Chapter 140: Overconfidence

Standing in the banquet hall of the Hilton Hotel, Michael Davenport found himself surrounded by a crowd of Hollywood industry professionals. He quietly listened as the names of the award winners were announced on the stage ahead.

An elderly white man read out each name, prompting enthusiastic applause from the audience each time.

"Next, we'll announce the winners for Best Picture," the elderly man said, his voice not particularly loud. "'American Beauty' and 'The Cider House Rules'!"

Michael immediately joined the people around him in applause, which continued for quite some time.

This was the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards. Except for the Lifetime Achievement Award, all other awards had two winners, and no actual trophies were presented; the winners were simply announced in a cocktail party format.

As the winners were announced at the beginning of the event, the remaining time was dedicated to socializing.

Even though this was just a critics' award, film critics held significant influence during the awards season. Hence, many big-name actors, renowned directors, famous producers, and hired PR experts attended the cocktail party.

Michael spotted Steven Spielberg working hard to promote DreamWorks' "American Beauty," while the talented Haley Joel Osment was charming a shiny-bald old man for "The Sixth Sense" with Kathleen Kennedy by his side.

"Hello, Ms. Kennedy," Michael introduced himself during a break. "I'm Michael Davenport from Relativity Entertainment."

Kathleen Kennedy was also very polite. "Hello, Mr. Davenport. Your company's achievements this year are quite enviable."

Clearly, with a few successful films under his belt, Michael had begun to gain some recognition.

Michael chatted with Kathleen Kennedy briefly, exchanged business cards, and left politely to avoid interrupting her PR efforts.

As he left, he took another look at Haley Joel Osment. The young star's performance in "The Sixth Sense" was indeed brilliant and would undoubtedly be remembered in Hollywood history.

Unfortunately...

Hollywood had seen many talents rise and fall.

In such gatherings, a thick skin was essential. Michael excelled in this area and, with several successful films, he already had some recognition. Approaching people, he found them polite and willing to engage in brief conversations. In just ten minutes, he had exchanged five or six personal business cards.

Some even approached him.

A blonde girl came up to Michael and smiled. "Hello, are you Mr. Davenport?"

Michael shook her hand and replied, "Good evening, Ms. Dunst."

It was Kirsten Dunst, who looked even more beautiful in person than on screen. "Congratulations on your film's success."

"Thank you," Michael responded, not recalling ever meeting her before.

Kirsten Dunst continued, "I really regret not taking the lead role in 'Final Destination'."

This remark reminded Michael that Kirsten Dunst had been one of the candidates for the female lead in "Final Destination."

Michael spoke smoothly, "I personally favored you, Ms. Dunst. I saw your performances in 'Interview with the Vampire' and 'The Virgin Suicides'—both were exceptionally brilliant."

Despite her young age, Kirsten Dunst was already a seasoned Hollywood veteran. She just smiled at Michael.

Michael added, "Unfortunately, the budget was limited. Ms. Dunst, I hope we have the opportunity to work together in the future."

Knowing more producers opened up more opportunities, and producers with a track record naturally held a higher status than average actors. Kirsten Dunst smiled and said, "I hope to collaborate with you too, Mr. Davenport."

They exchanged personal business cards.

Michael also mingled with Hilary Swank, getting acquainted, and spotted a prominent figure: the independent film mogul, Harvey Weinstein, accompanied by Meryl Streep.

Harvey Weinstein had a notorious reputation and was known for his domineering ways. Michael had no intention of greeting him but was curious about Meryl Streep associating with him even in these early years.

After some thought, Michael realized it made sense. Meryl Streep's Oscar-contending film "Music of the Heart" was produced by Miramax.

Despite being typical of the industry's dual nature, Meryl Streep exemplified it.

Years later, when Weinstein fell from grace, she was one of the harshest critics.

In reality, would Weinstein have supported her Oscar campaigns without some tangible benefits?

Even Katharine Hepburn's strong dislike for Meryl Streep wasn't without reason.

Michael turned his gaze away, only to find a major star approaching.

"Good evening, Ms. Roberts," Michael politely greeted Julia Roberts.

Julia Roberts looked at Michael, realizing she didn't recognize him, and curtly asked, "Who are you?"

It was Michael's first time meeting Julia Roberts in person. Hearing the impatience in her voice, he further understood that screen personas could be deceptive. On-screen, Julia Roberts always appeared as a warm, all-American sweetheart.

This wasn't a big deal; Hollywood professionals, including himself, shared similar traits, although many hid it well.

"I'm Michael Davenport," Michael calmly introduced himself. "President of Relativity Entertainment and Sandsea Entertainment."

Julia Roberts raised her left eyebrow, her large mouth curling into a smile. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Davenport. I watched 'Final Destination'—a masterpiece, and its box office performance is enviable."

Michael smiled. "Not as much as your films, Ms. Roberts."

Julia Roberts seemed like a different person, her mouth stretching into a line. "Mr. Davenport, you're quite accomplished for your age."

After a few more superficial exchanges and exchanging business cards, Julia Roberts took her leave.

Putting away Julia Roberts' business card, Michael adjusted his tie. It was fortunate to have a few successful films to his name; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to navigate such events.

"Hi."

A voice greeted him from the side. "Michael Davenport?"

Michael turned to see Tom Cruise, whom he had met at a previous party. He smiled again. "Good evening, Mr. Cruise."

Tom Cruise was alone. He approached and casually said, "Michael, you can call me Tom."

Michael didn't hesitate, smiling and nodding. "Alright."

Tom Cruise glanced at Julia Roberts' departing figure. "You were just talking to her. Was it uncomfortable?"

Michael wasn't sure what Tom Cruise meant and looked at him curiously.

Tom Cruise made no secret of his disdain for Julia Roberts and didn't mind if others heard. He quietly said, "She's known for treating people poorly if they're not rich or famous, but she's very enthusiastic otherwise."

Michael quietly agreed. "Indeed."

In essence, Julia Roberts and Katherine Heigl were of the same type.

Tom Cruise continued gossiping. "While filming 'Runaway Bride,' there was a girl on set with her. Roberts said she wouldn't film if that girl was around. Anyone could be on set except that girl."

"Why?" Michael was curious.

Tom Cruise deliberately teased, "Guess?"

Michael randomly guessed, "She couldn't have been jealous of the girl's beauty, right?"

Tom Cruise laughed. "You're spot on. The girl was puzzled until a crew member told her that Roberts was jealous of her looks. She wanted to be the most beautiful woman on set."

Michael shrugged. "What an eccentricity."

Tom Cruise laughed. "Overconfidence."

Michael glanced at Tom Cruise without revealing it. Those four words seemed applicable to Cruise in the future as well.

He was curious why Tom Cruise approached him to chat about these things. They were merely acquaintances, not close friends.

After some more idle chat about industry anecdotes, Tom Cruise shifted the conversation to films, mentioning his award-season contender "Magnolia" and then talking about "Final Destination."

"I heard you're preparing a sequel to 'The Purge'?" Tom Cruise asked.

With several rounds of negotiations between Andrew and James Wan's agent Edward, news had spread, and Michael wasn't surprised. He smiled and said, "The sequel is currently just on paper."

Tom Cruise appeared enthusiastic. "Having difficulties? Short on funds? Need my help?"

Michael knew Tom Cruise owned an empty shell production company and understood his offer. However, he wasn't lacking funds for the sequel's production. Even if his funds fell short, financing could solve that.

Investing in a successful film's sequel was like slicing up a pie.

Michael politely declined. "Funding isn't a problem for now. Tom, if I run into trouble, you'll be the first I ask."

"Alright." Tom Cruise, not yet as erratic and extreme as he would be in later years, said, "Feel free to call me anytime."

Michael exchanged contact information with Tom Cruise.

While Michael was still chatting with Tom Cruise, two close friends noticed them.

"Leo, see that guy?" Tobey Maguire indicated with his eyes. "That's Michael Davenport. I almost got the lead role in 'Final Destination,' but he vetoed it."

Leonardo DiCaprio followed his friend's gaze, immediately recognizing a familiar face.

After nearly a year of settling down, Leo's flamboyance had diminished, replaced by a more mature demeanor.

"I know him." Leo maintained his composure. "Let's go. I'll introduce you."