Chapter 69: Total Recall Premiere

Arthur came over tonight mainly because the President of Marketing and Distribution at Columbia TriStar, Sid Ganis, wanted to meet him.

"Arthur, some people are now calling you Hollywood's genius screenwriter. The success of American Pie and Sleepless in Seattle has raised a lot of expectations for Sleeping with the Enemy as well," Sid Ganis said as he and Arthur watched the cast of Total Recall being interviewed on stage.

"Genius screenwriter," Arthur laughed. "There are too many genius screenwriters in Hollywood!"

Sid Ganis spoke, "I want you to take Sleeping with the Enemy to this year's 47th Venice International Film Festival to promote its release in Europe!"

"Early September," Arthur thought for a moment, "That's no problem. I'll go with the cast to Italy. The lead actor Hugh Grant previously won the Best Actor Award at the 44th Venice International Film Festival for Maurice. And with Meg Ryan, who is hugely popular in the U.S., making an appearance, it should have a pretty good effect!"

Sid Ganis nodded, "You've set up your own production company now. If you have a good script, you can come directly to Columbia."

"Sure, I will!"

The premiere of Total Recall was a grand event. The director, Paul Verhoeven, and the main actors, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone, all attended in full regalia.

Dutch director Paul Verhoeven also directed the Orion Pictures film RoboCop, known for its bloody violence and wild sex scenes.

What was most memorable was his controversial and explicit upcoming film Basic Instinct, with Sharon Stone, who played a supporting role in this one, as the lead actress.

Watching Sharon Stone on stage, Arthur was thoughtful. Basic Instinct, despite its controversy, had a high box office.

By stripping down for Playboy, Sharon Stone won the role in Total Recall, setting the stage for her next role in Basic Instinct.

She managed to get Paul Verhoeven and was willing to be bold in the film, not caring about being labeled a sex symbol.

Arthur recalled that the erotic thriller script for Basic Instinct was bought by Carolco Pictures for a record-breaking $3 million, making it one of the most expensive scripts of the '90s.

Arthur shook his head. "Carolco seems to have German funding support. With Germany's unification this year, there'll probably be even more financing."

At that time, Germany would launch eye-catching film support funds and film tax rebate policies. Arthur couldn't miss the opportunity.

Arthur left the theater, not wasting any more time. Total Recall had nothing to do with him. Sid Ganis had already met with him and chatted, so there was no reason to stay.

Just as Arthur drove into North Highland Avenue, his phone rang. It was Nicole Kidman. "What's up, Nicole?"

"I'm in Burbank. Can you come and pick me up?"

"Sure, I'm nearby," Arthur replied. After passing through North Highland Avenue, he would be in North Hollywood, and Burbank was just next door.

In a short while, he picked up Nicole Kidman on South Buena Vista Street. "Get in the car. Just finished shooting Days of Thunder?"

Arthur glanced at the nearby Disney Studios and guessed.

"Thanks, had some night scenes today," Nicole Kidman said, taking the passenger seat. "My assistant took the day off."

Seeing Nicole Kidman seemed to have something on her mind, Arthur didn't press further. "Home or grab something to eat? I just came from the Total Recall premiere."

"Total Recall premiere? In Hollywood, right? You got here pretty fast."

Arthur shook his head. "I left shortly after arriving. The Columbia TriStar folks wanted to see me, and that film has nothing to do with me. Why should I stay?"

"Besides, I'm not famous. Reporters wouldn't interview me. When you called, I was already on North Highland Avenue!"

"I see," Nicole Kidman nodded. "Arthur, can you take me to a bar? I want a drink. Unless you're afraid?"

"Afraid?" Arthur glanced at Nicole Kidman. "Days of Thunder is set to release at the end of this month, and your relationship with Tom Cruise will be public. Why should I be afraid?"

Arthur shook his head, "No one knows who we are now. When does the promotion for Days of Thunder start?"

"Mid to late this month. For now, it's mainly TV and newspaper ads. Soon, there'll be large posters, and then I'll be attending TV events or outdoor promotions with Tom Cruise," Nicole Kidman explained, looking at Arthur. "That's when many will recognize me!"

Arthur nodded. "Indeed, Tom Cruise's love life is always in the spotlight. But why should I be scared? Shouldn't I be excited? A grown man like me, afraid of losing out?"

Arthur turned the car around, heading for a club in West Hollywood.

"Why'd you suddenly call me tonight?" Arthur asked.

Nicole Kidman leaned back in her chair. "My agent told me not to contact Tom or mention him in front of the media for the next few days. The agency is probably worried I might overshadow him."

Arthur understood. "So, you called me to kill time?"

Nicole Kidman patted Arthur's leg and laughed, "Don't make it sound so bad. You were the first friend I made when I came here, and we've kissed before, haven't we? And I did give you information about our casting, though you didn't get a part. That's not my fault!"

Arthur sneered, "You think Days of Thunder is any good? A cliched gangster story. You're the only thing interesting about it. Do you think just putting two stars in a movie means it'll make money?"

"Arthur, you call me a eye candy, but weren't you a trophy in Sleepless in Seattle too?" Although Arthur was right, Nicole Kidman also had her pride.

"I'm a producer!"

"I'm the lead actress in Days of Thunder, and the only female role in Days of Thunder!"

"I'm a producer and screenwriter!"

"And your biggest role is a supporting actor in Edward Scissorhands!"

"I wrote three scripts, two of which have been successfully released, and the third, which I am developing myself, is in post-production. So, I am the genius screenwriter and producer!"

"You," Nicole Kidman couldn't stand it and pinched Arthur's waist.

"I can't take it anymore," Arthur stopped the car, unbuckled his seatbelt, and kissed Nicole Kidman directly.

"Mm," Nicole Kidman responded by wrapping her arms around Arthur's neck, suddenly feeling his hand slip under her clothes...

*****

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