Chapter 615

Francis Ford Coppola himself could choose movie themes from a historical and social perspective. Films like The Godfather series or Apocalypse Now reflected the vast vision and deep thinking of this world-renowned filmmaker.

The movies touched on anti-war themes and the American dream, giving new interpretations to American culture and expressing strong contemporary features and social responsibility, adding critical realism to his films.

Maybe Charles meant to say that Francis Ford Coppola was indeed a true lover of Hollywood cinema.

But alas, Charles was not like that, and he didn't want to become a simple filmmaker. He was always just a businessman!

Francis Ford Coppola's worries about Hollywood weren't unfounded. The Marvel model hit Hollywood hard.

Under the same model, a story could repeat endlessly, and dazzling computer effects became the main attraction.

High box office returns proved how vast this market was, showing other film companies the benefits of such a model!

If that's the case, who would still spend time refining a story? Who would pursue original screenplays? Could artistic pursuit compare to commercial success?

Marvel Studios continued to release blockbuster superhero movies in the same model, pioneering this new trend in cinema.

The Marvel series and James Bond series were inherently infinite-loop models. To filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola, Hollywood shouldn't just be like this.

At Sofia Coppola's celebration party, various stars were present, and Charles briefly chatted with the recently troubled Nicolas Cage.

"Cage is taking on a lot of B-movies these days. Seems like he's taken quite a hit," Charles mentioned to his mother, Evelyn Capet.

"Really? Do you think highly of him?" Evelyn asked, somewhat unsure.

Charles shook his head. "His time has passed. I just think it's a pity. He did contribute several great films as an actor."

"I actually liked some of his earlier works!" he continued.

"Well, in recent years, apart from The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, his movies haven't done well at the box office," Evelyn said, moving closer to her son.

"When you sold the rights for Angels & Demons to Universal, did you already know the movie's reputation would flop?"

"Well, how should I put this? I felt Ron Howard wasn't quite fit for directing commercial films. The Da Vinci Code mainly relied on the novel's intrigue, plus the curiosity about religious secrets. The movie was pretty average. The sequel followed the same pattern but with more action scenes. I wasn't very confident about it. Also, the author's fee, director's fee, and lead actor's fee were too high. Universal wanted to buy it from me for a few million dollars in advance. Why not!"

Charles shrugged, "At least, Universal didn't lose money. It's better than other blockbusters that lost money."

"By the way, any news on Ari Emanuel recently?" Charles asked.

Evelyn shook her head. "He contacted Harvey Weinstein before, but nothing much after that. Someone probably warned him. You know he controlled ETA for years. He must have some connections."

Charles laughed. "No way. ETA first merged with WMA, and now it merged with IMG to form Endeavor. And Ari Emanuel still has connections there? You know, after Michael Ovitz left CAA, the factions were directly purged!"

Evelyn rolled her eyes at Charles. "Ari Emanuel only left last year, and it's not that fast to clean up his people. I'm busy with the integration and now have to work on merging with IMG."

"Oh, that makes sense," Charles laughed. He then helped his mother to a couch in the rest area and reminded her, "Ari Emanuel's brother, Rahm Emanuel, is about to step down as White House Chief of Staff. Rahm is running for Mayor of Chicago. But he doesn't stand a chance. I've already talked it over with the Daley family in Chicago. Rahm Emanuel's been given up."

Evelyn recalled what her son had mentioned and asked quizzically, "Charles, you don't think Ari Emanuel has any chance of returning to Endeavor now, do you?"

What could being the Mayor of Chicago really do for him?

Charles shook his head. "No chance. But Jewish people like to stick together. Ari Emanuel's political resources won't do anything dramatic just because of one small piece. Perhaps your competition with CAA will get even fiercer!"

Evelyn understood. Ari Emanuel used to represent Jewish capital while Hollywood, due to Charles Capet's rise, was experiencing a power reshuffle.

Jewish capital's influence had waned significantly, and other forces started to come in. The Capet family, supported by native American and European white powers, was currently the most dominant force in Hollywood!

"CAA, huh?" Evelyn chuckled and said, "It's the only competitor left. EDR now has expanded from purely representing film and television artists to representing business in film, music, investment banking, advertising, sports, and gaming. CAA can only compete with me in Hollywood now!"

Charles and his mother controlled one of the largest media groups and the biggest entertainment company for artists in Hollywood. Anything major in Hollywood couldn't bypass the Capet family!

"Are you really opposing Jewish capital?" asked Evelyn, surprised.

Charles paused. "What opposition? I collaborate with Jewish capital quite a lot; I just don't trust them. Hollywood is my private land. I won't allow Jewish capital to do anything here without accounting for me. Now is the perfect time to clean some of them out given the rising anti-Semitic sentiment."

Evelyn then thought of those Jewish executives at NBC Universal who were fired due to the company's business losses orchestrated by Charles.

"You need both cooperation and competition," Charles continued. "Wall Street's Jewish capital really has money. There are quite a few Jewish capital shareholders in Capet Universal now."

"Alright, but don't you think you're getting too involved in politics now?" Evelyn asked, puzzled.

"Mom, I've never participated in politics. I only make donations to the candidates I support!" Charles laughed. "Politics? Ugh, I hate it the most!"

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.