King of Hollywood Chapter 880: 286: The Final Step?

Chapter 880: Chapter 286: The Final Step?

“This is a great script.” Facing Adrian’s inquiry, Haggis replied with this sentence and then showed a hesitant expression.

His mind involuntarily recalled the situation on Oscar Night. Shortly after the party had started, Adrian ca over to greet him and congratulated him on winning Best Picture, which made him feel sowhat flattered. After a few words, the other party talked about sothing, ntioning that he had a similar concept, which caused a slight disdain to rise in Haggis’s heart. It seed that the Miracle Director was telling him that it wasn’t his fault “Brokeback Mountain” didn’t win Best Picture.

However, the conversation took a turn, and the other party asked if he was willing to direct this film next.

“Your ‘Crash’ is excellent both in direction and production, so I think handling a similar type of film would be very suitable for you.” Adrian said at the ti, with a very sincere tone, which quickly made Haggis abandon the slight disdain he felt earlier and beco sowhat ashad.

However, he did not agree imdiately, as after all, he was not familiar with the Miracle Director at all. Unexpectedly, after the Oscars, the other party quickly sent the outline and many details to his hand, and after seeing them, he beca interested. After careful consideration, Haggis finally called Adrian and set up a eting, but when he faced his inquiry…

“This is a great script,” Haggis repeated once again, “Just like the title of the script suggests, God gave us various languages, making smooth communication impossible, and hence scenes of cold human emotions, racial conflicts, and value conflicts all start playing out. However, forcing together stories from different regions like this isn’t an easy thing to do—it’s like traveling around the world.”

“That’s where you co in, Paul,” Adrian laughed, “Not many people can be nominated for both Best Original and Best Adapted Screenplay and win one of them, while also having their directed work win Best Picture. No doubt, you are one of the finest in this business, so why not give it a try?”

Besides the screenplay for “Crash,” the screenplay for Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” was also Haggis’s work, so these words were very appreciated by him. No matter what, sitting in front of him was one of Hollywood’s few dia moguls who could both write and direct, so being praised by soone like Adrian would feel like an honor to anyone.

Frankly speaking, Haggis indeed wanted to try it. After all, both the type and structure were quite similar to “Crash,” so it would probably be even easier to handle in production. But this was also one of his concerns, as although “Crash” won Best Picture, it was not awarded to him. If possible, he would prefer to win Best Director, but would the sa subject matter be appreciated at the Oscars?

Moreover, it involved the correctness of anti-terrorism policies, and Haggis didn’t want to be too entangled with politics. From the clever setup in “Crash,” which danced on a tightrope, it could be seen that he was soone who liked taking risks but not too excessively. Then again, he wasn’t familiar with Adrian and couldn’t be sure what kind of support he would get, all of which made him hesitate.

“I know what you’re worried about, Paul,” Adrian laughed at this mont, “How about this: you first try to write the script based on the outline and details. I won’t interfere too much, and any opinions will be discussed with you. Once the first draft is completed, we will discuss the next steps together, okay?”

Haggis thought carefully for a mont and finally nodded, “No problem.”

Although he didn’t get an imdiate agreent, Adrian didn’t mind too much. As long as he agreed to write the script, there would naturally be people persuading him to take charge of the production. By then, showing so sincerity would ensure Haggis’s consent.

Actually, hiring other directors wouldn’t be impossible either. If not for various reasons—such as a similar type of film already having “Crash” as a precedent—Adrian might have tried it himself. But Haggis was more experienced, and even if no similar script appeared currently, Adrian had people keeping an eye on that side, but who knows what changes might occur later, so it was better to produce it sooner rather than later.

Adrian had also found suitable actors, letting the Knight couple play a married couple again. After all, Blanchett had many well-known works, and she wouldn’t lack this one. That Japanese girl would, of course, be played by Yukie, and by the way…

March passed like this, and in April, so new films were released. During this off-season of off-seasons, films with a relatively heavier taste were brought out, such as “The Amityville Horror,” where the cute Chloe Moretz played an important role for the first ti. Adrian wanted to delay this film’s release because this year, Small Emma had another work focused on warmth and youthful emotions, in which Chloe played her young self. So if there was such a horror film in the forefront, no one knew what kind of chemical reaction it might cause.

Though, thinking about it later, he decided to let it be. Even if postponed, it couldn’t be delayed for too long, and although Small Emma’s film had been scheduled post-sumr vacation, the exact timing wasn’t fully set. Delaying it could impact the horror film. Besides, Adrian had seen the trailers, and Chloe appeared adorable in the movie starring Small Emma. Her part in “The Amityville Horror” wasn’t particularly large, so there shouldn’t be much reaction even if there was any.

Besides “The Amityville Horror,” another notable film in this off-season of off-seasons was “Sin City,” featuring Jessica.

This uniquely styled work by Frank Miller finally hit the big screen. Although soone was still happily doing video tape rental work, Robert Rodriguez remained. In fact, the original “Sin City” was entirely handled by Rodriguez, with the video tape rental manager only helping with part of the funding. But now with Adrian, that issue was no longer a concern.

To ntion it, Frank Miller is an interesting old fellow, having drawn Batman at DC and Elektra at Marvel, and after going solo, he created “Sin City.” In the future, he’ll have “300 Red Underpants.” Although he always claid he wanted to prevent his works from being made into images, with a slight persuasion from Rodriguez—well, not just slight persuasion, but with sincerity, he gave up on his insistence.

Hence, this version of “Sin City” wasn’t much different from the original, still carrying a strong cult film style. Jessica’s dancer was exceptionally dazzling. Adrian initially wanted to recomnd a role for gan as well, to completely pair her up with Jessica, but unfortunately had to give it up due to her unexpectedly growing belly. However, Yukie also got a role in it, so it wasn’t bad.

Most critics praised it highly, and even though so scenes were overly comic-like, the black and white interspersed style was very distinctive. Although it might be less interesting watching it multiple tis, it was inevitably stunning the first ti. Of course, Jessica also took a solid step towards becoming a sex symbol, and with “Transforrs” set for the sumr slot, her and gan’s steps were increasingly in sync.

However, the biggest event in April was not the release of these films, nor the post-production of new works working overti, but… Claude officially got married.

Helen llon was not pregnant, so Claude’s wedding was unlike Victor’s sowhat rushed one, being quite formal, with many guests, either rich or noble, all from this echelon. Surprisingly, Uncle Anderson also ca from New York, which gave Adrian a little shock. At least in the last ten years, this stern uncle had traveled outside very little.

Undoubtedly, he was once again caught to be a groomsman, and likewise, his life was constantly talked about by the elders of a higher generation—as it seems, no matter where, the old folks have an unusual passion for discussing the younger generation’s marriage.

“You can’t keep going on like this, Ed. There are many outstanding young won here,” the Godfather said.

“It’s okay for young people to be a little fickle, but not all the ti,” an elder said.

“You know, Ed, many people want to marry their daughters to you,” another elder said.

“Look, both Crow and I are married now. Do you really want to wander outside on your own?” This was what Victor said. As for Claude, being the groom, he was very busy today.

Interestingly, stern Uncle Anderson said nothing, and when soone brought this topic up, he just grunted to show he knew.

“Clearly, he has completely given up on you, knowing you won’t change yourself.” Claude laughed teasingly after the busy mont, and of course, Adrian promptly rolled his eyes at him.

“Alright, alright, we all actually know, given your current situation, it’s indeed difficult to make a choice, although… this was your intention all along.” Claude raised his hands, not giving Adrian a chance, “By the way, how are the little ones doing? You didn’t bring a woman, but at least you could bring them to watch, right? Plus, they’d be perfect as my flower girl.”

“Oh, co on, you know ever since Lily started the trend of wanting to visit dad’s office, every one of them has been clamoring to go. God knows it’s a place for work.” Adrian began to complain bitterly.

“You know it’s a place for work.” Claude muttered instinctively, luckily Adrian didn’t hear, “If I bring them to the wedding, God knows if they’ll fuss to continue attending afterward.”

“Isn’t that perfect? One ti with each of your won.” Victor cut in.

“If you organize it for , I have no objections.” Adrian imdiately retorted.

“Alright, guys, let’s change the topic.” Claude quickly diverted the conversation, then leaned over to Adrian’s ear as he rembered sothing, “I’m worried, Ed, co here alone; you won’t have a repeat of the situation at Victor’s wedding, will you?”

Adrian raised his eyebrows in surprise, then laughed and finally patted his chest loudly, “Relax, absolutely not, I promise.”

Well, Claude’s concern was not unwarranted. As he said, Adrian didn’t bring a date today. It’s not that he didn’t want to, but in occasions like this, no matter who he brings, the others won’t be satisfied, much like that damn Valentine’s Day every year, so he might as well avoid it. Not only that, he didn’t even bring his daughters, despite Lily rallying Deva and the others to protest together, and he found a suitable reason: although most wedding guests usually have good manners, God knows if there isn’t a fool among them, and Adrian is quite protective, causing a scene would be hard to handle.

But doing so made it very convenient for him to do certain things, think about the happenings at Victor’s wedding, twice even, and the parties involved are attending today’s wedding too, no wonder Claude warned him.

However, if I can’t make a move at the wedding, there shouldn’t be any issues after the wedding, right? And so, another girl from the Hearst family was whisked away by him, Lydia Hearst’s cousin, Amanda Hearst, together with Lydia.

Though Lydia played an active role, Amanda’s willingness was also a reason. Back at Victor’s wedding, Adrian had a good chat with her; if Lydia hadn’t intervened midway and whisked him away with her seemingly low-key yet bold manner, Amanda would’ve already been involved.

Of course, Amanda was inevitably upset at the ti, but they both knew it was just fun between them, so didn’t mind upon eting again, and cheerfully joined Lydia for a threeso with Adrian, just like the Hilton sisters.

Honestly, if possible, Adrian would love to get both pairs of sisters into bed together for so fun—the Hilton sisters’ reality show still maintains so ratings on ABC, and occasionally they also join Adrian for a threeso.

Of course, it’s unlikely this would happen, as the Hearst family and the Hilton family’s connection isn’t considered close, and the Hearst sisters and Hilton sisters are rely acquaintances, to get them all onto one bed would require a lot of ti and effort. Previously, Adrian had the leisure for this, but now he doesn’t, so it’s just playful fun for now, after all, the long-term conditioning finally paid off.

The room’s door opened, and Anne Hathaway walked in. She headed straight to the dressing mirror, staring at herself for a good while, then quickly began undressing. She wasn’t wearing much, just a white t-shirt and a purple silk jacket, paired with dark pants and flat shoes, a typical girl-next-door outfit, so she was soon completely naked.

Then, she took a sowhat long black won’s suit from a nearby cabinet, which reached down to her thigh root, and wore it just like that, without any undergarnts, followed by putting on a pair of high heels of the sa color. After dressing up, she posed in front of the mirror, adjusted her hair, and began practicing her grin.

Her mouth corners initially twisted awkwardly as if forced upward, but after a few attempts, it flowed smoothly, as she continually took deep breaths, letting her eyes go hazy, as if in self-hypnosis. Eventually, her mouth edges turned upward to a perfect curve, making her smile both captivating and non-disruptive to her features, yet there was an indescribable sense within her smile… sowhat like obtaining the dazedness from smoking too much Cannabis.

Next, Anne took the last item from the cabinet, a choker matching the won’s suit and heels in color, and wrapped it around her neck properly, then twisted her body and walked out.

She soon arrived downstairs, the villa was quiet, without any extra people, and in the pathway leading to the garden, Adrian was standing there making a call. Upon seeing Anne approach, he rely nodded. Anne didn’t speak either, just stood there waiting as her smile turned more and more servile.

Soon, Adrian finished his call, then pulled out a leash, fastening one end to Anne’s collar, and lead her out without turning back.

It must be admitted, walking a dog is quite a troubleso task, even though watching “it” joyfully run around and cheerfully bark can be entertaining, one still needs to mind “its” knees. Also, make sure “it” urinates under the designated tree, provide “it” with milk, have “it” lie quietly by the feet licking, and throw things out for “it” to fetch with its mouth, rembering to deliver a soft kick as a reward when “it” rubs affectionately against the legs.

Of course, when being naughty, one must deliver a lash on “its” backside, teaching “it” a lesson, while controlling the tail from wagging too hard, or else “its” energy could run out quickly, collapsing on the ground in exhaustion.

Once everything is perfectly done, “it” can be rewarded with a banana to savor; a well-behaved dog can bring a lot of joy.

Thus, ti moved into May, and movie releases started becoming lively again. As the preface to the sumr blockbusters season, the early May period has always been a touchstone for many movie companies, and “13 Going On 30,” starring Gwyneth in a role Adrian specially reserved for her, was released at the beginning of May.

After winning Best Actress, Gwyneth started getting lazy; the script was out in 2003 already, had Adrian not swiftly acquired it, it might have fallen into another movie company’s hands. Yet she didn’t want this role because she wanted more rest, hence Adrian tead up with Blanchett and Liv to properly “deal” with her in bed.

Even then, she ended up delaying filming till last year, which is why it’s only coming out this year; otherwise, it should have been released last year.

Alright, let’s not discuss that further. Adrian’s movie made in Europe last year, with the assistance of Claude and Victor keeping things under wraps, finally completed post-production in early May. This allowed him a great sigh of relief, and the style, technique, similar to “Crash,” “Babel,” was also accepted by Haggis without surprise, while expressing no objection to Dennis and Aniston starring as the leads, and wholly supporting Yukie as the muted Japanese woman—of course, the plot was discussed thoroughly between them.

Likewise, though the pre-production efficiency of the movie for Natalie was low, having a minor expenditure in all aspects, its preparation was almost complete, hence, what he needed to do now was push forward the final step of the plan.

The 58th Cannes Film Festival is about to arrive. (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to vote for recomndations and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian). Your support is my greatest motivation.)