King of Hollywood - Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Chapter 44 Plans and Coincidences
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“Well, this was just a joke. Since Adrian wished to collaborate with Universal, how could he let them suffer a loss? Otherwise, it would deal a moderate blow to the image he was now cultivating. The box office for ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ in memory didn’t reach 30 million dollars, undoubtedly due to its release in the same year as ‘Forrest Gump.’ Otherwise, how would ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ have been deemed one of the most tragic films in cinematic history?

Of course, this also had a lot to do with the production company’s poor promotion. The lack of resources and their inability to seize key points led to it not receiving much acclaim when publicly released, thereby affecting its box office. Fortunately, after receiving several Oscar nominations yet winning nothing, it was noticed by Columbia. After some maneuvering, it achieved unprecedented success in the video tape market, dominating the video rental store charts for a long time.

Now, in Adrian’s hands, he could nearly perfectly replicate the film, with an outstanding general manager for promotion beside him, plus Universal’s participation. If it still ended up with the same outcome as in memory, he might as well not do it.

Speaking of which, did that film also need Universal to join? When alone in a corner, Adrian suddenly recalled the purpose of coming to this party today. Based on the data he painstakingly remembered, the budget was about 50 to 60 million dollars, a sum Adrian could currently afford fully, or he could split it equally among the company, Claude, and himself privately. Since such a large cake could be taken in, there was no need to share it further.

But… Adrian shook his head again. Hoarding the entire cake wasn’t looked upon favorably anywhere; in this era, sharing and win-win scenarios were the correct approach. Moreover, the reason he chose to develop a relationship with Universal was not only because of that person but also because the future conflicts with Universal would be minimal.

Having said that, he still had a lot of scripts that could make money; he could always make amends later. This cake was just too big and enticing… Adrian suddenly laughed at himself; he hadn’t even negotiated with the involved parties yet was thinking about future matters as if everything would certainly follow his plan. Confidence was a good thing, but crossing the line became arrogance, so it was better to let it go for now.

With his mind made up, Adrian adjusted his clothes, intending to find a place to sit for a while. After scanning the hall, he was momentarily stunned; the person he was waiting for was currently talking and laughing with several people by the first window.

“Yes, she is an angel. Although she doesn’t have many scenes, her demeanor is something others can’t learn,” said Steven Spielberg, rubbing his bearded chin, recalling aloud to those around him. Though dressed in a suit, his signature round glasses and bushy beard remained unchanged.

“Sorry to intrude, were you speaking of Mrs. Audrey Hepburn, Mr. Spielberg?” a voice suddenly interjected, slightly magnetic and somewhat deep, yet very pleasant.

“And you are?” Spielberg looked at the young man in front of him with some surprise.

“Adrian Cowell,” the young man introduced himself, “It’s a pleasure to meet you here, Mr. Spielberg. I grew up watching ‘ET’ and ‘Jaws.’”

“I’m glad to meet you here, young man,” Spielberg smiled gently, repeating Adrian’s name a few times before raising his eyebrows: “Ah, the genius director.”

“You’re too kind,” Adrian shrugged. “I just have some different ideas, which I expressed through film.”

“No need to be so modest, young man,” Spielberg laughed, “I watched your ‘Memento’; the concept and editing are indeed sophisticated. You’re a man of ideas.”

“I’m honored to receive your praise, Mr. Spielberg–okay, Steven, please call me Ed. In fact, sometimes I wish I could create works as filled with childlike wonder as yours.”

“Some things can’t be forced, Ed. As long as you know what you want to shoot, you’re good to go.”

The shared topic of movies allowed the old and young to engage in a conversation. From the film Spielberg collaborated on with Audrey, ‘Always,’ to Adrian’s ‘Memento,’ which hadn’t been taken down yet, all became their conversation points. With Adrian subtly accommodating, having gathered a lot of information, their conversation was quite engaging.

“Yes, I admit that movie was influenced by my parents’ failed marriage. The taste of loneliness is not pleasant. Moreover… it was also affected by my failed marriage, especially in those last few months…” Spielberg couldn’t help but sigh as he spoke, revealing to Adrian, even unintentionally, meant he had left quite a positive impression.

“That seems to be Mrs. Audrey’s last movie, right?” Adrian tactfully changed the topic, “I wish I could go back to the ’50s and witness her charm firsthand.”

Spielberg immediately burst into laughter, “I guess every man would want the same. She was indeed outstanding and captivating, no matter the era. She had something indescribable about her that enthralled people.”

At this point, he suddenly remembered something, checked the time, and then apologetically spread his hands toward Adrian: “Sorry, Ed, I have to leave. I’ve got other business. It was a pleasure chatting with you.”

“Me too, Steven.” Adrian nodded, and just before Spielberg stepped away, he put on a look as if he had just remembered something, “Oh, Steven, there’s a movie–I’m not sure if you’d be interested.”

“A movie?” Spielberg’s eyes behind his rounded lenses squinted slightly as the film director instantly turned into Spielberg the businessman–someone once commented that this great director was a director when holding a camera and a businessman when without one, and Adrian agreed with this evaluation.

“Yes, a movie adapted from a sci-fi novel, very imaginative.” Adrian’s eyes didn’t blink.

Spielberg thought for a moment, retrieved his card from his suit’s breast pocket, and handed it to Adrian, “Well, call my assistant on Monday. He’ll arrange a meeting time for you.”

“Thanks.” Adrian accepted it, then watched Spielberg disappear at the hall’s grand entrance.

“Is this your reason for wanting to collaborate with Universal?” Laverne appeared behind him at some point.

“Yes, he’s one of the few who can expertly manage that sci-fi film. Besides…” Adrian left the rest unsaid as he knew Laverne understood his meaning.

But… did I act a little hastily? Adrian thought, looking at the business card in his hand. Oh well, it doesn’t matter; I still have a trump card in hand. Convincing Spielberg shouldn’t be a problem.

“I’m leaving first, Laverne.” Adrian said to Laverne before walking toward the door. With his purpose achieved, there was no need to linger.

Strolling to the elevator, Adrian pressed the button and began waiting. A few minutes later, the elevator arrived. Just as he was about to enter and press the lobby’s floor, a hurried voice suddenly came through, “Wait!”

A large hand stopped the closing elevator door, and an angry Caucasian man stormed in. He looked about 35 to 45, sporting a goatee and appearing quite rugged.

Another Caucasian man hurriedly followed, “Don’t be so impulsive, James; it’s really rude of you to do this.”

His face bore a wry smile, clearly indicating the first man had caused him much trouble.

“I was already very restrained, Wendell. I just couldn’t stay inside any longer,” the man named James waved a fist in anger, “Just listen to what they were saying, utterly intolerable!”

“Oh, damn it, why can’t you think about what you’re asking for!” Wendell said, pulling at his hair in frustration, “The investment has already accumulated to 100 million dollars, James! How many films have a 100 million dollar investment?! You’ve already set a Hollywood record, be content!”

“You must have seen the specially made clip, haven’t you? The scene of the T-1000 emerging from the flames,” James said excitedly, “You found it stunning, right? You thought it was excellent, right?! But I can tell you, Wendell, with just another 10 million dollars invested, I’ll make the entire movie more stunning and excellent!”

Wendell shook his head with a wry smile, “No one will invest any more, James. You should know what 100 million in total investment means: no one will take that risk.”

James fell silent, aware of that but unwilling to accept it.

“Alright, James, let’s leave it at that. Make good use of the remaining two weeks. Even if it doesn’t reach perfection in your heart, I’m sure ‘Terminator 2’ will still be a fantastic film.”

“I know, Wendell. I’m just a bit unsettled,” James said, holding his forehead with a sigh.

At this point, another voice spoke in the elevator: “If it’s just 10 million dollars, maybe I can invest.”

Both were stunned, only then realizing there was someone else in the elevator. Despite the awkwardness, James cleared his throat and looked toward the stranger, “Sorry for our earlier excitement due to the events. Who are you, may I ask?”

“Adrian Cowell,” the young man in the corner extended his hand, with a faint, cultured smile, “Nice to meet you, Mr. James Cameron.”

“You know me?” James quirked an eyebrow while shaking hands with him.

“If ‘Terminator 2’ isn’t directed by James Cameron, it wouldn’t need to be made.” Adrian smiled slightly, “To be honest, I’ve waited seven years for a sequel.”

James burst into hearty laughter and remembered something: “Adrian Cowell? You are the genius director?”

“You’re too kind, just some ideas about films.” Adrian maintained his calm demeanor.

“That’s quite impressive; most directors only follow the established procedures,” James gestured with disdain before gazing at him eagerly, “Did you really say you could invest more earlier?!”