Chapter 218: Changing Movie Title

At the grand premiere event at the China Theatre, California's newly elected federal senator, Dianne Feinstein, also attended the premiere of A Few Good Men!

"This time, thank you. The issue of the recent riots in Los Angeles gave me time to respond and helped me greatly in getting elected as a federal senator. And also, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley will end his term, and next year's new mayor should be James Hahn!"

After being interviewed by the media, Dianne Feinstein talked with Arthur.

Arthur nodded and said, "In this year's Los Angeles mayoral race, Tom Bradley doesn't stand a chance. James Hahn, is he all set?"

Dianne Feinstein smiled, "No surprises there, rest assured!"

Arthur inquired, "The winner of the Democratic primary was Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, right?"

"It was him. Why, do you think the Democrats can win against Bush this year?" Dianne Feinstein was still a bit surprised.

Because Bush had just gone through the Gulf War and seemed certain to be re-elected, some seasoned and heavyweight Democrats had already given up.

Now, the Democratic candidates were well-regarded but relatively inexperienced, with Clinton and his six competitors known as the "Seven Dwarfs!"

With the primary victory secured, Clinton would soon confirm his running mate (Vice President).

Arthur smiled, "His slogan is good; the current issue in America is the economy, along with that independent candidate, Texas's IT tycoon Ross Perot. Both parties are underestimating the independent candidate, especially a top billionaire candidate!"

Ross Perot would show both parties the power of money. Of course, money alone couldn't decide the U.S. presidential election.

But this time, Ross Perot would become a legendary independent candidate and a disruptor!

After this, both parties would realize the strength of independent candidates and quickly join forces to suppress them.

"Do you believe in him?" Dianne Feinstein, being a Democrat, had to support her party. "Clinton is the best among the 'dwarfs'!"

"Support him and send $3 million in campaign funds on my behalf. Remind him to target Bush's economic policies," Arthur suggested, smiling. "At the same time, keep an eye on Ross Perot, the independent candidate, as he is an unpredictable variable."

Dianne Feinstein had no objections. She was now in the same boat as Arthur and would surely need mutual support in California going forward.

To maintain her position as a federal senator from California in the long term, Dianne Feinstein needed more support and connections.

Arthur's growing business would also need more political support - both parties could help each other.

Ross Perot was a mega-rich Texas businessman who founded the Reform Party and funded his own campaign.

"But now, as Ross Perot's campaign progresses, the media's criticism of him is increasing. He's being portrayed as an egotistical megalomaniac with no viewpoint or opinion of his own!"

Dianne Feinstein doubted how much an independent candidate like him could impact the U.S. political landscape dominated by two parties.

Arthur looked at Dianne Feinstein, "Ross's impulsive and obsessive nature will attract considerable support from Republicans. The higher his support rate, the lower Bush's will be, right? Anyway, it doesn't hurt you."

"Indeed, no harm," Dianne Feinstein agreed somewhat indifferently. This time, the Democrats had fielded rather "ordinary" candidates.

The general release of A Few Good Men was set for American Independence Day in a few days, after holding the premiere in Los Angeles.

Next, there would be another East Coast premiere in New York, along with a wave of promotional activities for A Few Good Men.

At night, in a Bel Air villa, Arthur lay beside Sophie Marceau, "How do you feel? Your first Hollywood movie is about to be released. Are you excited?"

"Hmm, a bit," Sophie Marceau held Arthur, "The scale is bigger, more reporters, and more participants. But there are also many promotional activities. In the next few days, I'll have to travel to many places and participate in numerous TV and magazine interviews!"

"Yes, that is necessary," Arthur laughed and suggested, "After filming Fanfan, stay in Hollywood permanently."

"We'll see then. I also need to spend some time in France," Sophie Marceau kissed Arthur and said, "We've only been apart for a little more than a month, and I have to get up early tomorrow. Let's get some sleep tonight..."

July 4th, American Independence Day.

A Few Good Men opened in 1,920 theaters across North America, grossing $22 million on its first weekend.

Compared to action blockbusters, the popularity of this drama genre was indeed less intense!

At the same time, the long-anticipated The Shawshank Redemption was finally about to start filming. In his office, Arthur met with director Frank Darabont.

"Arthur, I really want to thank you. Most of the cast is already finalized, I'm just considering a few minor roles," Frank Darabont said eagerly.

"That's good," Arthur said, thinking about some minor roles. He had heard that Frank Darabont once considered inviting Brad Pitt to play the thief in the movie.

Unfortunately, after Thelma & Louise, Brad Pitt was unlikely to accept such an insignificant role.

The movie A River Runs Through It, directed by Robert Redford and starring Pitt, would be released later that year, and he was also set to star in Se7en produced by Galaxy.

"Okay, shoot it well," Arthur said, looking at Frank Darabont, "But it would be better to change the movie's title. Otherwise, it will be tough to promote it when it's released next year. You know, action films dominate the market now; otherwise, romantic comedies or at least suspense and horror thrillers are hot.

The title The Shawshank Redemption doesn't spark much interest for audiences to walk into the theater. Promotion-wise, it lacks highlights. Redemption, freedom - these themes are outdated!"

Hearing Arthur's explanation, Frank Darabont nodded. Although he liked the title The Shawshank Redemption, he didn't want his painstakingly crafted film to be ignored. He didn't mind Galaxy changing the name.

Changing a movie title during production was very common, and many films even used unrelated code names to maintain secrecy.

But if not The Shawshank Redemption, what should the title be?

*****

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