Evita was quite a fabulous stage play, which is something the British background naturally supports. The Americans definitely couldn't produce something like that.
William White put in quite a bit of effort to get the adaptation rights. Fortunately, the economic situation was rough, and no one wanted to shell out big bucks to buy them.
"What about this subject?"
"Yeah! This guy's all over the place, with so much cross-industry activity. What's his limit?"
"Lucas, looks like your Industrial Light & Magic won't have a deal this time."
"Ha ha, buddy, those little fellas got pushed to the limits by William White. They need to take a break."
Nowadays, in Hollywood, everyone was pursuing anti-war themes or comedies. Nobody wanted to invest in historical subjects or biographies; those were definitely considered bad assets.
Now someone told them it's not the subject, it's their skills.
Some negative thinkers didn't see it that way. To them, William White was just an overly rich fool, having reached his peak and now ready to let loose.
Since the original story was about Eva Peron, the lead female role was obviously of utmost importance. The person he chose? Well, okay, she looked impressive, but no matter how you dressed it up, she was still an extra.
And not even a movie extra, just a Broadway one. While she did have a little fame now, that was only because of William White's support.
William White didn't care about the outsiders' concerns. For his movie, speed was of the essence. If things over there really kicked off, it might spell trouble.
...
When the boss gave the word, his subordinates had to move quickly. Since the big boss personally took charge, who dared to have other thoughts? They had to get everything done right away.
Madonna was tossed into Broadway, and undergoing some intensive training was necessary.
"Shooting a movie?"
"Yeah, that's certain. Filson has the final say."
"Heck! That's really something else."
"Do you get it? Are we thinking retirement?"
"Retirement? Didn't he just drop out of college or something?"
"The thesis is out; I hear it made waves. The upcoming time is just for loafing around."
"Alright, let's go talk to Filson."
This group overthought things. William White wasn't indifferent; he just didn't even engage in negotiations. He executed this golden rule excellently, ensuring today's scenario.
"Suzuki, keep an eye on recent scripts. If there's a good one, bring it to me."
"Okay, boss. There's an interesting truck driver recently, trying to reach every film company."
"A truck driver? Last I heard, only taxi drivers lived off scriptwriting. How come there's a truck driver doing it? Gone to all film companies? Why didn't he come to me?"
"Dunno." The young assistant giggled behind her hand.
"Alright, alright, Suzuki, why giggle behind your hand?"
"Hmph!"
"Go find out why this guy didn't come to me. If the script's good, bring him over."
"Yeah, got it, boss."
William White wasn't sure what this truck driver was all about. If it was that 'Cameron' trucker, he'd certainly recruit him.
Right now, he was in a tough spot; without a suitable director for big projects. Comedy films were fine - Hollywood had tons of those types. But for something with more depth, there weren't many options.
Sure, Lucas and Spielberg were possible, but unfortunately, both were legendary; the best he could hope for was a partnership. There was no way they'd join his camp.
Nastassja Kinski's former partner had the chops, but alas, he was too scoundrelly. Besides, he'd already wronged the guy. How could he expect him to help make money at this point?
...
After the New Year holiday, William White flew straight to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.
The reason for such a rush was simple. Many countries saw Uncle Sam as the support behind UK. Without America's backing, Britain would have been done for a long time ago.
With war looming between Britain and Argentina, America was clearly seen as an accomplice. If the filming wasn't completed now, there would be many complications later.
Although the war hadn't started yet, the atmosphere in Buenos Aires was already very tense.
Borrow the presidential palace balcony?
What are you thinking? No way.
It was obvious that Americans weren't very welcome. To them, if not for America's meddling, John Bull would've long lost its country.
"Mr. President, perhaps it's time to send them away. That director isn't an ordinary figure. Not only is he America's richest man, but he also controls America's most important TV stations."
"A bratty kid? Am I supposed to be afraid of him? Get them out of here quickly."
"Sir, we've almost prepared our own thing. Public opinion is crucial. Kicking out a film crew now would work against us internationally."
"Nonsense! Are we really putting fear into foreign friends?"
When it came to America's position, these guys genuinely didn't dare to act recklessly.
The subordinates were speechless. Kicking them out is easy, but have you thought about how to handle their retaliation? A guy controlling the television media wouldn't hesitate to tarnish his own boss. If they don't expose everything you've done, consider yourself lucky.
"Sir, after all, they are neighbors. There's really no need to sour our relationship. The one at fault is the British. America seems rather decent to us. If we act hastily, a bit of surprise is understandable."
The subordinate was being quite straightforward. With all the internal issues already, not lending them the palace is one thing, but driving them away is different. Do you really think Americans are all peace-loving?
"How long will those bastards stay?"
"If everything goes well, they'll be done in a couple of days."
...
William White knew they didn't like him, but he didn't care. After all, he was sticking around and wasn't leaving. Even kicking a ball in the street sounded good.
William White was having a blast and didn't mind the official neglect, seemingly just there for fun.
On the surface, William White seemed to be there for fun, but in reality, he was grinding his teeth through it, wishing he could dig a hole and crawl into it.
Sometimes, persistence is the key to victory.
William White might not have exactly won, but he achieved his goal. He knew the locals' thoughts -- Evita Peron was a controversial figure, and the stage play was written by British, so it was understandable they weren't fond of it.
He should indeed be grateful. If not for his immense fame, completing this task would have been impossible.
Madonna's voice was really something else. Her rendition of Don't Cry for Me Argentina was truly captivating. After the performance, the crowd in the square erupted with applause. William White believed that if the sound system had been better, the effect would have been even more spectacular.
Evita is essentially a musical, depicting a rather contentious slice of history. It's basically a rags-to-riches story, and while the ending isn't perfect, it has its own charm.
Madonna really brought the character to life; seeing her now, she's practically Hollywood's Evita.
What? Just good friends, no marriage?
Well then, write whatever you like, will ya?
Yeah, that's no problem.
*****
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