[Chapter 499: Introduction]
Eric raised an eyebrow in confusion and chuckled, saying, "Do I already have a 'criminal record'? But I can't remember this at all."
Kathryn sensed that this little man was about to launch into another round of teasing her, so she simply lifted her glass to shield her face and stayed quiet.
Noticing her defensive posture, Eric decided against continuing his banter. He looked at his watch and remarked, "It's only five minutes to go -- where's Neil Jordan?"
"It's just five minutes," Kathryn replied, glancing at her own watch.
"You didn't mention him during our last phone call. How do you know him?"
Kathryn answered, "Last month, I went to the UK to scout locations for Saving Private Ryan. At the invitation of a friend, I attended the premiere of a movie Neil directed called The Crying Game. I thought it was brilliantly made. At the after-party, we ended up talking. Neil is incredibly talented, and during our conversation, he mentioned wanting to break into Hollywood. I thought of you -- you have a major film company in your hands and surely wouldn't mind signing a few talented directors, right?"
Eric nodded, "I wouldn't refuse -- if he's genuinely capable, he could definitely carve out a niche for himself in Hollywood."
Directors and actors from Europe often sought opportunities in Hollywood once they achieved a certain level of success in their home countries. Their cultural backgrounds didn't impose the same barriers as those in Asia, allowing many European filmmakers to transition smoothly into Hollywood. If they could adapt to the rules of Hollywood, they'd likely thrive here.
However, Eric wouldn't agree to meet any director based solely on someone's introduction. The reason he accepted the introduction from Kathryn Bigelow was that he had a bit of knowledge about Neil Jordan. The Irish director was most famous for the film Interview with the Vampire. Kathryn had told Eric over the phone that Neil was interested in adapting a vampire novel.
A few minutes later, a man about forty with black hair arrived at the estate, looking a bit apologetic upon seeing Eric and Kathryn waiting for him.
"Neil, this is Eric Williams. Eric, this is Neil Jordan," Kathryn introduced the two. Eric extended his hand for a brief shake and led Neil toward the villa.
Once inside the villa, Neil tried to suppress his urge to look around as he greeted Eric with a smile.
The three of them sat at a round table by the glass wall. Neil gazed out at the endless sea, finally expressing his admiration, "Mr. Williams, this place is truly stunning -- it's like a dream."
"Thanks, Neil. Just call me Eric," Eric replied, and they casually chatted about recent films, naturally steering the conversation towards vampire themes.
"I heard Bram Stoker's Dracula was initially intended to be a television series. It was that actress named Winona Ryder who discovered the script and introduced it to Coppola. Unexpectedly, recent test screenings have received fantastic reviews. That means Coppola is finally in a position to recover the losses his production company faced over the past few years. While Bram Stoker's Dracula hasn't even been released yet, there's no doubt about its critical acclaim and box office potential. I think it would be a smart move to make more vampire-themed films while the craze is still hot," Neil spoke confidently, clearly showing he had done his homework.
After the success of The Crying Game, Neil found that his career in European cinema was hitting a ceiling. Venturing into Hollywood was undoubtedly the best option for better prospects.
Eric had already heard from Kathryn about the positive feedback for The Crying Game in Europe. He himself had heard of the film but only knew the basic information; he hadn't seen it. As they chatted, Eric felt no surprise when Neil mentioned that the North American distribution rights had been sold to Miramax.
Naturally, Neil didn't come expecting that mere talk would win over Eric. He pulled a VHS tape of The Crying Game from his bag. Eric, curious about the acclaimed movie, took the two along to the estate's screening room.
...
Seeing Neil's interest in the collection of tapes and film reels in the screening room cabinets, Eric enthusiastically provided an introduction. Kathryn took the initiative to grab the tape of The Crying Game and headed for the equipment.
After setting the tape to play, Kathryn casually glanced over and noticed a stack of tapes beside the VCR. She picked one up and raised it to Eric, asking, "How did you come across this?"
Eric looked at the 1990 version of Captain America in her hand, shook his head, and lamented, "Don't get me started. These pieces of junk are almost hurting my eyes."
These tapes were what Eric had asked Tina Fey to help him find over the past few years concerning Marvel adaptations. However, after watching them, Eric found even the desire to criticize waning. These were all low-budget B-movies costing only a million or two, and any semblance of special effects was virtually nonexistent. The action sequences were dreadful as well. In summary, aside from recognizing which Marvel superhero each film featured based on their attire, nothing else resembled the Marvel film style he remembered. Eric began to understand why Marvel, with so many superhero characters in the mid-1990s, found itself on the brink of bankruptcy.
Kathryn chuckled at Eric's complaint, putting down the tape and getting up to turn off the lights in the screening room. She sat beside Eric and whispered softly as the movie's opening credits rolled, "You aren't jealous of Warner's Batman and hoping to jump into comic adaptations, are you?"
Eric feigned a mysterious tone, whispering back, "Yeah, but unfortunately, now's not the time. Just, please, don't spill the beans about this; otherwise, someone will probably get ahead of me."
"I'm not worried about your business," Kathryn replied, and fell silent as the film began.
Seated on Eric's other side, Neil kept his eyes on the screen but paid close attention to their conversation. He raised an eyebrow at Kathryn's tone during her last remark, sensing the intimacy between her and Eric -- something he noted was typically exchanged only between close friends of the opposite sex.
Neil silently concluded that the rumors of this twenty-something Hollywood mogul having a thing for her were indeed true. But he quickly contained his thoughts, reminding himself to keep this to himself.
Eric, of course, had no inkling of the Irish director's assumptions. If he had, he would've shouted his innocence, claiming he was simply draped in this youthful guise.
...
The story of The Crying Game unfolded during the conflict between Northern Ireland and Britain, focusing on a British soldier named Jody who was kidnapped by soldiers from Northern Ireland. They intended to use him as leverage to secure the release of their comrades. However, the prisoner exchange fell through, and the Northern Ireland troops decided to execute Jody.
During his captivity, the Northern Irish soldier Fergus befriended Jody. In a twist of fate, Fergus ultimately chose not to kill him and instead let him go, but ironically, Jody died under a British tank. Later, Fergus became an undercover operative in London, and with the token that Jody left behind, he finally met Jody's long-lost "girlfriend," Dil.
Fergus fell in love with Dil at first sight, but just before their passionate moment at a London hotel, he was shocked to discover that Dil was biologically male.
This surprising twist took Eric aback, and in the end, Fergus was imprisoned while Dil remained free, waiting and hoping for Fergus's release.
Neil aimed to express a wide range of emotions in The Crying Game, calling attention to the horrors of war while delving into the complexities and struggles of human nature. Its plot was intricate, but it didn't overly dwell on the homosexual aspects.
...
After the film ended, despite only having three people in the screening room, Eric quietly began to clap, saying, "Neil, this was a fantastic movie. I'm a bit regretful that Firefly Films didn't secure the distribution rights."
"Thank you for your praise, Eric. I'm glad you recognized the film's quality," Neil responded. The Crying Game was his most satisfying work in over a decade of filmmaking. Hearing the confirmation from this young Hollywood mogul added confidence to Neil's aspirations for a Hollywood career.
After switching off the VCR, Neil carefully placed the tape away and walked out of the screening room with Eric and Kathryn.
"So, you're planning to adapt Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire?" Eric asked as they returned to the lakeside lounge area, steering the topic toward Neil's purpose for visiting.
"Yes, Eric. However, I've done my homework. Interview with the Vampire has been a bestseller since it was published in 1976. The film rights are long gone from Anne Rice's possession, now held by David Geffen's production company at Warner," Neil explained, looking towards Eric, hoping for his reaction.
Though Neil's The Crying Game had received decent feedback in Europe, it was more of an artsy film, which was why it had landed with Miramax, a company that specialized in Oscar contenders. Europe was filled with talented art-house directors.
Thus, despite his interest in Interview with the Vampire, if Neil were to approach Warner Brothers blindly, the chances of rejection were overwhelmingly high. He was fortunate to have Kathryn's introduction provide an opportunity for a discussion with Eric, but he hadn't harbored too many expectations for the outcome, already pleasantly surprised by the results thus far.
Eric understood Neil's implications. After contemplating for a moment, he replied, "Rights aren't an issue. If Firefly is interested, Warner won't hesitate to collaborate. However, what's most crucial now is that you need to create a compelling proposal that can impress the production company. I imagine you've read the original novel several times by now?"
"Of course," Neil eagerly nodded upon hearing Eric's words. "I've already brainstormed some ideas. If you need them, I can have the materials ready by tomorrow."
Eric waved his hand, shaking his head, "No need to rush. Take your time. As long as your proposal is exceptional, Firefly will undoubtedly invest in the film."
The three of them continued their conversation until evening. Eric saw Drew walk in, casually slinging a pink handbag over her shoulder, and he reached out to stop her, saying, "Drew, have someone prepare dinner for us." He then turned to Neil and Kathryn, "Do you have any preferences for dinner?"
"No, no, Eric. I have other commitments this evening, so I can't stay for dinner," Neil quickly stood up to excuse himself. Despite their engaging conversation, Neil didn't feel it was appropriate to impose on them for dinner. If it were at an outside restaurant, that would be different, but this was a rather private setting.
Upon hearing Neil's response, Kathryn also rose to her feet.
"Since you have other matters, I won't keep you," Eric said, not insisting on Neil's stay. He turned to Kathryn, "You don't have plans this evening, do you?"
"I do!" Kathryn replied immediately but avoided Eric's gaze.
Eric stared at her for a few seconds before asserting, "Then that means you don't. Stay for dinner; it's a perfect opportunity to discuss Saving Private Ryan -- didn't you mention you had new ideas?"
"You're always like this," Kathryn instinctively complained, but didn't insist on leaving anymore and instead joined Eric to escort Neil out the door.
*****
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