Chapter 183

As soon as the sun hung in the eastern sky, the convoy carrying the main cast and crew of "Saving Private Ryan" exited the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., followed the wide road, passed the Lincoln Memorial, and crossed the waves. Arlington Bridge over the Tomac River, heading towards Arlington National Cemetery with Arlington Hill as the center.

Because today is Memorial Day, Arlington Cemetery has a special event organized by the federal government. There are a lot of cars on the road. In the middle of a traffic jam, Tom Hanks switched to Duke's car.

"I have been flying around these days, I haven't had time to say congratulations to you."

That honest face seemed to be sincere at the moment, Tom Hanks smiled and said, "Congratulations, Duke! "Saving Private Ryan" has created the best first week box office results this year!"

"Thank you!" Duke smiled faintly, "There is also your credit in it, Tom."

Tom Hanks said politely, chatting with Duke while observing his reaction. Duke was very calm and unremarkable. It seemed that "Saving Private Ryan" sold out in the first week, which was nothing unusual in his eyes. Such achievements do not seem to be worth his excitement and pride.

"He does have the qualifications to be peaceful!" Tom Hanks sighed inwardly.

+4. When he saw the new box office results for the first week this morning, he couldn't help but slam his fist. Friday was 20.54 million US dollars, Saturday 21.14 million US dollars, Sunday 17.56 million US dollars, three days in the first weekend 59.24 million US dollars, this is the best first week since the "Independence Day" last year!

Even if you look at film history, $59.24 million can also be ranked second in the box office record of the first week, and the first place is also the work directed by the young director around him!

According to the estimates of many forecasting agencies, the North American box office of "Saving Private Ryan" is likely to surpass 250 million or even 300 million US dollars, and Duke Rosenberg will create another successful brilliance.

In addition to marveling and admiring, Tom Hanks also felt lucky. I am very fortunate that he did not refuse the original audition invitation. He has won the Oscar for Best Actor twice in a row. Last year's "Forrest Gump" North American box office exceeded 300 million. If "Saving Private Ryan" could also exceed 300 million, Then he will also cast an unprecedented record-the North American box office of two starring works exceeded 300 million US dollars!

In this way, when the future looks back. When everyone mentions the 1990s, the first Hollywood actor that comes to mind must be Tom Hanks!

And all of this comes from this cooperation. Tom Hanks knows very well that without Duke Rosenberg, there would be no classic role of John Miller and the classic movie "Saving Private Ryan". He The pace of hitting Hollywood's first actor is bound to be much slower than it is now.

While talking and laughing, Tom Hanks' eyes swept across Duke's face again. Determined to have a good relationship with him, because the other party is not just a successful director.

Compared with "Life and Death", which was initially ignored, Duke Rosenberg's subsequent three films all won in fierce competition. He had heard of some of his suggestions and plans behind the scenes, and the other party seemed to be born An atmosphere suitable for Hollywood, always able to grasp the favorable situation, and try to stand out from the encirclement and suppression, some methods used are more sophisticated than Spielberg.

Especially this time. His pre-identified rival "Brave Heart" is competing with "Saving Private Ryan". There is no chance of performance at all.

Thinking of the box office of this film, Tom Hanks felt that he had put too much emphasis on "Brave Heart". In terms of acting skills, Mel Gibson can beat Duke's Twenty Avenues, but when it comes to director skills, it is very special. It is in the production of commercial films. Mel Gibson is half the Pacific Ocean as far away as Duke.

Tom Hanks knows that if the media says so, fans of Mel Gibson would certainly disagree, but in Hollywood. Data is the most powerful proof.

How much box office did "Brave Heart" get in the first week? It seems to be 2.75 million US dollars on Friday, 2.33 million US dollars on Saturday, 1.78 million US dollars on Sunday, and the three-day total is only 6.86 million US dollars. Not to mention that it is compared with "Saving Private Ryan". The $17 million of "Long Wei 3" can easily crush it!

In terms of directors, what does Mel Gibson compare to Duke Rosenberg?

Maybe next year's Oscar will still be contended? Tom Hanks has faintly heard that "Brave Heart" will hit the Oscars, and the co-producer composed of Warner, Disney and Fox will certainly not give up such an opportunity on the fiftieth anniversary of victory in World War II!

The two films will inevitably have a confrontation in the future, and the biggest advantage of "Brave Heart" over "Saving Private Ryan" on the road to impact academic awards may be that the box office is low enough.

The convoy stopped outside the cemetery. After Duke and the other members of the crew got off the car, they walked towards the Arlington Cemetery. The Fox TV camera, which had already prepared for work, immediately followed, and the surrounding reporters also noticed them. People, while paying attention, constantly press the camera shutter.

At this moment, the crew seemed to steal the limelight from the Federal President who was preparing to lay flowers to the cemetery.

That's right, Duke appeared here not to mourn the sacrificed soldiers and martyrs. He did not have this interest at all. The crew appeared on this grand occasion and appeared in front of countless reporters and cameras, just to grab the limelight. News, to gain attention in order to promote the film.

Wearing a black suit and black sunglasses, Duke walked to the position where the producer had been in contact for a long time, and put on the most pious posture with Tom Hanks, letting media reporters take enough pictures at a time...

As for the series of commemorative activities, for him, it was just a formality.

Just like when "Independence Day" was promoted, for the sake of the film's box office and his own income, Duke didn't mind going to public relations in person.

As long as the income is large enough, even if you have a fake relationship with a female star, Duke can also be considered.

Although the crew came here to gain attention, combined with the film "Saving Private Ryan", it did achieve the goal, but the central point of the commemoration was still on the zipper, when he walked to the memorial tower to prepare flowers , Everyone's eyes naturally turned away.

Duke stood there. He still has a serious face, just like the most pious believer. If there is any rude behavior on this occasion, it will inevitably become the focus of public criticism.

It's just that Duke didn't expect them to go to the parking lot to leave after the event. When I met the zipper, the other party looked at this side and unexpectedly walked over to say hello.

"Director Rosenberg, I like your movie very much."

Surrounded by media reporters, Bill Clinton shook Duke's hand, "especially the brilliance of humanity and humanistic care reflected in "Saving Private Ryan", I have always advocated!"

"Thank you, Mr. President!" Duke gave a bright, formulaic smile.

In recent days, "Saving Private Ryan" has been unanimously praised by mainstream media. Bill Clinton praised the movie on such occasions. It is not without the meaning of taking advantage of the situation. Compared with the big figures in Hollywood, politicians know how to use every opportunity available.

The two made a few polite remarks, and Bill Clinton finally said, "I hope I can see you at the White House reception dinner next year."

"I hope this honor." Duke said politely.

In the flashlights pressed by many media reporters, Duke ended his first close contact with a country's administrator, if ever. After that, I will be so excited that I can't sleep, but it's a pity that I have had decades of experience. Already let him see through a lot of things.

Bill Clinton and his party went away, Duke was still looking at them, as if looking for something.

"It's time to get in the car."

Tina Fei came to remind him, seeing Duke's eyes, she couldn't help but curiously asked, "Duke...what are you looking at?"

"Nothing. Let's go!"

Shaking his head, Duke retracted his gaze, turned and walked to the front of the car, got into the car, looking through the window glass and looking at the presidential motorcade in the distance. Then quickly turned back.

Hmm... didn't seem to see a certain White House intern?

Compared to others, this is what makes Duke the most regrettable, but before his evil tastes continue, Tina Fei in the co-pilot turned her head halfway and talked to him about some work. .

"There are the latest announcements from the theaters."

Hearing the female assistant's words, Duke nodded and motioned for her to continue.

"Starting today, the North American Theaters Alliance has greatly reduced the screening scale of "Brave Heart", and its number of theaters has dropped to 1,225."

Seeing this number, Tina Fei was also a little bit stunned. The box office of "Brave Heart" was so bad that the theaters were cut in half. "Our number of theaters has increased, and the latest statistics are 2,895! Also... the number of theaters in Die Hard 3 has also rebounded."

The corner of Duke's mouth smiled, and the effect of cooperating with the three companies is undoubtedly obvious. Because of the relationship between DreamWorks and DreamWorks, the scale of the theater has been difficult to expand rapidly, which directly caused the film to be in the hottest stage. The market potential has burst out.

He is not DreamWorks or Spielberg. Although there are also siege from Caa and Paramount Pictures, he is supported by equally powerful companies.

The number of theaters has been halved, the box office of single halls is extremely poor, and the audience's reputation has declined rapidly. "Brave Heart" will not pose a substantial threat to "Saving Private Ryan" in the future. The main competitors during this period seem to be transferred. Up?

"Tina, inform Nancy." Duke did not hesitate, "Let her contact the partner as soon as possible to discuss how to suppress Die Hard 3!"

The premature decline of "Brave Heart" means that it has essentially withdrawn from the competition. In the period before the weekend when new films are released, "Saving Private Ryan" and "Die Hard 3" will be the best. Direct competitors.

Memorial Day is about to pass, Duke and the main actors of the film crew began a North American publicity tour. As a legal holiday and the first day after the expansion, Memorial Day will also reveal the trend behind the film. (To be continued...)