at dusk.
Simon waited patiently for Janet to change into a more formal dress before the two left the villa.
The bodyguard had already prepared the car for the two of them in advance.
Simon brought Janet out and nodded politely to two middle-aged men named Neil Bennett and Ken Dixon, who were about forty years old. Although they had been very familiar with each other for so many days, they still felt... Something weird.
The two bodyguards were not hired by Simon from the security company, but borrowed by Janet from her own home.
Since they met, Simon has never taken the initiative to ask about Janet's family background, but the information in the newspapers during this time has been enough for him to know too much.
Janet was born into the old Australian Johnston family.
Although the family wealth is only about US$2 billion, it is not conspicuous on the world's richest list. However, the Johnston family has a very strong potential influence in Australia.
Eight years ago, Australia suddenly abolished inheritance tax, becoming the first country among Western developed countries to abolish this tax, causing a sensation around the world. It is said that the Johnston family was strongly behind this incident.
Subsequently, Janet's grandfather Nicholas Johnston passed away in 1983. Due to the abolition of inheritance tax, the Johnston family completely inherited the wealth of the previous generation.
Today, relying on the multiple shareholding structure and the family's deep-rooted influence, the Johnston family, which has been prosperous for a century, still firmly controls the Johnston Holdings Group, which is involved in mining, livestock, transportation and other pillars of the Australian economy.
After the storm subsided, the paparazzi gradually realized that it was not easy to dig out news from a young director like Simon who did not go to nightclubs, take drugs or get into fights. Therefore, the number of media people pursuing Simon during this period was significantly reduced.
Of course, this is only relative.
When Simon's SUV left the Palisades mansion, there were still many cars following closely along the way. The agreed-upon meal with Mike Medowa was at a restaurant next to Century City Ranch Park Golf Club.
Arriving at the destination, the two bodyguards skillfully protected Simon and Janet from the paparazzi who wanted to squeeze forward. After entering the restaurant, Janet held Simon's arm, leaned over and whispered in his ear: "If you don't like it, just send Neil and Ken back to Australia when we have money to hire bodyguards."
Simon said something to the waiter who came up to him, and followed him into the restaurant. He also whispered to Janet in a low voice: "They are both very nice. I just feel a little, um, weird."
This is what Simon is saying.
As the profession closest to employers, bodyguards who are capable and trustworthy are also hard to come by. Although they had only known each other for a few weeks, Simon could feel that Neil's professionalism was absolutely impeccable. As for trust, when it comes to Janet, the Johnston family is naturally less likely to be careless in this regard.
When Janet heard what Simon said, she smiled softly and stopped answering.
After following the waiter for a short distance, the two came to a seat. Orion Pictures President Mike Medowa had already stood up and came over to greet Simon and Janet warmly.
The three of them then took their seats.
After ordering food and exchanging pleasantries, Mike Medowa unknowingly turned the topic to the upcoming 59th Academy Awards.
This year's Oscars ceremony will be held on March 30, which is next Monday.
Orion is not only releasing films that are a hit at the box office, but also received a total of 18 Oscar nominations for this year's Oscars for films such as "Platoon" and "Hanna and the Sisters." This period of time can be said to be unlimited.
Therefore, Mike Medowa's recent movements are obviously full of high spirits.
"That's it, Simon," Mike Medowa looked at the young man and woman sitting opposite him and said, "Do you and Jenny want to attend the Oscars next week?"
Simon didn't expect Mike Medowa to bring this up.
With the slew of nominations it received this year, it would be easy for Orion to improvise one or two people for the Oscars. Due to the box office success of "Run Lola Run", the Oscars will obviously not be stingy with two additional invitations.
Moreover, attending the Oscars will definitely boost the subsequent box office of "Lola Run".
only.
Following Mike Medowa's proposal, a word popped up in Simon's mind.
rub!
What a shame.
So he immediately shook his head and Simon said: "Mike, I won't go."
Mike Medowa did not expect that this kind of opportunity, which might be crowded out by many young stars, would be rejected by Simon without hesitation. He was a little dazed, and looked at Janet next to Simon, hoping that she could say something. Women should be eager to attend such an occasion.
However, Janet obviously didn't seem to hear anything, and she was helping her boyfriend arrange a napkin with a low eyebrow.
All right.
Another very unique couple.
Mike Medowa thought so, smiled casually, and said: "Forget it, Simon. I invite you here tonight. I just want to ask, how are you thinking about the next movie?"
Simon knew that Mike Medova invited him tonight mainly for this reason, and he didn't hide it, saying: "I already have a complete idea, but I can't start writing the script until next month. Mike, you also know that I have been How busy.”
"Of course, Orion is not in a hurry," although Mike Medowa said this, his body obviously leaned forward slightly and said: "Then, Simon, tell me in general first."
Simon sorted out his thoughts and said: "This is a B-level crime drama, consisting of six independent but interrelated short stories. Similar to "Run Lola Run", I still hope to use a The alternative non-linear narrative mode intersperses and presents all stories uniformly."
During this time, Simon has been thinking about his next film.
Simon's next directorial film after "Run Lola Run" will not be difficult to achieve commercial success. But if Simon wants to continue to maintain his popularity, or even go further, his next film must give people a refreshing and surprising feeling like "Lola Run".
After repeated deliberation, Simon finally chose Quentin's "Pulp Fiction."
"Pulp Fiction" also has a non-linear narrative structure, and it pushes the film's non-linear narrative to a more unconstrained realm. After the film appeared, it not only caused a strong response the year it was released, but also had a profound impact on many subsequent directors in Hollywood, the United Kingdom, and even across the ocean.