Chapter 304: Another Vampire Cameo

With the acquisition of Paramount by Viacom, the 70-year-old media mogul Sumner Redstone boldly declared to the media: "My goal is to be number one. I want everything I do to be number one. I'm not saying I can do it, nor am I saying I should be; I'm just saying I only like to be number one."

In North Hollywood, Arthur sat in his office chair, and Philadelphia had finally been rated PG-13 by the MPAA after Jonathan Demme's re-editing.

Arthur clenched his fist, "The movie The Pelican Brief went through six edits before it was rated PG-13 just before its release. Philadelphia is set to be released next month; it went through eight submissions to get the rating. Neither of these films has any violent scenes, not even a kiss - one is a political thriller, and the other is a heartwarming story."

Anna Walker stood nearby, uncertain of what to say. Currently, all of Galaxy's films are immediately rated R.

Philadelphia is about homosexuality, but it mainly promotes awareness of AIDS and contains no inappropriate scenes.

"Enough, go on with your work," Arthur leaned back in his chair. The MPAA now has only seven members, and all other film companies must rely on their judgment.

In the afternoon, Arthur watched a screening of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction in the screening room.

Even though it was not the final cut, the movie's storyline was truly captivating. The violent scenes, vivid dialogues, explosive soundtrack, and refreshing multi-linear narrative structure were all eye-openers.

"Only a cinematic genius could do this," Arthur said to Amy Pascal beside him with a smile. "This movie is definitely going to be sensational when it releases next year!"

Amy Pascal smiled back. "No wonder Michael Crichton hired him as one of the directors for ER! From Nora Ephron to Jonathan Demme, David Fincher, and now these new directors like Quentin Tarantino - they are all exceptional. Arthur, your vision is certainly different from the average person's!"

Arthur then asked about the progress of Luc Besson's new film Leon: The Professional.

"Shooting has started, in New York," Amy Pascal replied nonchalantly since French films generally don't perform well at the American box office.

The Three Colors trilogy: Blue managed to draw over 1.2 million viewers in France, but its American box office was just a few million dollars.

Even the Chinese film Farewell My Concubine had nearly $10 million at the North American box office, while the New Zealand film The Piano surpassed $20 million.

"Luc Besson is definitely talented. Once he adapts to Hollywood's style, he will surely shine," Arthur commented. "After all, he's one of the top French directors."

That evening, West Hollywood, at the Montrose Hotel.

Arthur was sitting on the sofa, holding the sultry Monica Bellucci and sipping cocktails, with David Geffen across from him.

Both had supported Clinton's campaign and disliked Michael Ovitz of CAA. Perhaps the biggest difference between them was that one liked women and the other men.

"David, you look happy. Did something good happen?" Arthur asked.

David Geffen smirked, "Nothing major, just that Michael Ovitz's financing deal fell through. I thought I'd have a drink to celebrate!"

Arthur chuckled, "No wonder I heard some negative news about CAA recently. Michael Ovitz isn't very well-liked right now."

David Geffen took a puff of his cigar, "If I'm not mistaken, Michael Ovitz will soon be leaving CAA. Previously, Disney Chairman Michael Eisner invited him to join, but he refused. Now, it's different. There's a no-confidence vote against him within CAA. If he doesn't leave, more artists will."

"Arthur, you had a big hand in this. Johnny Depp's refusal to renew his contract was the catalyst."

Arthur remained noncommittal, "Twentieth Century Fox's president Joe Roth has resigned, and the word is he's headed to Disney. And Disney already has Frank Wells, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Roy E. Disney. Is there still room for Michael Ovitz?"

David Geffen looked at Arthur, "Why not? Michael Eisner just needs an obedient aide."

Arthur thought about it. Michael Ovitz had been Eisner's childhood neighbor; they had known each other since they were kids.

To Michael Eisner, Michael Ovitz was clearly a better choice than the rebellious Jeffrey Katzenberg.

"You're right. Jeffrey Katzenberg's conflicts with Disney are only getting worse." Arthur said while stroking Monica Bellucci's thigh.

David Geffen wasn't there just for chatting. He casually said, "Arthur, I heard you were interested in Anne Rice's novel Interview with the Vampire?"

Arthur shrugged, "Isn't Interview with the Vampire now in the hands of Warner Bros. and Geffen Pictures? You even got Tom Cruise to star in it, causing some friction with the original author, Anne Rice."

David Geffen nodded, "Yes, Anne Rice opposed Tom Cruise playing the lead in Interview with the Vampire, but I insisted, leading to her walking away from the project. She even said she wouldn't watch the final film!"

Arthur looked at David Geffen, "Neil Jordan's directing skills are good. I heard you also cast Brad Pitt?"

Neil Jordan was the director of last year's The Crying Game, which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director.

Moreover, The Crying Game grossed $62 million in North America, not bad. Choosing this Irish director for Interview with the Vampire was sensible.

"By the way, does Interview with the Vampire have a female role suited for her?" Arthur suddenly pointed to Monica Bellucci.

Monica Bellucci, who had been quiet, was taken aback, while David Geffen replied casually, "There's a female vampire role, but she doesn't have much screen time. Is she interested?"

Monica Bellucci looked at Arthur, who nodded, "Sure, she had a cameo as a vampire bride in Francis Ford Coppola's Bram Stoker's Dracula. A cameo in Interview with the Vampire would be good too!"

*****

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