webnovel
avataravatar

Chapter 496: Key Points in Cannes

As Cannes didn't have an airport, the crew for the film festival had to disembark at Nice and drive to Cannes.

Martin emerged from the airport, joining Mene and Bruce in the awaiting car. Just as they were about to leave the parking lot, his phone buzzed with Nicholson calling from Los Angeles.

"Made it to France yet? I've got something for you to handle," Nicholson said, timing his call. "The crew from 'The Burning Plain' is hitting Cannes, and Jennifer Lawrence is in the mix. If she runs into any snags, she's supposed to reach out to you."

Martin, ever loyal, replied, "For any little hiccup, your sweetheart's in my hands."

Nicholson's words turned sharp, "I asked you to handle it, you scoundrel, not to watch over the bed!"

This got Martin fired up, "Old man, is that what you think of me?" He shot back, "Go ask around in Los Angeles and Atlanta, who doesn't know Brother Martin Davis and his loyalty!"

Nicholson's laughter filled the line, "Just wanted to check in, everything will be fine."

Call ended, Martin seethed with anger.

Mene frowned, trying to place the film "Burning Plains."

Martin was clueless, "Sounds like an arthouse flick."

Bruce chimed in, "Our neighbor, Charlize Theron, stars in it."

Martin nodded knowingly, "A victim of the Oscar curse. Wins Best Actress, tries a big blockbuster like Julia Roberts, tanks at the box office, back to arthouse films."

Mene queried, "Boss, does the Oscar curse affect only actresses?"

"Absolutely," Martin replied nonchalantly, "Most male Oscar winners reach greater heights in their careers. Some might have bad luck, but far fewer than actresses."

Arriving at Cannes, they checked into the Five Oceans Hotel, just a stone's throw from the Palais des Festivals and Corniche Beach. During the festival, it's always fully booked.

Warner Pictures and Paramount Pictures weren't vying for Best Actress, so Cate Blanchett would arrive later, unlike Martin and David Fincher.

Each of the major European film festivals had their own unspoken rules, with the jury heads holding significant power in the award selection process.

For instance, Isabelle Adjani, leading a jury, once clashed with its members to secure awards for her favored director and film, earning herself a contentious Palme d'Or.

Such scenarios weren't rare at these festivals; disputes arose wherever people gathered.

After checking in, Martin, David Fincher, and producer Kathleen Kennedy rested briefly before meeting Henry, the French production manager, in the conference room they'd reserved.

Melanie, the Cannes PR manager hired by the crew, awaited them there.

She extended a handshake to each of them before instructing her assistant to activate the projection screen. Stepping forward at the head of the conference table, she announced, "Everyone, there's been a change in circumstances."

Martin's gaze fixed on the projection screen, which now showcased the roster of this year's jury.

Melanie informed them, "Due to internal issues within the festival committee, this year's jury announcement faced a one-week delay. Isabelle Huppert remains the jury chair, joined by Li Cangdong, James Gray, Elsa Argento, John Travolta..."

Kathleen Kennedy remarked, "Both Hollywood reps. I can handle James Gray."

Martin interjected, "Li Cangdong is Korean, and I have a solution for that."

David Fincher admitted, "I'm a filmmaker, not an expert in building connections, especially with them."

Melanie, focusing on Fincher, switched on the laser pointer, emphasizing, "The jury chair's opinion reigns supreme. Convincing Isabelle significantly boosts our chances."

This was common knowledge.

With Isabelle Huppert's favor and support from a couple of judges, their film would surely bag a prestigious award.

The selection process at the European film festivals was more transparent than the Oscars.

Melanie, well-versed in Cannes PR, had already begun her research. "Huppert might seem affable, but she's fiercely stubborn, even ruthless. Secretly dubbed a fascist within the French industry. Once she decides, there's hardly any turning back. Quite akin to her arch-rival Adjani."

She stressed, "Dealing with her won't be easy. Thirty years separated from Adjani, dominating the '80s and early '90s. In France, there was only one Isabelle, and her prowess speaks volumes."

Two towering figures in the French film circle, the two Isabelles, akin to Sophie Marceau, weren't on the same level regarding status, talent, or accolades.

Martin recognized Melanie's narrative but stayed silent.

Kathleen Kennedy inquired, "Did Huppert have a Palme d'Or favorite prior to the festival?"

Melanie confirmed, "Among the competition entries, there's 'The White Ribbon,' directed by Michael Haneke."

David Fincher connected the dots, "Huppert's masterpiece, 'The Piano Teacher's' director."

Melanie continued, "Huppert claims Haneke as a mentor. Given the quality of 'The White Ribbon,' the Palme d'Or is all but assured." This wasn't an unprecedented occurrence, and both Kennedy and Fincher seemed accepting.

Martin sighed internally. Before Cannes even began, a certain movie had already secured the share of the Palme d'Or.

Melanie, the external PR manager, aimed to secure a significant award for the crew, ensuring her team's reputation and earnings for the upcoming year.

Of course, this was all based on reality.

She added, "First priority, in my view, should be Best Actor, followed by the Palme d'Or."

Kathleen Kennedy looked to David Fincher. Even at her level, Fincher's perspective mattered.

Fincher emphasized, "Our primary aim is to secure a significant award for the crew."

Melanie assured, "My team can liaise with Huppert and will strongly endorse Martin to her."

Kathleen Kennedy proposed, "Invite Huppert and a few judges for the film premiere."

As per festival regulations, once the festival commenced, except for the premiere, judges weren't permitted to privately engage with any competition film's cast members.

Melanie pledged, "I'll invite Huppert and at least three judges."

Kennedy recalled Martin's earlier remark and questioned him, "Can you handle the Korean representative?"

Martin nodded, "I'll reach out immediately." He pointed at the screen, "Is John Travolta still a member of the Church of Scientology?"

David Fincher, known for his filmmaking prowess, often felt constrained during these meetings at the film festival. So, when a question emerged, he seized the opportunity, stating, "John Travolta and Tom Cruise stand as Hollywood's prominent Church of Scientology members."

Martin chimed in, "I'm attempting to win over John Travolta's support."

Kathleen Kennedy felt reassured. If every actor displayed Martin's proactive approach, it would alleviate much stress for the production team and investors.

Exiting the meeting, Martin dialed Jessica to manage communication with the Korean side, receiving a swift positive response.

Next, he procured Tom Cruise's personal number and placed a call.

Martin hadn't anticipated needing Tom Cruise's favor so soon. Such favors grew less impactful with time, but the moment demanded it.

The call was promptly answered, "Hi, Martin."

Smiling, Martin began, "Tom, I need your help..."

---

As the Cannes Film Festival neared, the crew aimed for heavyweight awards, arriving early in Cannes.

One of the competing films was "Inglourious Basterds."

Harvey, a master in award strategies, set his sights on the dynamics between Isabelle Huppert, Michael Haneke, and "The White Ribbon." Aware of the daunting task for the Palme d'Or, he shifted focus to the Jury Prize and Best Actor.

On a serene evening, Harvey and Quentin knocked on a door together.

John Travolta welcomed them inside but swiftly warned, "You shouldn't be here."

Harvey grinned, "The festival hasn't commenced yet."

Having collaborated on "Pulp Fiction," they were acquaintances. Quentin, casual in his approach, appealed, "We're old friends. I need your support this time."

John assured, "I'll personally back you up!" Gesturing, he added, "You know how the festival's awards work. I'm just a judge. My personal support doesn't guarantee your win. It's all about Isabelle Huppert."

Confidently, Harvey stated, "I'll handle Huppert."

John nodded, "I'm on board."

Soon after, Harvey and Quentin bid a quick goodbye and departed.

As John escorted them out, his phone rang, but it was a leader on the line. He exchanged a few words, hung up, and fell silent for a moment.

This time, he intended to apologize silently to Harvey and Quentin.

Of course, John wouldn't vocalize it; if asked, he'd offer vague responses.

Next chapter