Chapter 172: Conflict Made Public
When the real James Ryan appeared, the film was more than halfway over. Knowing Hollywood production formulas and Duke Rosenberg's habits, Kenneth Turan deduced there had to be one more major battle to achieve the final salvation.
But he clearly sensed that Ryan as an individual wasn't actually important. Duke Rosenberg's intent was crystal clear—who they saved didn't matter; what mattered was the act of the rescue itself.
At the same time, as a veteran film critic and media professional, Kenneth Turan keenly sensed that this movie would inevitably spark a storm of debate upon release, even though it aligned so perfectly with American values!
Would Duke Rosenberg ever ignore the market? A resigned smile touched the corners of Kenneth Turan's mouth. Controversy and public discourse could often kill a movie or make it explode in popularity. So, what about Saving Private Ryan?
The climactic final battle was fast approaching. The applause in the theater had long since died down. Kunitz stared wide-eyed at the screen, and his companions beside him, along with everyone else in the surrounding audience, were doing exactly the same.
Many of the audience members at the premiere had come specifically for the director and were familiar with Duke's style. Since the opening battle had been so spectacularly brutal that it shook them to their souls, what kind of viewing experience would the climactic finale deliver?
"There's a moment of peace before the great battle."
Hearing Aerin's words, Anna laughed. She leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Director Rosenberg is using beautiful memories to highlight the brilliance of humanity."
In Anna's eyes, revealing the human emotional world through the fates of those on the battlefield was Duke's most important leap forward and biggest success in this film. To express the beauty of humanity and the terror of war, he deliberately arranged a brief moment of tranquility right before the film's second major battle. Within this peace, the audience could truly feel the brilliance of human nature and the devastation war inflicted upon it.