The original Final Destination was an alternate script for the American TV series The X-Files, later adapted and made into a film by Asian-American director James Wong.
Of course, currently, the X-Files project isn't even a glimmer, let alone its script.
Many Asian-American directors in Hollywood are indeed masters of horror and thriller films. Besides James Wong, there's James Wan, whose Saw series and Conjuring universe were once iconic horror films.
If Gilbert were to continue in the thriller and horror genre, Saw would logically be a better choice.
This film was shot in 2004 with a budget of only $1.2 million, and if filmed today, it could be done for a few hundred thousand dollars.
However, after some deliberation, Gilbert decided to forgo this film.
He could save this script and theme for a suitable director to film in the future, but he definitely wanted to transition after directing Final Destination.
To become a top-tier world director, one should explore various genres. Even horror master James Wan directed Furious 7 and Aquaman.
Gilbert's goal was not just to be a copy of James Wan; he aimed to be a director on the same level as Steven Spielberg and James Cameron.
In his previous life, while making online B-movies, such ambitions could only be suppressed, merely daydreams.
But now, with such a great opportunity, not seizing it would be a waste of the chance given by fate.
Inside the soundstage at Disney Studios, a scene set inside an airplane cabin was being filmed.
After the initial adjustments, the film's production was progressively improving.
Thanks to Director Gilbert's clear vision for the film, the shooting process was incredibly smooth, almost unbelievably so.
Caine Waxman, the producer for Touchstone Pictures, praised Gilbert when reporting to CEO Robert Iger: "Bob, you can't imagine, Gilbert is a young director barely twenty-two, but he's so mature.
His directing techniques, shot composition, and filming methods are incredibly seasoned; even veteran Hollywood professionals with decades of experience are no better."
Robert Iger was secretly amazed but maintained a smug smile. "I told you, Gilbert is a genius."
Only then did Caine Waxman genuinely admire Robert Iger's foresight. "Bob, I'm increasingly convinced that Gilbert is the person we've been looking for at Touchstone Pictures.
Will he be a Steven Spielberg or a James Cameron?"
Robert Iger chuckled, "I think he'd rather be Gilbert Landrini..."
Gilbert wasn't concerned with Touchstone Pictures' internal evaluation of him. He just wanted to get this scene right.
"Claire, where are your acting details? Don't just widen your eyes; add some facial expressions, alright? Do you think you're 'Big AB'?"
Gilbert's scolding made Cameron Diaz shrink her head, not daring to make a sound.
The crew members watching from the side were terrified, not daring to interject. Art Director Selina Heathfield even curiously asked Cinematographer Dur Randolph, "Who is 'Big AB'?"
Dur Randolph spread his hands, indicating he didn't know either.
Of course, they wouldn't know. If he wasn't mistaken, "Big AB" was only four years old at the time, still far from starring in Song in the Clouds or General and I.
But this didn't stop Gilbert from using her as an example to encourage the actors to deliver better performances.
Cameron Diaz was the most frequently scolded. If a scene wasn't right, Gilbert would scold and instruct her.
However, it was rare for Gilbert to use English swear words like "fuck you" or "shit." But he often peppered his speech with Asian expletives like "wò cào" (damn), "zhēn biāo" (really fierce/stupid), and "èr shǎ zi" (idiot), which they didn't understand.
Later, they found out that Gilbert knew Asian, having taken it as an elective in college, and that these were Asian curse words.
This left the crew members a bit dumbfounded; the director was swearing, but they had no idea what he was saying.
To figure it out, many even bought basic Asian textbooks to study.
But such books certainly wouldn't teach swear words, so they learned from the director!
For a while, the Final Destination set was filled with "wò cào," "zhēn biāo," "èr shǎ zi," and "xuè mǎ cāo dàn" (bloody hell) and other terms.
Although their pronunciation wasn't standard, everyone cursed very earnestly and seriously.
From Gilbert's perspective, this scene was somewhat comical.
After scolding Cameron Diaz and seeing her teary, wide eyes, Gilbert's heart softened, and he seriously began to explain the scene to her again.
Seeing Cameron Diaz's bewildered look, Gilbert shook his head helplessly, clapped his hands, and said, "Okay, get ready! Let's get moving!"
The crew members stopped watching, scattered, and quickly got back to preparing.
In fact, the main performance in this scene depended on Matt Damon, and his acting was quite good among young actors.
After all, he had acting experience and talent.
Once ready, the cabin scene began shooting once more.
"Final Destination, Scene 5, Take 2, Action..."
This scene was actually two scenes: the first was the plane explosion, which was the male protagonist's dream. The second was what happened after the male protagonist woke up from his dream and insisted on getting off the plane.
"Alex, can you switch seats with Blake? We want to sit together." As the girl spoke, Matt Damon, playing Alex, awoke from his dream.
The camera focused on Matt Damon's close-up. He was sweating profusely, his eyes frantic; the details were perfect.
Unlike many people's perception that filming involves shooting a scene smoothly in one go, a scene is shot repeatedly from different angles, and then choices are made during editing.
So, making a film isn't that simple. Even with an original version as a reference, an outsider wouldn't know how to shoot it without systematic learning and experience.
Of course, decades later, actors, writers, and crosstalk performers on the other side of the land becoming directors is an exception.
These people should thank their dedicated assistant directors; otherwise, one can't even imagine what their films would look like.
After Alex, frantic like a madman, was escorted off the plane, the teacher, Browning (with whom he had fought), Browning's girlfriend, and the female teacher also disembarked.
The class monitor also asked Alex's friends to get off the plane to see what was going on with Alex.
It was then Cameron Diaz's turn. After witnessing Alex's sudden outburst, she felt uneasy.
This was the "eye-widening" acting Gilbert had vehemently criticized earlier; Cameron Diaz hadn't performed it well.
However, this time Cameron Diaz did much better. She reined in the "eye-widening" technique, and although it was still a bit awkward, at least she had some facial expressions.
The hesitant Claire, filled with uncertainty, eventually followed them off the plane.
After this take, Gilbert announced a change of location. The next scene would be filmed at the old terminal building of Los Angeles Airport.
This terminal was originally slated for demolition. After obtaining permission, Gilbert arranged for the scene of glass shattering due to a plane explosion to be filmed there.
Tony Ridley, the pyrotechnics and explosion effects supervisor, was carefully setting up the scene with his team, establishing a safe zone for filming.
Tony Ridley was recommended to Gilbert by George Lucas. Having worked with George Lucas for several years, he was an experienced demolition expert.
This demonstrates the power of connections. Without recommendations from these renowned directors, where would Gilbert find such talented Hollywood stalwarts?
"Tony, how's the setup coming along?" Gilbert asked.
"It's all set up. I've placed the safety perimeter for the glass explosion at five meters, which is enough distance for the performance," Tony Ridley assured him.
"OK, safety first. I don't want anyone getting hurt," Gilbert reminded him.
"Don't worry, we've simulated it many times on the computer; there won't be any problems," Tony Ridley said confidently.
Gilbert nodded, saying nothing more.
Professionals generally don't make empty boasts. If they say there are no problems, then there are no problems, and Gilbert gave him his full trust.
After an "Action!" call, the shot officially began.
All the previous airport scenes were completed. After this explosion shot, filming would conclude.
Of course, the mid-air plane explosion scene would be added using special effects.
The Final Destination crew wasn't rich enough to just blow up a real plane for fun.
After the explosion shot, there were close-ups of each actor's expressions, and this scene also wrapped up smoothly.
With daily scolding and guidance from Gilbert, coupled with nightly script discussions in his room, Cameron Diaz's acting improved significantly.
It was clear that after the experience of this film, Cameron Diaz could be considered a competent actress.
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