Chapter 629: Les Miserables

"Paranormal Activity 2 has been out for just half a month, and it's already grossed $75 million in North America!"

Charles Capet sat on the couch in Emily Blunt's villa, reading the newspaper. He couldn't help but feel like dancing.

"This series is really impressive. I heard the production costs were quite low again," Emily Blunt praised with a smile. Black Swan's performance was also good; her supporting role garnered quite a bit of praise!

"Yeah, it was cheap. The production cost was only around $3 million," Charles said as he put down the newspaper and poured himself a glass of Romanee-Conti.

"Last year's Paranormal Activity pulled in nearly $200 million globally. It even outdid Saw!"

Charles took a sip of his drink. A $200,000 bottle of Romanee-Conti felt just average to him.

"Aren't you drinking? My mom brought back more than ten bottles from her French vacation. Each one costs about $200,000," Charles reminded Emily Blunt with a smile.

"That expensive?!" Emily Blunt poured herself a glass, took a small sip, and shook her head.

"I can't really taste the difference with such fine wine."

"Twilight Saga: Eclipse and Paranormal Activity 2 have really revived Capet Pictures at the end of the year!"

Charles leaned back on the couch, lit a fine cigar from the coffee table, and said, "Black Swan is also pretty good. Its North American box office has already reached over $90 million, and it's surpassed $100 million internationally. When the time comes, North America should surpass $100 million, and globally it should cross $300 million without much problem!"

As Charles exhaled a puff of smoke, he added, "There's been a lot of news lately about Black Swan plagiarizing works by Japanese animation director Satoshi Kon. Black Swan is facing the same ordeal that Inception did back then!"

Charles chuckled as he remembered how much effort he put into promoting the plagiarism rumors of Inception during the summer. However, Satoshi Kon passed away two months ago.

Emily Blunt stuck out her tongue. "Should be fine. Natalie Portman values this film a lot. Her performance might even win the favor of the Oscar judges!"

Charles nodded. "Natalie Portman certainly values this movie. Her PR team is working tirelessly to highlight the ballet scenes in the film were performed by her personally. They're downplaying the issue with the stunt double and are also linking her romantically with the movie's choreographer. Her chances at the Oscars are quite high!"

Emily Blunt was well aware of the romance between Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied, the French ballet choreographer in Black Swan.

Benjamin Millepied served as the lead choreographer and also played the role of the prince in Black Swan.

"An Oscar for Best Actress?" Emily Blunt couldn't help but dream about it herself.

"Come on, no need to envy. She's Jewish and already has a lot of support. Plus, her performance in Black Swan is indeed outstanding," Charles reminded her.

"Near the Oscars, there will definitely be many PR firms in action, and it's better if you refrain from commenting too much on Natalie Portman!"

After all, Black Swan was a Focus Features production. Working with their actors to win awards was part of the deal, though the company's main goal was definitely the Best Picture award.

"I get it. The director, producer, and writers for Black Swan have many Jewish connections. Natalie Portman didn't actually do much of the dancing; it was mostly her stunt doubles," Emily Blunt wouldn't meddle unnecessarily.

Then, Emily Blunt smiled and reminded Charles, "You always have a film that gets nominated for an Oscar. Black Swan getting a nomination should be a certainty. Starting this year, there are ten nominees for Best Picture!"

"It doesn't mean much. Capet Pictures is now focusing on blockbuster commercial films. I don't want to spend too much effort diving into the art film market," Charles mused.

"By the way, Universal is preparing a new musical version of Les Miserables. Go and try out for the role of Fantine. Anne Hathaway was also vying for the role, but she doesn't really fit!"

Emily Blunt's eyes lit up. Les Miserables! She eagerly nodded.

Emily Blunt, being British, was naturally more suited for European classics compared to America's preference for more outgoing and straightforward characters. Europe valued depth and grace.

Americans hated insincerity the most - pretending to be something you're not, saying one thing and meaning another. Anne Hathaway was a quintessential American girl. Her strong American accent when she played Jane Austen in Becoming Jane had already drawn criticism.

Now she wanted to play the blonde-haired Fantine in Les Miserables. Never mind the accent; she wasn't even willing to dye her hair!

People often said that Anne Hathaway was disliked by Americans because she was too perfect, but it was her insincerity that they disliked.

Charles wouldn't let Anne Hathaway go down that path. It was better to show sincerity where it was due!

"This Les Miserables will focus on blending film and music, using cinematic art to present the musical to the audience. Music and sound production are critical parts of this Les Miserables, and actors will need to personally perform their lines. So, take the time to prepare well!"

Though Charles could recommend someone, he wouldn't blindly push them into roles. At the very least, the actor had to meet the basic requirements of the character.

Emily Blunt hugged Charles's neck and gave him a passionate kiss. "Don't worry, I'll definitely prepare well for this role. If Anne Hathaway loves this role so much, then why did she give it up so easily?"

"She's filming The Dark Knight Rises and Silver Linings Playbook, so she doesn't have much time," Charles said as he leaned in close to Emily's ear, "Besides, I think you're more suitable!"

"Really?" Emily Blunt looked a bit skeptical.

"Hmm," Charles leaned in and kissed her on the lips. Emily Blunt responded enthusiastically, embracing Charles.

Before long, Charles pinned her down on the couch.

"Darling, I've arranged for Anne Hathaway to come over this evening," Charles said as he slipped his hand under her shirt.

"Hmph, got away with it again," Emily Blunt caressed Charles' face and kissed him passionately...

*****

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