Chapter 539: I Warned You

[Chapter 604: I Warned You]

As May drew to a close, the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Finals wrapped up. It was no surprise that the Chicago Bulls took the Eastern title, while the Utah Jazz clinched the West. The Los Angeles Galaxy fought hard against the Jazz in a seven-game series but lost narrowly, 4-3.

Following that, Minnesota Timberwolves' second-year rookie Kevin Garnett aimed to sign a sky-high contract with the club, leaving owner Glen Taylor sweating bullets!

In New York, at the NBA headquarters in the Olympic Tower, David Stern looked at Arthur with some resignation. A second-year rookie who had only played for two years was about to sign a six-year, $135 million contract.

Arthur shrugged, "I warned you all long ago; rookie contracts and maximum salaries are supposed to have regulations."

He added, "Look at Minneapolis -- it's cold and small. What kind of market do they even have?"

How could that place possibly compete with Los Angeles, where the Galaxy thrived?

Recently, the Galaxy had signed Jason Kidd to a nine-year, $60 million deal. Along with Shaquille O'Neal's current seven-year, $125 million contract -- the highest in the league -- Garnett, while talented, had only played for two years. This year, in the playoffs' first round, the Timberwolves were swept 3-0 by the Galaxy.

"Many owners are expressing that the current rookie contracts aren't perfect," David Stern said. His goal was for the league to develop healthily. Allowing rookies to demand outrageous prices was definitely not the way to go.

"Didn't you hear Glen Taylor? Kevin Garnett is a powerhouse; he plays with passion and is crucial for ticket sales for the Timberwolves," Arthur chuckled knowingly. It was clear -- if they didn't secure a high-priced contract, Garnett would be off.

"Let's take it slow. We've got a few months to see what the final deal looks like," David replied. But a six-year, $135 million contract was indeed high!

David looked at Arthur and changed the subject. "By the way, the NBA All-Star Game next year is set to be hosted at the Los Angeles Galaxy Center. Los Angeles is the second most vibrant city after New York; it should be a grand success."

"Of course it will be successful! The Los Angeles Galaxy Center is the best venue in the country; everyone will be thrilled!" Arthur responded confidently.

...

In early June, the Galaxy's blockbuster movie Con Air premiered, raking in $27.6 million over its first weekend in North America. Nicolas Cage delivered another thrilling action film following The Rock!

At the Pierre Hotel in New York, Sophie Marceau linked her arm with Arthur's. "You truly are amazing. Every summer, it's your battleground, and Con Air is off to a good start."

Arthur patted her hand, "Well, it does star an Oscar-winning actor. He's also got another action movie, Face/Off, about to come out!"

Sophie Marceau smiled, "What do you think of Luc Besson's The Fifth Element?"

Arthur shook his head. "It's hard to evaluate right now. Let's just wait for the box office results. It opened alongside Tomorrow Never Dies, making $17 million its first weekend. After a month, it's only pulled in $53 million in North America."

"Meanwhile, Tomorrow Never Dies has grossed $115 million in North America." Sophie explained softly, "The Fifth Element is one of the most expensive films outside of Hollywood; it cost $90 million. While reception in the U.S. is mixed, it's doing well internationally."

On the international market, The Fifth Element had already surpassed $140 million. Meanwhile, Tomorrow Never Dies had only garnered $150 million in overseas earnings.

Especially in France, The Fifth Element stood out as a blockbuster. The film infused postmodernism with elements of Hollywood sci-fi, disaster, and comedy, thereby creating a unique hybrid style.

Additionally, it echoed the everyday humor and emotional resonance found in French comedies. This resulted in a film that was not only hilariously entertaining but also offered thought-provoking insights. The movie showcased a universe teeming with magnificent architecture, complex transportation systems, and vibrant colors, reflecting the characteristics of a "new Baroque" style.

However, some critics considered The Fifth Element to be episodic and visually monotonous, accusing it of being a chaotic "Hollywood blockbuster" filled with erroneous and silly elements. While unique compared to any previous work, critics felt it lacked cohesion and that the comedic aspects were too overpowering, muddling the storytelling.

"Overall, I'd say the positive reviews for The Fifth Element certainly outweigh the negatives!" Arthur remarked after placing a kiss on Sophie Marceau's cheek.

Sophie glanced toward Luc Besson, who was mingling nearby, noting, "French cinema is struggling; however, Luc Besson's ambition and talent have made him one of the most recognized young directors in France. Yet, this has also made him a nightmare for the French film industry, as he overly pursues commercialism, prioritizing superficial excitement over art, neglecting France's romantic essence."

"That's fine," Arthur said, wrapping his arm around Sophie's waist. "It's commendable that he can pursue Hollywood's commercial properties within French art; his box office results certainly speak volumes. The Fifth Element is on track to set box office records for French cinema!"

"Let's go chat with him," Arthur said, leading Sophie toward Luc Besson's group.

...

The Fifth Element featured Luc Besson as the director, with key actors Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, and Gary Oldman. Additionally, during the filming of The Fifth Element the previous year, Luc had started a romance with young model Milla Jovovich; they were now married.

As for Bruce Willis, he was currently filming Galaxy MGM's sci-fi disaster epic Armageddon.

After clinking glasses with Luc Besson, Arthur said, "You've created a postmodern film in The Fifth Element that really pushes boundaries!"

Luc Besson smiled back, "The idea for this movie sprouted in my teenage years. It's taken years of inspiration to finally bring it to life, and I feel very fulfilled."

Well, since this idea came to Luc Besson during his teenage years, it explained the plot's clumsiness and absurdity. Arthur took a glance at Luc's wife, Milla Jovovich, who was just 22 years old while Luc was already 38!

*****

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