A Summer Box Office Hit
As of July 27, 2024, the summer film season has surpassed 7 billion RMB in box office revenue, reflecting a robust performance in the industry. Among the array of highly anticipated releases, the film The Enigma (解密) has been making waves. With advance and preview ticket sales surpassing 30 million RMB, this cinematic adaptation of Mai Jia's popular novel has captivated audiences with its tantalizing "dream code" concept.
The excitement surrounding The Enigma reached new heights with a special media event on July 27. In collaboration with Bilibili, the Movie Channel hosted a live-streamed "Behind the Scenes of The Enigma" event, which featured an in-depth exploration of the film's creation. This event not only offered a glimpse into the film’s artistic vision but also celebrated the Shanghai premiere, providing a platform for industry insiders and fans to engage with the film’s innovative aspects.
Dreams and Cinematic Innovation
At the heart of The Enigma lies a series of enigmatic dream sequences that create a unique and mesmerizing visual style. The live-streamed event featured an engaging discussion with director Chen Sicheng (陈思诚) and lead actor Liu Haoran (刘昊然), who delved into the creative process behind these dreamlike sequences.
Chen Sicheng, known for his directorial flair, revealed his fascination with the depiction of dreams in Mai Jia's novel. For him, the use of dreams in this film wasn't just about pushing boundaries but was a consistent element he enjoys incorporating into his work. He remarked that, as a filmmaker, he often blurs the lines between reality and film, which can sometimes feel like a dream itself.
Liu Haoran, who plays the protagonist Rong Jinzhen, shared his experience of filming these dream sequences. He found the process both challenging and exhilarating, especially appreciating the final dream sequence on the red beach. This scene, where Rong Jinzhen walks in the footsteps of his mentor on a beach, provided a sense of tranquility and closure to the narrative, giving the film a beautifully crafted ending.
Transformation and Triumph
In The Enigma, Liu Haoran steps away from his typical youthful and charming roles, embodying a character that many viewers were surprised to learn he portrayed. Liu expressed his satisfaction at how well the transformation was received, noting the significant achievement of having his performance recognized for its fresh and dynamic portrayal.
The film's music also plays a crucial role in establishing the dreamlike atmosphere. The live-stream event featured performances of the film's theme songs by Zhou Shen and Faouzia. Zhou Shen described the theme song as unconventional, much like the film itself, while Faouzia shared her initial impression of Chen Sicheng as serious, only to find him quite cool and approachable in person. Chen Sicheng also recounted a fascinating coincidence where he and Zhou Shen ended up in Vienna at the same time while recording the film's score, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their collaboration.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Enigma
The film’s success is also attributed to the meticulous work of its behind-the-scenes team. Scientific advisor Zhao Yanfeng explained the real-life inspirations behind the "purple code" and "black code" featured in the film, shedding light on the intense world of intelligence and code-breaking.
Cinematographer Cao Yu provided insights into the film’s visual style, describing the approach to creating "poetic realism" through elaborate lighting and camera work. He humorously compared the lighting process to cooking, likening it to making a complex dish like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. This level of detail in the cinematography and prop design was a deliberate choice to enhance the film's authenticity and aesthetic appeal.
Art director Ma Xiaofei discussed the aesthetic choices behind significant visual motifs like the red beach and chessboard, while costume designer Li Zhou explained the meticulous attention given to period-specific fashion and makeup. Both Ren Luyao and Chen Yusi, who played significant roles, praised the costumes and makeup for providing them with a strong foundation to build their characters.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
The film has received positive feedback from various critics and industry figures. Film critic Zhou Guiyi noted the challenging nature of adapting Mai Jia’s novel, comparing The Enigma to an intricate version of Inside Out. The film's ability to captivate audiences despite its complex subject matter is a testament to its creative success.
The Shanghai premiere was met with enthusiastic responses from film professionals. Xu Zheng praised the film’s dreamlike quality, while Han Han lauded it as a genuinely worthy cinematic experience, commending Liu Haoran for his intense performance. Wang Mian, who initially doubted becoming a fan of Liu Haoran, was impressed enough to forget he was watching the actor.
The premiere also featured creative performances by Bilibili content creators, who entertained the audience with tricks and interactive segments, adding to the event’s festive atmosphere.
As The Enigma continues its advanced screenings and prepares for its official release on August 3, the buzz surrounding the film remains strong. The Movie Channel’s “Summer of Cinema” live-stream series will continue to monitor and celebrate the film's performance, inviting audiences nationwide to join in the excitement of this summer’s cinematic highlights.
The release of The Enigma not only promises to be a major box office draw but also serves as a reminder of the innovative spirit driving contemporary Chinese cinema. As viewers prepare to immerse themselves in the film’s intricate world, the excitement surrounding its release underscores the ever-evolving landscape of Chinese film and storytelling.
