Chapter 120: Significant Changes

In a lounge of the Beverly Hills Hilton's banquet hall, Eva Green asked her agent about Charles Capet.

"Charles Capet, the rising young genius producer in Hollywood. As a French person, we are more familiar with him than others," said Dominique Bernard, a veteran French agent and top agent who groomed Sophie Marceau.

Charles Capet made a big splash in the news when he earned 400 million euros from a European Cup in France.

"I know, he's impressive. He invited me to dinner tomorrow night," Eva Green, who had just entered Hollywood, said with some concern.

Dominique Bernard smiled casually and asked, "Charles Capet can be described as the most promising young movie company owner in Hollywood. His mother is of French descent, so maybe he has some affinity towards French actors. Marion Cotillard is already about to sign with Capet Pictures to star in the blockbuster, The Da Vinci Code."

"You became known in Hollywood through The Dreamers, and you played the leading role in Kingdom of Heaven.

Marion Cotillard's film Love Me If You Dare also got Charles Capet to bring her into Hollywood to land the lead role in The Da Vinci Code. Marion Cotillard met Charles Capet at the Cannes Film Festival, and you know what she gained!"

Eva Green was stunned, remembering newspaper reports that Marion Cotillard followed Charles and won 8 million euros!

"I just..." Eva Green started to speak vaguely.

Dominique Bernard understood immediately and said directly, "You're worried that Charles Capet has other intentions towards you?"

After running his hand through his thinning hair, Dominique Bernard sighed and said, "With his status and wealth, now it's the female stars and actresses chasing after him. The number of actresses wanting to sleep with him could line up from Los Angeles to Paris!"

Eva Green shook her head and explained, "It's not that I am worried about. Mr. Capet is young and handsome, which makes him very attractive to women. When he saw me, it gave me a different feeling."

"A different feeling? What do you mean?" Dominique Bernard asked.

"It's like a look of confusion or regret," Eva Green thought for a moment and explained.

"Confusion, regret?" Dominique Bernard frowned, "It must be The Dreamers. That film was rated NC-17 in the U.S. Your performance was too bold. Fortunately, you gained a lot of recognition from filmmakers and didn't become typecast as a special kind of actor!"

With those words, Dominique Bernard exhaled and added, "Charles Capet is a very lucky opportunity for you, and you should cherish it. Knowing a Hollywood producer will always be beneficial for you."

Eva Green nodded in agreement, clear about the ways of the entertainment industry.

...

The next day, at Capet Pictures.

"Charles, I want Christian Bale to play the undercover cop in the gang," Ridley Scott suggested.

"Christian Bale!" Charles thought for a moment and nodded, "Next year, Batman Begins will be released, bringing him a lot of exposure.

I spoke with Jack Nicholson earlier, and he's willing to play the gang boss. Even with a change in director, I'm sure he's still on board," Charles said and then moved on to another key role.

"Now, we just need a lead actor who can handle the more extensive role of Billy. We need someone with both acting skills and star power!"

"I originally considered Johnny Depp, but he's shooting back-to-back sequels of the Pirates of the Caribbean series and doesn't have the time."

Ridley Scott thought for a moment and then suggested, "I want to reach out to Brad Pitt for the role of Billy."

"He turned down the role of Colin," Charles reminded Ridley Scott. Colin was the character that Christian Bale would play.

"Charles, Billy's role in the script is significantly more important than Colin's. Brad Pitt's acting skills and status are perfect for it. I think he'll be up for the challenge!" Ridley Scott explained.

Charles tapped his desk, imagining a version of The Departed with Brad Pitt and Christian Bale, directed by Ridley Scott. It would be quite different from what he originally had in mind.

In Martin Scorsese's version, Leonardo DiCaprio's character was overly emphasized, and the depth and thoughtfulness of the film were lacking. Matt Damon's Colin was particularly disastrous.

"Alright, Ridley, go ahead and start preparations. I'll make sure the company fully supports you," Charles said, feeling ambitious. He had been annoyed by Martin Scorsese's arrogance for a while.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon's performances were not comparable to Brad Pitt and Christian Bale at that point.

Script revisions, casting, and crew assembly were going to take at least four or five months, so Charles was in no hurry.

After Ridley Scott left, Charles called in Phyllis Jones.

"Phyllis, a few years ago, the stockbroker Jordan Belfort was disbarred by the National Association of Securities Dealers for defrauding clients and got sent to prison. I want his autobiography film adaptation rights."

Charles aimed to snatch another project from Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, ensuring Martin Scorsese wouldn't have any high-grossing films in the future.

"Jordan Belfort's autobiography? I don't think he published his autobiography," Phyllis Jones asked. 

"If he didn't publish his autobiography, we can ask him to write and pre-purchase the rights now, similar to Chris Gardner."

"Is he out of prison now?" Phyllis Jones asked, unaware of the latest status.

"He got out after four years and was paroled last year. He's almost a free man now, still famous enough," Charles instructed, unwilling to deal with a scammer himself.

"Got it!" Phyllis Jones replied and left the office.

The Wolf of Wall Street tells the whole story of how Jordan Belfort rose from an ordinary salesman to a millionaire, indulging in extreme wealth, alcohol, drugs, and money laundering, eventually ending up in prison.

Just a financial madman, really. The Wolf of Wall Street was quite a pretentious title. His peak worth was only over a 110 million dollars.

The real 'Wolves of Wall Street' are people like corporate raider Carl Icahn or those big shots in hedge funds.

As for when to film The Wolf of Wall Street? Who knows? It depends on which producer or director shows interest, and they can talk when they come to the company!

*****

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