Chapter 524: The Most Influential

[Chapter 589: The Most Influential]

Due to the extremely severe nature of the bank robbery case in North Hollywood, coupled with the way it played out resembling a Hollywood movie, the MPAA suddenly received a flood of complaints from the public. Many congress members even expressed to the media that the MPAA's current auditing mechanism was indeed too lenient.

Was the pressure on the MPAA intense? Chairman Jack Valenti publicly declared that the internal classification system for films was fair, just, and transparent. The MPAA existed to ensure the normal development of Hollywood and promote the entertainment industry, and they would never endorse violence or negative influences.

Unfortunately, the MPAA's governing body consisted of the seven major Hollywood members, so they certainly couldn't impose restrictions on themselves. Instead, they would have to make life a bit harder for the independent film companies by continuing to impose strict regulations on their films.

At Orion Pictures, in Arthur's office, director David Fincher gazed at the script for The Sixth Sense, visibly astonished. "This story is so fresh; it's filled with thrills and suspense! Especially the twist at the end -- totally unexpected!"

Arthur smiled, "Great script, isn't it?"

David Fincher nodded. "Very good!"

The Sixth Sense predominantly told the story of a renowned psychologist who got shot, yet remained unaware that he had died. Instead, he helped a child patient who could see ghosts overcome his fears, while simultaneously realizing his own death...

Arthur nodded, "The budget for The Sixth Sense is set at $50 million, mainly focusing on the lead actor and the little boy; the lead role needs a box-office draw to ensure the film's commercial viability, while we will have to carefully search for the boy's actor."

David Fincher agreed, mentioning that the film's simple setting meant the majority of the budget would go towards salaries.

"Let's look for child actors first. I'll have someone reach out to Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise to discuss their involvement," Arthur reminded, since both Toms were currently the biggest draws in Hollywood.

"Sounds good!" David Fincher, already fond of thrilling and suspenseful works, was extremely interested.

Arthur recalled that The Sixth Sense was originally a breakout project from Indian-American director M. Night Shyamalan; he invited Bruce Willis to join the cast through profit-sharing due to budget constraints. The film went on to become a massive hit, resonating with profound philosophy and an unexpected ending that rocked Hollywood.

However, for a film like this, Bruce Willis didn't seem to fit the bill. Arthur wouldn't lower the budget to attract a star using a profit-sharing model; he could easily secure a superstar with a $20 million budget for this type of suspense story, which wasn't typical of commercial films.

...

Before long, Kate Beckinsale entered Arthur's office.

"Amy and the team went to the MPAA headquarters; what was the result?" Arthur casually asked.

Kate Beckinsale shook her head. "There isn't much of a result. Adjustments to the ratings won't significantly affect violent content; however, they may tighten regulations around sexual content and nudity."

Arthur grimaced. "The American policy has long endorsed strength and dominance, after easing restrictions on violence for so many years. It's downright laughable to think a mere robbery -- with no fatalities -- would change that!"

"By the way, take this script to the production department and have them reach out to Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks," Arthur gestured toward the script of The Sixth Sense on his desk.

"Sure thing," Kate Beckinsale nodded before adding, "By the way, Dumb and Dumber 2, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Con Air are all wrapped up and ready for editing."

"Got it, I'll check them out!"

*****

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