Chapter 35: A Variety of Tricks

After the New Year, 1992 began, and "The Shallows" had finished its North American theatrical run, grossing a total of $41.279 million. This performance placed it just behind MGM's "Thelma & Louise," ranking 29th on the 1991 North American box office chart.

At the same time, "The Shallows" also concluded its overseas theatrical journey, grossing $64.5 million internationally. Combined with the North American earnings, the film's global box office total reached $105 million.

With his first film, Gilbert saw his global box office surpass $100 million, which shocked the industry and caused Gilbert's name to be frequently mentioned in the following months.

Although the media focused more on Gwyneth Paltrow, many film companies began to reassess Gilbert's potential.

In short, while he may not have become a hot commodity, Gilbert was no longer someone who could be ignored.

Universal Pictures was envious of other film companies because the investment in "The Shallows" was only $3.5 million, with total expenses, including marketing, not exceeding $8 million.

An $8 million investment that brought in $105 million worldwide—it was a huge win for Universal.

However, Universal had its own regrets, as the director who created this miracle wouldn't be working with them on his next film.

On the other hand, Robert Iger of Touchstone Pictures was all smiles, boasting to everyone about his success in poaching Gilbert from Universal.

Of course, Touchstone's most urgent task was to push Gilbert to start production on "Final Destination" as soon as possible.

After returning to Los Angeles after the New Year, Gilbert officially began preparing for "Final Destination."

Touchstone Pictures used a third-party system, which is a common Hollywood practice, establishing a studio related to the film with its own separate accounts.

Some studios for successful films can last for years, or even decades.

At the project preparation meeting, Gilbert discussed with Touchstone Pictures' producer, Kane Wexman.

"For the casting, I suggest holding a small-scale audition. I recommend Matt Damon for the role of Alex, and Cameron Diaz for Claire," Gilbert proposed.

Kane Wexman mostly agreed, saying, "Okay, Gilbert, as long as they meet the requirements during the audition."

With the producer's agreement, the matter was basically settled. Soon, Touchstone Pictures sent audition invitations to Matt Damon and Cameron Diaz's agents.

Matt Damon had already signed with Sheena Boone, but his friend Ben Affleck had signed with CAA.

At first, Ben Affleck was puzzled by Matt Damon's decision to sign with Sheena Boone, seeing CAA as a much more powerful agency.

But Matt Damon explained with a smile, "I trust Sheena, and Gilbert as a director."

"He's just a director around our age, who might only have a brief moment of fame. Why do you trust him?" Ben Affleck remained confused.

Matt Damon pointed to his head and said, "It's intuition, Ben. I feel that Gilbert is destined for big things."

Whether or not that was true was yet to be seen, but Gilbert had already sent him the script for "Final Destination."

This was the latest work from a director whose first film grossed over $100 million, and he was being considered for the lead role, which was far better than playing a minor part at CAA.

The audition was more of a formality, and as long as their performances weren't poor, other candidates wouldn't be considered.

Thus, Matt Damon and Cameron Diaz both passed the auditions and were cast in "Final Destination."

Cameron Diaz signed the contract with trembling hands, full of excitement.

Even though the salary was only $100,000—and that was due to Gilbert's influence—it was still a lead role.

If things went as well as they had for Gwyneth Paltrow in Gilbert's first film, Cameron Diaz believed she could become the next "America's Sweetheart."

Matt Damon was also pleased, with his salary slightly higher at $150,000.

After signing the contract, Matt Damon hugged Gilbert. "Thank you, Gilbert."

"No need to be so formal, Matt. If you hadn't done well in the audition, I wouldn't have been able to convince Touchstone to let you play the lead," Gilbert said.

Matt Damon assured him, "Don't worry, I'll do my best."

"Good. Want to grab a drink later?"

"No," Matt Damon said, pointing to the door. "There's a beautiful woman waiting for you outside!"

Gilbert looked outside and saw Cameron Diaz. He told Matt Damon, "Let's grab that drink some other time!"

"Sure, just call me anytime..." Matt Damon made a phone gesture.

Gilbert walked outside, where Cameron Diaz naturally took his arm as they walked out together.

"Thank you, Gilbert, for giving me this opportunity," Cameron Diaz said as they walked.

"No need to thank me, Michelle. I always take care of my own," Gilbert replied.

Cameron Diaz giggled and said, "You're definitely someone who knows how to win a girl's heart."

Gilbert lightly patted her arm and encouraged her, "The most important thing now is to do a great job on this film. You can do it."

"Mm-hmm," Cameron Diaz nodded earnestly. "I'll do my best."

On the way to taking Cameron Diaz back home, she practiced her banana-eating technique in the car.

Once they arrived at Cameron Diaz's apartment, since Gilbert had opened the "back door" for her, Cameron Diaz let him "use the back door."

Young men and women always find endless joy in these activities, and in the more open-minded Western world, they certainly play with more variety than in the East.

Of course, no one plays with more variety than those on that "worm-infested" island in the Pacific.

Cameron Diaz, having studied in that place, was well-versed in these techniques, making Gilbert wonder if she had ever worked as an actress in that island's customs industry.

Of course, Gilbert didn't ask, and Cameron didn't say.

The film's preparation process went very smoothly, and during the busy period, Gilbert also celebrated the 1992 Lunar New Year, the year in which he had been born in his previous life.

He couldn't help but wonder if another version of himself would be born and follow his original path, eventually crossing over.

However, Gilbert didn't dwell on such headaches, as overthinking could lead him down a strange path.

But he still celebrated the New Year, making dumplings with Cameron Diaz in her apartment.

In his previous life, Gilbert was from the Northeast, where New Year's traditions included "killing pig dishes," making dumplings, and sitting on the kang while chatting.

Although he couldn't make the "killing pig dish," he could still make dumplings.

As she tasted the dumplings, a type of food from the other side of the Pacific, Cameron Diaz commented, "The taste is strange, and dipping it in apple cider vinegar makes it even stranger. But after getting used to it, it's actually pretty good."

Gilbert explained with a smile, "These are dumplings, a food from the other side of the Pacific. They're generally better with local vinegar; apple cider vinegar isn't really suited for them."

The word "dumplings" was said in Chinese, and Cameron Diaz tried to repeat it, but with her thick accent, it wasn't very accurate.

"Don't they sell these in Chinatown? Why did you make them yourself?" Cameron Diaz asked, puzzled.

Gilbert nostalgically replied, "An old friend taught me how. Cooking is like making movies—it's one of my passions. If I weren't making films, I might have become a chef."

"Well, making movies is better," Cameron Diaz said, holding Gilbert's hand. "As for food, I can always be your customer."

Cameron Diaz felt that developing a relationship with Gilbert wasn't a bad idea—they could be a couple and fulfill each other's needs.

But for now, Gilbert seemed to have no intentions of taking things further, keeping the relationship strictly physical and professional.

After the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day, the "Final Destination" crew was ready, and filming officially began at Disney's own studio

....

This is yesterday's chapter, I had exams so I wasn't able to update