In a rental apartment in the Ocean Park District of Santa Monica, breakfast time for a single mother with four children always seemed busy and noisy.
Melanie Sloan had to go to work later, ate her food quickly, and started to put away the dishes hurriedly before the children were finished. She also yelled at the twin siblings who were competing for a copy of "The Hollywood Reporter": "Hunter, don't fight with Scarlett. If you tear up the newspaper, I will tear your mouth apart. Oh, look at what you are wearing. Go and change quickly. The school bus will be here soon."
"Well, the paper is yours, society girl."
Hunter Johnson, who was wearing a funny red Christmas-style pajamas, reluctantly put down the newspaper in his hand, got up and ran to his room to change clothes.
Ever since she spent a huge sum of US$15,000 on dental surgery, Scarlett Johansson has been nicknamed "upper class chick" by her family. After all, most people are not willing to spend so much money on their teeth.
Scarlett didn't mind her brother's ridicule, but she quite liked the title.
She earned the money for the dental surgery herself.
She glared back at her younger brother who ran away. The girl could finally read today's "Hollywood Reporter" in peace. This is the only newspaper that the family subscribes to. If you want to make a name for yourself in Hollywood, you must pay attention to Hollywood news. .
Just after scanning the front page, Scarlett exclaimed in surprise: "Wow, that's amazing. "Charlie's Angels" has overtaken "Jumanji"."
My sister Vanessa heard this and immediately came over: "Where, let me take a look?"
Scarlett ran her finger across an eye-catching report on the front page, and read: "'Charlie's Angels' generated US$170 million in three weeks, surpassing 'Jumanji'. Well, 'Jumanji' was released in four weeks, The box office was only US$155.99 million, while "Charlie's Angels" was US$170.03 million."
"It's not as good as "Wonder Woman 2" anyway," said Adrian Johnson, who was sitting opposite and one year younger than Vanessa: "Wonder Woman must have exceeded 400 million, right?"
Scarlett searched for it and shook her head: "Unfortunately, there is no such thing. It's 398.73 million, still more than one million short of it."
"Actually, I still think "Good Will Hunting" is the most powerful, with a production cost of only 10 million US dollars. This time..." Vanessa moved closer to the newspapers in the hands of some sisters: "It only dropped 11%, and the trend is still the best. Overall The box office has already reached US$77.18 million, and the total box office is expected to be at least 150 million. No other blockbusters can match this kind of return rate."
Adrian Johnson nodded: "I also like Good Will Hunting."
Scarlett revealed: "You just like Beckinsale, right?"
"So what? When I become famous one day, maybe I can pursue Kate."
The two sisters sneered at the same time, and Vanessa said: "Beckinsale can act in two blockbuster movies at once, so he must be Simon Westeros's lover, but it's not your turn."
Adrian was unconvinced: "With so many actresses in Hollywood, how could they all be lovers of Simon Westeros? Moreover, Kate is only 23 years old. Haven't you heard that Simon Westeros likes older people?" A woman of our mother’s age.”
Melanie Sloan happened to return from the kitchen. Hearing this, she glared at her son: "Ed, what are you talking about? After eating, go get ready for school."
"Mom, why do I continue when Vanessa can drop out? I also want to drop out and find a job in a video store like Quentin Tarantino. What do you think?"
Melanie Sloan cleared the plates and said quickly: "At least wait until you are 16, otherwise your father will go crazy."
"He's not in Los Angeles."
"That's why I'm even more crazy. Maybe I'll come here with a gun and beat you to death."
The family was noisy, and the car horn sounded outside. Scarlett stood up immediately: "Scott is here."
As he spoke, he rushed to the door and looked downstairs. Sure enough, it was agent Scott Lambert who had just gotten out of the car. When he saw Scarlett, he smiled and raised his hand to say hello, then turned to the side stairs and went upstairs.
After exchanging pleasantries, Scott Lambert said to Melanie Sloan: "Today's production meeting is very important, so I came earlier."
"Oh, of course it's no problem. Scott, Scarlett and Vanessa will leave it to you."
"This is what I should do." After the agent finished speaking, he looked at the two sisters: "You'd better put on your most beautiful clothes."
The agent said, and gave Scarlett a tacit and hidden look. The little girl understood it instantly, politely asked the agent to wait, and ran to her room.
During this period, her agent gradually brought many audition opportunities to Vanessa. In addition, her agent suggested that she serve as her sister's assistant. Vanessa chose to drop out of school early after the New Year. Although the United States has a K-12 compulsory education system, and in theory teenagers must complete high school, otherwise their parents will be held legally responsible, but in fact, as long as they don't take it seriously, no one will care at all.
Just like Quentin, he dropped out of school and entered society at the age of 14. Later he became successful and was even said to be an inspirational story.
It was just after 8 o'clock when I received the two sisters leaving the rental apartment.
Scott Lambert did not drive directly to Malibu Studios, but stopped at a styling house in Santa Monica and asked a familiar stylist to give the sisters a careful look. Set off again.
Scarlett became more and more excited about this and determined that she would definitely be able to meet Simon Westeros during the production meeting of "The Horse Whisperer". 16-year-old Vanessa was also very happy because during the chat, she learned that the stylist had once I styled Meg Ryan, which was amazing, and it didn’t cost the sisters any money.
Only the agent is looking forward to it more.
After all, the younger sister is too young, but the elder sister is already fresh and delicious, not to mention they are still a pair of sisters. Big men will always have some preferences for novelty. If Simon Westeros can take a fancy to these sisters, he will spend all his time during this period. The hard work of your mind will definitely reap double rewards.
Today is January 10th, Friday.
The three finally arrived at Daenerys Studios, 5 minutes before nine in the morning. In fact, they arrived half an hour early.
But that's okay.
For little people like them, if they want to get ahead, the key is to be attentive.
It was like this until nearly half past nine. After wandering around the park for 20 minutes, but unfortunately without a chance, the three people came to Building 1 of the administrative area, explained their intentions, and were taken to the third floor by the staff. However, the development of things was somewhat unexpected. Not only were the agent and Vanessa questioned and recorded, but they were also forced to stay in a lounge. Only Scarlett could attend the production meeting. Even so, The little girl also went through a security check.
This time even Vanessa reacted.
Both envious and melancholy.
I envy my sister that she can meet Simon Westeros, a certain man who is simply a god-like existence in Hollywood at this time. What's sad is that I don't have such a chance. After all, the girl is quite confident in her figure and appearance, at least she can definitely leave her sister far away.
The layout of the office area is very open.
Gradually, several other attendants were arranged to enter the lounge. Scott and Vanessa saw Robert Redford, Sam Neill, and Kristin Scott Thomas through the glass wall. Waiting for the big stars to walk through the corridors, and most importantly, Simon Westeros.
Frankly speaking, when he was born, the young man who became more and more dazzling in recent years was definitely the object of admiration of countless girls. In the past, it was just that the distance was too far, so Vanessa had no feelings. The girl did not expect that she was also separated from Simon... Westeros is less than 10 feet away from the opportunity.
Vanessa's heartbeat suddenly accelerated when she saw that handsome and upright figure walking through the corridor and turning his head to look at her. A girl who was in her prime of life met a man who far exceeded her expectations in every aspect. Falling in love at first sight naturally only took a moment.
So, for the next hour, the girl felt a little uneasy and in a trance, and her little mind unconsciously applied all the fairy tale templates she had seen since she was a child.
well.
It would be great if...
In the past, "The Horse Whisperer", adapted from the novel of the same name, was considered the last critically acclaimed and successful film in Robert Redford's career. It cost US$60 million and grossed 180 million at the global box office. After "The Horse Whisperer," Robert Redford never made a good movie again.
Moreover, "The Horse Whisperer" can be regarded as a tragedy in Oscar history.
Even though this movie is not close to the best picture, it is absolutely no problem to be nominated. It is a pity that it encountered "Shakespeare in Love" that year.
"The Horse Whisperer" was produced by Disney, and Miramax was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Disney. The Weinstein brothers were so powerful at the time that they could even suppress other nominated films in the same period that clearly exceeded "Shakespeare in Love." Naturally, another film from the same company would not be allowed to jump out and dilute the votes of "Shakespeare in Love". As a result, "The Horse Whisperer", which was well received, was completely ignored during the 1999 awards season.
This time, frankly speaking, Simon can't guarantee anything. After all, there will be "Titanic" this year. If the big ship achieves another glory, it will take the initiative to "trough" again next year.
All Simon can do is give Redford enough support.
The film is expected to start shooting in March. This is the first production meeting after the crew is set up. Simon personally participated, mainly to communicate in person and discuss the script.
The quality of "The Horse Whisperer" was unquestionable, but it was not perfect.
Both the review media and ordinary viewers feel that this film is a bit dull and lacks shock and passion.
In fact, it just lacks climax.
This is not a problem for Simon. Daenerys Entertainment's commercial film has a very stable rhythm.
Through advance preparation and discussion at this meeting, we quickly determined several emotional flashpoints, such as Tom deliberately blindfolding the little girl Grace to drive without any attention, such as the accidental death of the male protagonist in the end, etc., all of which can be filmed. A little more shocking.
There is also the soundtrack, which is actually the key to mobilizing the audience's emotions.
This time Simon invited John Williams, winner of multiple Oscars for best soundtrack, and the majestic western prairie complemented the majestic and shocking symphony.
Finally, it is the appropriate compression of the length of the film.
The original version of "The Horse Whisperer" lasted 169 minutes, nearly three hours. No matter how good the film is, the audience will inevitably feel tired. This time Simon did not ask for the standard two hours, but wanted Redford to do it at least within 150 minutes.
The meeting started at 9:30 in the morning and lasted for an hour. Many issues were not discussed thoroughly. However, Simon's time was limited, so the crew could only negotiate slowly in the future.
At 10:30, the meeting ended and everyone left the conference room together.
Robert Redford and Simon fell behind side by side, discussing some off-topic topics: "This year's Sundance opens on the 16th. Simon, will you go there in person?"
"Of course, the Westeros party will still go on. By the way, Bob, are there any good movies this year?"
"The films submitted by Daenerys are all great, but you know, Simon, Sundance mainly supports newcomers and new works. Some of your works will not be shortlisted."
“Of course, I also hope that Sundance can continue to discover more emerging filmmakers.”
The two of them talked, waited for others to greet them and left, and then walked out together. As soon as he left the conference room, he saw the tiny Scarlett Johansson standing in front of a man and a woman, obviously waiting for him.
Seeing Scarlett and the others, Robert Redford seemed to suddenly remember something and said to Simon: "That's it, Simon, we'll see you at Sundance."
After saying that, he nodded to the little girl and left first.
Simon then looked at a certain little girl.
In the meeting just now, the little goblin's continuous glances at him were wonderful. Simon was hit by clumsy waves several times before he realized that it was probably some arrangement of his subordinates. The little girl herself knew it for some reason. Not only did she not resist this arrangement, she actually looked forward to it.
"Mr. Westeros, I just want to express my gratitude to you again. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
"I saw your audition tape and it was great, so, Scarlett, you deserve it."
This is true.
When it comes to things like acting, even though Simon has always believed in the importance of acquired learning, he also knows that sometimes, when God gives you food, outsiders can only envy him.
Scarlett pursed her mouth, which became more elegant after having her teeth straightened, and deftly changed the subject: "Mr. Westeros, this is my agent, Scott Lambert, and this is my sister Fan. Nisha, she’s also, um, she’s an actress too.”
Scott Lambert shook hands with the young man in front of him with a look of honor. Seeing that the other man turned his eyes to the slim girl next to him with a slight surprise, he was not disappointed, but secretly happy in his heart.
It’s done.
Simon was really surprised. He actually never had much feelings for Scarlett Johansson, but he didn't expect that this girl's sister would suit his taste quite well. She was of obvious Slavic descent, tall, with fair skin, and delicate and delicate facial features. , nothing like Scarlett.
Vanessa Johnson was a little lucky that her sister didn't blurt out that she was her assistant, otherwise she would definitely be looked down upon by Simon Westeros. She noticed that the man in front of her was looking at her, and then she suddenly reacted, and her face immediately turned rosy. He was at a loss for a moment before he remembered to reach out and said, "Hello, Mr. Westeros, my name is Vanessa."
"Hello," Simon shook hands with the girl in front of him, and suddenly he had some bad taste. He didn't know what it would be like to promote his sister as a big star in this life and his sister to be unknown, so he said: "I have a meeting soon. If you don't Urgent, you can wait a moment, I’ll treat you to dinner at noon.”
"ah… "
Vanessa reacted instantly and her eyes widened.
Scarlett felt a little embarrassed when she saw her sister's silly appearance, so she could only agree quickly: "Thank you, Mr. Westeros, this is such an honor."
Even though Scott Lambert had a million hopes of having lunch with Westeros, he declined very wisely and said that he would trouble Simon to send the sisters home after the meal.
Simon didn't try to persuade her to stay. He asked the girl A next to him to arrange for the Johnson sisters, and then hurriedly moved to another conference room in the same building.
There is also a theater crew here.
To be precise, it has not yet been formed. At present, only the director, Brian De Palma, has been confirmed. The name of the project is also famous in the 1990s - "L.A. Confidential".