Chapter 37: A Rare Opportunity

While "Final Destination" was being intensely filmed, the North American Saturn Awards, established in 1972, announced this year's nomination list. "The Shallows" was fortunate to receive a nomination for Best Horror Film, and Gwyneth Paltrow also earned a nomination for Best Young Actor.

The Saturn Awards are different from the Oscars; they specifically focus on science fiction, fantasy, and horror films.

It was already a pleasant surprise to receive two nominations, especially since Universal Pictures hadn't put much effort into lobbying.

Looking at the nomination list, films like "Terminator 2," "Edward Scissorhands," and "The Silence of the Lambs" were strong competitors.

Just being nominated made Gilbert happy.

The awards would be presented in May, and to coincide with the promotion of "Final Destination," Gilbert planned to attend the Saturn Awards.

To discuss the Saturn Awards, Gwyneth Paltrow, who hadn't been seen in a while, visited the set of "Final Destination."

"Is this your new partner?" Gwyneth Paltrow asked, eyeing Cameron Diaz, who was standing next to Gilbert, with a hint of disdain.

"Hey, hey, hey, what's with that look? Michelle is way prettier than you," Gilbert immediately defended his current partner.

Gwyneth Paltrow snorted disdainfully, "Well, Johnny's much bigger than you."

"Johnny? Wasn't it George last time?" Gilbert questioned, puzzled.

Gwyneth Paltrow shrugged nonchalantly, "George didn't work out. He was all show."

Gilbert was speechless. Gwyneth Paltrow was even more of a player than he was; she was the true flirtatious one.

Because they were so familiar with each other, these jokes were fair game.

Meanwhile, Cameron Diaz pretended to look pitiful, but in her heart, she was secretly wary. She needed to guard against Gwyneth Paltrow rekindling anything and keeping her at bay.

As for having Gilbert all to herself, Cameron Diaz had never considered that. She just wanted fewer women around Gilbert, that's all.

She only wanted to give and receive, and Gilbert was the most desirable option.

"By the way, who are you planning to attend the awards ceremony with?" Gwyneth Paltrow asked.

Gilbert clearly felt his arm tighten; obviously, Cameron Diaz was nervous. She tightened her grip on his arm unconsciously.

Since it was already decided, there was nothing more to say.

"I'm taking Michelle. What about you?"

Gwyneth Paltrow glanced at Cameron Diaz again, curious about what this beauty had done to earn Gilbert's favor.

But since she and Gilbert had no relationship anymore, it wasn't her concern, so she simply nodded and said, "Fine, I'll take Johnny then."

With their partners decided, Gwyneth Paltrow had no interest in staying longer and left immediately.

After finishing the day's filming, Cameron Diaz, as usual, didn't stay in her room but slept in Gilbert's.

After a round of yoga, Cameron Diaz and Gilbert practiced a few new moves.

When Cameron Diaz was utterly exhausted, Gilbert was still full of energy.

Cameron Diaz couldn't help but mutter "freak" under her breath. Gilbert had such incredible stamina, and she was also curious about who this man Gwyneth Paltrow had mentioned was.

"You're already so strong; who could be stronger than you?" Cameron Diaz asked curiously.

Gilbert, with one arm behind his head and the other around Cameron Diaz's, inhaled the scent of her golden hair.

Hearing her question, Gilbert knew she was curious about what Gwyneth Paltrow had said earlier in the day.

"Maybe there's someone, but it's definitely not that Johnny guy. Gwyn just regrets it and wants me to go back to her," Gilbert explained.

Hearing such a vivid and humorous analogy, Cameron Diaz couldn't help but laugh, finding Gilbert very funny and charming.

"Final Destination" started filming in February and was expected to wrap up in mid-April. The movie was in its final stages of filming.

Cameron Diaz, curious about Gilbert's next move, asked, "After 'Final Destination,' are you planning to continue making horror films?"

"I don't know. It depends on how this movie goes," Gilbert said, thinking about his ideal plans. He told Cameron Diaz, "If everything goes well, I should be making an explosive action movie next."

Action movies were also very popular in Hollywood at the time, giving rise to many action stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.

Gilbert certainly wanted to join in and be part of the action movie craze of the '90s.

This was pure commercial filmmaking, which Cameron Diaz found very interesting.

"Do you think I have a chance to be in it?" Cameron Diaz asked eagerly.

"You?" Gilbert thought for a moment and said, "You're still too young and might not be suitable for the female lead, but if you're willing to take on a supporting role, I could consider it."

Even a supporting role was an opportunity, and Cameron Diaz didn't hesitate to agree, "Gilbert, you know I never say no to you."

Gilbert smiled but didn't respond.

Right now, Cameron Diaz might think this way because she didn't have any experience and had only gotten the lead role through connections.

But after "Final Destination," if she became popular, she might not remember today's agreement.

Even if Cameron Diaz wanted to honor today's agreement, her agent wouldn't allow it.

After tasting the good stuff, it's hard to go back to eating plain fare.

But who can say what the future holds? If "Final Destination" flops, there wouldn't be a need to think about the next movie.

After over two months of hard work, "Final Destination" finally wrapped up in a small town near Santa Monica.

Gilbert, not one to put much emphasis on wrap parties, held a simple party with the crew and then quickly headed back to Touchstone Pictures' post-production editing room.

"Final Destination" is essentially a horror story about death being inevitable.

This movie would still have been a unique concept, even eight years later at the turn of the millennium, let alone in this era.

There was another horror movie with a somewhat similar premise called "Scream."

Director James Wong was inspired by this film to adapt "Final Destination" the way he did.

But unfortunately, "Scream," a classic teen horror film, was released in 1996.

So, in terms of concept, "Final Destination" was unique in Hollywood, very eye-catching.

But every year, Hollywood studios receive plenty of creative scripts, yet only a few ever get made into movies.

Hollywood never lacks creativity; what it lacks are people who can turn that creativity into reality and the courage to take risks.

Usually, only after someone succeeds do other studios jump on the bandwagon, producing similar films until the potential of that genre is exhausted.

This is understandable; the movie industry is a gamble, and until a film is released, it's in a state of quantum uncertainty between success and failure.

With investments often reaching tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, film studios can't afford not to be cautious.

So, many people's dreams of impressing a movie studio with a creative script are mostly fantasy; the chances of success are nearly zero.

Even Gilbert's opportunity to direct came about through his connection with Spielberg.

Even then, Universal Pictures was cautious, fearing Gilbert might mess up the project.

It was only because of the success of "The Shallows" that Gilbert had some leverage to direct his second film.

Even now, rumors were circulating that Gilbert was Spielberg's illegitimate son!

This shows how rare opportunities are in Hollywood. If you miss one, you might as well jump off a building.

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