Chapter 121: Venus

In the evening, at the Capet Manor's private cinema.

The currently showing movie, Brokeback Mountain, played on the screen, while Charles and Eva Green lounged on the luxurious sofa in front of it.

Eva Green, wearing black gloves, appeared like the mythical Venus in the dark, charging at Charles like a medieval knight.

At that moment, the screen showed a scene from Brokeback Mountain featuring Liv Tyler in a car. This scene seemed to remind Charles of something familiar.

After another sprint, Eva Green lay next to Charles, somewhat tired, and gazing appreciatively at the screen, said, "This movie is so artistic. Even watching it for the second time can empty one's mind."

Brokeback Mountain only opened in 217 theaters in North America. It's clear Focus Features didn't put much effort into it. The movie would have to rely on word-of-mouth to expand its screening scale.

As for Eva Green, Charles had known her for more than three days. Taking her home to watch such an excellent film together wasn't too much.

Listening to Eva's praise, Charles held the girl and looked at her, saying, "I feel like I'm desecrating Venus!"

Well, Eva Green was now mimicking the Venus look from the movie The Dreamers. However, Eva Green was more thoroughly undressed.

Venus is a goddess of beauty in Roman mythology, one of the twelve main Roman gods, equivalent to Aphrodite in Greek mythology.

"I'm an atheist and have no religious beliefs. Venus is just a statue to me," Charles responded, not expecting Eva Green's reply.

Didn't the movie you starred in, Kingdom of Heaven, revolve around religious wars between Christianity and Islam?

Fortunately, Charles also had no religious beliefs. Shouting slogans as a Catholic was just posturing because The Passion of the Christ was going to be released. Besides, his mother was indeed a devout Catholic.

Eva Green removed her black gloves and leaned on Charles's chest quietly, watching the movie.

Clearly, French actresses have plenty of character. Charles held the girl and watched the screen.

"Taking on a role in The Dreamers right at the start of your career, you've got guts," Charles said. "Weren't you worried you might end up like Maria Schneider?"

In 1972, the French actress Maria Schneider, just 19 at the time, made her debut alongside a 48-year-old Marlon Brando in Last Tango in Paris, known for one of the most notorious sex scenes in film history, which redefined movie boundaries.

Because of this, Maria Schneider was indelibly marked in viewers' minds as a symbol of sexual revolution. She worked hard to shed this image, but she couldn't escape the notoriety, forever damaging her reputation.

Though the film was controversial, it earned Oscar nominations for Bernardo Bertolucci and Marlon Brando and made Maria Schneider famous overnight.

However, the impact on Maria Schneider was immense. Endless controversies led to her breakdown, and she spiraled into emotional turmoil, attempted suicide, and even drug addiction.

Charles remembered that Maria Schneider would pass away in a few years. The forced filming of that infamous scene by Marlon Brando and director Bernardo Bertolucci without her knowledge truly ruined her life.

How could a newcomer at the time resist a renowned director like Bernardo Bertolucci and a superstar like Marlon Brando?

Eva Green shuddered, clearly still shaken, "When I received the script from Bernardo Bertolucci, my agent and family were against me taking the role. I desperately needed a break back then and was only playing small parts in plays, so I accepted the script. Thankfully, the result wasn't like Maria Schneider's in Last Tango in Paris."

Charles nodded, "You know the entertainment industry well; you know a lot of its dynamics."

Marlon Brando's reputation was already bad, and this wasn't his only scandal. As for European directors, not many are serious people either.

"I know I'm just a small actress, and I can't resist many things, but I love acting. I have my principles and limits," said Eva Green, who was daring in her films but was quite low-key in real life.

"Are you heading back to Paris in the next few days?" Charles asked, turning his head.

Eva Green nodded, "This time I came for the movie Kingdom of Heaven. It's set to release in May next year, and I'll come to America for its promotion with the crew."

Then she looked at Charles and asked, "Will you remember me? Will you look for me when you're in Paris?"

"Ha, why wouldn't I remember?" Charles found it amusing. Was he that type of person?

"Why wouldn't I go to Paris? Haven't you already entered Hollywood? It's not like we won't have chances to work together."

Eva Green laughed, "I understand, but you don't have to worry about me clinging to you. Over these days, I've found you very attractive. Sleeping with you was my choice, and I don't feel shortchanged."

"Haha," Charles laughed. Attractive because he was a billionaire and a movie company boss.

"Don't worry. If you run into any trouble in Hollywood, you can call me. I think I should be able to solve it!" Charles didn't have any roles for her at the moment. Besides, this was her high point.

Sony took over MGM, forming Columbia-MGM movie group, and the new James Bond movie was starting. The next Bond girl was indeed in his arms.

"Thank you. If you visit Paris, you can look for me!"

Charles nodded. 

He then leaned down and kissed her, and Eva Green followed his lead.

The movie on the screen reached the end, its beautiful music accompanying the breathtaking scenery. Half-reclining, Charles couldn't help but softly say, "Dear, I think I will definitely go to Paris and find you!"

"Okay!" Eva Green mumbled, not entirely clear.

Without going to Paris, life won't be as exciting, right?

*****

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