Chapter 60: The Rocketeer

Jennifer Connelly now had two scripts in her hand. One was a romance film Career Opportunities, whose story had no logic and no meaning, just a small-scale soap opera romantic comedy.

As for The Rocketeer, it was indeed adapted from a comic book and could be considered a sci-fi superhero movie.

"How is it?" Jennifer Connelly asked as she looked at Arthur, who had just put down the script while sitting on the sofa.

Arthur had only skimmed through both scripts and certainly did not read them seriously. He rubbed his eyes with his hand and said, "Forget about Career Opportunities, it's meaningless. As for The Rocketeer, at least it has a budget of 25 million dollars. It's decent, but who knows how it will do at the box office?"

Last year's Batman was very successful, and this year there was another movie, Dick Tracy, set to be released, both featuring heavyweight stars.

But The Rocketeer was a less popular comic, and the cast didn't include any A-list actors. And with this kind of storyline...

Arthur knew that Jennifer Connelly's career path hadn't been smooth, with no particularly memorable works.

"You think it's not good?" Jennifer Connelly handed Arthur a cup of coffee and sat next to him on the sofa. "Career Opportunities has a very low budget, but my agent says the pay is good."

Arthur took a sip of coffee and, leaning on the sofa, reminded her, "I think it's really unnecessary to take on such a lousy film. If it doesn't work out, even playing supporting roles in serious movies would be better. You have some name recognition, and this kind of low-quality commercial film is just wasting you. Even if you have to play a decorative role, pick influential commercial movies, at least they can increase your fame!"

Jennifer Connelly sighed, "The competition is fierce now. I had to compete with quite a few people to get the role in The Rocketeer."

"Scripts for romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle are rare, and they wouldn't cast me in such female lead roles."

Arthur patted Jennifer Connelly's shoulder, "Don't worry, there will be opportunities. I've now established my own film company, and I'll continue to develop my own projects in the future. When the time comes, I'll have the final say on which actors to hire!"

Winona Ryder had decent acting skills and an old-fashioned beauty that could adapt to various genres of films.

Jennifer Aniston was a newcomer but had a natural comedic effect, making her suitable for romantic comedies.

As for Jennifer Connelly, she started early and had a certain level of fame. She had talent, but her acting was still too immature. She needed to hone her skills in art films to achieve some success and gain awards recognition.

"I saw the news released by Orion about Sleeping with the Enemy and The Silence of the Lambs. Meg Ryan, who collaborated with you, is now one of the hottest actresses. The female lead in the new movie has even become Oscar-winner Jodie Foster," Jennifer Connelly said as she pinched Arthur's shoulder.

"Will you cast me as the female lead in your movies?"

Arthur held Jennifer Connelly's hand and explained, "It depends on the film. The role has to suit you. Could you play the lead role in The Silence of the Lambs well?"

Jennifer Connelly shook her head, "I'm not old or experienced enough, and my fame isn't big enough either."

"Exactly," Arthur said, patting his lap, signaling Jennifer to come over. She smiled and sat on Arthur's lap. "Fame and influence. Hollywood is a business market, and the box office is what stars rely on the most. A great work can make someone a star overnight. You know this from personal experience!"

While speaking, Arthur kissed Jennifer Connelly on the cheek.

In Once Upon a Time in America, young Jennifer Connelly's brief appearance wasn't that an example of overnight stardom?

"Arthur, can I star in a romantic movie like Sleepless in Seattle?" Jennifer Connelly asked.

"Of course, you can. Disney is releasing a romance film this year called Pretty Woman, and I was involved in adapting the script," Arthur said, leaning towards Jennifer Connelly's ear.

"That movie is very good. I think it's even better than Sleepless in Seattle."

Jennifer Connelly was skeptical, "Well, Sleepless in Seattle has already grossed over a hundred million dollars. Pretty Woman..."

Arthur chuckled and rubbed the waist of the woman in his arms, "The original male lead Richard was injured and replaced by Christopher Reeve. The female lead is a newcomer named Julia Roberts, who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress earlier this year. When the film is released, I think it will gross more than Sleepless in Seattle. Julia Roberts will definitely become a star overnight!"

"What?"

"Don't you believe me?" Arthur knew Jennifer Connelly was dubious and laughed, "Pretty Woman will be released in September, only a few months away. But there's an even more impressive romance film coming out this year. Sleepless in Seattle and Pretty Woman can't even compare to it."

"Another one?" Jennifer Connelly felt numb. Last year's success of When Harry Met Sally... showed the potential of romantic comedies, leading to many similar films being released this year.

The success of Sleepless in Seattle proved this point, but was there still another one more successful?

"Arthur, which one is it?" Jennifer Connelly was curious.

Arthur didn't keep it a secret, "Next month, Paramount's Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, will be released. After it's released, it will definitely be one of the most romantic movies ever!"

This was one of the films Arthur felt most regretful about missing out on developing himself. The story was fantastic, but lead actor Patrick Swayze was just too plain.

Unfortunately, established male stars weren't willing to play a ghost.

Moreover, missing out on developing Ghost and Pretty Woman himself always made Arthur feel like he had lost out on hundreds of millions of dollars.

"Ghost is that good? Arthur, you're not pulling my leg, are you?" Jennifer Connelly found it hard to imagine.

"What good would it do to lie to you?" Arthur kissed the woman in his arms and laughed, "You'll see when the movie is released next month. Then you'll realize just how great my eye for talent is! If I had realized it earlier, both of these scripts would be mine," Arthur regretted what might have been.

"But your script for Sleepless in Seattle has already succeeded," Jennifer Connelly said, wrapping her arms around Arthur's neck.

Looking at the close-up view of Jennifer, Arthur leaned in for a kiss, and Jennifer Connelly closed her eyes, responding passionately.

*****

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