[Chapter 543: Waiting for You in Hollywood]
Noon, at a cafe near the Sydney Opera House, Arthur met with Cate Blanchett and renowned Australian director Peter Weir to discuss the project for The Truman Show.
"Actually, screenwriter Andrew Niccol initially wanted Robin Williams to audition for the lead role of Truman," Peter Weir said.
"But, I agree with you, Arthur. Jim Carrey is a better fit for this role. When I showed the script to Jim, he was really eager to be part of it," he added with a laugh.
Arthur nodded. "Jim always reminds me of Charlie Chaplin; his whole life feels like a show!"
"Jim has to finish some other films first, doesn't he?"
"Yes, he won't have time this year. He has two comedies to shoot, but he'll have his schedule cleared up next year for The Truman Show," Arthur replied, then introduced Cate Blanchett to Peter Weir. "Cate Blanchett, she has had quite a few impressive performances in stage plays and TV shows. The role of the main character's wife in The Truman Show should suit her very well."
"I know Cate; her performances in the plays Hamlet and The Tempest were really good," Peter Weir said, glancing at Cate Blanchett. "I'm sure she'll do great!"
"Thank you, Mr. Weir. I've read the script for The Truman Show, and it's truly thought-provoking," Cate Blanchett said excitedly, thrilled to meet a director like Peter Weir.
Peter Weir smiled. "I've taken a break for a few years; the script for The Truman Show is so profound and engaging. I plan to head to the States soon to start the pre-production work."
Once Peter Weir left, Cate Blanchett excitedly kissed Arthur on the cheek. "The script for The Truman Show is fantastic, and with Peter Weir directing, it feels incredible to be part of this project!"
Arthur took a sip of coffee and placed his hand on her thigh. "The Truman Show begins filming next year, but it won't hit theaters until the following year. If there are any suitable roles coming up, I'll try to get you involved, even if it's just a supporting part. It could really help your experience."
Cate Blanchett wasn't concerned about whether it was a supporting role. "Arthur, just think of me as a newcomer. In Paradise Road, I was just a character with limited screen time!"
Arthur lowered his head slightly and leaned in to kiss Cate Blanchett.
After the kiss, Arthur said, "I have to head back to the U.S. You should get ready to pursue your career in Hollywood!"
Cate Blanchett looked at Arthur. "I know. This year, I still have a role in a TV series, and I will be off to Malaysia to shoot Paradise Road. Maybe I'll go to Hollywood next year?"
"Sounds good," Arthur leaned closer to Cate Blanchett and whispered, "Right now, you're my woman, and I'll make time to see you; No other guys can touch you!"
Cate Blanchett smiled. "If other guys can't, how about women?"
"Uh, what do you mean?" Arthur was momentarily taken aback.
Cate Blanchett leaned in and softly reminded him, "I've been with women before!"
"Whoa, is that so?"
"Yeah, would you have a problem with it?"
Arthur shook his head. "No problem, aren't they all just women..."
...
That evening, in a suite at the Novotel Darling Harbour in Sydney, Catherine Zeta-Jones, who had just wrapped filming for The Phantom in Australia, joyfully embraced Arthur. "When did you get to Australia?"
"I've been here for a week," Arthur said, holding the sexy actress as they sat on the sofa. "Did The Phantom also shoot here in Australia?"
"Yep, we filmed in the U.S., Thailand, and Australia," Catherine Zeta-Jones said, kissing Arthur on the neck, "Once the outdoor filming in Australia wraps up, the movie will be locked, and I'm done with all my scenes."
Arthur's hand slipped underneath her top, caressing Catherine Zeta-Jones softly. "Since you're done, that means you can come back with me!"
Catherine Zeta-Jones let out a soft sigh and cozied up to Arthur. "Oh, great! So when are we heading back to the States?"
"In a couple of days," Arthur said, as he began to remove her clothes, kissing her shoulder.
"By the way, Arthur, are you here for vacation or work?" Catherine Zeta-Jones asked as she undid her bra and helped Arthur take off his shirt.
Arthur laughed and leaned in to her ear. "Nicole Kidman is filming The Portrait of a Lady nearby. She went to the U.S. for an event, and we came together!"
"Oh," Catherine Zeta-Jones nestled closer to him, "No wonder, it turns out that you have the most beautiful woman in Australia to accompany you? It's late January now; next month, Sense and Sensibility will premiere in Europe, and I'll be there for the BAFTA Awards. That movie has gotten great reviews, so it might win some awards!"
As she said this, Catherine Zeta-Jones kissed Arthur's chest.
"This film directed by Ang Lee, Sense and Sensibility, really is very good," Arthur thought about how stunning she looked in Titanic.
Arthur rolled over and pinned her beneath him, kissing her fiercely. Catherine Zeta-Jones responded passionately!
"Arthur, Nicole's filming location shouldn't be too far from here, right?"
"Oh, are you thinking about something?" Arthur asked, planting kisses on her soft body.
"Hmm, don't you want to? You were quite excited on the yacht at Cannes last year!"
Catherine Zeta-Jones teased him, her fingers running through his hair. "You really worked us hard back then. Well, should I give Nicole a call?"
Of course, Arthur was more than happy to do that. He got up to grab the phone.
...
On the set of The Portrait of a Lady, Nicole Kidman's assistant approached her to inform her of a call.
When Nicole answered, it was Arthur. "Missing me, huh?"
"Of course! Has that fat guy been bothering you?"
"James Packer? No, he knows Lachlan Murdoch, so he definitely knows your status. He wouldn't dare come after me!"
Nicole laughed. "I mean, who would dare touch Arthur Smith's woman? How about I come to the city to spend the weekend with you after work tonight? Sound good?"
"Sure! I'm waiting for you. I'll be leaving Australia next week!"
"That's fine. I'll also be heading back to Hollywood in March. Alright, I'll get back to shooting now. I'll call you later..."
*****
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