Chapter 183: Exchange

[Chapter 183: Exchange]

After a brief break, everyone perked up as the second film, The Others, screening was about to begin. Although its star-studded cast -- four out of the six leading ladies had already won Oscars -- seemed overshadowed when compared to the first film, the mere presence of Eric's name on the screenplay made it all worthwhile. Before the box office miracles happened, even that star cast hadn't meant much.

As the opening credits rolled, Grace's storytelling voice resonated over a comic background. Slowly, the sound faded, and eerie scenes appeared in a scribbled manner -- wide-eyed frightened girls, dark shadows reaching for children, and puppets with broken necks...

On the bed, Grace suddenly opened her tear-filled eyes, gasping for breath like a fish out of water, her body trembling violently.

Everyone knew she was having a nightmare. If they were clever enough, they might realize that the opening comic scenes mirrored the heroine's dreams.

In this version, Virginia didn't scream like the original Nicole Kidman had, but the fear conveyed in her tear-filled big eyes was hardly weaker. The silent terror and despair complimenting the dimly lit bedroom created a chilling sensation for the audience.

This was Eric's first change to the script. In his previous life, the only emotion he felt through Nicole Kidman's piercing scream was surprise; nothing more.

Filming wasn't easy either. Virginia genuinely looked terrified, her expression showing no signs of pretense. Next to the camera, there were a bunch of cute little creatures like Gizmo, and the cockroaches that proved a distraction. Although she had some "props" to help, Eric believed Virginia's performance surpassed Nicole's by a significant margin. It rang true to the saying that in Hollywood, no one was irreplaceable; most merely lacked opportunities.

Unbeknownst to them, everyone in the screening room became absorbed in Grace's and the children's bizarre behavior. Aside from Eric and a few others in the know, everyone else puzzled over the happenings in the house, wondering where the strange sounds and shadows were coming from.

If this were a horror movie, why hadn't any ghosts appeared despite the lengthy start? Why did Grace's husband suddenly come and then leave again?

Though the mystery remained unresolved, the suspenseful storyline entranced even the representatives from the seven major studios, who had seen countless films. Even the composed Michael Eisner couldn't hold back his questions to Eric about his doubts, but Eric just smiled and declined to answer, citing he couldn't spoil the plot.

Finally, after over eighty minutes, as Grace's two children discovered the gravestones, the identities of the three "ghost" servants were unveiled.

Yet, instead of looking enlightened, the audience was left with even more questions: why had the three ghost servants appeared, and what were their intentions? From previous dialogue, it was clear that the spirits meant no harm to Grace's family.

The story now reached its climax. When Grace pushed open the door to the living room upstairs, the appearance of another family and the psychic old lady finally resolved all the audience's doubts.

...

"With twists and turns, perfectly executed!" At this point, Michael Eisner didn't hold back a rare compliment. Ned Tanen, the president of Paramount sitting beside Eric, quietly clenched his fists, filled with determination to secure the film's distribution rights. Other executives, who didn't have the will or ability to snag those rights, wore looks of regret. Even the usually calm Warner representative couldn't maintain his composure.

As the symbolic thick fog lifted with the revelation of the truth, the lights flicked on, and applause erupted, loud and enthusiastic, lasting for several minutes.

...

In the back row, Jonathan Demme witnessed the scene, his lips twitching. Finally, he couldn't contain himself and broke out into a grin, showing his white teeth. He knew he had succeeded.

Michael Madsen gently patted his sister's hand, his eyes filled with congratulations.

...

As the applause subsided, everyone in the screening room, guided by the attendants, headed toward the banquet hall below. Eric, who walked at the front, found himself flanked by Michael Eisner and Ned Tanen. The Warner representative, who had been somewhat standoffish, approached, warmly greeting Eric once more.

The representatives from Fox and MGM, who were destined to miss out on the distribution rights, followed behind.

...

Elisabeth Murdoch leaned toward Carlin Hunt and whispered, "Carlin, why didn't you go up and negotiate a little?"

Carlin Hunt lightly shook his head and replied, "It's futile. Eric's next two films are already with Fox, and they won't give us distribution rights anymore."

After a moment's thought, Elisabeth responded, "Why can't we do it this way? We're focused on Eric's sequel by the end of the year. Let's give up the rights to the other film in exchange for this one. I think this horror film is special; it could create a box office miracle, just like that."

Carlin Hunt couldn't help but gaze at the girl beside him, genuinely surprised. Initially, he assumed Elisabeth was just a bossy, spoiled young lady. After all, it was quite self-willed of her to insist on attending this screening.

However, due to Elisabeth's status, Carlin Hunt reluctantly agreed, relieved that he and Eric were familiar; this knowledge made him inclined to let Elisabeth in.

But to his astonishment, after the screening, she promptly formulated a highly feasible solution in such a short time.

Though Elisabeth claimed to be interning under the guise of a holiday at Fox, she hadn't really spent any substantial days in her assigned position nor could she grasp the ins and outs of Fox's collaboration with Firefly Films. Given her piecemeal understanding, to propose something so valid amazed Carlin Hunt. Not long ago, he'd had a similar inkling about securing the film but couldn't come up with a solid plan.

"Alright, Miss Murdoch, I'll put this proposal in writing for Mr. Barry Diller. However, I must say, Fox hasn't seen the screenplay for Eric's other film due at the end of the year, so we don't know if we can make a decision before another company snaps it up. After all, it's expected that there will be opposition within Fox to your suggestion. Eric has directed films that have already proven to be box office hits; even though this one is his screenplay and undoubtedly excellent, many might be hesitant to take that risk."

"Such a hassle! If I were in charge of Fox, I would just seize it," Elisabeth pouted, revealing her spoiled side anew.

This time, Carlin Hunt held no contempt toward her; instead, he patiently explained the nuances, "Miss Murdoch, this involves too many interests. It's not just a matter of us casually swapping films. Even if we wanted to, would Eric Williams agree? Would the other companies consent? You saw how Michael Eisner and Ned Tanen were present today; their regard for Eric Williams was clear. We hold no real advantage in this competition."

*****

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