Chapter 508: Charlize Theron

[Chapter 573: Charlize Theron]

Los Angeles, Glendale, Galaxy Headquarters.

After watching the final cut of The English Patient in the MGM screening room, Arthur Smith couldn't have been more pleased.

"Director Anthony Minghella really had a great grasp on the narrative," Arthur praised to Tom Rothman.

"United Artists had a stellar year; the critically acclaimed Trainspotting grossed $17 million in North America," he continued. "And the equally well-received Fargo brought in $24 million."

Tom Rothman smiled, "The English Patient is set to release at the end of the month, while Evita will premiere next month; these films could definitely make a run for the Oscars."

Fargo had performed well overseas, raking in $36 million, although the international distribution was handled by Polygram.

...

Later that evening, at a reception held at the Ritz-Carlton in Beverly Hills, Arthur unexpectedly ran into Liv Tyler after a long time.

"Arthur, it's been ages," Liv Tyler said casually as she struck up a conversation.

"I've been out of the country," Arthur replied, scanning Liv up and down, "You're looking more and more stunning; everyone's having a hard time forgetting your physique in Stealing Beauty!"

Liv took a sip of her drink and said, "It's too bad, though. The recently released comedy directed by Tom Hanks, That Thing You Do!, didn't do as well critically or at the box office."

Stealing Beauty was an Italian art-house film released earlier that year, while That Thing You Do! was Tom Hanks's directorial debut, in which Liv also starred as the lead role.

Arthur shrugged, "It was Tom's first time directing; that's normal."

After all, That Thing You Do! was also distributed by Galaxy.

Liv leaned closer, "Arthur, I have a great bottle of wine in my room; why don't we go taste it together?"

Arthur chuckled, "I'll find you in a bit; I've got a meeting with Robert Redford."

"Sure, I'll wait for you," Liv said before giving Arthur a quick kiss and mentioning her room number.

...

Not long afterward, Arthur met with Robert Redford, where they discussed adapting a novel titled The Horse Whisperer.

Last year, British author Nicholas Evans published The Horse Whisperer, which sold rather well. The film rights were with Robert Redford, and Galaxy MGM hoped to team up with his production company to develop the project.

"It's a touching romance with a healing quality; I intend to direct it myself, and if MGM could support us, that would be great," Robert Redford smiled.

Arthur nodded, "The company has agreed to provide a production budget of $60 million for The Horse Whisperer. But we hope that the movie could be released in two years."

"That's no issue; I've already begun preliminary preparations," Robert assured Arthur, knowing the latter was worried about meeting deadlines.

Arthur grinned and extended his hand for a shake, "If you have time, come by Galaxy to discuss production specifics; I look forward to collaborating!"

"Likewise!"

...

After Robert left, Arthur headed to the restroom but ran into a familiar figure in the hallway.

"Is that Charlize Theron?" Arthur called out.

Charlize turned her head and blinked, "Oh, Mr. Smith."

They moved to the bar's booth area to chat.

"Thank you for your support back then; the funds you provided helped me tremendously -- I attended drama school and learned acting; now I've embarked on my acting career."

As she spoke, Charlize studied Arthur, "Now, I can pay you back."

Arthur laughed and shook his head, "I'm not in dire need of the money, but you might. So, how does it feel to be an actress?"

At 21, Charlize had shed her baby fat and looked stunningly sexy!

"I've been doing bit parts in horror films or taking on low-budget supporting roles," she shrugged, recognizing the lack of connections limited her opportunities.

"Have you not played a lead role yet?" Arthur inquired.

"Not yet. This year, I have a thriller 2 Days in the Valley coming out, where my role is a bit more substantial. I also participated in Tom Hanks's project That Thing You Do! as a supporting character. However, there was a drama from Regency Enterprises called The Devil's Advocate where I was invited to be the leading lady. It had quite racy scenes. As a newcomer, those were the types of roles I was offered. Unfortunately, before we started filming, Regency's owner Arnon Milchan had an accident, and the project has been shelved."

Charlize didn't hold back sharing any of this with Arthur, hoping he would remember her.

Arthur paused for a moment, recalling Regency's The Devil's Advocate?

Arnon Milchan -- wasn't he the same producer he'd dealt with? It was an unexpected connection.

Arthur looked at her, "You participated in That Thing You Do!?"

"Yes, but my role was minor," Charlize nodded. "Tonight, I gathered with the film's lead, Liv Tyler, at the bar, but now I'm preparing to head home."

"Let me give you a ride," Arthur said, getting to his feet. "Galaxy Orion is working on a sequel to Scream 3; the lead actress Naomi Watts will return. Why don't you audition for a supporting role? It should be more significant than your previous work."

"Really?" Charlize's eyes lit up. "Scream 2 was released in 1992; now that they're working on Scream 3, they're bringing back a former lead actress?"

"Come on," Arthur urged, taking Charlize by the arm to head to the parking lot.

"Mr. Smith, I hope I'm not being a bother?"

"Just call me Arthur. Why don't you admit that you're intrigued by a handsome, sexy man?"

Arthur chuckled, but spotting Tom Cruise in the parking lot with a young, beautiful woman caught his attention.

Charlize smiled, "You're currently every woman's dream; no one would turn you down."

Once in the car, Charlize followed Arthur's gaze, "That's Tom Cruise and his fiancée Denise Richards; they're already engaged. Hollywood tabloids have been buzzing about them all summer."

"No wonder," Arthur said, remembering how he had been in Asia for so long. "Where do you live?"

"North Hollywood."

Then Arthur started the car and drove toward North Hollywood.

After parking near an apartment there, Charlize turned to Arthur, "Do you want to come in for a coffee?"

Arthur chuckled, reaching out to caress Charlize's cheek, "Once we go in, I probably won't be coming back out tonight."

He leaned in and kissed her softly.

"Mmm," Charlize responded passionately to Arthur's kiss.

"All right, someone will call you in the next few days to head to the Galaxy Orion office," Arthur said after breaking the kiss, pulling Charlize close. "After that, we'll take a yacht out to sea."

"Sure," Charlize said before opening the door to exit the car.

Arthur drove back to the Ritz-Carlton in Beverly Hills.

Once she saw the car leave, Charlize finally walked into her apartment.

*****

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