Chapter 203: Ridley Scott

In the evening, at the Hyatt Regency Paris, Sophie Marceau attended a party organized by Gaumont with Arthur.

Not only did they meet the now-famous young French director Luc Besson, but they also saw the Hollywood British director Ridley Scott!

"1492: Conquest of Paradise?" Arthur didn't know that Ridley Scott directed a British-American-French-German co-production last year called "1492: Conquest of Paradise," produced by Gaumont Film Company.

He only knew that there was a movie starring Marlon Brando about Columbus, the one involving Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Ridley Scott smiled, "Yeah, we came to the Cannes Film Festival to promote it, and it's about to be released!"

Last year's Thelma & Louise brought Ridley Scott a lot of accolades, including six Oscar nominations, one for Best Director.

Arthur knew Ridley Scott loved epic action movies, but he could also handle other genres; his capability was unquestionable.

"Any new plans?" Arthur held Ridley Scott in good regard.

"I need a break, planning to spend more time with my kids!" Ridley Scott looked at Arthur and then suddenly smiled. "I'm seriously taking a break; I've turned down all work."

"Oh, family is important too, spending time with your kids is a must," Arthur hugged Ridley Scott.

Later, Arthur chatted with Luc Besson for a while, inviting him to Hollywood to make films. They discussed incorporating Hollywood style into French romantic films.

Luc Besson, who already had thoughts about Hollywood, was also willing to collaborate with Galaxy. They could make a film together first to see how it worked.

"How do you feel about Luc Besson being willing to make movies in Hollywood?" Sophie Marceau came up to Arthur and asked.

Arthur nodded, "He is not a typical French director and is inclined towards commercial films. Perhaps soon, we can collaborate on his first Hollywood-styled work."

Sophie Marceau affectionately wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck and nuzzled against him. "In a couple of days, I'll have to go to Cannes early to prepare for the film festival; I've been invited as a brand ambassador this year."

"Until the film festival ends, when will you be joining?" Sophie asked.

Arthur thought for a moment. "The crews of The Bodyguard and A Few Good Men will come over for promotion, so about a week after the opening ceremony. Hollywood's currently screening a highly controversial film Basic Instinct, yet its box office is high, making the previously unknown Sharon Stone synonymous with being a sex symbol!"

Arthur looked at Isabelle Adjani in the distance. "I wonder if she regrets turning down that role?"

Arthur had just learned that Isabelle Adjani seemed to be planning a comeback after a two-year hiatus, but is two years really a hiatus?

Sophie Marceau laughed, "Basic Instinct is indeed controversial. The LGBTQ community probably hates that movie, right?"

While Basic Instinct was being filmed in San Francisco last year, police were there specifically to guard the set from potential disruptions by the LGBTQ community.

"Good evening, Sophie!"

French director Roman Polanski approached, accompanied by his wife Emmanuelle Seigner, who was more than thirty years younger than him.

"This must be Mr. Arthur Smith, welcome to France!"

Roman Polanski was an internationally renowned director. In 1978, he was arrested for an incident involving a 13-year-old girl in California but fled the U.S. after being bailed out.

Upon returning to Europe, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a warrant for his arrest. Roman Polanski didn't dare to return to the U.S.!

Even when The Pianist won him the Oscar for Best Director, he did not dare to appear in the U.S.

"Director Polanski, good evening," Sophie Marceau warmly greeted.

Arthur shook his hand as well, having heard from Hugh Grant that Roman Polanski directed an erotic film last year, called Bitter Moon, starring his third wife Emmanuelle Seigner, scheduled for release this year.

"How about it, interested in coming back to Hollywood to make movies?" Arthur asked with a smile.

Roman Polanski shrugged, "Unless you can get the U.S. Department of Justice to lift the ban."

Arthur nodded, "Uh-huh, once I become President of the United States, I'll grant you a pardon!"

Arthur's remark made everyone around them laugh. Roman Polanski explained, "Europe is no problem. I even visited the set of Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List in Poland."

"Steven couldn't have developed this project without your help, and we Jews are internally grateful to you!"

"Schindler's List will be released in the United States in August this year, and we will go to the Venice Film Festival to promote it," Arthur said, looking at Roman Polanski, "Steven's busy with Jurassic Park and might not have much time for promotion. We need your support in Europe to expand its influence."

Roman Polanski nodded seriously, "We should all do our part."

Arthur didn't have much sentiment toward Roman Polanski; independent filmmakers often have a record of misconduct with women. As long as they were useful, that's what mattered. He hoped to earn considerable box office revenue from Schindler's List.

In the evening, Sophie Marceau drove Arthur to her villa in Neuilly-sur-Seine, located between the Bois de Boulogne and the Seine River.

On the avenue through the woods, Sophie Marceau parked the car and leaned over Arthur. She ran her hand over Arthur's firm chest. "There were quite a few French beauties at the party, did any catch your eye?"

"With you here, no amount of French women could compare," Arthur said as he took off the sexy dress of the woman in his arms and kissed her.

Under the dim streetlight, the car remained dark inside, filled with soft gasps and gentle rocking of the car body, telling the story.

At this moment, Arthur was leaning against the seat, soothing Sophie Marceau's hair, his unbuttoned shirt revealing his firm abs.

Half-undressed, Sophie Marceau kissed Arthur's chest and abs, then looked up at him, smiled, and undid his belt.

"Mmh," Arthur quickly let out a muffle.

Suddenly, the light from a flashlight shined in from outside the car window, and a dark face startled Arthur with fright.

"Uh-huh, probably a car thief. This kind of thing happens often here," Sophie Marceau got up, turned on the car lights, and made some noise.

Sure enough, two figures quickly flashed past the car window.

Arthur panted heavily, unsettled, while Sophie Marceau casually tidied up their clothes and started the car. She smiled and comforted him, "Let's continue at home, okay..."

*****

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