Chapter 175: Catwoman

Simon gestured for Valeria Golino to wait a moment and picked up the phone, saying, "Joe, what's up?"

On the other end of the line, Jonathan Friedman had already heard the news that Danilis Film was conducting a surprise drug test on the final ten candidates for the lead role in "Batman" and called to plead on their behalf.

After patiently listening to Jonathan Friedman, Simon's tone left little room for negotiation. "Joe, before casting began, we had already specifically reminded them that if they couldn't stay clean during this period, I really don't see any reason to give them a chance... I know this kind of thing is very common in Hollywood, but that's just the way the world is. Those who have already made a name for themselves can easily bounce between the Bedford Rehabilitation Center and the movie set, can get so high they're out of their minds and still shoot anti-drug PSAs, but they can't. They're just small fry, and small fry need to have the self-awareness of small fry, so, I'm sorry... Valeria, she's already here, sitting across from me... Well, we'll talk another time, goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, Simon looked at Valeria Golino across the desk.

This Italian actress with beautiful curly hair and cat-like light-colored eyes was only twenty-two years old, but her acting resume was far from simple. Two years ago, Valeria Golino had won the Best Actress Award at the 43rd Venice Film Festival for her role in the Italian film "Love Story."

However, in the original timeline, besides the female lead in "Rain Man," Valeria Golino hadn't starred in any other well-known films, even her breakout role in "Love Story" was just a low-profile art film.

Simon also remembered some gossip about Valeria Golino competing with Julia Roberts for the lead role in "Pretty Woman," where they were the final two candidates. The public reason for her not getting the role was because of her accent, but more details were not known.

Because her career in Hollywood didn't go smoothly, this actress with a promising start eventually returned to the European film circle like many European actresses who failed to make it in Hollywood.

Across the desk, Valeria Golino patiently waited with her bag on her lap, waiting for the young man across from her to finish sizing her up before softly asking, "Mr. Westerlo, do you have something for me?"

Simon didn't answer directly but instead asked, "Have you seen 'Batman'?"

Valeria Golino was nervous about the unexpected invitation from Simon Westerlo. Her agent and Jonathan Friedman, the vice president of the company close to Westerlo, were also clueless about the reason. Having been in Hollywood for over a year, Valeria Golino hadn't received many film offers but had heard plenty of gossip. In the circle, it wasn't uncommon for some big shots to summon an actress they were interested in under the guise of discussing work or attending parties, and then things would naturally progress. She had recently appeared in "Rain Man," and supposedly Simon Westerlo watched films every week, so he must have noticed her during that time.

However, after receiving the invitation, Valeria Golino hesitated only briefly before deciding to come.

After all, men like beautiful women, and similarly, women like handsome men. Simon Westerlo, a handsome, talented, and wealthy young man, was definitely not repulsive to women.

When Simon Westerlo mentioned "Batman," Valeria Golino's anxious heart settled down.

So there really was serious business.

The entire Hollywood was eagerly anticipating it.

But internally, she felt a mix of disappointment and other emotions.

After a moment of being stunned and sensing Simon Westerlo's patient gaze, Valeria Golino quickly responded, honestly shaking her head, "Sorry, Mr. Westerlo, I haven't seen 'Batman.' I grew up in Italy."

Simon just nodded and then asked, "Do you have any other film contracts right now?"

Valeria Golino thought about the role of the female lead in the epic historical drama "The Spring of the Rapids" by Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski, which was about to be finalized, but after a moment's hesitation, she decisively shook her head, "No."

"The thing is," Simon didn't pursue further, saying, "I've seen your performance in 'Rain Man,' as well as your performances in a few other films, and they were very impressive. So, I would like to invite you to play the female lead in 'Batman.' What do you think?"

Valeria Golino instinctively asked, "Don't I need to audition?"

"I've said, I've seen your performances."

"Then, Mr. Westerlo," Valeria Golino asked again, "what role would I be playing?"

"Catwoman," said Simon. "Do you know her?"

As a popular anti-heroine character that appeared in the first issue of "Batman," although Valeria Golino hadn't read the comics, she had heard some about Catwoman. After recalling some information about Catwoman, Valeria Golino nodded, "Selina Kyle."

"Right, Selina Kyle," Simon nodded. "If you decide to take the role, you might want to read some comics. However, Catwoman's origin and other details in DC Comics are quite chaotic, so you will ultimately need to base your character on my script."

It wasn't easy for European actresses to make it in the insular Hollywood, but recalling the young director's miraculous career, Valeria Golino didn't hesitate any longer, saying, "Mr. Westerlo, what's next?"

Simon smiled and said, "Do you know why I chose you?"

Valeria Golino was taken aback and shook her head.

"Your acting is impressive, which is very important because the Selina Kyle I want cannot be convincingly portrayed by a typical vase-like actress. I confirmed you for this role after repeatedly watching 'Rain Man.' Despite being younger than Cruise and Hoffman, you displayed a nearly maternal power to soothe the troubled hearts of both protagonists. Bruce Wayne in 'Batman' is a character who has suffered childhood trauma. Although he is very strong, he is still human and gets hurt in his fight against evil, needing comfort. So, I hope you can retain this trait from 'Rain Man' when portraying Catwoman."

After finishing, Simon took another few looks at Valeria Golino, who still had a youthful glow on her face, and said, "Moreover, you're only twenty-two, which is also very important. Selina Kyle is an agile cat burglar with a gymnastics background and expertise in combat according to comic lore. To play this role, the actress must undergo significant physical and combat training. Older actresses often struggle with this, but it shouldn't be a problem for you. Of course, it will be very hard. Are you willing?"

Valeria Golino nodded eagerly, then realizing her eagerness, she became somewhat embarrassed.

Simon didn't mind and continued, "Also, while I love your accent when you speak, North American audiences might find it hard to accept Catwoman speaking with an Italian accent. So, for the next six months, in addition to physical training, you'll need to take accent lessons."

Valeria Golino showed a surprised expression, "Six months?"

"Yes, six months," Simon confirmed. "That's also what I wanted to discuss next. If you agree to the role, we'll sign the contract before the end of the month. Then, for the next year, you probably won't be able to take on any other film contracts."

In Hollywood, it's not uncommon to spend a year or two preparing for a role. Valeria Golino quickly realized that the female lead in a Simon Westerlo film, especially for a blockbuster like "Batman," was worth the time investment. She couldn't have hoped for a better opportunity in Hollywood.

"No problem, Mr. Westerlo," realizing this, Valeria Golino quickly nodded. "May I see the script first?"

"The script is still being revised, and to maintain absolute secrecy, even the lead actor won't see the complete script before shooting starts," Simon shook his head. "This isn't a matter of trust, but in this industry, there are always people who will stop at nothing to get such leaks. It's hard to guard against."

Valeria Golino showed understanding, then seemed unsure what to say next, her light-colored eyes glancing at Simon before shyly looking away. She really wanted to inquire about the salary, but knew that it was best left to her agent to negotiate.

Simon noticed Valeria Golino's changing expressions, simply smiled, and said, "That's all for now. We'll contact WMA about the next steps. You can go home now."

Valeria Golino stood up, politely came forward to shake hands with Simon again, and left the office. Reaching the parking lot, she still felt somewhat dreamlike.

The female lead in a Simon Westerlo film, and for a blockbuster like "Batman" at that.

And she had gotten it so easily.

The actresses in the company who always mocked her foreign status would surely be green with envy now.

Feeling an uncontrollable excitement throughout her body, Valeria Golino didn't immediately get into her car. Instead, she walked to a nearby phone booth and dialed a number.

It was past working hours on the East Coast, and the call was transferred around a hotel in Manhattan before reaching her agent.

Her agent, on the East Coast, became overly excited upon hearing about her meeting, speaking somewhat incoherently and insisting she stay put; he would fly back from New York immediately.

After hanging up, Valeria Golino's excitement slightly subsided, but she couldn't help thinking about her meeting with Simon Westerlo.

Feeling somewhat regretful again.

He said he liked her accent, yet there was no further indication.

Such an enigmatic man.

Simon was too busy to spare any other thoughts lately. After finishing the meeting with Valeria Golino, he rushed to the newly integrated Danilis special effects company.

He had important arrangements for the evening and returned to his Malibu mansion around 5:30 PM.

Inside the villa, Simon called out a few times without response and finally found Janet in the seaside studio, engrossed in painting a new piece.

The canvas depicted a beautiful seascape, somewhat resembling the Malibu sea view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. However, a long spiral staircase appeared between the sea and sky, with various bizarre figures climbing up or plunging down in a chaotic and panicked manner, some even falling off the stairs in collisions.

Janet experimented with many art styles but favored this kind of bizarre and eerie surrealism, likely due to her personality.

Simon quietly stood behind her without interrupting, and after about ten minutes, Janet stopped painting, turned around, and asked, "What do you think?"

Simon stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and examining the painting, "It reflects a deep-rooted human contradiction. Those in hell long for heaven, while those in heaven wonder if hell might not be so bad. Thus, most people spend their time on the journey, willing to shatter to pieces."

Janet smiled, pecked Simon on the face, and broke free from his embrace, "Help me clean up, I'll change."

Since Janet had a substantial fortune, she was always determined to enjoy life. Initially, she thought about selling paintings for living expenses, but this idea gradually faded after being with Simon, now treating it as a hobby. She mainly managed the Simon & Janet Westerlo Foundation and acted as Simon's extravagant purchases manager.

They were attending the media screening of "Basic Instinct" that night.

With the film's release a month away, holding a screening at this time was somewhat early. However, Danilis Film and Fox decided to use "Basic Instinct's" controversial nature to spark public interest and debate about the movie.

In the original timeline, "Basic Instinct" first appeared at the Cannes Film Festival, causing significant controversy. This time, since the film wasn't completed before Cannes, they opted for an advanced screening, with Fox inviting numerous well-known film critics from the American East and West Coasts to Los Angeles for the event, expecting the impact to be no less than the Cannes premiere.

The screening started at 7 PM.

As Danilis Film owned half of "Basic Instinct," Simon's investment in this film surpassed even the currently screening "Pulp Fiction."

Simon didn't plan to change clothes and helped Janet tidy up the painting supplies before leaving the studio.

Janet quickly changed into a fitted light pink dress, her fair neck adorned with a perfectly suited pearl necklace, white high heels on her feet, and a clutch in her hand. Coming out of the dressing room, she handed Simon a folder, "The detective agency's report on Sophia Feci, delivered this afternoon. A very interesting woman, you can read it on the way."

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