King of Hollywood
Chapter 320 - Chapter 320 Chapter 47 New Movie Starts Filming

Chapter 320: Chapter 47: New Movie Starts Filming Chapter 320: Chapter 47: New Movie Starts Filming On February 2, 1995, Adrian set foot on the Scottish Highlands with the “Braveheart” crew, intending to shoot the film in two months. This was no easy task, as the vast majority of scenes in “Braveheart” were outdoors, including large-scale battle scenes involving two opposing armies–two months was indeed a tight squeeze.

However, Adrian had his own sources of confidence. First, he had allocated sufficient time for preparation; teams he sent out had traversed the whole of Britain, selecting numerous castles and scenic locations for filming, and under the guidance of historians, they crafted an abundance of era-appropriate props and garments. Of course, this was not without controversy–one historian had raised objections to the use of Scottish kilts, as the Scots of that era did not have the tradition of wearing kilts. But considering the need to distinguish Scots from Englishmen in the film, Adrian insisted on retaining the kilts.

Second, he was very familiar with this film, having conducted a thorough analysis of it in his previous life, and he also had a solid foundation as a director–even if just a minor one–and over the years, he acquired a deeper understanding by continuously replicating classic movies. Therefore, as long as there were no major modifications to the plot, completing the shoot in two months was not impossible.

In doing such things, truly smart people would ensure the plot remained unchanged. After all, even the same director, unaware, might make a film that diverges wildly from the original–even Spielberg had his moments of not grasping the audience’s tastes. Oh yes, you think this change is better, you’ve integrated future reviews, you can make the movie more exciting, but don’t forget, this is just your idea, and your idea does not represent the thoughts of the American people!

Perhaps such changes would indeed be more exciting, but they also posed a greater risk of failure. People’s levels of appreciation change over time; “Braveheart” might get an Oscar nomination if released a decade later, but winning would be nearly impossible. Where lies the advantage of the reborn? It lies in knowing what is profitable and what is popular; isn’t avoiding strengths and embracing weaknesses plain stupidity?

Even Adrian, knowing what style made “Sex and the City” popular, relied on careful collaboration when making adjustments to the first season. Those who arrogantly changed the plot likely belonged to the realm of legends, claiming “If I say this change will be popular, it will be popular” with a protagonist’s halo.

Right, back to the main point. Adrian harbored these optimistic thoughts, but God didn’t seem inclined to make things that easy for him. On the third day of his arrival in a small Scottish town called Gretna, just as he adjusted to the time difference, took care of matters, and was ready to start filming, all of Britain began to be blanketed by snow.

“This is absurd, the weather forecast said this was the warmest winter in the history of the United Kingdom and it wouldn’t snow for the next two weeks,” Adrian said, frustrated, looking through the window at the snowflakes outside in the hotel room he had booked.

The snow wasn’t heavy, but it was enough to affect filming. He was aware that February was the coldest time in the UK and that starting the shoot would definitely be impacted, but this year he had two films to produce, so his time was not particularly plentiful.

If weather forecasts were to be believed, then what in the world couldn’t be believed?” someone quipped, eliciting a round of low laughter in the room.

“You should feel lucky; at least the snow didn’t start falling right as the set was ready and you were about to call ‘action’!” Another female voice chimed in before Adrian could turn around and retort, speaking in an unusually casual and teasing tone. It could only be his beautiful secretary.

“Alright, thinking about it that way is somewhat comforting,” he said, after looking at Charlize for a few seconds, and then waved his hand to the other people he had summoned: “Let’s go with the backup plan.”

As producer and director Adrian spoke, the heads of departments didn’t say much else and immediately got up to prepare to head out. As soon as they opened the door, they heard a “Whoa” of surprise, and then a little fellow rolled in.

“Emma?!” Adrian looked at the little girl who had managed to stand up with the help of others, both amused and annoyed.

“I was just passing by, I promise!” Emma said in a fluster, patting her body and puffing out her chest, trying hard to look like she definitely had not been eavesdropping against the door.

“Alright, you little rascal.” Adrian approached her, laughing with the others, and patted her on the head before turning to Charli, “Take Emma back to get ready, Charli. We might head back to London this afternoon.”

“Going back? Why?” The little rascal looked up, surprised, “We’ve only been here a few days.”

“Because it’s snowing, and our work has been forced to a halt, so we need to go back,” Adrian explained, pinching her cheek. “Don’t forget what you promised me, Emma.”

“Okay, okay, I know,” the little girl pouted, clearly unhappy. After glancing at Charli who had come over, she asked, “Why can’t you help me pack, Ed?”

“Because I have other things to do,” Adrian replied patiently. “Will you be good, Emma?”

“I’m always good.” Emma took Charli’s hand on her own initiative, but her pouting mouth stayed stubbornly turned down.

Charli gave a “you see?” shrug, and Adrian smiled back, bowing slightly in a ‘please’ gesture before the two of them finally left. Once the door of the room closed, Adrian let out a long sigh.

How could he come to England without stopping by Emma’s house to bring her along? Otherwise, if the little rascal found out later, she would definitely be in a mood for a good long time. So, after Emma swore she would be on her best behavior and not cause any trouble, Adrian took her to the film set. The Rodlins had no objections; after all, this had become a routine, and their focus was, understandably, a bit more on their own child.

Well, since he would probably be delayed in London for a day or two, he might as well spend some time with the little girl as a form of compensation, since there weren’t any other visits to make for the time being. Adrian had originally planned to take this opportunity to go to Edinburgh to see J.K. Rowling again, but on second thought, he didn’t need to be overly close just yet. After all, the first book was finished, Rowling was making final revisions, and it would be published by the end of the summer at the latest. So, he could put off that visit for later.

Standing by the window, Adrian looked out at the falling snow once more and couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. Thinking of visiting Rachel Weisz, the Cambridge University-educated talent, who seemed to be avoiding him at the moment, crossed his mind. Last year, after accepting the lead female role in “Small Time Crooks” in Prague, she returned to London immediately and only came to Los Angeles when the film was about to start shooting. Adrian had visited the set twice, but she avoided him each time. She went back to London the day after filming and then returned a week later to reshoot several scenes.

She would occasionally answer Adrian’s phone calls, but they hardly exchanged a few words before she hung up, her voice always carrying a hint of uncertainty. This time, Adrian had intended to seize the opportunity of the filming to visit her, but after a phone call, he arrived in London only to find out she had gone to Los Angeles for a suitable role offered by her American agent.

An interesting woman, Adrian mused, stroking his chin. Did he not know about her roles in the States? But this gave him a rough idea of some deeper issues. This lovely, beautiful, and highly intellectual woman was curious and somewhat masochistic at the same time. He thought about how the two of them ended up in bed together those two times.

In fact, every woman harbors some curiosity and masochistic awareness, otherwise, why would men who seem mysterious and unfathomable be more attractive to women? As for masochism, if it did not exist, how could these women stay by his side knowing what they know, feeling pain yet pleasure, which is an indelible stimulation for an emotional woman.

However, it’s rare to find a woman like Rachel, who clearly distinguishes her curiosity and masochistic consciousness, yet they intertwine inseparably, and who hides them deeply, yet is easily tapped into by someone like Adrian. Hence, his interest in her is quite intense. Avoidance, is it? No matter, since she had already agreed to play the role of the female president’s spokesperson in “Independence Day,” it meant that she was still following his arrangements step by step. As long as it continued like this, she would sooner or later be fully in his grasp, unable to escape.

If English women had the scholarly qualities like her… Adrian chuckled and shook his head at the thought. Ordinary women share the same mediocrity, while beautiful women each have their own distinct beauty, just like Kate, just like… the woman he had met at Cindy Crawford’s party that night.

Adrian did not talk with Catherine Zetajones for too long; Cindy soon came over and, after saying a few words affectionately in front of Zetajones, she immediately excused herself and left. Although he saw the fleeting disappointment in Zetajones’ eyes, he did not intend to make contact with her now. Memories might lack a search engine, but stimulations could still trigger some recollection, such as keywords or a person.

In his conversation with Zetajones, Adrian had vaguely recalled some key things. So, if he wanted more, it was better to keep her hanging for a bit longer–playing hard to get was always an effective strategy. Hence, after Cindy approached him, he took her and left without hesitation.

“Oh… Ed… tell me… oh… were you just eyeing that woman?” Cindy, who immediately endured his thrusts in the room, asked loudly and excitedly while screaming unrestrained.

“How could that be, right now I only want you, the enchanting Cindy,” denied Adrian, increasing his intensity.

“I just… don’t believe you… oh!” Cindy, attempting to tease further, was subsequently subjected to an even more ruthless punishment.

Almost on the same evening he made the decision, Adrian returned to London with Charlize, Emma, and the main crew members. However, the props team and others were still in a small town in Scotland, and it would take at least two more days for them to return.

Since the production was scheduled to start in February, Adrian naturally considered the current situation and prepared strategies–for instance, he had built part of the forest set for filming in a rented soundstage in London earlier. Although the constructed forest lacked some of the vitality of a real one, for close-up shots, with the aid of lighting, angles, and editing, the final effect wouldn’t be much different from filming on location.

Besides, the film itself had quite a few interior shots, such as Isabelle’s wedding to Edward II, Wallace’s negotiations with the Scottish nobility, or the discussions between Robert Bruce and his father. While many classical castles had granted the crew entry to film, they could not shoot the interiors. These castles were essentially national heritage sites in Britain, requiring permission even to move a tile, let alone to transport and position filming equipment.

“Your emotions need to be more intense. You have just been granted the title of Lord Protector, which means you will have greater influence in Scotland, and Scotland will take a significant step toward true independence. Yet these nobles are squabbling over petty profits, which is undoubtedly infuriating. The interweaving of the two emotions results in a feeling much stronger than that triggered by a single emotion, do you understand?” In the old and slightly dilapidated great hall, Adrian explained this to the leading man.

“Yes, sir, I understand,” the man replied, nodding his head with a respectful expression.

The man was tall and well-built, appearing to be in his early thirties. Although his six-foot stature was slightly shorter than Adrian’s, he carried himself with a commanding presence, particularly with his long hair worn loose in the style of the character and his somewhat grubby leather armor and cloth robe. He exuded the savage yet formidable vibe that perfectly matched the depiction of Wallace.

“Don’t keep saying ‘I understand,’ Russell! What I need is for you to truly understand, not just say you do verbally, and then become confused again when filming starts,” Adrian said uncompromisingly.

“I know what this feels like,” Russell said earnestly. “When I was in high school, I formed a band with some classmates. After some effort, we finally landed a gig at a bar, but just after one night of singing, we split up due to conflicts over interests. Relationships that were once not bad were ruined, and we were terminated by the bar before our contract ended. I’ve always remembered this, and although I’m no longer angry, I still remember that feeling.”

Adrian looked at him for a while and then patted his shoulder, “Good, don’t let me down.”

Then he waved to the middle-aged actor who had shaved his head for the film, standing in the distance, “Will, get ready to elevate Russell again, everyone else, take your positions, we’re going to start again soon.”

Russell Crowe was the actor Adrian brought in to replace Mel Gibson for the role of Wallace. This Australian was already thirty years old and had only started appearing in movies in the ’90s. He had been fluctuating in Hollywood, and although he had a few notable roles, he had always hovered around the second tier.

Therefore, when he received an invitation from Adrian, he agreed without hesitation. In today’s Hollywood, not to mention a second-tier actor like him, even the big-name superstars hoped for an invitation from the Miracle Director.

As exaggerated as this might sound, it was an undeniable fact. Adrian’s allure came from two aspects. Firstly, it needs hardly be mentioned, who amongst those who had won the Best Male and Female Oscars over the last two ceremonies wasn’t connected to him? Moreover, the movies he chose were either box office hits or critically acclaimed — and last year’s “Forrest Gump” was no exception, becoming an Oscar favorite.

As for the second point, the most crucial one, every actor he handpicked without exception achieved success. John Travolta and Julia Roberts emerged from their career lows thanks to him; Dennis Knight and Will Smith rose to fame; even Monica Bellucci, who wasn’t particularly known for her acting skills, became a much-sought-after actress. Tom Hanks saw the possibility of winning the Best Actor Oscar two years in a row because of him.

Thus, it was rumored within the industry that he had a Midas touch. Once he chose someone for a role, they either became a box office success or received critical acclaim. Under such circumstances, all actors would be restless — no, not just actors, but new directors and producers also hoped for an invitation from Adrian one day. Jean de Bont, Michael Bay, and Jerry Bruckheimer were living examples of this.

So, Russell not only agreed immediately but also took his preparation very seriously. He diligently researched William Wallace and Robert Bruce — the Scottish noble who inherits Wallace’s legacy at the movie’s end — contrasting his findings with the character in the script, and continually sought advice from Adrian in a respectful and genuine manner.

Therefore, the last bit of doubt in Adrian’s heart was also dispelled. Generally speaking, when he picked someone, it meant there were many more opportunities ahead for them. However, there was one thing about Russell Crowe he did not like, for the man shared certain similarities with him. Whether men or women, no one tends to like another person similar to themselves, let alone…

But Adrian was not narrow-minded. Crowe’s humility showed he had decent discernment. As long as he maintained this discernment, Adrian didn’t mind giving him the honor he deserved early on. Of course, if Crowe couldn’t maintain it, Adrian wouldn’t mind bringing about his downfall either. After all, there were not a few who had changed their fates because of him — particularly those who might have shone brightly but were at risk of fading into obscurity. Adding one more to that list wouldn’t make a difference.

Clap! With the clapperboard coming down in the hands of the script supervisor, the camera started rolling again. Wallace, kneeling in the center, was about to be knighted. Apart from the protagonists, most of the actors were from Britain, such as Angus, who played Robert, and Will, who was performing the ceremony for Russell, among others. Thanks to “Howards End,” shot in ’92, Adrian had met quite a few British actors. Their acting was not bad, their fees relatively cheap, and historically appropriate — it would be a waste not to use them. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote for it on with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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