While the outside world was buzzing with hype over Batman appearing in reality to chase down the robbers, Gilbert was in Hans Zimmer's studio listening to the score he had composed for the movie.
"This is excellent. I really like this piece—it's perfect as the theme," Gilbert said after hearing the Batman Theme, clearly very satisfied.
"The music is deep and solemn, and in the latter part it rises triumphantly, like someone who has hit rock bottom standing back up and striving toward the peak," Zimmer explained.
Having collaborated with Gilbert for many years, Zimmer knew exactly what kind of score Gilbert wanted, and this project was no exception.
After receiving Gilbert's praise, he smiled: "To make the music right, I went through all the Batman comics and previous films. I saw Batman as a superhero who doesn't joke around. Its theme is profound and epic, so I worked with the symphony orchestra to record most of the score."
"Excellent. Complete the score as soon as possible. The crew will soon wrap up," Gilbert said, clearly pleased.
Previously, when Zimmer asked Gilbert what kind of music he wanted, Gilbert had written him a short note. One line read: If dawn comes too late, continue persevering in the darkness.
Using this line as the core, Zimmer created the full Batman score.
Even without watching the film, just listening to the music evokes images of heroism, epic grandeur, destiny, and the necessity of rising to face crises.
As a key part of filmmaking, the score has become almost more important than the acting itself.
It shapes the mood and atmosphere. For instance, a melancholic piece accompanying a person walking along the beach conveys loneliness. Without the score, it's just a person walking along the beach.
Conversely, a cheerful piece transforms the same scene into a joyful seaside stroll.
Over the years, Zimmer's scores have been so excellent, and with frequent collaborations with Gilbert, people online have joked that Gilbert is essentially the director of Hans Zimmer's music videos.
In a sense, this isn't entirely untrue.
After discussing the music with Zimmer, the Christmas holiday passed.
Gilbert returned to Chicago to shoot the remaining scenes there, then moved back to Los Angeles to complete the last few scenes.
In Chicago, seeing that public attention was focused on Batman, Gilbert made his first public appearance for an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
"Yes, I was on set that day," Gilbert said excitedly. "This proves one thing: Batman's image as a champion of justice is so deeply ingrained that criminals are terrified at the sight of him.
"But Batman didn't start out that way. He also had a growth process. Our film will guide audiences through this journey, letting them see the origin story of Batman."
Regarding the incident itself, Gilbert said: "Pray for those who were unfortunate. Thankfully, aside from two minor sprains, no one in the crew was injured.
"However, our heroic Batman model and Batmobile were shot to pieces by the robbers. The Chicago Police Department consulted with me about placing the damaged Batmobile in the plaza outside the police station as a symbol.
"This is what I want to emphasize: Batman is not just a superhero; he is a symbol, a representation. He inspires people to summon courage and fight against evil.
"This incident demonstrates one thing clearly: Batman's image as a nemesis of crime is deeply rooted in people's minds."
In the interview, Gilbert didn't dwell on his personal feelings. Every statement circled back to Batman, treating him as a form of spirit.
Just as the NBA has the Mamba Mentality, the world of superheroes can have its own Batman Spirit.
That's the key. Superhero films always have a theme. For example, the core of the Spider-Man series is "with great power comes great responsibility."
Gilbert's version of Batman explores a deeper theme—it's not merely about fighting evil.
Complex and profound—that's how Gilbert defines Batman as a superhero. From the comics' perspective, Batman fits this definition.
At Sky Studios, David Ellison, looking at the Los Angeles Times feature on Gilbert, felt regretful.
"What a pity. It would have been better if Gilbert had actually died there," David Ellison said.
Michael Ovitz and Martin Bob exchanged awkward glances, and finally Martin Bob spoke: "David, don't say things like that outside."
"I know the limits. You're all insiders; it won't get out," Ellison said, folding the newspaper and turning to ask about the studio's new projects.
"How are the two projects in our studio progressing?"
"Very well, David," Michael Ovitz responded. "We've partnered with Sony Columbia Pictures, and they will distribute Transformers."
"Which director are you considering?"
"If possible, Gilbert would excel at this type of film, but you know…"
David Ellison waved away the rest of the sentence: "Who will direct it then?"
"Michael Bay. He's currently working with DreamWorks on The Island. I think he would be perfect to take over Transformers," Ovitz explained.
Bay was the most commercially viable director available. Though he couldn't surpass Gilbert, he was still highly sought after because he could generate profits.
As for Martin Scorsese, he was entirely outside the commercial film realm, currently busy with a police-crime film for Warner based on a Hong Kong Island story.
It was said that Gilbert had insisted on Scorsese directing this project, as the elder Scorsese had a good relationship with Gilbert's father, one reason Gilbert recommended him.
David Ellison thought for a long while and realized there was no more suitable director.
In the commercial film field, unless you hire Gilbert, no one can confidently claim they're better than Michael Bay.
"Then fine, let's go with him."
Ellison agreed, then remembered something: "By the way, isn't Scarlett Johansson the female lead in The Island?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Nothing," David Ellison shook his head, though his mind was occupied elsewhere.
He had heard that Scarlett Johansson had been working with Gilbert since she was very young, witnessing Gilbert's growth over the years, and the two shared an extraordinary bond.
If he could find a way to exploit that connection, perhaps creating some trouble for Gilbert, it might prove highly effective.
David Ellison then asked, "What about the other project?"
Martin Bob introduced it: "We have finalized a deal with MGM. The project is called Air Combat Heroes.
"Although His Highness the Prince wanted Gilbert to direct, I have already persuaded him. Soon, he will likely concede."
Both of these projects were David Ellison's key priorities for Sky Studios next year. This year's Van Helsing hadn't been very successful, but David Ellison had ample capital to try again.
After Michael Ovitz and Martin Bob left, David Ellison began considering Scarlett Johansson's situation.
Who could replace Gilbert? Who could occupy Gilbert's place in Scarlett Johansson's mind?
After thinking it through, David Ellison could only come up with one answer: himself.
"No choice. I'll have to sacrifice a little for myself," David Ellison muttered, then called his assistant: "Make arrangements. I want to visit the Island set."
David Ellison decided to indulge himself a bit. Besides, Scarlett Johansson had grown even more beautiful over the years, with a kind of vintage Marilyn Monroe charm.
Being close to her, listening to her melodious voice, would certainly be an enjoyable experience.
Gilbert had no idea that David Ellison had sinister intentions, planning to seduce or undermine him. However, Gilbert did learn from internal sources about Sky Studios' two projects for next year.
"Air Combat Heroes?" Gilbert shook his head. "That project isn't worth worrying about. It's Transformers that deserves respect."
Ivanka asked, "I heard that originally you and DreamWorks were competing for the Transformers rights. How did it end up in David Ellison's hands?"
"That's a long story," Gilbert sighed. "At first, I was competing with DreamWorks for the Transformers rights, driving Hasbro to raise the price.
"We mutually agreed to stop bidding further to bring Hasbro to better terms. But then unforeseen complications arose. David Ellison, with a huge sum of money, snatched the rights right from under us.
"By the time we realized what happened, it was already settled."
Ivanka understood then that such incidents weren't unheard of in the business world.
Yet she was curious: "Does Transformers really have that much potential?"
"Absolutely. In my judgment, it has huge potential. I don't know if you've seen the animation—I watched it when I was young. At that time, I thought, if only this could be made into a live-action film, it would be incredible."
Gilbert spoke with some regret, and what he said was true.
In his earlier life, the first animation he encountered was Tom and Jerry, then he saw the Transformers cartoons, and later the live-action Transformers films.
He had dreamed that if he could secure the Transformers rights, he could fulfill his youthful passion and accomplish a long-held aspiration.
Unfortunately, David Ellison had swooped in and taken it, an unpredictable twist of fate!
"Thinking about it too much is useless," Gilbert shook his head, dismissing the chaotic thoughts in his mind. "We just focus on doing our own work. What others do is none of our business."
Ivanka nodded, but in her heart, she thought: Is it really none of his business? Seeing Gilbert's expression, it was clear he still held some resentment.
No wonder Gilbert had an opinion of David Ellison. Behind Hollywood's power players, things were truly complicated.
On one side, Gilbert nursed petty grudges over David Ellison stealing Transformers from him. On the other side, David Ellison was already heading to the The Island set to claim another of Gilbert's loves.
...
Hi For access to additional chapters of
Director in Hollywood (40 chpaters)
Made In Hollywood (60 Chapters)
Pokemon:Bounty Hunter(30 Chapters)
Hollywood:From Razzie to Legend(40 Chapters)
The Great Ruler (30 Chapters)
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu