Chapter 120: Madonna

As April drew to a close, the box office of The Silence of the Lambs continued to soar, reaching $80 million in North America.

At the same time, Orion Pictures began to release The Silence of the Lambs in international markets.

Additionally, this year's Cannes Film Festival opened on the last day of April, with the closing ceremony scheduled for May 9. Arthur flew to France with the crew of To Die For to promote the film.

It was Nicole Kidman's first time attending the Cannes Film Festival, and she appeared quite excited. Arthur booked a suite at the Eden Roc Hotel in Antibes as his office space.

"Arthur, shall we go shopping?" Nicole Kidman hugged Arthur from behind and kissed him on the cheek affectionately.

Arthur pulled Nicole Kidman into his lap. "Aren't you tired? We have to attend the movie promotion event tomorrow. Shouldn't you rest first?"

"Cannes is so beautiful!" Nicole Kidman wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and initiated a kiss.

"Alright," Arthur nodded in agreement under Nicole Kidman's soft yet persistent persuasion. He lifted his head from her chest. "In the coming days, besides promoting To Die For, I have other work with the Galaxy studio to attend to as well."

"Are you staying in Cannes and returning with me?" Arthur asked.

Nicole Kidman smiled, "Of course, I'm watching you for Winona to make sure you don't end up with more European girlfriends!"

Arthur chuckled, giving her a playful squeeze. "Doesn't that count as an inside job?"

"Alright, let's go out," Nicole Kidman said as she got up from Arthur's lap, adjusting her dress and underwear.

Quickly, Arthur and Nicole Kidman began strolling along La Croisette, the famous seafront boulevard in Cannes. One side offered stunning views of the Mediterranean, while the other was lined with shops, luxury hotels, and extravagant restaurants.

"Arthur, is it true that you cast Tom Cruise for A Few Good Men?" Nicole Kidman asked as she enjoyed the summer sea breeze.

"Yes, Tom Cruise, Anthony Hopkins, though we haven't decided on the actress yet," Arthur placed a hand on her waist. "Interested?"

Nicole Kidman quickly shook her head. "Would you let me play the role? Besides, I'm not daring enough to work with Tom Cruise right now!"

Arthur sighed, "Jodie Foster and Demi Moore would be great, but their fees are too high for this project."

Both Jodie Foster and Demi Moore demanded $3 million each, and Arthur hadn't even considered Linda Hamilton.

Even though Demi Moore was willing to reduce her fee to $2 million upon inquiry, it was still too high.

Arthur's visit to Europe was partly to find a European actress for the leading role.

Nicole Kidman nodded, "Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins were brilliant in The Silence of the Lambs. A horror thriller with such high box office revenue, it's no small feat!"

They reached a beach area, and Nicole Kidman leaned into Arthur's arms. "I don't have any new projects right now. What should I do?"

"Don't you have any scripts?" Arthur was surprised, "That's odd, especially since you had that burst of popularity!"

"Just an arthouse script. Didn't you say it's best to wait until To Die For is released?" Nicole Kidman no longer wanted roles requiring her to undress frequently.

Arthur nodded, "Don't worry. You have two films coming out soon; you won't lack scripts next year."

"I'll prepare a commercial film script to broaden your appeal."

"Really?" Nicole Kidman's eyes lit up as she kissed Arthur passionately.

As the Cannes Film Festival continued, more and more filmmakers gathered in this small town, and new movies were screened in theaters or venues every day.

The red carpet in front of the Palais des Festivals welcomed hordes of stars!

The premiere of To Die For took place in the Debussy Theatre of the Palais. It was a global premiere of a film invested by Viacom Entertainment, produced by Galaxy Pictures, and distributed by Orion Pictures.

The red carpet, film promotion event, and cast members including director Peter Weir, actors Nicole Kidman and Matt Dillon, and Arthur Smith made all-out efforts to promote the film during the festival.

In the afternoon, while Arthur and Nicole Kidman were heading to a cocktail party, they noticed a large crowd gathered in front of the Palais.

"Arthur, what's going on?" Nicole Kidman asked, looking puzzled as she held Arthur's arm.

"It's Madonna," Arthur pointed and explained, "Her documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare is having its premiere at Cannes."

Directed by Alek Keshishian, Madonna: Truth or Dare captured Madonna's performances and life moments during last year's Blond Ambition World Tour.

Distributed by Miramax, Madonna personally attended Cannes to promote her documentary.

Nicole Kidman looked confused, "But, what is Madonna up to?"

Madonna appeared in a pink cloak on the red carpet, surrounded by reporters and filmmakers. As she ascended the steps of the Palais, she turned to face the cameras and audience. She unveiled her cloak to reveal a cone bra designed by renowned fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, stunning the crowd.

Arthur chuckled, "Madonna sure likes to stand out. Is this women's liberation?"

Arthur noticed Harvey Weinstein of Miramax standing next to Madonna. Was this spectacle a publicity stunt for Madonna: Truth or Dare?

Since their peak in 1989, Miramax had struggled with box office failures for its many releases over the past two years.

By May this year, Miramax had released nearly ten films with a combined box office of less than $20 million.

Nicole Kidman teased, "Do you enjoy watching this? I could wear it for you tonight!"

Arthur shook his head, "Not interested. I prefer you without any clothes. Let's go."

He led Nicole Kidman towards a banquet hall near the Palais.

As for Miramax, Arthur didn't see it as a threat. After all, it hadn't been acquired by Disney yet.

Film distribution required a keen eye for selecting the right projects!

*****

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