Every summer season, it wasn't just Gilbert's busiest time but also Sheena Boone's most hectic period.
Although she still represented Matt Damon and Naomi Watts in managing their contracts, Gilbert was undoubtedly her most important client.
"Serve Gilbert well" was a phrase written at the top of Sheena Boone's work journal.
After completing its third week in North American theaters, The Rock had grossed $146 million, temporarily securing the top spot for the year's North American box office champion.
What was even more miraculous was that, in the fiercely competitive summer season, the film managed to hold the number one spot at the weekly box office for three consecutive weeks.
In its third week, The Rock earned $32 million, successfully surpassing the new release Die Hard 3, which premiered on May 19.
There's little need to introduce Die Hard 3, as it's a continuation of Bruce Willis's iconic series. Its opening weekend earned $22.16 million.
Logically speaking, with Bruce Willis being a leading action star and Die Hard being a classic franchise, the movie should have posted solid box office numbers during its debut weekend.
However, the film's daily earnings sharply declined, day by day.
The reason was simple: despite being a classic action series, Die Hard 3 lacked originality and offered nothing new in its storyline, which made it feel mediocre.
After audiences experienced the thrilling spectacles of The Rock, they found it hard to appreciate the lackluster execution in Die Hard 3.
Forget scenes like the low-altitude F-18 flyover beneath the Golden Gate Bridge or the bomb-stopping point-of-view shot in The Rock; Die Hard 3 didn't even have a tire-view scene of a bus jumping over a broken bridge, as seen in Speed.
After enjoying a delicious dish, being served bland food was naturally unappealing to audiences.
Viewer feedback was straightforward: "The plot is overly simplistic. It tries to imitate Gilbert's Speed but doesn't go all the way. And Bruce Willis lacks the charm of Keanu Reeves."
Some were even harsher in their criticism: "This Die Hard 3 isn't even as good as Rumble in the Bronx, which released back in February."
Rumble in the Bronx, starring Jackie Chan, was made right after his cameo in Real Steel. Following that, Jackie quickly filmed Drunken Master 2 and Rumble in the Bronx.
As a result, Rumble in the Bronx was a market sensation. It performed exceptionally well in both Korea and Japan and even set a record of 35 million RMB in China.
But more importantly, the film grossed $32.23 million in North America, setting a new record for a non-English film's North American box office.
Reports suggested some theaters even saw long queues, with North American audiences eager to witness the charisma of this kung-fu star from Hong Kong.
Thanks to his strong North American performance, Hollywood production companies were quick to extend invitations for Jackie Chan to make movies in Hollywood.
Sheena Boone consulted Gilbert about this, knowing he had worked with Jackie before and could speak Mandarin. Surely, he had insights into the actor from the East.
Gilbert's response was simple: "Sign him. Trust me, Sheena, you won't regret it."
Believing in Gilbert's advice, Sheena Boone formally invited Jackie Chan to develop his career in Hollywood. She even added a note saying that Gilbert was also looking forward to his arrival.
Jackie Chan was still hesitating, but judging by past events, it wouldn't be long before he officially ventured into Hollywood and made a name for himself.
It was astonishing that a relatively unknown actor in Hollywood could garner higher acclaim for his film than Die Hard 3.
Bruce Willis felt wronged, and so did 20th Century Fox, the film's distributor. They had shifted the release date of Die Hard 3 to two weeks after The Rock, keeping as much distance as possible, yet audiences still drew comparisons between the two.
During a phone call with Gilbert, Bruce Willis joked, "Gilbert, why didn't you cast me as John Cusbee? I think I'd be perfect for the role! Didn't we have a great time working together on Real Steel?"
Gilbert laughed heartily at the suggestion. "Bruce, there will be plenty of opportunities for us to work together in the future."
"Really?" Bruce Willis quickly replied. "I'll hold you to that—you better not go back on your word."
"Don't worry. I won't." Gilbert assured him.
There was indeed a film in the pipeline—an original story with great potential. It promised impressive box office results both in North America and worldwide. Gilbert had already registered the script with the Writers Guild and was just waiting for the right time to produce it.
Tired of endless explosions, Gilbert figured a change of pace might be refreshing.
After finishing the North American promotional tour for The Rock, Gilbert returned to Los Angeles.
To celebrate the massive success of The Rock, a grand banquet was organized by Robert Iger himself. Disney executives, including Michael Eisner and Michael Ovitz, were in attendance.
High-profile individuals like Warner Bros.' Jeff Robinov and Doug Walter, as well as 20th Century Fox executives Townsend Rothman and distribution chief Tim Solomon, also made appearances.
Naturally, uninvited guests like Mel Gibson and Sophie Marceau couldn't resist showing up.
The banquet hall was lively, with glasses clinking and a dazzling array of lights.
After greeting reporters outside the hotel, Gilbert entered the venue and was immediately surrounded by Hollywood elites eager to engage him.
With five consecutive box office hits under his belt, Gilbert's reputation was at its peak. He had become the darling of studio executives and stars alike.
A blockbuster's value wasn't limited to its ticket sales—it entailed a web of complex, far-reaching benefits.
Standing in a corner, Mel Gibson and Sophie Marceau watched the star-studded crowd gather around Gilbert.
Mel Gibson was jealous. He knew that achieving similar success would grant him the same treatment, yet the envy burned within him nonetheless.
"Sophie, remember what I told you: find a way to be alone with Gilbert. When the moment is right, slip this pill into his drink."
Sophie Marceau seemed reluctant, still hesitating. "But this pill is so large—he's sure to notice."
"Don't worry. It dissolves instantly in liquid," Mel Gibson assured her confidently. "This is the perfect occasion to act without drawing attention."
Mel Gibson's plan wasn't to harm Gilbert physically; the pill was simply a strong aphrodisiac.
Once Gilbert consumed the spiked drink, Sophie would help him leave the party and get into a car Mel Gibson had prepared. The car would take them to a private residence that had already been rigged with cameras from all angles.
Once incriminating footage was obtained, Gilbert would be at Mel Gibson's mercy.
The thought excited Mel Gibson so much that he had to restrain himself from acting impulsively with Sophie then and there.
Still reluctant, Sophie pleaded, "Mel, I really can't do this. Please, find someone else."
Frustrated, Mel slapped Sophie's rear hard enough to make her wince, though she bit her lip to avoid crying out in pain.
Public spaces demanded restraint, and Sophie knew any noise would attract attention.
Mel wasn't satisfied without her reaction, but he begrudgingly held back, knowing it wasn't the right time or place.
After "disciplining" her, Mel Gibson threatened, "If you don't follow through, I'll release those photos to the media."
Cornered, Sophie Marceau reluctantly agreed.
How had she ended up in this mess? The temptation of making it big in Hollywood had blinded her to the consequences of working with someone like Mel Gibson.
But regrets were pointless now. After tonight, Sophie Marceau would be forever changed—complicit in a crime.
Sophie silently apologized to Gilbert in her heart, vowing to proceed with the plan.
At the banquet, Gilbert was busy socializing, leaving little opportunity to approach him directly.
His sharp and attentive agent, Sheena Boone, shadowed him closely, serving as both his escort and protector, reminding him of various etiquette points.
If Sophie wanted to get Gilbert alone, she'd first have to lure Sheena Boone away—something Mel Gibson had already planned.
All Sophie had to do was wait for Gilbert to be without his agent. It was said that Gilbert couldn't resist beautiful women, and Sophie believed she'd easily catch his eye.
Though it sounded simple, executing the plan wasn't as easy. Sophie felt like she was in a spy thriller, trying not to draw suspicion while suppressing her fear and nerves.
Gilbert, having just wrapped up a round of pleasantries, finally found a moment to relax.
Sheena Boone, knowing her client well, suggested, "Gilbert, take a break and grab some food. But remember, don't accept food or drinks from anyone you don't know. If they insist, refer them to me."
"Don't worry," Gilbert replied casually, his eyes scanning the party for attractive women. "I've been in the industry long enough to know the basics of staying safe."
Noticing his wandering gaze, Sheena added, "And if you're interested in anyone, be cautious. You never know who might be trouble, especially minors—stay far away from them."
Recalling Michael Jackson's legal troubles, Sheena felt compelled to warn him.
Gilbert found her overly cautious. "Come on, Sheena, they're just aspiring actresses. Who'd risk crossing me, a director, to cause trouble?"
"That might not be certain," Sheena Boone's gaze sharpened as she noticed Mel Gibson walking over. She quickly warned Gilbert, "Mel Gibson is coming over."
Gilbert looked up to see Mel Gibson approaching with a smile on his face, holding a wine glass.
Although Gilbert and Mel Gibson had already clashed several times behind the scenes, this was their first face-to-face meeting.
Both knew they didn't like each other. Mel Gibson, still smiling, stepped up to Gilbert and congratulated him, "Congratulations, Gilbert, your movie is a box-office hit."
In such a public setting, Gilbert couldn't afford to be rude. He clinked glasses with Mel Gibson and responded, "Thank you, Mel. I've heard your new movie is about to be released. I hope it achieves great success."
Gilbert's words carried a hidden meaning, which Mel Gibson caught immediately. But he didn't seem to mind and replied, "Our sights are set on the Oscars. What do you think about Best Director?"
"That's excellent. It might even become your fondest memory in Hollywood," Gilbert retorted with a subtle jab.
Who needs a fond memory? Naturally, someone on their way out of Hollywood. Gilbert's subtext was clear: Mel Gibson's days in Hollywood were numbered.
In terms of verbal sparring, Mel Gibson clearly couldn't match Gilbert. After a few exchanges, he was forced to concede.
But Mel Gibson's real goal wasn't that. He suddenly acted as though he had just noticed Sheena Boone standing nearby. His tone and expression turned excessively complimentary, almost deliberately so.
"Oh, Miss Boone, I didn't expect to see you here. My apologies for not noticing earlier."
True to his infamous temper, Mel Gibson, unable to outwit Gilbert, now turned to Sheena Boone, hoping to regain some ground.
Sheena Boone, however, was not one to back down. "Oh, it's no problem. I'm just lucky to have a client like Gilbert. Thanks to his connections, I have smooth sailing everywhere."
Then, she countered, "But you, Mr. Gibson, showing up uninvited does seem a little impolite, don't you think?"
"Is that so?" Mel Gibson chuckled, then turned to Gilbert. "Director Gilbert, if you don't mind, could I have a moment to catch up with an old colleague?"
Sheena Boone had once worked at CAA, but as someone who had no significant dealings with major clients like Mel Gibson, "catching up" was clearly an excuse.
Gilbert, however, was uninterested in further entanglement with Mel Gibson. "Sure, I don't mind. I was just about to grab something to eat anyway."
With that, he shot Sheena Boone a look: I'm leaving this trouble to you. Take care of it.
Sheena Boone returned a look of her own: Don't worry. Leave him to me. You go enjoy yourself!
With this tacit understanding, Gilbert made his escape and headed for the corner to grab some food.
At the banquet's buffet table, there was a large spread of seafood served on ice. Gilbert sampled a few bites but refrained from eating too much.
He had heard there could be a risk of parasites and valued his health too much to take unnecessary chances.
While he was enjoying his food, a soft, pleasant female voice spoke from behind him, "Hello, Director Gilbert..."
Gilbert set his plate down, wiped his mouth, and turned around. Standing before him was Sophie Marceau, looking radiant.
He had to admit that this Frenchwoman had an exceptional aura and striking beauty. Her face was exquisitely delicate, and her slightly curved eyes seemed to speak volumes.
It was no wonder Sophie Marceau, with her looks alone, had become the dream woman for so many, earning the title of an eternal goddess—even achieving significant popularity in China.
But having spent years in Hollywood, Gilbert was well aware of the stark contrast between these celebrities' glamorous exteriors and their private lives.
He didn't know much about Sophie Marceau personally, but he was very familiar with Mel Gibson's character, having hired private investigators to dig into his background.
Given Mel Gibson's infamous tendencies and peculiar preferences, Sophie Marceau likely hadn't escaped his clutches either. This was also why Sheena Boone wanted to recruit Sophie Marceau as an informant.
These thoughts flashed through Gilbert's mind as he put on a polite smile and shook Sophie Marceau's hand. "Hello, Miss Marceau."
Sophie Marceau feigned surprise. "You know me?"
"Of course," Gilbert replied with a slight smile. "I've seen La Boum. It was truly remarkable."
Sophie Marceau seemed a bit shy, even flattered. "I didn't expect you'd watched one of my films. That's such an honor for me."
Using the topic of movies as a starting point, the two began chatting. Sophie Marceau occasionally let out silvery laughter.
Gilbert was witty, articulate, and an expert at charming women. It was no wonder his three rumored girlfriends had all maintained ties with him.
Beyond his influence and status, Gilbert's personal charm was undeniably magnetic.
Compared to the brash Mel Gibson, he was leagues ahead.
But one couldn't help but wonder—how was Gilbert's performance in more private settings
...
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