly smacked on the head by another blow, the force of which made him dizzy…

“Yang, Yang! That’s enough!!” Michael Pitt, also fully dressed but without gloves, forcefully pulled Wang Yang aside, urging, “Do you want to kill him?” Heath leaned against the ropes, panting heavily, barely able to stand, sweat pouring down his face and dripping off. Michael couldn’t help but be secretly alarmed, thinking how would the movie continue if “Billy” got a concussion or a fracture because of Yang?

Before Michael could say anything more, Wang Yang pounded his chest several times with his fists, then heaving for breath, finally stopped, “If I weren’t so tired lately, you damn meddler would already be lying down, haha!” He said, breaking into loud laughter, head thrown back and stomping his foot. Heath, barely stable, also laughed heartily. It was madness! Mathilda was beaten by Keke, he was beaten by Yang, and yet they could still find such joy in the beating!

Fighting like this was completely different from the action sequences performed during shooting. No need to think about anything, just punch, punch, and punch! Taking hits, and hitting others! This intense exhilaration made him forget all those messy, tangled thoughts and ideas, calming his mind without drugs, seeming to offer a release for his entire body, feeling so good!

This wasn’t the first time. Recently on weekends, Wang Yang would call Heath and Michael to join him for some boxing, venting all the stress and the bottled-up feelings inside, letting their bodies and spirits become fatigued, and then wake up refreshed the next day!

To the great delight of him and insiders like Michelle, this ordinary tactic had quite a positive effect on Ledger. He was sleeping soundly at night, and if it weren’t for the fact that “The Deceased” was being filmed, he would probably have tossed his sleeping pill bottle aside.

“Whew…whew! Feels like ‘Fight Club,'” Heath panted and chuckled. Immediately, Wang Yang’s fists flew at him like the wind, quickly saying, “Yes, play more men’s games! Stop fixating on women all the time.” Michael shook his head, laughing, “I bet if Michelle Rodriguez or Hilary Swank were here, they would definitely argue with you.” Wang Yang, while punching, roared, “Come on! I’ll knock them down to the ground.”…(