Chapter 122: This is Very American

"Damn it, it's all burnt down! Where is that bastard? I'll kill him myself!"

The tram driver, played by old Gilbert, threw his hat down with fiery frustration, signaling the end of his cameo role.

After his scene, old Gilbert came off set, exhilarated. "I've produced films all these years, never thought acting was this exciting! In the future, save a small role for me now and then—I'd love a little acting."

Gilbert humored him, knowing it might actually do the old man some good to have a small part to focus on rather than the high-life distractions. Who knows? This cameo might even open a few unexpected doors for him.

With the cameo wrapped, old Gilbert returned to Los Angeles, while the production crew carried on with their intense chase scenes, explosive stunts, and fiery shootouts.

Once Naomi Watts returned to reshoot her scenes, she shared some interesting news. "Mel Gibson reached out to my agent—he's interested in casting me as the second female lead in his upcoming project."

Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "And did you say yes?"

Naomi shook her head, laughing. "I turned it down. Hollywood knows I'm yours, and yet he extended that offer? And with Sean Connery attached, it seems pretty clear what he was hoping for."

Gilbert pulled her close, smiling. "Thanks for telling me. Just know, I'd never stand in your way if it was a role you genuinely wanted. I'm not the controlling type."

Naomi gave him a warm look. "I know. But you're right—I can see where Gibson is coming from. And I wouldn't want to risk our relationship over a role. I owe my career here largely to you, so your enemies are mine too."

Mel Gibson hadn't outright wronged Gilbert, but everyone knew the man behind Gibson's management, Martin Bob, was a long-time rival of his.

Naomi knew that men rarely voiced all their concerns in Hollywood; they'd say they respected a choice but might resent it later. A close friend had told her about Nicole Kidman spending hours at a hotel with Gibson, only to have Tom Cruise go into a fury when he found out. Now rumors hinted that Gibson had come between them, fueling Hollywood's hottest gossip.

Although Tom Cruise took a direct approach, even allegedly threatening Gibson, Naomi sensed Gilbert was different. A man of subtler means, he'd probably just cut her out of his life quietly. That's the part Naomi never wanted to risk.

While Tom Cruise had made a scene, Gilbert likely wouldn't. He wouldn't throw punches; instead, he'd play the game to Gibson's detriment. Rumor alone could tarnish careers in Hollywood.

Gilbert took Naomi in his arms, pleased with her loyalty. Among the three main women in his life, Naomi had the maturity he admired, while Cameron Diaz and Charlize Theron still had a lot to learn.

Gilbert had a gentle hand with his people. Hugging Naomi, he whispered, "Follow your instincts in upcoming projects. Since people know you're with me, they'll respect boundaries. And soon, there'll be good news. Let's aim for the Oscars."

She looked up, feeling his confidence radiate. She knew Gilbert's support could take her career places she hadn't dreamed of, especially when she understood the Hollywood chessboard as he did.

For now, most people knew better than to test Naomi's loyalties. But Cameron, on the other hand, had to be reined in. She was young and spirited, always stirring up antics on set that made directors wary of the director she was "protected by."

When Gilbert had to pull her aside, she'd pout, sinking into the couch with tearful eyes. "I'm sorry. Go ahead, punish me if you must," she'd say.

Gilbert, amused, would play along with a light swat. Naturally, it always ended with her provoking him until he couldn't resist showing her a bit more "discipline."

Charlize, on the other hand, was grounded and warm to the crew, perhaps because her stardom was still budding. Gilbert could tell she'd grow into a real professional, the kind that made him proud to support.

After Naomi left, Gilbert weighed his options for dealing with Gibson. Confronting him wasn't his style, but he wouldn't let the matter slide.

He dialed his father, who knew the Hollywood machine better than anyone. "What do you think?" Gilbert asked. "Any ways to hurt Gibson's Oscar chances?"

"That's a tall order," his father said, his voice thoughtful. "Martin Bob has been planning this awards push for months. It's no small effort on their end."

Gilbert had to admit, it wouldn't be easy to knock Gibson off his perch. But there was a chance—a rumor, maybe.

"I've heard Gibson made a few unflattering remarks about the Jewish community at an Australian party," Gilbert mused, weighing his options.

"Perfect," his father replied with a hint of approval. "I'll pass it along to a few key folks."

Gilbert wasn't aiming to completely tank Gibson's career, just enough to make an impact, to leave Gibson a step or two shy of the Best Director trophy.

Hollywood moved quickly, and by the time the rumors reached Gibson, Gilbert knew he'd have positioned himself far out of reach.

Meanwhile, the production rolled smoothly into October. Roger Moore, at sixty-seven, proved more than capable, performing many of his own scenes. The crew admired his spirit, joking he hadn't lost the moves from his Bond days.

The set also had a doctor on standby for safety, which proved wise as small injuries cropped up. Even Nicolas Cage suffered a cut above his brow. Afterward, Gilbert made sure safety checks were handled personally.

Despite the precautions, news of the accidents eventually leaked, bringing the actors' union to investigate. Though nothing severe enough to halt filming, it forced a brief pause, which Gilbert knew his rival Martin Bob would exploit if possible.

But fate had other plans. Just as rumors swirled, a more sensational case took center stage: the O.J. Simpson trial.

On October 3, the nation tuned in for the verdict, an estimated 140 million viewers pausing their lives to watch. Offices, schools, even government buildings stopped, captivated by a moment that would be remembered for decades.

Gilbert watched as the courtroom buzzed, braced for the verdict—and when it was announced, "Not Guilty," the public erupted. The debate over guilt versus innocence spiraled into arguments over race, class, and justice, leaving no corner of the nation untouched.

The Simpson case became a topic at every dinner table, every meeting, and every Hollywood event. In the face of such a storm, Martin Bob's schemes against Gilbert's production faded into irrelevance.

Gilbert, watching the trial unfold on TV, shook his head as Sophia joined him on the couch.

"This whole country...it's unbelievable," she said.

He nodded, sighing, "This is very American."

....

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