King of Hollywood
Chapter 316 - Chapter 316 Chapter 43 The Imminent Descent

Chapter 316: Chapter 43: The Imminent Descent Chapter 316: Chapter 43: The Imminent Descent “I believe that before ‘Twisters’ was released, many people didn’t have high hopes for director Jean de Bont, not only because it was his directorial debut but also because the investment was so huge–it was akin to gambling. However, Adrian Cowell, the producer, insisted on hiring him despite his lack of experience in directing. And once again, this proved the eye of a ‘Miracle Director’ or a ‘Gold medal producer’ as Warner and Bossworth Film Company made a killing.

Now this smug director, with the support of Adrian, has brought his second big commercial project to the big screen. It must be admitted that Jean is indeed a rising commercial director. Although not as grand as ‘Twisters,’ ‘Speed’ excels in its meticulous structure and tight plot, showcasing intense confrontations between the cops and robbers in various limited spaces that captivate the audience’s attention almost every moment, ensuring they can’t look away. He has already brought a surprise in the summer and will surely bring a second one this Christmas.”–Los Angeles Times

“There are tense and fierce fights, critical rescues, and love that emerges through life and death. ‘Speed’ provides a new genre for thrillers.”–Empire

“The new work of the ‘Twisters’ director, also produced by the now behind-the-scenes Adrian, who has just earned the title of Gold medal producer. Frankly speaking, this movie, without a clear focus, vacuous love, meaningless heroism, though visually entertaining, when will the Miracle Director return to his own field?”–Variety

As expected, ‘Speed,’ released in the second week of December of ’94, was well-received. Showing in 2000 theaters for three days, it raked in 23 million US Dollars at the box office. Not only did it break through the competitive Christmas schedule and topped the North American box office, but it also recovered almost a third of its cost.

Although Jean de Bont’s ‘Twisters’ and Adrian’s reputation drew many eyes, the quality of ‘Speed’ itself was also a contributing factor, with positive film reviews serving as the best proof.

Yet, nearly every review, whether it was praise or criticism, couldn’t help but mention producer Adrian–even if only in name. Though he didn’t stir up countless debates and attention by producing three stylistically divergent, high-quality movies in a single year like he did in ’92, the movies released during this summer with his name in the producers’ column still attracted numerous eyeballs. In a sense, Adrian had become a phenomenon.

“Screenwriter, director, producer… sure, there are such people, but someone producing five or six movies in a year, each earning a high box office–even if just in name, every movie is somehow related to him! Whether the script is from his ideas or the directors or actors are appointed by him… Does he want every other director and producer in Hollywood to be out of work?” a high-level executive at a film company once complained to his subordinates.

In such cases, the media would praise or criticize him, but would certainly not ignore him. However, when they were ardently reporting, the main character was lying weak and powerless in bed.

“Achoo! Damn it, why does my nose have to be… Achoo!” Adrian, clad in pajamas and leaning against the headboard, sneezed several times in a row; he grabbed a tissue, rubbed his nose, and looked somewhat glumly at Blanchett, who was snickering beside the bed.

“I never thought that a runny nose could be so unbearably itchy…” Adrian grumbled.

“That’s great, finally there’s something you hadn’t anticipated,” said Blanchett with a laugh, cutting a red apple neatly into four pieces and placing them on a plate before handing it to Adrian.

“Thanks,” Adrian sighed but felt his nose itch again, nearly sneezing before he hurriedly pinched it. Even so, a few stifled sounds still came from his throat, eliciting several giggles from Blanchett.

“Could you not take so much delight in my misery, Kate?” Adrian glanced at her helplessly and took a bite of the apple.

“When did I take delight in your misery?” Blanchett asked, smiling as she rested her elbow on the edge of the bed, looking at him with her head in her hand, “I’m actually feeling pretty guilty. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have caught a cold, right?”

Adrian sighed again and turned his head to sneeze once more. He never would have thought that merely standing outside the theater in a cold breeze would lead to a cold the next day, especially given his normally strong health. He had not been sick for years, and even before ’90, he hardly had any serious illnesses.

Actually, a little cold wasn’t a big deal–it could even be helpful for the body, stimulating the immune system to work better. But with ‘Forrest Gump’ premiering next weekend, he couldn’t possibly show up sneezing and with red eyes, could he?

So, even if it seemed a bit excessive, Adrian chose to rest in bed on the advice of his private doctor to get well sooner. And out of fear of passing the cold to Kate, he didn’t stay at her villa, and the calls from women wanting to visit him were all declined. Of course, there was another reason–if they all showed up at the villa together, it would be quite troublesome. Although they were well aware of certain things, in many cases it was better not to make things too clear–it did no good to be too explicit.

Although Blanchett was also rejected by him over the phone, she still made it a point to visit the villa as soon as possible. Even though she had some ulterior motives, Adrian indeed felt grateful because she came due to his cold.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get better soon,” Blanchett said with a tease and then leaned in to kiss his cheek.

“Be careful not to catch it,” Adrian warned, although he appreciated the gesture.

“I won’t catch it that easily,” Blanchett shrugged, not taking it seriously.

“By the way, Kate, maybe now you can consider settling down in Los Angeles,” Adrian suddenly suggested, then lifted up the newspaper and shook it, “See this? They’re all speaking highly of you.”

“Really?” Blanchett asked, her eyes dancing, neither confirming nor denying.

“…Kate Blanchett from Australia played the role of Anne, reportedly recommended by Adrian himself. We must praise the Miracle Director’s eye for talent, as this 25-year-old actress skillfully captured the character’s vulnerability and strength. Her chemistry with Keanu Reeves was spot on, adding a great deal of beauty to the entire film. Although in the end, she inevitably gets a bit panicky and is captured by the villains, that’s an issue with the script, not her…” Adrian stopped reading here, smiling at Blanchett.

“Thanks for their praise, I can do better,” Blanchett said a bit absentmindedly, in the tone she would use with reporters.

“Kate?” Adrian looked at her earnestly.

After a few seconds of silence, Blanchett sighed, “Do you really want me to make a move to Hollywood, Ed?”

“Of course, you’re brilliant, Kate, this is the proof,” Adrian said, waving the newspaper, “Do you remember what I told you back at the Sydney Opera House? I can’t think of any reason for you to refuse.”

Blanchett’s arms were crossed as she propped up her chin, her eyes looking at him but somewhat unfocused.

“You’d have more opportunities here than in Australia, a wider range of choices. You’ll be able to fully utilize your potential here,” Adrian persuaded gently, deliberately emphasizing a certain word.

Realizing something, Blanchett’s eyes brightened.

“I’ll consider it seriously, Ed,” she said, her reply vague, but her meaning was quite clear.

“Alright, then, can I invite you to join me at the premiere of ‘Forrest Gump’ next week, Kate?”

“It would be an honor.”

The premiere of ‘Forrest Gump’ was scheduled to be held in the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood, and frankly, the theater was more Thai-styled — apart from the two stone lions at the entrance — but considering it was built in the 1920s, and Grauman had never been to China, while his Chinese friend was born in Seattle, it’s not surprising that it turned out this way.

Thanks to effective promotion and the banner of a new work by the Miracle Director, the film not only attracted the attention of many media outlets but also a lot of big shots at the premiere. Renowned actors, directors, producers, and executives from major film companies were all there, such an assembly was only seen at big-budget company productions or at an event hosted by Adrian.

“That’s not fair to say, you know I did that on purpose, and it has absolutely nothing to do with hearing ‘my voice and thinking of someone with mild mental retardation.’ I could sue you, Ed, I could sue you for defamation,” Tom Hanks half-jokingly pointed at Adrian as he spoke.

“I never said that; I just said that hearing your voice makes people think of Forrest Gump. If there is defamation, it should be you defaming Forrest Gump, right, Tommy?” Adrian portrayed an innocent look, which immediately made the two ladies beside him burst into laughter.

“But Tommy’s voice is indeed very good, otherwise, John and the others wouldn’t think of having you voice Woody, which is quite in keeping with the character,” he quickly added.

Hanks shook his head helplessly and had to change the subject himself, “That’s a fine animated movie.”

“Indeed, I bet Elizabeth and the others will love it, especially since it’s their own father doing the voiceover,” Adrian didn’t dwell on the previous topic and followed along with what Hanks had said.

After exchanging a few more words and with a subtle hint from his wife Rita Wilson, Hanks then took his leave, “Well, we’ll talk more later, Ed. Rita and I have some other things to do.”

“Go ahead, don’t mind me,” Adrian nodded and then saw Hanks glance at the girl beside him, giving Adrian a somewhat meaningful look.

No wonder, the woman Hanks had seen the most and who seemed closest to Adrian was Julia, and although he had heard of Adrian’s playboy reputation, he still subconsciously thought of her as his official girlfriend. Even though Hanks himself had been quite the ladies’ man in his youth and had even been married twice, he was quite disciplined once he had settled on an official girlfriend. So as a friend, he felt it might be best to give Adrian a little reminder.

After giving a “I know my limits, thanks” look, Adrian watched Hanks leave with his wife before turning his attention back to the charming lady at his side. Her golden hair was neatly coiled atop her head, her hazel eyes sparkling, her graceful swan-like neck was uncovered, and she was wearing a black sleeveless gown with a cutout in the shape of an exclamation mark at the chest. Although there was no cleavage squeezed out, the hint of skin was still tempting, exuding a sexy and yet elegant aura.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t Kate Blanchett. Ironically, when Blanchett had visited the villa to see Adrian, she hadn’t done anything overly affectionate, at most kissing his cheek, but by the next day, she began to run a low fever, lying weakly in bed all day, which turned out to be more serious than Adrian’s condition.

As for Charlize, the secretary-assistant who also doubled as a half-nanny and half-housekeeper, she was in far more contact with Adrian and yet hadn’t ended up in bed, proving Blanchett’s luck was indeed quite terrible.

Given her condition, bedridden in a hotel, she certainly wouldn’t be able to attend the premiere of “Forrest Gump” that weekend, so Adrian had to find someone else. Now by his side was Gwyneth, who had a presence just as gracefully impressive as Blanchett’s.

“Let’s go over there,” after chatting with a few acquaintances while clutching Gwyneth’s arm, Adrian suggested.

“Sure,” Gwyneth replied with a smile, hugging his arm even tighter, seizing the opportunity well.

The minds of women are always hard to read, always seeming to be in a state of contradiction, Kate was so, Charlize was so, and Blanchett was so. Even Adrian, who always seemed to have it easy, wouldn’t dare claim he fully understood them. However, as long as you grasp the basics, there’s no fear of any problems, like with Gwyneth now by his side.

“Ha, so here you are, Ed, no wonder I couldn’t find you anywhere,” a familiar voice reached their ears as Adrian and Gwyneth cozied up in a quiet spot at the bar, flirting.

“Hi, Steven, really sorry, I haven’t seen you either, hope you’re not mad,” Adrian immediately responded with a smile and a handshake, while Gwyneth was delighted to give him a hug, “So good to see you, Godfather.”

No one but Steven Spielberg could elicit such a reaction from her. As one of the Three Giants of DreamWorks, David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg hadn’t much rapport with Adrian, so naturally, it was Spielberg who attended the premiere.

“I’m not angry; I know why you couldn’t see me,” Spielberg said jokingly, then appraised his goddaughter with an admiring gaze. Gwyneth immediately shrank behind Adrian, looking somewhat shy.

“Could you get us two glasses of champagne, dear?” Adrian said, comforting her with a gentle pat on the back.

“No problem.” Gwyneth, knowing they had things to discuss, nodded and turned to walk towards the other end of the bar.

After she walked away, Spielberg withdrew his gaze and sighed at Adrian, “Be good to her, Ed. I know young people always like to do things their own way and prove themselves. I can’t stop that, but… Gwyneth can be very naive and innocent at times. She’s a good girl.”

“I know, Steven,” Adrian nodded, trying to appear very sincere, “Gwyneth is really beautiful and has an unmatched quality that many actresses don’t possess. I like her a lot. I’ve prepared a few suitable roles for her. I believe she will carve out her unique position in Hollywood.”

Spielberg didn’t say anything but looked at Adrian for a long while before sighing again, “To be honest, standing in front of you, I suddenly feel an illusion that I’m very old. Hollywood seems to be the world of you young people now.”

“That’s impossible,” Adrian laughed out loud, “You’re not even 50 years old, far from old, Steven. You have plenty of time to etch your name in the annals of film history.”

He knew why the other man felt this way. Just three years ago, he was a rookie director who had to courteously invite Spielberg to produce a movie in his office. But three years later, he had become a big shot, on an equal footing with himself and even the top echelons of major film companies. If it weren’t for the fact that he didn’t have a film company that could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Seven Major Film Companies, and the rapid development still needing a solid foundation, he might have already been someone Spielberg would have to look up to.

Spielberg had seen many talented and capable young people in Hollywood. But there was only one like Adrian, who not only had talent and ability but also a Midas touch. He had captured immense power in a short time. No wonder so many people flocked to him.

“What are you guys talking about?” Gwyneth said, returning with three glasses of champagne.

“Nothing much, just some film stuff,” Adrian replied.

“I was just about to ask Ed if he had any good scripts to recommend,” Spielberg said instead.

“It didn’t seem like that’s what you were talking about,” Adrian said, looking at him with some surprise.

“Of course, if I had started with that, who knows if you, having been wrangled by people from Fox, Warner, and Universal, would have chased me away,” Spielberg joked again.

Adrian simply shrugged. It was true that because of his movies that year, many producers wanted to get some benefit from him, with Fox, Warner, and Universal being the most enthusiastic, having bugged him all evening.

“Ed definitely has good scripts. His mind is full of endless ideas,” Gwyneth immediately interjected, wrapping her arm around his affectionately and giving his arm an imperceptible coaxing shake.

Adrian gave her a playful glance and then pinched his chin, “All right, give me a few minutes to think.”

Although DreamWorks had made a big splash, it was essentially a blank slate with nothing impressive to show for it, so Spielberg was hoping that his ace screenwriter, Miracle Director, and Gold medal producer could help out.

Adrian had no reason not to help. Since he chose DreamWorks as his shield, it naturally had to stand as long as possible. Besides, he had shares in it. The question was which one to choose…

(To be continued… For more information, please visit www.NovelFire.net. More chapters are available, support the author, support genuine reading!)