King of Hollywood
Chapter 419 - 141: Finally Going to Premiere

Chapter 419: Chapter 141: Finally Going to Premiere

A few days later, Adrian returned to Los Angeles. Although there was still no exact news from Kubrick’s side, it was essentially taken as a given. Naturally, the next step was to start preparing the long-awaited publicity work.

The movement from Warner was quick; by the end of January, "Eyes Wide Shut" had passed the MPAA review, and as expected, it received an R rating. Honestly, given the grand scale sex party in the middle of the film, if Bossworth, Miramax, or New Line had submitted it for rating, it could easily have been rated NC-17 or even X. That would mean it could only be screened in a few designated theaters, affecting both its reputation and box office performance significantly.

Who lets one of the Seven Major Film Companies like Warner have a seat in the MPAA? Although it took quite an effort, it was eventually rated R. This was why Adrian always insisted on trying to acquire the international distribution rights; having these rights would place one in a position to advocate for oneself within the MPAA. It wasn’t an easy matter. DreamWorks had spent several years and still had not managed to get in, but now he had a better plan—if the funds arrived as expected this year, there shouldn’t be any problem.

Soon, the first trailer for "Eyes Wide Shut" started airing, and various promotional advertisements began appearing on major media outlets. Suddenly, the entertainment industry, which was gradually regaining calm after the Christmas-New Year period, was thrown a massive bomb.

Early on, when there were rumors that the Miracle Director might take over the new work of a Legendary Director, the media showed great interest. They tried everything possible to unearth some valuable information. When Adrian was shooting exteriors in New York, numerous reporters attempted to enter the set and even managed to take some blurry photos from afar. However, because Adrian had been very strict from the beginning and had sternly warned everyone that leaking news to the outside world would lead not only to dismissal but also to lawsuits, the specific details of the film’s shooting remained unknown. One could only speculate based on the original novel.

In the absence of new information, media interest had significantly decreased, but that didn’t mean they had given up on exploring "Eyes Wide Shut." From the moment Warner officially started promotions, numerous comments sprang up like mushrooms after rain. Especially since the news that "Kubrick had demanded the film not be distributed by any means if Adrian’s direction did not meet his standards" was deliberately leaked, the media grew even more excited; the implications were self-evident.

"If the rumors are true, it implies that Adrian’s ’Eyes Wide Shut’ is indistinguishable from one directed by Kubrick, given that everyone knows how exacting Kubrick was with his work," wrote a reporter from "Seattle."

"Given Kubrick’s consistent style, it’s indeed possible, but I don’t think Adrian is on the same level as such a unique director, even though he also has noteworthy works," expressed another person.

A somewhat renowned female film critic, Marcelline Maggie, wrote sharply, "It’s more likely that Warner and Adrian want to create an established fact to force Kubrick to capitulate, after all, promoting and distributing are two different things. Even if there’s a signed contract, finding loopholes isn’t too difficult; neither Warner nor Adrian would want to miss an opportunity to earn a reputation."

Some of Kubrick’s die-hard fans even declared they would absolutely not watch the film after its release: "He simply can’t make a film that matches Kubrick’s style!"

Even in one of Tom Cruise’s talk show appearances meant to promote "Jerry Maguire" for the Oscars, his views on Adrian directing "Eyes Wide Shut" came up.

"Undoubtedly, he is an outstanding director with a great eye for talent. In fact, my role in ’Jerry Maguire’ was a recommendation from him. I can’t really compare the two directors since I’ve only met Stanley a few times, but of course, I love a few of his films. However, I put forth my best effort to portray this character, and I believe I did a great job." This was how Cruise responded.

A clever response, indeed—avoiding the main issue while promoting both directors and himself in the process, showing that his agent, Pat Kingsley, and the television station had communicated well. The reason for this statement was because, during an internal preview held by Warner, Cruise didn’t look too pleased.

That naturally had to do with those three sexual fantasy scenes; Cruise couldn’t figure out who the naval officer was. Adrian had only edited a bit into the scenes, totaling just over ten seconds, and the naval officer hadn’t even removed his uniform, not to mention the real action behind the scenes. Moreover, the chosen angle was very precise, not showing the naval officer’s face, and the post-production work slightly altered it. Unless someone as familiar with his body as Charlize, who could name the size below precisely down to three decimal points, could identify him from his silhouette and build.

Nicole was different, whether she was lying down slipping off her underwear in a heated kiss, or on the bed letting others kiss her back, she was utterly invested as if she wasn’t acting, even if it was only for a little more than ten seconds. If before she had only undressed at home, and even in front of Cruise, he could accept that, the stimulation of this scene was a bit too much.

Moreover, tabloids fervently published photos of Nicole completely naked, and linked these with mentions of the "startling party passion scenes" they previously alluded to. Given Cruise’s temperament, if his mood were good upon hearing and seeing such, that would be a surprise, and he wouldn’t possibly say those words; undoubtedly, Kingsley’s abilities played a significant role, underscoring the importance of having a capable agent.

Facing these swirling controversies, what was one of the involved parties, Adrian, doing?

"How about this contract, Mr. Yuan?" Adrian smiled at the old man seated across from him.

After a moment’s hesitation—and a brief discussion with his lawyer upon hearing the interpreter—Yuan cautiously asked, "I have no objections, but, Mr. Adrian, don’t you think this contract is too generous?"

"It’s simple," Adrian had anticipated his reaction and spoke slowly in Cantonese, guessing the gist of the conversation, "since Mr. Yuan is Chinese, he should surely understand the allegory of ’spending a fortune to buy horse bones.’"

"Spending a fortune to buy horse bones," this phrase was said in Chinese, clear and precise, causing Yuan Heping’s eyes to widen, "You speak Mandarin?!"

Yuan then murmured something under his breath, seemingly in complaint in a low voice in Cantonese, which Adrian didn’t hear clearly, though it seemed to involve the name Wu Bage.

However, that wasn’t important, so he smiled again, "Basic communication should be no problem—let’s not talk about that for now, if Mr. Yuan is willing, I can introduce you to some great agents who can manage your business in Hollywood, rest assured, they are all very honest people."

Understanding this, Yuan Heping looked even more doubtful.

"I know you might not understand why, but simply put, I see great potential in you—or rather, potential in a stunt director," Adrian didn’t hide anything, "This is also why I’ve prepared such a contract and why I didn’t hesitate to agree to your joking request for a salary of 880,000 US Dollars."

When he mentioned the 880,000 US Dollar salary, Yuan’s face blushed slightly, showing a mix of embarrassment and displeasure, though he soon regained composure, probably cursing internally about "this foreigner speaks good Mandarin but doesn’t know the meaning of subtlety." Of course, Adrian knew perfectly well how to be subtle—after all, such things were engraved in his soul—even if only two-thirds, but right now there was no need.

"I’m familiar with Hong Kong’s action movies, and those famous movie stars from there, like Jackie Chan, all have their own ’martial master’ teams—is that the right term? So, a stunt director like you is common in Hong Kong," Adrian continued, "But here, it’s different. I believe once these two movies are released, Hollywood will definitely start a trend for Eastern kung fu, those ’martial masters’ in Hong Kong belong to private organizations, not just anyone can hire them, so as a stunt director with established works here, you will inevitably become the target for various companies wanting to collaborate."

After his words, both Yuan Heping and his translator and lawyer were left staring at each other, the blunt truth of his words needing no further explanation, yet the windfall seemed almost too astonishing to believe.

"What benefit is there for you in doing this?" he couldn’t help but ask.

"It’s simple, if I ever need to make an Eastern kung fu-style action movie in the future, I need you to give priority consideration," Adrian said, spreading his hands.

"Aren’t you afraid that I’ll agree on the surface, but when the time comes... I might really ask for a lot?" Yuan Heping couldn’t help but ask.

Adrian immediately laughed. "Aren’t Chinese people supposed to value honor? If my honesty can’t even secure your friendship and commitment, then I suppose I misjudged you."

"I’m impressed!" Yuan Heping took a deep breath, unexpectedly performed a cupped-fist salute, and said, "Then it’s settled."

In reality, both knew very well that if such a situation actually arose, as long as Adrian maintained his power in Hollywood, kicking Yuan Heping and his team out wouldn’t be difficult. Although kung fu movies had a sizable market in North America, they were ultimately not mainstream. Since cooperation was beneficial and Adrian treated talents with due respect, Yuan Heping naturally knew how to choose.

After finalizing these arrangements and seeing Yuan Heping off, Adrian immediately called Michael Ovitz. Although he only briefly mentioned a few things, once the detailed information was faxed over, Ovitz would know what to do. Frankly speaking, Ovitz did have a knack for managing a talent agency; after taking over, he implemented sweeping reforms that revitalized the company in just a few weeks.

Besides Tom Hanks, numerous top-tier actors were also attracted to join his agency. If not for a hiccup along the way, Dustin Hoffman might have come over too. Ovitz and Hoffman had a deep connection, as the first client he fought for at CAA was Hoffman.

"I’ll do anything for you, even kill for you," Ovitz had said during their first meeting, immediately winning Hoffman’s favor.

Although he didn’t manage to recruit him this time, Adrian didn’t mind and continued to fully support Claude, though they still couldn’t compete with the biggest agencies, they were certainly among the elite of the second tier. Even though Ovitz was known for his extravagant private life, the two managing the company didn’t concern themselves with it, believing that one’s lifestyle should match their capabilities.

Of course, there were still some things to be cautious about. While legally there was no issue with the talent agency, becoming a target for scandal was not ideal. Ovitz’s move last year from Disney to MCM Agency had attracted significant attention. Ordinary people might not understand the intricacies involved, but a few magnates had sniffed something amiss and Eisner was particularly displeased. To get Ovitz to leave Disney, he had spent millions.

There were still many matters to handle, such as investing in "Charlie’s Angels" or beginning production on "The Matrix." However, before addressing these, he picked up the phone.

"Hi, sweetheart, how have you been? Yes, I know, but... okay, so ’dear’ works for you? Oh, nothing, I just wanted to call you. Valentine’s Day is coming up soon; I hope you’ll like my present... Of course it will be delivered; I don’t mind delivering it myself, but... haha... I actually do intend to, but you know, if I showed up at your door with my guitar, I’d most likely get a 0.35-inch bullet for my trouble. But if it’s like those days during Christmas, would you find it fresh and interesting? I won’t tell you now, you’ll find out when the time comes..."

The one who could make Adrian so joyous was, of course, Lolita in New York. For various reasons, although they often met, most of their communication was via phone and letters—oh, and now emails too, which Natalie seemed to really enjoy.

"Distance makes things beautiful; if we spent too much time together and you lost your mystery, I wouldn’t like it, then what would we do?" The petite Natalie said this, lying on his chest after their passionate moments.

Of course, there were other reasons, although Natalie didn’t speak of them, Adrian could guess some. Regardless, she was born into a strictly conservative Jewish family. Due to her maturity, a rebellious streak had taken root in her heart early on. Coupled with ambition and Adrian’s allure, she had become involved with him, but that didn’t mean Natalie could face herself without any sense of guilt. No matter how smart she was now, she was essentially still a young girl.

Furthermore, it was she who had taken the initiative with Adrian. Even now, such actions would not be viewed favorably by others, so it was inevitable that she harbored a small yet deeply rooted sense of guilt. Although she was very happy and felt sweet joy by Adrian’s side, the happiness was intoxicating, yet sobriety brought her disturbances, especially since...

Thus, being apart like this, and just chatting on the phone, discussing various issues through letters and emails, occasionally meeting up—it was quite agreeable to her. How could Adrian possibly refuse? For the aggressive Natalie, he had more patience and tolerance, and he had thought of many ways to cheer her up, such as the Christmas incident he had mentioned over the phone.

Even though he spent most of his time in New York visiting his uncle with Kate and Lily, he still made time to come to Long Island on the evening of the day after Christmas. He stood beneath the large tree across from Natalie’s house, looking at the light in her room and called her. Jews don’t celebrate Christmas; they don’t observe it, but they still take the day off. Thus, Natalie, being at home, rushed to the window upon receiving the call. The two of them gazed at each other across the street while chatting on the phone. Adrian even recited a short poem he had written for her.

"You’re like a love-struck young boy," Natalie teased him later, but she was truly delighted. Which young girl wouldn’t cherish such romantic attention?

As for this time, it naturally involved handmade chocolates. What else to give on Valentine’s Day, if not flowers and chocolates? Moreover, it didn’t matter if her parents saw since it wasn’t named.

"Here are the documents you wanted, Ed," Charli said, walking in with two folders.

"Thank you, Charli," Adrian replied, casually flipping through them. The folders contained information about "A Time to Kill," "Double Conspiracy," and "Men in Black."

These films, unlike the trilogy "Con Air," were not solely produced by AC Media’s film companies but were given to other companies under a sharing principle. AC Media only handled partial investment. For example, "Double Conspiracy" was turned over to Columbia due to a favor owed to Sony; and after much deliberation, "Men in Black" was also given to Columbia but with DreamWorks infusing some involvement. "A Time to Kill" was initially intended for Universal but ultimately went to Fox.

Even though he had handed over production rights, Adrian still paid close attention to the specific progress since "A Time to Kill" was being prepared for Kate, and Monica had played a supporting role in "Men in Black" and the leading role in "Double Conspiracy."

Seeing that he had no further instructions, Charli turned and started to walk out.

"Charli," Adrian called after her, his expression wry.

That day in London, after confirming he had vigorously participated in the filming alongside Nicole, Charli’s tone had increasingly turned strictly business-like.

"What is it?" Charli asked in a cool tone, as if his expression was nonexistent.

"After Valentine’s Day, ’Eyes Wide Shut’ will premiere. Would you like to join me?" Adrian asked with a smile. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to support it on qidian.com by voting or purchasing. Your support is my greatest motivation.)