[Chapter 538: The Departed]
Gangster movies were not uncommon in America, but only one stood out as the most famous. Yes, it was The Godfather. Once you watched that movie, other gangster films never quite measured up.
Little Leo was lucky; at the time, he was just a minor player. The only time he had stood out was in Growing Pains.
What a lucky bastard.
Indeed, the entire Hollywood was filled with envy and jealousy.
Geez, this was William White's new movie. What kind of luck does he have?
Tom Cruise, used to being the star, immediately thought about turning it down. But his agent was taken aback.
"Tom, you can't decline; not only that, but you also can't ask for anything."
"Paula, can you tell me why?" Tom was curious; his agent had high standards, and it was ridiculous to cast a newcomer opposite him.
"You don't know? Damn, what have you been up to lately? Forget your bad habits; this isn't good." Paula Wagner knew Tom had a reputation, but he couldn't say too much.
"Alright, alright, I know my own business. Can you just tell me why now?"
"The script is by William White, and he'll likely be directing it too. Trust me, Tom, no one can refuse anything from him; not a single person."
"What? Are you sure?"
"Of course, I'm sure. That lucky kid is probably over the moon right now."
Tom shook his head and smiled wryly, recalling when he wasn't so different from that kid. Since William White had taken an interest in him, he wouldn't dare to offend him.
In Hollywood, William White was almost a god. Everyone he wanted to promote succeeded without fail. That alone was enough to let him walk with confidence in Hollywood.
"Paula, should I give Mr. White a call?"
"Of course. You know, even though you're famous now, you still lack a foundation. You understand, being short is a serious issue."
"Okay, I get it. I hope this leading lady won't disappoint."
"Ha, you might be disappointed. She's just a pretty face. If I'm right, it should be Nastassja."
"Ugh, Mr. White is something else. He makes movies not just to impress girls, right?"
"Ha ha, I don't think he needs to impress anyone; at least half of the actresses in Hollywood want to be with him."
"Half? Paula, don't kid around. What others find difficult, for William White, doesn't even pose a problem. I can't wait to get that script."
Even a big star like him was anxious, while young Leo was practically bursting with excitement. Having grown up in Hollywood, he knew exactly what White Films represented.
Hollywood today was nothing like it was ten years ago. There were so many more film companies, and the original giants were no longer just for show.
Columbia and Universal were proudly pursuing their ambitions, while Warner and Fox were hot on their heels. They thought William White was just too busy to give his all. What if he slipped up? They could rise to the top themselves!
No good scripts?
That's a joke. Hollywood has never lacked for that; it just lacked the vision to uncover great scripts.
They underestimated William White's passion for film. That summer's James Bond flick swept everything. Following that, Disney was planning something new.
While these folks were dreaming big, William White was setting up a distribution network. Clearly, they were not taking him lightly anymore.
Suddenly, they barely caught their breath, and William White stepped onto the scene. With any movie he made, no need to ask about the budget. Even with a budget of just ten million bucks, he could pull off a thirty-million-dollar effect.
Why was that? Simple sponsorship. The movie was barely registered, and advertisers were already lining up to throw money at it. This time, Motorola played nice, demanding to ramp up their advertising right away.
The sudden surge in demand left the world astonished. Nobody was talking shit anymore; the mobile communications market had long surpassed their expectations.
...
"Darling, I read the script; it's fantastic. Who's the other woman? Sophie?"
"Ha ha, she's studying fashion design. She seems a bit indifferent to Hollywood. Is it my approach that's the problem?"
"Hmph, lucky girl, you're the one. A sweet face like hers gets sold out right away."
"Lucky? Maybe, but a lot of people still hope for a normal family. Look at Demi Moore; doesn't she fit that?"
"Ha ha, you sound envious. Want me to set up a date for you with her?"
"Don't. They say a good horse never turns back."
"A horse? What's that supposed to mean?"
Alright, William White's glamorous retreat from his relationship with Nastassja Kinski was nothing to joke about.
"What I mean is, once it's lost, don't cling to it. No matter how great it was, she's someone else's wife. Nastassja, even if I can be a bit of a jerk, I won't go too far. Good grief, what are you thinking? Better repent right away."
"Hmph, that jerk is even more eager to take me home for a confession."
"Not like that, did you do something to her?" William White's eyes sparkled with gossip.
"That's exactly it."
"Ugh, here we go again! Take that!"
One wild night was best left unspoken. William White realized he had no suitable actors left. Some were getting married, others were bowing out.
Well, he could still continue working with those girls. But in the rotten town of Hollywood, even if you did nothing, someone would still throw dirt on you. If there was any scandal, it wouldn't be pretty.
People had some strange notions. Before marriage, you could do whatever. But once you were married or in a serious relationship, you had to behave like an angel.
...
Looking at the two young stars across from him, he couldn't help but find it amusing. Tom and Leo were the cream of the crop.
"Have you read the script? Any thoughts?"
"Mr. White, I'm excited to work with you again, and I'll give it my all."
"Tom, call me William; I'm not much older than you. Leonardo, you're young, but you did well in Growing Pains. I see potential in you; don't let me down."
"Thank you for the opportunity. Just watch my performance; I won't let you down, Mr. White."
William White waved his hand. "You don't need to call me Mr. White. On set, you can call me William or Director. Don't be too nervous. One thing to keep in mind: making a movie isn't like making a TV show. Your role has a cynical edge; keep the acting raw and unpolished."
"I understand, Director. I'll consider it carefully."
"Okay, that's it. Tom has an agent; what about you? Can you make decisions on your own?"
"No problem; I can make the calls."
"Great, then we're set. If you have any questions, you two can call me."
*****
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