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Chapter 169. I Really Like XX's Line - Ah!?
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That's right, the script isn't ready yet.
Of course, if we're talking about preparation, Pucci could easily write the script for "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" Part 4, "Diamond is Unbreakable", right here and now.
But the problem is, what about the filming afterwards?
No matter how good the script is, it's just a story on paper.
To turn this paper story into a real work, we need people!
We need actors!
We need directors!
We need professionals from all related fields!
Only when all these people work together is there a chance to present a work that people can actually watch in front of an audience!
And remember, it's only a "chance."
The reason is simple.
Lu Xun once said: "Style, mood, and tendencies vary not only by person, but also by situation, and by time."
Since it's a work created by people, it's inevitable that there will be some small changes due to the individuals involved.
Just like "The Mask".
Before Jim Carrey, the king of comedy, decided to play the lead role, who would've thought this horror movie would turn into a comedy because of him?
This perfectly illustrates how a brilliant actor can greatly enhance and transform a work!
Conversely, choosing actors before finalizing the script...
Pucci could already foresee the odd bunch that Cujoh Jolyne had chosen for them and imagine the future changes these unfamiliar actors would bring to "Diamond is Unbreakable" once they joined the production.
However, Pucci could understand Jolyne's actions.
Recalling what Akiyuki Shinbo had mentioned before about how Cujoh Jolyne suddenly took over the director's role to film the last episode of "Battle Tendency", it wasn't just about taking on responsibility for Shinbo, who found it difficult to bear.
It was also likely because Jolyne, as the president of Green Dolphin Studios, had to understand all the details involved in making a film.
Just like ancient emperors, apart from the rare exceptions like Liu Chan (Adou), most emperors—such as Liu Xiu and Li Shimin—were stronger in battle than their subordinates, or rather, they were the ones who conquered the world themselves, so they didn't fear rebellion.
They wouldn't take drastic measures against their subordinates after achieving victory.
Similarly, if Cujoh Jolyne, as the president of Green Dolphin Studios, didn't understand what her subordinates were doing, wouldn't that be like allowing them to render her powerless?
If Jolyne's staff were not as principled as they were now...
If they were replaced by others...
Given how indulgent Jolyne had been toward them, and the number of times Pucci had requested funding without her batting an eye, it wasn't impossible.
Although Pucci didn't know why Jolyne had suddenly "woken up" about this matter, from the perspective of the company's future, Jolyne's enlightenment could be considered a good thing.
Maybe she'd even try acting herself to fully grasp the filming process.
But why now? Why this sudden awakening, and why so incomplete—mixing up the sequence of writing the script first and then selecting the actors?
Looking at Jolyne, who was acting like a dead pig not afraid of boiling water, still convinced that her actions were perfectly right, Pucci couldn't help but feel exhausted.
What exactly was Cujoh Jolyne thinking?!
—Hahaha! That expression, that's the one I've been waiting to see!
Jolyne was laughing with joy inside.
Seeing Pucci's sour expression, Jolyne couldn't even maintain her composure, and Pucci could clearly sense the delight radiating from her.
After all...
—Serves you right for backstabbing me! You deserve it!!
Indeed, who would've thought that even Pucci, this straight-laced guy with his thick eyebrows, would start backstabbing her!?
This was the latest news Jolyne had just discovered online after wrapping up the new actor recruitment—"The Emperor and The Hanged Man Part 2", the latest episode of "Stardust Crusaders", had been broadcast and was incredibly popular!
How was that possible!?
There was a mole!
Pucci must have realized her true intentions and secretly changed all of her suggestions! He must've only left "The Emperor and The Hanged Man Part 1" unchanged to deceive her, then reverted everything in Part 2!
Yes!
That had to be it!
With that thought, filled with a desire for justice—and also to see what Pucci had altered to bring the plot back on track so she could avoid those "strengths" next time—Jolyne took a closer look.
KO NO DIO: "No exaggeration, Kakyoin's character portrayal was godlike! You have no idea, when 'Virtuous Pope' played, I got goosebumps!!"
ROSE Garden: "How could you forget Polnareff?! Whether it's Kakyoin with Polnareff or Polnareff with Avdol, they're... just perfect! Di Molto (extremely) perfect!!"
Not Wearing It is Truly Cool: "Instead of focusing on the well-established protagonist Jotaro, they highlighted the growth of others, subtly emphasizing DIO's overwhelming power as a boss who couldn't be defeated by just one person. At the same time, it once again confirmed that this is "Stardust Crusaders" and the "Stardust Crusaders"! This portrayal was truly brilliant!"
"..."
Huh?
Something felt off—very off!
The more Jolyne read, the more familiar it seemed. The plot being praised to the skies was barely altered, filmed exactly as she had intended.
Wait! These were all the things I suggested!?
No!
This couldn't be my fault!
After eliminating the correct answer, Jolyne watched "The Emperor and The Hanged Man" again several times and finally confirmed—
This wasn't her problem!
It was the actors!
Even though Kakyoin and the others were recommended by her...
But that wasn't the point!
If it weren't for reading Pucci's "Stardust Crusaders" script first, she would've thought Pucci was trying to flatter her by recommending her father, Kujo Jotaro, and the others!
So this time, without knowing the script, Cujoh Jolyne had stubbornly chosen the actors herself to cut off any chance of success.
Not giving Pucci a chance to speak, she dragged him along to meet his future co-actors.
And when Pucci finally met the actors Jolyne had meticulously selected...
He had only one thought—
"Ah!?"