Chapter 231: Political Publicity

As Schindler's List began its release in the United States, Arthur returned to Los Angeles.

Since Schindler's List was a black-and-white film about the Holocaust, its release scale was small, but Arthur was not in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Galaxy's action blockbuster Speed was being filmed on location in Santa Monica. Watching the explosion scenes and the police responsible for security nearby, Arthur touched his face and said, "Starting with these big scenes, huh?"

Producer John McTiernan, standing nearby, reminded him with a smile, "We've been preparing these scenes for months. We have eight buses ready for the shots!"

"John, has Columbia TriStar's sci-fi action blockbuster Last Action Hero wrapped up?" Arthur asked again.

Last Action Hero was a film John McTiernan shot for Columbia TriStar this year, starring the famous Arnold Schwarzenegger. The movie had a budget of $85 million, and Arnold Schwarzenegger's pay alone was $15 million.

John McTiernan smiled, "The shooting is complete, but the post-production is a bit tricky."

Last Action Hero was Columbia TriStar's summer blockbuster for next year, so there was still time.

Since the director of Speed, Jan de Bont, was a newcomer who had previously worked with John McTiernan as a cinematographer, Arthur paid close attention. After all, Speed had an investment of $33 million, which was no small amount.

During a break, the movie's lead actors, Johnny Depp and Nicole Kidman, came over to chat with Arthur.

"Shooting these action scenes is really cool," Johnny Depp said, perhaps excited by this new genre after doing many romance films.

"Nicole's scenes are manageable, but you have a lot of action sequences, some quite dangerous. If you can't do them, use a stunt double," Arthur advised, not wanting the production to halt due to an injury.

"Don't worry, it's actually quite safe. Many scenes are shot in front of a green screen," Johnny Depp replied nonchalantly. Insurance agents were always on set, supervising. Even if he wanted to do some stunts, he wouldn't get the chance.

Nicole Kidman nodded in agreement. "Yes, Arthur, the safety consultants take care of everything on set!"

As Schindler's List premiered, reviews started pouring in. Although the release scale was small, the first to watch the film were media workers and film critics.

Roger Ebert, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and a renowned American film critic, said, "The subject of the Holocaust is too immense and too heavy for any fictional work to bear. Yet, by telling the story of Schindler and Goeth, Steven Spielberg found a way to address this topic. The director can't concoct a happy ending for the century's most harrowing story, but the ending he wrote proves that we can resist evil and even triumph over it. Faced with the Nazi death camps, only this belief can keep us from despair."

The Los Angeles Times called it, "A great movie!"

Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton, during an interview in Los Angeles, said, "I urge everyone to see this film!"

At David Geffen's luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills, a special event was held for Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary.

Arthur, who had been at the Speed set these past few days, brought Nicole Kidman along to attend the event.

"This house is so luxurious and big," Nicole Kidman marveled as they entered the estate.

Arthur smiled, "This was the former residence of Jack Warner, one of the founders of Warner Bros. Last year, David Geffen bought and renovated the Warner estate for $47 million!"

The Warner estate was a 9-acre property built in the 1930s for Warner Bros.' former president Jack Warner. It took ten years to complete and featured a terrace, guesthouse, tennis court, and golf course, resembling a palace and setting a real estate record in Los Angeles.

Arthur also admired it but wasn't fond of the old-fashioned nouveau riche décor.

"Let's go," Arthur said, leading Nicole Kidman into the hall. A servant informed Arthur that someone was waiting for him in the back hall. "I'll be back in a bit."

"Okay," Nicole Kidman said, taking a glass of wine from a waiter and mingling with the other attending celebrities.

In a reception room in the back hall, Arthur found the Clinton couple.

"Welcome to Hollywood. How do you like it here?" Arthur asked, observing Bill Clinton's expression, knowing the old lecher would enjoy it.

Clinton smiled, "We've felt Hollywood's enthusiasm. You don't get this atmosphere back in Arkansas!"

Comparing Arkansas to California? That was bold.

"Arthur, California's Governor Pete Wilson is a Republican, and a few months ago, Los Angeles experienced riots. The African American community seems hard to appease," Hillary said, frowning.

"Senator Dianne Feinstein's popularity is high due to her crisis management. When you visit the Bay Area, you can discuss things with her," Arthur reminded them. 

"When addressing African American issues, you need to strike a balance. Among minorities, Asian Americans are the wealthiest. Focusing on racism will only alienate white and Asian voters in California," Arthur said.

Bill Clinton nodded, "I've noticed the hostility, especially between Koreans and African Americans."

"California is a state of immigrants. Many Latinos are undocumented, while some Asian Americans are worth engaging with," Arthur said. "Just show some fairness, and you'll win their favor. Visit some Asian communities and show some sincerity, and you'll gain their goodwill. As for African Americans, appear on a few BET shows and promote yourself."

Clinton had little influence in California, but with Hollywood's local support, he had no worries about publicity. As for community visits and TV appearances, anyone who made it to governor knew these basics.

"Arthur, I wish you had more media power," Bill Clinton said meaningfully.

Arthur's expression tightened. "Galaxy does need a greater voice."

The understanding was mutual. The countdown to the repeal of financial regulations on film and television networks had begun...

*****

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