Chapter 321: The Son of Hollywood

In Malibu, at a villa on Little Dume Beach, Charles Capet and Olga Kurylenko had a truly wonderful night together.

Charles already knew Olga Kurylenko would become a Bond girl in Quantum of Solace, so he wasn't worried about any complications arising.

If there were any issues, he would just recommend her directly. After all, Olga Kurylenko was perfect for the Bond girl role in every way.

Back at the company, Charles paid special attention to the recently concluded 64th Venice International Film Festival. Atonement was the opening film and received decent reviews, but it didn't win any awards.

The Golden Lion for Best Picture went to Ang Lee's film Lust, Caution.

Best Actor and Actress surprisingly went to Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.

Atonement opened first in the UK and grossed $3.3 million in its opening weekend. Its North American premiere was set for the Toronto Film Festival a week later.

That night, at a private party in the Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard, it was the usual scene of debauchery.

Charles, after dancing with Anne Hathaway, brought her aside for a break. Sipping on fine wine, Anne Hathaway seemed a bit troubled.

"What's the matter? Been to too many parties?" Charles asked with a smile.

Anne Hathaway shook her head. "I heard recently that many movie studios are cutting down on projects for the next couple of years!"

"What does it have to do with you? You're already a big star. Short on movie offers?" Charles said, taking a sip of his wine.

Last month, Anne Hathaway's British romance film Becoming Jane was also released in North America, but its performance was poor, grossing only about $18 million.

The overseas release was even earlier, but it also grossed only around $18 million. Combined worldwide earnings for Becoming Jane were just $37 million!

"Charles, I really admire you. Your French biographical romance film La Vie en Rose grossed over $80 million worldwide. Also, Atonement, another British romance film, made $3.3 million in its UK opening, while Becoming Jane only grossed $6.6 million in the UK!"

Anne Hathaway, having skyrocketed to fame with The Devil Wears Prada, obviously wanted to maintain her box office allure.

Moreover, both Becoming Jane and Atonement featured James McAvoy as the male lead.

"Keira Knightley, starring in the just-released Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, is riding a wave of popularity. Besides, British period romance films need that British flair, which can feel off when an American girl like you plays a 19th-century British historical figure!"

Charles knew Anne Hathaway hoped to win awards, as playing historical figures often brought accolades.

"Also, don't turn down commercial films in favor of too many art films. Take up a few more commercial films while you're young to keep your fame alive!"

Anne Hathaway nodded, "I did shoot a commercial comedy, Get Smart, this year, you know."

Besides Get Smart, Anne Hathaway also had two indie films: the family drama Rachel Getting Married and the thriller Passengers.

"Ms. Wagner is coming over," Anne Hathaway reminded Charles.

Charles turned around and saw Paula Wagner, Tom Cruise's partner and now MGM executive, approaching.

"Good evening, Anne, Charles!"

"Good evening, Ms. Wagner!" Anne Hathaway replied with a smile.

"Paula, Tom's bald, pot-bellied, hairy chest look in Tropic Thunder was quite the eye-opener," Charles laughed. Tropic Thunder was an action comedy directed and starred by Ben Stiller, featuring a star-studded cast including Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr.

Of course, the biggest surprise was Tom Cruise's out-of-character appearance in the film.

Paula Wagner awkwardly shrugged and laughed, "Charles, don't tease. You know it's a Paramount movie!"

Charles knew that Tropic Thunder was made by DreamWorks, a Paramount subsidiary.

Despite Tom Cruise taking charge at MGM, his political thriller Lions for Lambs had been a complete failure this year.

Poor reviews aside, its box office was a new low for Tom Cruise. A $35 million investment returned only $15 million in North America and $63 million worldwide.

This time, Tom Cruise's unflattering role in Tropic Thunder was a peace overture to Paramount, signifying reconciliation.

Actors, no matter how skilled, can't defy the larger industry forces. Tom Cruise's bad public image over the years, becoming a laughing stock in America, couldn't have happened without Paramount's backing.

"Don't worry, I think highly of Tom. His dedication to movies and strict demands for action scenes are all positives," Charles said, no longer a small Hollywood producer but a significant capital force in Hollywood.

With a different status, Charles's way of speaking and dealing with people had changed.

Paula Wagner smiled, "Charles, Tom has always wanted to work with you, but there just hasn't been an opportunity!"

Paula Wagner knew that Capet Group had gained significant power, and Charles Capet was now dubbed by the media as "The Son of Hollywood."

"Is that so? MGM only has Lions for Lambs this year and Valkyrie with 20th Century Fox next year?" Charles asked, puzzled. Didn't MGM get a $500 million credit line from Merrill Lynch's film fund?

"The current market isn't great, so investors are stricter about audits, and Tom doesn't want to waste their money. He's being more selective with projects," Paula Wagner explained.

Charles nodded. Since Tom Cruise had now made a cameo in Tropic Thunder and reconciled with Paramount, the next step would certainly involve media efforts to restore Tom Cruise's image!

As Paula Wagner walked away, Charles pondered the future Mission: Impossible 4, wondering if he might get a chance to be involved.

*****

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