[Chapter 769: Someone Beat Us to It]
"Nastassja, you're back from Europe? Alright, I won't ask any more questions."
The beautiful woman shot him a glance; her relationship with her father wasn't exactly news. It was clear that this trip to Europe hadn't helped mend the father-daughter bond.
"Everyone has been saying how much of a genius you are, but let's talk about your ability to read the room. If I had that skill, we wouldn't be in this situation."
"No, no, Nastassja, you're mistaken. It's that I care about you more than you think. Look into my eyes; have you noticed that there's something called sincerity?"
"Pfft, don't make me laugh. I picked up on other things. This girl isn't half bad."
"Hahaha, she's fantastic. Have I told you that you're getting more beautiful by the day?"
"Sure, save the compliments. I'm not one of those little girls." Though Nastassja said that, deep down, she felt quite the opposite. As women age, there's always a sense of looming crisis. Besides, her current situation was indeed quite awkward.
"Ahem, I still haven't received the script for Pulp Fiction. Your news came a bit too late."
"Tsk, how irritating! Who's so annoying?"
"Definitely annoying; that Weinstein brothers' company. That damn fat guy has a roguish look in his eyes."
"Nastassja, to be honest, if he were really honest, there might be some questions about his orientation."
"Ugh, make a decision quickly. What are you going to do without this movie?"
"Do? That suggestion is quite devious. By the way, I'm not kidding; MiraMax, right? Didn't they get acquired by Time Warner?"
"Yeah, that fat guy just rides on Warner's coattails to scare people."
"Okay, I got it. You go contact Robert Zemeckis. Tell him I'll make Forrest Gump for him, and the lead will be Tom Hanks."
"Robert Zemeckis? The one who directed Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"
"Who framed Roger Rabbit? He really liked Forrest Gump, and I promised him a shot."
"Uh-huh, I'll contact him later. Now, you owe me some food."
"Ahem, Nastassja, it's not even dark outside."
"When have you ever waited for dark? Stop dragging your feet."
William White, despite being well taken care of, felt a twinge of concern. Pulp Fiction was indeed a classic film that turned a small investment into major success.
How much it earned was secondary to the fact that this movie, with its strict demands on performance, made several stars shine bright.
Besides, next year was going to be a very special time. Many might wonder why the Oscar race in '95 seemed so fierce; generally, there wouldn't be that much competition.
Whether it was Forrest Gump or The Shawshank Redemption, if they hadn't appeared at the same time, each would have swept the awards season.
In fact, both Pulp Fiction and Four Weddings and a Funeral were also excellent Oscar films.
With so many strong films competing, there was only one reason behind it. A hundred years ago, Edison invented the film.
Alright, if we're going to put it that way, many would surely disagree. Films were initially crafted by the French.
But you see, creating is one thing; how you package and commercialize it is the crux of the issue. Clearly, Edison was indeed a remarkable businessman.
As for the titles of scientist and inventor, well, that seems a bit of a stretch.
That's just how the world works; whoever holds the power of discourse gets to dictate reality. So, the Americans really have no grounds to accuse others of copying.
In the world a century ago, Europe was the center of the world. The American continent was just a wild place; all technology and culture were shipped over from Europe.
In truth, once everyone got to a similar point, there would be no need for someone to point out the necessity of protecting intellectual property.
"By the way, dear, has the director for that movie been confirmed?" The well-dressed duo had obviously decided the winner, with William White having a slight advantage.
"Each time, it's just pointless fussing around. It's annoying. But yes, Quentin Tarantino will take on the project."
"Tsk, come to think of it, that fat guy seems to be doing quite well in Hollywood. He's hiring a big director for a low-budget film."
"Not just that, Bruce Willis agreed to star. Tsk, tsk, I wonder if he has the money to finish this film. Also, John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson will join the cast."
"I know Samuel; he's tight with Bruce Willis. John Travolta? His asking price won't be low either. By the way, Nastassja, what's their budget?"
"Eight million dollars."
"Ahem, are you joking? Bruce's fee alone is already eight million. What's going on, did he have too many kids and run out of milk money?"
The beautiful woman shot him a glare; that jerk had previously gotten close with Bruce's wife. Saying that now felt a bit salty.
"The script is good; there's a chance for an Oscar. What's so strange about lowering the fee? But even so, an eight-million-dollar budget..."
"Sigh, fine. Since someone beat us, I guess I'll just let it go."
"Pfft, I heard he wanted to ally with Disney, and you were the one who shot it down."
"You said he was leering; how could I allow that? Disney is no place for him; he belongs in West Hollywood. By the way, who's the female lead? She seems to have a significant role."
"Uma Thurman. She's a stunner; want to get to know her?"
"Haha, no thanks. She's not my type."
"You've met her?" Nastassja was curious; after all, Uma was just a slightly known girl. How could this guy know her?
Of course, she couldn't know that not being famous now didn't mean she wouldn't be in the future. Not to mention her stunning performance in Pulp Fiction, and let's not forget the later film Kill Bill. William White wouldn't forget either.
Even if you hadn't seen it, you must have seen the iconic poster. A woman holding a katana was pretty eye-catching.
Tsk, tsk, that fat pig probably hasn't had that experience yet. If he had, there wouldn't be any need to force it later on.
"Is it really that surprising? You think there are many who could be the lead?"
"This world is truly unfair; I really like that character."
"Hahaha, Nastassja, that wouldn't work. The female lead's character is more like a spoiled child. If Demi Moore played her, there might have been a chance."
"Why can't I do it?"
"Too beautiful. If the lead looked like you, this script should go to West Hollywood."
"Ugh, you have a dirty mind." Nastassja fumed, annoyed by how these men thought. Was there really nothing else for them to think about besides that?
*****
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