King of Hollywood
Chapter 464 - 185 Emotions Surge

Chapter 464: Chapter 185 Emotions Surge

This is the deal: give them a sweetener, like the photos of the child king last time, and then don’t allow any other tricks to be played. However, last time the main purpose was to warn certain people in the crew, while this time it was responding to last week’s article in The Sun. The Sun this time didn’t concoct much either, which, relative to other tabloids, was quite rare. Future matters would be handled in the future; the Miracle Director understood the rules well.

In fact, it wasn’t a big deal. Adrian just gave a simple order, Charlize made a few phone calls, and everything was taken care of by the people below. Not even the headquarters of News Corporation was disturbed, let alone Murdoch.

Therefore, after maintaining silence for a few days and allowing The Sun to make a decent profit, the spokesperson for the crew then confirmed the news. Though brief, merely saying "yes" when pressed by the media, it immediately caused a sensation. This amounted to a public admission that Miracle Director Adrian Cowell was indeed simultaneously filming two contemporary British classical-style movies.

"Well, this year’s most surprising entertainment news has surfaced. Looking back, it seems no director has ever been so... crazy. To be shooting two films at the same time is indeed something Adrian could do, but the question is to what extent he plans to carry it through. We all know he is good at creating miracles, and he knows that we know he’s good at creating miracles. We also know that he knows that we know he’s good at creating miracles, but after all, this is something no one has ever done before, and it seems he has no intention of lowering his efficiency, so it’s hard to say what kind of situation we will see in a few months," said a BBC host on his talk show, half-mockingly, though not conclusively, which was the general media consensus.

As previously stated in an article, shooting two films at the same time, let alone two different stories from the same era, is not impossible, but it entails many problems, such as mixing up the plots while filming and requiring more time and energy than shooting two films separately. In this case, 1 plus 1 often amounts to more than 2.

But at the same time, it’s not the first or second miracle Adrian has created. Not to mention the still-popular movie he financed, he already shut up those who didn’t think he could make British classical-style movies with Howards End several years ago. So, while it’s hard to fathom shooting two movies simultaneously, how should one go about doubting him?

"Generally speaking, efficiency and quality are inversely proportional, although there are many people who are both efficient and of high quality, there are limits. For example, shooting two films at the same time without intending to slow down, then what can the quality be? At least I can’t estimate it. Yes, he is a genius at creating miracles, but once he becomes too arrogant, failure is inevitable," wrote one critic.

It’s impossible for a person to be liked by everyone; there will always be those who go out of their way to dislike and oppose him, and then pick at faults relentlessly. The reason these naysayers hadn’t surfaced before was that the crew hadn’t admitted it, and they weren’t sure if Adrian was actually doing it, as shooting two films at the same time is indeed quite bizarre.

But now that everything has come to light, naturally, they couldn’t wait to come out and criticize him thoroughly. However, where there are those who oppose Adrian, there are also those who support him.

"The reason why the Miracle Director is known as such is precisely because he is very good at creating miracles. Whether it is his earliest use of multiple storylines in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Pulp Fiction, his depiction of American society in Scent of a Woman, The Shawshank Redemption, or his understanding of British society with Howards End, Emma, not to mention Forrest Gump which made him the youngest Best Director at the Oscars and the still-debated posthumous work of Kubrick, Eyes Wide Shut, all of this illustrates the point well. If needed, more examples can be given. Although shooting two movies at the same time is indeed incredible, is it appropriate to conclude before he finishes? After all, who knows if he will surprise everyone in the end?" So wrote an article in The Times.

Those who support Adrian take a measured approach; his many accomplishments are more persuasive than anything else. But how would the opposition respond? They either pretend to be deaf and blind to these issues or they focus on a few key points and won’t let go.

In truth, most people’s attitudes are similar to that BBC host’s, watching with anticipation for entertainment, with a hint of mockery and banter, while not making any definitive statements. Logically speaking, to ensure both efficiency and quality while shooting two films at the same time is nearly an impossible task, but Adrian is just the sort of person who likes to defy logic. Many British people protested when he produced Howards End, believing he couldn’t capture the British style, but what was the result? Many people laughed at him for having too much money and nowhere to spend it, investing nearly 300 million in a single movie, but what was the result?

So many have learned their lesson; as long as it involves the Miracle Director, people can discuss and opine before the final results are in, but they definitely should not make definite judgments, otherwise they might end up being embarrassed.

In contrast to the diverse opinions in the United Kingdom, the reaction in the United States was almost unanimously supportive when the news reached there. The media under AC Communications tried to appear fair and objective, but others were mostly of the opinion that this was a challenge Adrian set for himself, and that he was surely capable of meeting it. This included roundabout support from AC Communications through other channels, as well as genuine applauders.

"Who knows, no one can see through his thoughts. He’s a pretty outstanding young man; he always manages to do what he wants," Spielberg said when asked by reporters.

"I’m not surprised at all. That’s just the way he is, full of ideas in his head, and he can clearly distinguish them and find what he needs right away. If there’s anyone in the world who can shoot two movies with the same historical background at the same time, both efficiently and with quality, it would only be Adrian. I even suspect that he has a computer installed in his brain," Hanks, who had been sent by Adrian to the throne, answered like this.

Therefore, even in the United States, there are a few guys who are always critical of the Miracle Director, but they couldn’t stir up much trouble. However, there were complaints, such as on a message board on Yahoo where a movie fan complained: "Oh, another British film. Can’t he make more American movies? Or is he really a British director?"

It’s truly laughable, but although this drama is interesting to watch, it’s not what people enjoy the most.

"According to insiders, on the evening of October 23, they saw Adrian, on Slake Street, arm in arm with one of the Miracle Girls, Gwyneth Paltrow, walking out of the Wendell restaurant, chatting and walking with intimate expressions, and ending with a passionate kiss before getting into a car and leaving," reported tabloids including The Sun, starting their gossip and scandal reports again.

Aniston had already left London, and the news about her and Dennis had been reported countless times; it was time to switch targets. Just then, big news broke from the Miracle Director’s crew, and it was clear whom the media should target next.

Despite the repetitive use of "according to insiders" and "citing well-informed sources," one moment it was Adrian and Gwyneth spotted together; another moment it was the Miracle Director and Blanchett seen somewhere, there were never any pictures. But people like to read this; they envy Adrian’s affairs and also want to know when stepping on two boats will cause him to upset. As for the truth, they will never know.

However, this time the British reporters, who claim to be the pioneers of the paparazzi in the world, were outdone by their American colleagues. While they were still fabricating rumors about Adrian and various celebrities, American tabloids had published a blurry photo.

"From here we can see that she is neither Gwyneth Paltrow nor Kate Blanchett, nor does she resemble Monica Bellucci, Sophie Marceau, or Julia Roberts, so she probably isn’t one of the Miracle Girls. The two didn’t seem too intimate in their actions, but according to the photographer, both were smiling during their conversation, clearly not shallow acquaintances. However, due to the rush, only two photos were captured before the two left in a car, making it impossible to identify the woman," reported the World News from the United States.

Indeed, they published two photos, but both were blurry. Adrian was somewhat recognizable, but the other person’s face could not be discerned, only that it was a woman. Regardless, gossips with photos received much more attention than those without, and thus people on both sides of the Atlantic began to discuss who the woman might be, with curiosity replacing excitement or disdain at that moment.

The British paparazzi were very frustrated; Adrian’s defenses were too strong, and he wasn’t like other directors and celebrities. Some tactics that worked on ordinary celebrities were impossible against him. Moreover, they couldn’t run off to the United States to track and sneak photos, and they also lacked support when playing away from home.

Indeed, the photo was taken by the American paparazzi in Los Angeles – Adrian had flown back on his private jet on one weekend, perhaps having let his guard down, and was caught on camera.

Damn the rich! The British paparazzi vented their frustrations internally.

However frustrated they were inside, it was none of Adrian’s business. After letting the crew’s spokesperson confirm he was shooting two films at once, he had been responding to nothing. Despite various interviews and show invitations flying in like snowflakes, Adrian calmly filmed every day, playfully teasing Gwyneth and Blanchett with words or gestures in private to convey the wrong message.

This was how he treated these matters, and the idle gossip even more so. As for Gwyneth and Blanchett, of course, they wouldn’t comment, since there was no concrete evidence. Adrian kept the paparazzi at bay and was different from the common director and celebrity, so it was only natural that the paparazzi were helpless. This is the advantage of power, even though Los Angeles was indeed his stronghold.

Given it wasn’t time yet to "deal with" Gwyneth and Blanchett, Adrian still squeezed time to check on Sophie, who was filming "Anna Karenina" in France. Although Sophie was eager to shoot in St. Petersburg, the current safety situation in Russia was appalling. The crew spent only a few days in Moscow, while the rest of the filming was carried out against sets built in Paris, with indoor scenes planned to be shot in Hollywood studios.

In addition, there was Monica, who had gone back to Italy for a holiday, and Zetajones, still in Wales. Anyway, with his private jet, going back to New York and Los Angeles wasn’t difficult. This bit of exertion was nothing for someone committed to keeping fit like him, and the photo with Kate was snapped when he got back to Los Angeles.

Of course, given Adrian’s caution, especially since he had already been photographed surreptitiously several times in Los Angeles, how could he possibly make the same mistake again? So...

Any distractions were kept away from the set, and the progress naturally moved forward steadily. After dressing up as Batman with Lily, the two Emmas, and Keira to attend the Halloween parade in London, both movies were essentially entering the final phase of filming.

In the brightly lit hall, all the nobles and clergy kneeled on one leg as if by some unspoken agreement, offering their tributes of surprise and respect to the Queen walking towards the throne.

Elizabeth I, who was slowly walking forward, suddenly stopped and cast an expressionless glance at everyone. Her face was caked with a thick layer of white powder, making her look extremely ghastly. Then she turned her head to look at the old man kneeling beside her and said, "You see, Lord Polly, I am married to... England!"

"Good!" Adrian, operating the camera himself, shouted out and then poked his head from behind the machine to give a thumbs-up to Blanchett, who was sitting in her seat. He then enthusiastically started clapping his hands.

Soon, the sparse applause became hearty, with more people joining in—first the crew, then the actors, including the extras. Everyone knew that after this most critical scene, only a few scattered shots remained. With their completion, the film would be essentially wrapped, and they could finally escape this "Hell"—of course, this last remark could only be whispered among themselves.

Blanchett, seated on the throne, sighed with relief, no longer having to maintain that emotionless demeanor. The movie was finally coming to an end, and there were barely any scenes involving her left.

"Good job, Kate, it was indeed correct to decide to shoot it one more time," Adrian said, grinning as he approached Blanchett to announce a break.

"Thank you," Blanchett shrugged her shoulders, stood up, and, as usual, gave him a smile. Unexpectedly, in response to her smile, Adrian involuntarily leaned back and even imperceptibly curled his mouth.

"What, do I look that frightening right now?" Blanchett immediately raised her eyebrows in displeasure, tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.

"It’s not about being frightening, but you look so different from usual. That special aura you have is completely ruined," Adrian chuckled, spreading his hands.

"So you must regret having me play Elizabeth I?" Blanchett snorted lightly.

"How could I? It’s a role that allows you to fully exhibit your acting talent," Adrian smiled slightly, glanced around, and, while no one was paying attention, gave her buttock a playful pat.

Blanchett immediately gave him a reproachful look, picked up the skirt of her costume, and walked out.

"Come to the temporary office after you’ve removed your makeup. I have something to discuss with you," Adrian called after her.

"Got it," Blanchett didn’t turn her head and quickly made her way to her personal makeup room. Once seated, the waiting makeup artist came over to help her remove her makeup.

With the aid of makeup remover, the thick white powder on her face quickly dissolved, and the artist started cleansing from the eyes. After her skillful manipulation, Blanchett’s face was soon refreshed.

"I can handle the rest," Blanchett told the makeup artist after watching her face gradually return to its original state in the mirror.

The artist nodded and left, and Blanchett took up the tools to begin touching up and refreshing her face. In no time at all, she returned to looking like her usual self, with long eyebrows, rosy lips, a face with soft yet firm lines, and that demeanor Adrian liked.

"Hmph, here I am, getting ready for him again," Blanchett muttered, though she didn’t stop her handiwork.

If she thought carefully, sometimes it all seemed like a dream: she didn’t go to "The Piano Lesson" party with her friends, didn’t meet this man, wasn’t attracted by him, never went to Hollywood, wasn’t captured by him, didn’t get nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, didn’t compete with Gwyneth, didn’t get entangled with her...

"I’m like a clueless little fish, effortlessly caught in the net by a fisherman who had been watching for a long time," Blanchett mused. She was more and more convinced that Adrian had planned everything from the moment he first saw her, yet at that time, she knew nothing and blundered into it.

But what of it? Blanchett thought, putting away her tools. Although her current life was a bit chaotic... it was also quite interesting, was it not?

Checking the time and touching her clothes, she debated whether or not to change, unsure of how long it would take. She decided to go as is. She stood up from the makeup room and headed towards Adrian’s temporary office.

What did he want to talk about with her? Was he trying to find a breakthrough with her? Blanchett hummed to herself with a playful smirk, resolute in her conviction. There’s no way she’d capitulate to Adrian first; she and Gwyneth had already agreed.

But would Gwyneth... The lady shook her head and exuded a confident smile, having held on for so long, Gwyneth wouldn’t betray her.

Oh, her figure was no less striking than her own, and indeed, in some ways, they were very similar; no wonder Adrian enjoyed both. Yet, the mere thought of a purely feminine relationship seemed quite pleasing.

Blanchett continued walking, her thoughts drifting to possibilities as the office door approached. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, I welcome you to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation.)