Chapter 93: Edward Scissorhands

20th Century Fox scheduled Edward Scissorhands for a year-end release, clearly targeting the awards season.

After all, this type of gothic romance won't attract a large audience in theaters, it's more of a niche market piece.

"How's it going lately, Depp?" Arthur asked, while lounging in the theater's lounge with Winona Ryder, as Johnny Depp walked in and fist-bumped him.

"Hey, Winona," Johnny Depp fist-bumped Arthur and greeted Winona Ryder, who was holding Arthur around the waist.

"Same as usual. I had a cameo in A Nightmare on Elm Street 6 recently, but the teen movie Cry-Baby released earlier this year didn't do well!"

Arthur smiled, "The preview for Edward Scissorhands was great, and 21 Jump Street Season 5 had good ratings. You shouldn't be lacking scripts!"

"Yeah, Depp, didn't you mention a few months ago about doing an action movie? How's that going?" Winona Ryder inquired.

Johnny Depp shook his head, "You must mean Kathryn Bigelow's action-adventure thriller Point Break. Patrick Swayze is the lead, and the supporting role didn't suit me, so they went with Keanu Reeves. Alright, excuse me for a moment, I'm going out for a smoke."

With that, Johnny Depp hurriedly left the lounge.

Arthur sighed, kissed Winona on the cheek, and smiled, "Depp missed out on a great movie. Although Kathryn Bigelow isn't well-known, her husband, James Cameron, is the producer of Point Break. James Cameron's involvement guarantees its commercial viability!"

Even though Patrick Swayze, who became famous with Ghost, is the male lead, the second male lead role would have been good too. Seems Johnny Depp just isn't up for playing supporting roles right now.

Kathryn Bigelow, who typically makes B-grade art films, wouldn't be producing an action movie. Her future Oscar Best Picture, The Hurt Locker, is purely a political token.

Despite becoming the first female director to win the Oscar for Best Picture, it also set the record for the lowest box office for a Best Picture winner and the least attention received in Oscar history!

Last year, James Cameron divorced Gale Anne Hurd, The Terminator producer, and soon married Kathryn Bigelow.

However, Cameron is currently filming Terminator 2: Judgment Day and getting cozy with its lead actress, Linda Hamilton, so he and Kathryn Bigelow are likely to divorce soon!

"How do you know?" Winona Ryder pinched Arthur's waist and whispered in his ear, "I heard from Jessica that Coppola's The Godfather Part III received some negative feedback during the preview."

"Don't worry," Arthur laughed, "It was always a cash-grab project. You'll see, when The Godfather Part III releases this Christmas, it won't get good reviews. And Sofia Coppola, playing the Godfather's daughter, will be torn apart by the media!"

Earlier, Arthur had Jessica James plant some tabloid reports about Francis Ford Coppola's nepotism and lost talent. Once The Godfather Part III is officially released and the reviews come out, those older stories will definitely resurface!

Winona Ryder's films Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael and Mermaids, released this year, didn't make much of a splash. Johnny Depp will undoubtedly be the focus in Edward Scissorhands.

Without the relationship with Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder's exposure is too limited. The news about The Godfather Part III will likely mention how Francis Ford Coppola dropped Winona for his own daughter!

"Shall we go? The movie is about to start," Arthur patted Winona Ryder's shoulder.

As one of Johnny Depp's most important films of the 80s and 90s, Edward Scissorhands indeed received rave reviews upon release!

Empire Magazine: "Edward Scissorhands is a touching fairy tale and the most whimsical movie to date. Tim Burton's modern fable successfully combines sharp comedy and heartbreaking romance. The imaginative sets and engaging story are exceptional!"

The Washington Post: "Like most fairy tales, Edward Scissorhands has a dark side. Tim Burton's loyalty to this aspect of fairy tales seems reasonable, though it may not satisfy those seeking a happy ending. The film starts with snow, the saddest season - winter."

The Guardian: "Comparing to contemporary Hollywood norms, Edward Scissorhands brings a refreshing change. Tim Burton is a true filmmaker, imaginative and adept at showcasing his vision."

Of course, although Edward Scissorhands was mostly praised by media and critics, some didn't like it!

The Chicago Sun-Times: "Director Tim Burton uses visual effects and techniques to create uncharted vistas, but disappointingly, his storytelling and character development don't match his visual expertise."

Rolling Stone: "Tim Burton's extravagant style in this film is disastrous. Some scenes are clumsy, if not outright unbearable."

In 1,023 theaters, Edward Scissorhands debuted with a weekend box office of $6.5 million!

Arthur and Winona Ryder attended a party hosted by Sony Columbia at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Arthur, now practically invisible as an actor, isn't seen as an actor by anyone anymore.

"Winona, this is Rob Reiner from Castle Rock," Arthur introduced Winona Ryder to some people at the party.

"Good evening, Winona. You were great in Edward Scissorhands," said Rob Reiner, who's a fan of this uniquely styled movie, having a background in romantic comedies.

"Thank you, Mr. Reiner," Winona Ryder replied sweetly, raising her glass to clink with Rob Reiner's.

"Arthur, why did you suddenly switch to producing thrillers?" Rob Reiner asked with a chuckle.

"Oh, just trying out different genres. Romance, comedy, thriller, horror, action, sci-fi, and drama. I want to try them all," Arthur said before downing his drink.

Rob Reiner nodded, "Will The Silence of the Lambs be released on schedule?"

"Don't worry, Jack Brady at Orion assured me they'll release The Silence of the Lambs as planned," Arthur replied earnestly, given that Castle Rock Entertainment owns half of the North American rights to the film.

"Hey, Arthur," suddenly, Mike Medavoy came over...

*****

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