Chapter 123: Competitor

After chatting with Sophie Marceau for a while, Arthur returned to the party and learned that Lars von Trier's film Europa had been acquired by Miramax, while the Coen brothers' Barton Fink had been bought by 20th Century Fox!

"20th Century Fox, huh?" Arthur took a sip of his drink. At that time, 20th Century Fox had not yet established its independent film label, Fox Searchlight. Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation had acquired a series of assets on credit, leaving the company heavily indebted. Barry Diller was setting up the Fox Broadcasting Company for News Corp, and Peter Chernin was in charge of 20th Century Fox Film Corporation.

After News Corp took over 20th Century Fox, their performance wasn't bad. New hits included Wall Street, the Die Hard series, and Home Alone. Additionally, 20th Century Fox held the distribution rights for the Alien series and Star Wars.

"Arthur, didn't you buy any films?" Nicole Kidman asked softly.

Arthur shook his head. "Galaxy doesn't need to pursue quantity. One of my films is worth a dozen from some independent studios."

Gaumont had previously recommended the French romantic drama The Lovers on the Bridge to Arthur, a film that took four years to make and cost over 100 million francs, making it the most expensive French film at the time, even more than the biographical film Van Gogh presented at the festival.

Orion's founders were formerly part of United Artists' leadership team. After falling out with United Artists' parent company, Transamerica, they left to form Orion, which initially had Warner Bros. as a backer.

"Oh, so when are we heading back to the States?"

"Tomorrow," Arthur replied. He had already spent a week in Cannes, and the crew of To Die For had long since returned home. Arthur stayed mainly to represent Galaxy Orion.

"Why, don't you want to go back?" Arthur smiled, reaching out to stroke Nicole Kidman's thigh.

"I want to visit Australia," Nicole Kidman replied, noting that it had been a long time since she had been back home.

Arthur chuckled. "Of course, a few months of rest in Australia sounds good."

"Hey, Arthur, first time at the Cannes Film Festival, and it seems you didn't get much out of it?" a voice suddenly said.

Arthur turned his head and saw Harvey Weinstein from Miramax. "Really? I wonder when Miramax's genre label Dimension Films will release its first project? I recall you mentioning Bob's interest in developing some horror and gore B-movies!"

Arthur had no fear of mocking independent distributors like Miramax.

Harvey Weinstein shook his head. "Orion's Dances with Wolves swept the Oscars thanks to Kevin Costner. Galaxy merely took over Orion."

Arthur smiled. "This year, Galaxy has released only two films, The Silence of the Lambs and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. Together, their box office has already surpassed 100 million dollars. Dances with Wolves achieved over 100 million dollars in North America alone, and globally, it grossed even more."

Harvey Weinstein shifted uneasily and, with a sideways glance, remarked, "Your Galaxy has significant debts. Don't end up with nothing. Hollywood has seen plenty of people who shone brightly and quickly faded away."

Arthur shrugged. "At least Galaxy will remain independent. Who knows when Miramax will become part of a major studio? Do you think I'm wrong?"

Harvey Weinstein sipped his drink and, after glancing at the beautiful Nicole Kidman beside Arthur, said, "You should enjoy your success while you can. Hollywood isn't as simple or easy as you think."

With that, Harvey Weinstein left his seat.

Arthur just shook his head and, after Harvey Weinstein left, turned to Nicole Kidman, saying with a smile, "It's just because Galaxy bid on a few films. Why does he look like he wants to eat me alive?"

Nicole Kidman looked puzzled. "You're both independent film companies in Hollywood. Why do you seem like enemies?"

"What else could it be?" Arthur leaned back in his chair. "We aren't yet competitors to the major studios, so we can only compete among ourselves. Galaxy taking over Orion and winning the Best Picture Oscar in our first year probably made a lot of people jealous. Besides, that guy has always dreamt of becoming the king of independent films!"

Currently, the most famous independent film company was Carolco Pictures, known for its generous spending and frequent collaborations with Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Carolco's big-budget strategies kept it in the spotlight.

In mid-May, Arthur returned to the United States, and with the rising box office of The Silence of the Lambs, Galaxy hosted a celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Since participating in the production of Sleepless in Seattle, Arthur had caught the attention of many in the film industry. However, his real rise to fame came with his independent production of Sleeping with the Enemy, which grossed over 100 million dollars in North America alone on a limited budget.

Now, with Orion under his belt, the success of Dances with Wolves spoke for itself. The Silence of the Lambs was originally an Orion project, which Arthur managed to acquire. Now that Orion belonged to Galaxy, The Silence of the Lambs was effectively back home, and its impressive performance and acclaim were a testament to that.

"Congratulations, Jonathan. The movie was a great success," Arthur toasted with director Jonathan Demme, the most important person in The Silence of the Lambs crew in Arthur's eyes.

Jonathan Demme smiled and took a sip of his drink. "I have to thank you. Without you, I don't know when I could have made this film."

Arthur smiled but said nothing. He knew that even without his intervention, Mike Medavoy at Orion would have eventually supported Jonathan Demme. However, The Silence of the Lambs came together under Arthur's vigorous planning.

"If you have any ideas for future projects, feel free to seek support from Orion," Arthur said, patting Jonathan Demme on the shoulder. "Now, I have the authority to decide on some projects."

"Thank you," Jonathan Demme replied, readily accepting Arthur's offer.

Arthur nodded. "Go celebrate. This is your moment of glory!"

Jonathan Demme certainly proved to be a lucky star.

*****

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