Chapter 341: The Doctor Fainted

[Chapter 341: The Doctor Fainted]

Eric rode in a company car leaving Pixar's headquarters in Emeryville. They crossed the bridge into San Francisco via Highway 80, heading toward the film set for Basic Instinct located near Pacific Heights.

Pacific Heights, close to Fort Mason, was known as San Francisco's most expensive residential area. Several scenes from Basic Instinct had been filmed there.

When Eric arrived at the filming location on Broadway Street in Pacific Heights, following the address provided by Jeffrey, he noticed a mansion surrounded by police barricades with dozens of armed riot police keeping watch.

A few people had just exited their vehicles when Jeffrey came over to greet him.

"Jeffrey, isn't this a bit over the top?" Eric remarked, pointing to the riot police. Although he had heard about some issues while filming Ghost in New York, seeing the scene firsthand still caught him off guard.

Jeffrey chuckled weakly, "Eric, let's just get inside. If anyone sees you here, it could create a scene. Honestly, I advise you never to write a script like this again."

...

Once inside the filming area, Jeffrey explained, "San Francisco has always been a stronghold for the LGBTQ community. Since some plot details from Basic Instinct were leaked, local gay organizations have claimed the film discriminates against gay people. Over the past few days, there have been four protests involving more than 100 people. To prevent any radical activists from disrupting filming, we've had to be extremely cautious."

As Eric walked alongside Jeffrey, he asked, "What's the deal with the San Francisco County government about all this?"

Jeffrey pointed to the riot team outside. "Just look at them. Our film had a budget exceeding $30 million, most of which was spent here in San Francisco. That's a significant tax revenue for the San Francisco County. Plus, remember that donation I mentioned? They wouldn't want anything to jeopardize the shoot. But the riot police can only prevent extreme actions; they can't forcibly disperse protesters."

"That's good to know," Eric said, nodding in approval. As they reached the set, they saw a few crew members guarding a door.

"They're currently filming the scene where Catherine Tramell kills Johnny Boz. It's been cleared out already."

Just as Jeffrey explained, the bedroom door swung open.

"Hurry, someone fainted! Get him out!" a crew member anxiously shouted before rushing back into the room. The crew members who had been standing guard also headed inside.

Eric and Jeffrey exchanged worried glances, both curious about what was happening inside.

"We arranged for a doctor to be on-site due to the graphic nature of the scene to prevent anyone from fainting. So don't worry, everything should be fine," Jeffrey clarified.

Eric recalled the scene that had just been shot, understanding how it could go from seductive to gruesome so quickly. Even knowing it was all fake, it was hard to imagine that it wouldn't be overwhelming.

Just as Eric contemplated whether to go inside, a middle-aged man in a white coat, pale and with closed eyes, was being carried out on a stretcher by several crew members in a hurry.

"Is that... the doctor we arranged for?" Jeffrey muttered in disbelief.

Seeing this unfold, Eric's lips quirked, glancing at Jeffrey. They both wanted to laugh but held back; laughter seemed inappropriate in this situation. Still, the idea that the crew had managed to avoid any issues while the doctor had fainted was somewhat amusing.

"I'm really sorry, Mr. Williams, but we had an incident," director Roger Spottiswoode quickly came out to shake Eric's hand.

"It's all right. Can I take a look inside?"

"Of course," Roger nodded. Then noticing Joanna Pacula, who was following Eric, he added, "I suggest this lady wait outside. Although the room has been somewhat cleaned, it's still pretty gruesome."

"Joanna, why don't you wait outside?" Eric told her, following Roger into the bedroom.

...

The room was quite spacious, designed in an elegant European style. According to the script, a large mirror adorned the ceiling. As they entered, several crew members were cleaning the 'bloodied' bed, which wasn't real blood but looked remarkably convincing, not just ketchup.

Diane Lane soon emerged from the adjoining bathroom, clad in a large white robe. Spotting Eric, she approached with a hint of surprise. "Mr. Williams, it's such a surprise to see you today! Mr. Spottiswoode didn't mention you were coming."

Eric shook Diane's hand, smiling as he said, "I guess the recent filming didn't upset you, Ms. Lane, which is a relief considering I just saw a doctor being taken out."

Diane, once all smiles, suddenly seemed to recall something that made her expression change. "Actually, I felt quite ill for a moment and even thought I might throw up, but after splashing cold water on my face, I felt a bit better."

Roger raised an eyebrow at Diane, noting her lie. Just moments ago, while the last shot was being wrapped and the doctor fainted nearby, Diane had laughed. If they hadn't finished the scene, she might have needed to do it again.

However, Roger decided not to confront such a trivial matter.

Eric nodded and heard water running in the bathroom. Curious, he asked, "Is someone still in there?"

"Yes, Mr. Cabel is cleaning the artificial blood off. If it dries, it's tough to get off the skin," Roger explained.

"There are curtains, I was just washing my hands," Diane took a moment to clarify.

Eric surveyed the room, noticing that crew members were beginning to move filming equipment out. He suddenly inquired, "Wait, I remember the next shot is supposed to be the police investigating the scene, right?"

Roger responded, "To schedule some of the supporting roles, we wrapped that shot ahead of time."

"What's next?" Eric pressed further.

Roger retrieved the shooting schedule from his assistant and handed it to Eric. "Next, we're heading to Catherine Tramell's villa to shoot a few more scenes, not far from here, on Vallejo Street."

*****

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