Chapter 177: Controversy

Simon, hearing Ronald Goldberg's question and noticing Barry Diller's inquisitive look, explained with a smile, "Ronald, before we started filming 'Instinct,' I had warned everyone that its reception might not be as favorable as last year's 'The Butterfly Effect.'"

Ronald Goldberg, still worried, subtly gestured towards the surrounding crowd and said, "Simon, during last year's screening, no one left early."

"This film doesn't have the intricate plot setup like 'The Butterfly Effect.' Its selling point is actually its controversial nature," Simon, ensuring no one else was listening, lowered his voice slightly, "Ronald, what Fox needs to do next is to control the narrative of this controversy. If we can hold out until the film's release next month, we've won."

The marketing strategy for "Instinct," after several internal discussions, didn't quite reassure Ronald Goldberg, "Of course, I understand, Simon. My current worry is that we might be completely unable to control the media direction."

"If it really goes south, then I can only say it's regrettable," Simon spread his hands, somewhat helpless with Goldberg's indecisiveness, "Ronald, we all know that the movie business is inherently risky."

Ronald Goldberg, sensing Simon's sentiment, looked around and said, "Alright, you two chat. I'll go greet Garrett from 'Variety,' hoping to secure a positive review."

As Simon watched Goldberg leave, he asked Barry Diller, "Barry, has Fox found a replacement for Ronald's position?"

Barry Diller nodded, "I plan to appoint Joe Roth as president. Rupert is also satisfied with him. Simon, do you know Roth?"

"Heard of him, but never interacted."

Simon verbally responded, thinking it was indeed Joe Roth.

In the original timeline, Joe Roth was the president of Fox during this period, known for discovering one of Hollywood's highest-grossing comedy films, the "Home Alone" series, since the 1970s.

Joe Roth, just turned forty this year, co-ran a production company, involved in successful films like "Bachelor Party" starring Tom Hanks early in his career, making a name in the industry but not at the top tier.

Thus, Joe Roth technically wasn't qualified to play in Hollywood's big leagues. Neither Rupert Murdoch, an outsider to Hollywood, nor Barry Diller, who at forty-six wanted more control over Fox Films, wished to hire another deeply entrenched Hollywood executive like Ronald Goldberg.

Joe Roth's decade-plus experience in production and company management, without deep Hollywood ties, made him a fitting choice for Fox Films.

"I'll introduce you next time," Barry Diller said, then added, "Simon, after 'Instinct,' I really hope we can continue our partnership. You mentioned wanting to collaborate with Fox Television, but it seems Danilith Films isn't too interested in working with us on reality shows?"

Simon replied nonchalantly, "Barry, that's because Fox's offers haven't stood out compared to other networks."

Despite being the fourth national network, Fox TV lagged behind the traditional ABC, NBC, and CBS.

With fewer affiliates and only two hours of prime time programming compared to the three hours of the big three, Fox's audience base was limited.

Danilith Films had pitched reality show concepts to Fox, but the offers weren't compelling enough for Simon to overlook these disadvantages.

Barry Diller, a shrewd and visionary business manager, had convinced Ronald Goldberg to agree to the groundbreaking deal with Danilith Films for "Final Destination," benefiting Fox greatly.

Given Simon's track record of box office hits, Diller had closely studied Danilith's reality show proposals. He saw "Survivor" as having the biggest potential, followed by "Big Brother," with "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" third due to North America's saturated quiz show market. "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" seemed more like Simon's 'personal interest,' having recently disrupted the marriage of the star Natasha Kinski.

Aware Danilith aimed its four show proposals at the big four networks, Fox had only one chance to bet.

After pondering, Diller asked, "Simon, let's be frank, I want 'Survivor.' What kind of partnership are you looking for?"

"Barry, expanding the audience is Fox TV's priority, profits come second, right?" Simon said, continuing without waiting for a reply, "So, if Fox wants 'Survivor,' the deal is simple: you gain viewers, Danilith gains profits."

Diller shook his head, "Simon, that's too harsh. Operating a network is costly, I can't let it become a tool for others to make money, and Rupert wouldn't agree."

Simon countered, "Consider Fox TV as a developing farm, and Danilith's shows as the farmers. To persuade the farmer to work for you, higher compensation is necessary. Only when your farm grows, can Fox profit more."

"I understand that," Diller replied, "but, Simon, I'm not sure about the 'farmer's' work quality you're recommending."

Simon laughed, "Neither am I, to be honest."

Recalling the upcoming premiere of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and its recent preparation, Diller had even visited the low-key pilot recording in New York. The show felt distinctly different from traditional quiz shows.

However, it was already committed to ABC, out of Fox's reach.

The writers' strike had created a dismal TV season, presenting an opportunity for Danilith and a weaker Fox TV. A sensational TV show this fall could significantly boost Fox's popularity.

Like internet companies investing heavily to grow user bases, Fox TV was in a spending phase. If Simon's reality shows succeeded, Diller wouldn't mind sacrificing profits for ratings, but he hesitated to sign a potentially laughable contract with Danilith.

With only three days until "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" premiered, Diller decided to wait, ironically doubting his own resolve compared to his persuasion of Goldberg for "Final Destination."

Determined, Diller planned to secure at least one of the two reality shows he eyed if "Millionaire" received positive feedback.

Though Simon had considered using the reality shows as leverage with GE for New World Entertainment, besides "Millionaire" already given to ABC, "Survivor" was the most valuable of the remaining projects. Simon hadn't planned to exclusively offer it to NBC.

In fact, worsening NBC's fall season could make GE more cooperative. After all, Danilith wasn't limited to these four reality show proposals.

With "Millionaire's" official recording this weekend and Simon heading to the East Coast early tomorrow, he didn't linger at the reception, returning to Malibu with Janet by 10 p.m.

The next morning, as newspapers released their richest editions of the week, "Instinct's" recent screening quickly became a hot topic, sparking intense debate as anticipated.

In basic film reviews, "Instinct" fared slightly better than last year's "The Butterfly Effect," also by Simon and Brian De Palma, averaging around 5 out of 10—not passing but not a total failure.

"Variety" offered a very positive review: "A smoothly styled, compellingly acted, and provocatively thoughtful erotic thriller with a peculiarly intense allure."

"Rolling Stone" praised the film as "a crimson dream crafted by Simon Westerlo, with Linda Fiorentino's performance leaving a lasting impression."

Major media like "The New York Times" and "The Seattle Times" also provided positive feedback.

However, the film faced harsher criticism.

Roger Ebert in "The Chicago Sun-Times" mercilessly criticized it as "nothing but trash beyond a predictably simplistic plot." Simon wondered if being harshly reviewed by such a respected critic was an honor.

Terence Rafferty of "The New Yorker" dismissed "Instinct" as "a boring story that diverts attention with sex and violence."

"Time Magazine," "The Chicago Tribune," and others also published critical reviews.

The controversy quickly escalated beyond film critique, with one self-proclaimed loyal fan of Simon denouncing him in "The Los Angeles Times" for peddling violence in "Pulp Fiction" and now sex in "Instinct," announcing a fan departure.

Mark Hollington, an East Coast writer who had criticized Simon during "Run Lola Run," joined the fray in "The Daily News," attacking "Instinct's" explicit sexual content and accusing Simon of lacking social responsibility.

The media debate intensified, even leading to personal attacks.

A critic from "The San Francisco Chronicle" published an open letter questioning if Simon, having produced discomforting films like "Pulp Fiction" and "Instinct," should return to psychiatric care. The critic also argued "Instinct" belonged in the NC-17 category, urging the MPAA to re-rate the film.

Following the open letter, many critics echoed the call for a re-rating of "Instinct," already granted an R rating by the MPAA.

With media uproar but understanding within Hollywood that "Instinct's" rating was unlikely to change without overwhelming public pressure or other significant factors, the film's societal impact awaited its release.

Once released, changing the rating would be even less feasible.

Thus, Danilith Films and Fox didn't let the controversy distract them, instead further fueling the debate to draw public attention, even delaying an MPAA explanatory statement.

To appear socially responsible, Fox and Danilith announced stricter age verification at cinemas showing "Instinct," potentially sparking more curiosity among teenagers inherently prone to rebellion.

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