Chapter 339: Stanley Kubrick

In the early morning, Arthur, lying in bed, let out a pleasant sigh. Soon, Sophie Marceau emerged from under the covers, swallowed, and lay on Arthur's chest, speaking rapidly, "Arthur, how does it feel?"

Arthur smiled, "It feels like flying, and I can never get enough of it!"

"Alright, time to get up and shower!" Sophie Marceau patted Arthur on the body and got out of bed.

After having breakfast with Sophie Marceau, Arthur returned to the headquarters of Galaxy Company in Glendale.

Galaxy bought the script of Twister from producer Ian Bryce to support his and Jan de Bont's development of the disaster film!

Meanwhile, due to Jim Carrey's success with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective at the box office, his comedic talent became widely recognized.

A script for Dumb and Dumber was also placed on Arthur's desk.

"Jim Carrey's agent is certainly gutsy," Arthur smiled. Currently, Ace Ventura had grossed $50 million in North America, making the movie undoubtedly successful.

Jim Carrey's salary had multiplied several times over!

"Boss, The Mask is set to release next month, and we've signed the contract for Dumb and Dumber with Jim Carrey. Dumb and Dumber doesn't have a high production budget, with the biggest expense being Jim Carrey's salary."

Budget of the movie was under $20 million. However, Jim Carrey's salary alone was nearly $5 million, whereas he had only earned $520,000 for Ace Ventura!

"Give it to him. After The Mask releases next month, his salary will likely go even higher," Arthur was able to accept Jim Carrey's $4.8 million salary for Dumb and Dumber.

There was no choice; if Galaxy didn't cooperate, other companies would naturally be willing to invest in Jim Carrey's Dumb and Dumber.

New Line Cinema Chairman Robert Shaye was very interested in working with Jim Carrey.

As the 66th Academy Awards approached, there were more and more PR activities.

Several films nominated for Best Picture, including Redemption, The Piano, In the Name of the Father, and The Remains of the Day, received seven to eight Oscar nominations.

The action film The Fugitive, perhaps too commercial, had fewer nominations.

Farewell My Concubine was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

Meanwhile, Arthur and Yu Feihong, who was on spring break, were drinking wine at the Minstrels Club.

"Oscars are not the same as Golden Globes. Although Farewell My Concubine won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film," Arthur explained to Yu Feihong while leaning on the couch, "winning an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film requires promotions - TV appearances, newspaper ads, and screenings."

"Of course, the real competition is the Spanish film Belle Epoque, last year's Golden Bear winner at the Berlin International Film Festival, distributed in the U.S. by Miramax," Arthur continued, smiling at Yu Feihong, "Miramax chairman Harvey Weinstein is quite experienced in Oscar campaigning, and Best Foreign Language Film is a key category for them."

It was a time when independent film companies were just emerging, and the Oscars were still dominated by the Big Six studios.

Of course, Galaxy being part of it meant there were hardly any other film companies making a big splash at the Oscars.

Arthur suddenly saw two people leaving the club - Sid Sheinberg, President of MCA Universal, and film master Stanley Kubrick, walking out together.

Stanley Kubrick, the great director, hadn't released a film since Full Metal Jacket seven years ago. Seeing him with Sid Sheinberg made Arthur think a lot.

If he remembered correctly, Stanley Kubrick's last film was the unfinished project Eyes Wide Shut!

"Arthur, what's up?" Yu Feihong asked upon seeing Arthur looking towards the door.

"Oh, nothing, just saw the great director Stanley Kubrick," Arthur said, pulling Yu Feihong onto his lap. "You know about him, right? He's truly a master filmmaker!"

Yu Feihong kissed Arthur on the cheek, "Of course, we've studied his works in school - Lolita, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, and The Shining are all outstanding."

"It's a pity that Stanley Kubrick has been retired for several years!" she added.

"Retired? Well, coming out of retirement is also possible," Arthur said, squeezing Yu Feihong's waist before leaning in to kiss her lips...

*****

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