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Chapter 197: Ambition
🕑 Added 2024-12-26 17:47:18 +0000 UTC"The craziest event in the film industry this century, the most improbable incident in Hollywood has become a reality—Duke Rosenberg is going to shoot a small-budget art film!"
"We all know that Duke Rosenberg made a name for himself in Hollywood thanks to his astonishing explosive skills and dazzling cinematography. Because of his talent for explosions, he has been rumored to be the 'man born when a comet struck the Earth'! Now, this famous director, known as the 'Duke of Destruction,' has officially announced that his new project will be adapted from the Broadway musical 'Chicago'..."
In the reception room of a mansion, Tom Cruise flipped through several newspapers, including the three major newspapers, all of which were filled with reports about Duke Rosenberg and his new film, dominating most of the entertainment sections.
"Penny Kellis and Duke Rosenberg are still as brilliant as ever."
Pat Kinsley, who had been talking with Nicole Kidman, turned to Cruise and said, "They have cleverly leveraged the industry and public's preconceived notions, easily igniting a media frenzy. Regardless of the future, 'Chicago' will be remembered by quite a few people."
Putting down the newspapers, Cruise raised his head. "Pat, what's the reaction within the industry?"
"Duke's two collaborators from 'Saving Private Ryan,' Fox and Disney, have made it clear they will not participate in this project." Kinsley pondered for a moment before continuing, "Warner Bros. is still in contact with Nancy Josephson. As expected, Jeff Robinov will likely support Duke."
She looked at Cruise. "Tom, it's time to make a decision."
"Can he succeed?" Cruise asked, frowning.
"No one can guarantee a film's success," Kinsley shook her head, offering some insights. "For the past four years, Duke has been producing one film a year, and 'Chicago' won't even start shooting until after next year's Oscars, or even later. This is clearly not a spur-of-the-moment decision; he wants to prepare thoroughly."
Cruise nodded. Sufficient pre-production preparation is the most basic condition for a film's success.
Kinsley continued, "We've all tried worked with him multiple times and even had subtle confrontations. Is he the kind of person whose overwhelming confidence turns into arrogance?"
While Cruise was still pondering, Nicole Kidman shook her head. "Duke Rosenberg is well-prepared."
Cruise glanced at Kidman's pale cheeks, and a flash of displeasure crossed his eyes.
"This is a gamble."
This was one of the reasons why Cruise hadn't made up his mind yet. "The subject matter certainly appeals to the academy, but…"
"Tom, don't forget that this is just a small-budget art film." Kinsley hoped to have an Oscar-level client under her name. "Even if it fails, it won't significantly harm your commercial appeal. What if it succeeds like 'Saving Private Ryan'?"
Kinsley bluntly said, "Tom, you have top-notch commercial appeal, but your acting has always been criticized. If you want to be the top star in Hollywood, to surpass Hanks and become the representative of male actors, it's not enough to just have commercial success!"
"He has two Oscars. What about you?"
These words seemed to strike a nerve with Cruise, his brow furrowing, his hand slowly clenching into a fist. Nowadays, when people talk about the most representative male actors in Hollywood, the top-paid stars, or even just the name Tom, most would first think of Tom Hanks, not Tom Cruise!
Hanks's status is largely due to his collaboration with Duke Rosenberg on 'Saving Private Ryan,' which had a significant impact.
As Kinsley's most important client, she naturally wanted to push Cruise to a higher position. "Tom, I've told you before that I want you to become the best male actor in Hollywood, to be the No. 1 actor. If you still want to catch up and surpass Hanks, you must achieve something at the Oscars."
Her eyes sparkled. "In my view, Duke Rosenberg chose such an obscure subject matter because he aims to make a splash at the Oscars. But from what I know of him, he won't stop at small-budget films. He will definitely return to the commercial mainstream in the future. If you can build a good relationship with him…"
Meeting Cruise's gaze, Kinsley spoke in a serious tone she had never used before. "Don't tell me you're unaware of Duke's commercial capabilities!"
Cruise remained silent, deep in thought, while Nicole Kidman's light blue eyes kept moving. She had seen the script that Nancy Josephson sent over…
Most importantly, she had some dance and singing background!
"What's their offer?" Cruise's question interrupted Kidman's thoughts, and then he heard Kinsley's reply, "Three million dollars!"
For such a small-budget film, it was impossible to offer a salary that matched the actors' market value. Kidman wasn't surprised; big stars who appeared in art films usually took pay cuts, with some even performing for free.
"My bottom line is five million dollars!"
Upon hearing this, Kinsley nodded. As long as Cruise was willing to negotiate, they could discuss the salary; what she feared most was that Cruise would miss the opportunity because of past conflicts, working with someone he disliked in Hollywood, which would be a huge loss.
After discussing some related details, Kinsley took her leave, and Kidman voluntarily walked her out.
"Pat…"
Once outside the villa, Kidman finally couldn't hold back. "I've read the script…"
"I'll talk to them!"
Seeing Kinsley nod, Kidman breathed a sigh of relief. After being in Hollywood for so many years, she was still just a vase dependent on Cruise, understanding how crucial every opportunity was.
On the outskirts of Beverly Hills, in a small villa, Naomi Watts was warming up her voice in the garden. This was an essential part of her daily routine. The young director, who had gradually become distant due to that fire, had only promised her a lead role if she excelled. But given the other's personality, if she didn't perform outstandingly, she would surely be dropped.
Recently, the media buzz around 'Chicago' had been intense. Naomi Watts had received confirmation from her agent, Nancy Josephson, that the film was about to enter official preparation. The auditions would take place before all other preparations, as Duke had scheduled four to five months of singing and dancing rehearsals for all the actors.
Would she be able to secure this role?
On Roxie, she had a natural advantage over others, but Naomi Watts knew very well that securing such a significant role was not just about past connections with the director; she needed to put in more effort in both singing and acting.
Having been in Hollywood for so long, she understood very clearly that if she didn't have the necessary conditions, she wouldn't be able to land weighty roles in films just by taking off her clothes and sleeping with someone.
In a theater in London's West End, Catherine Zeta-Jones walked out of her manager's office and returned to the makeup room, ignoring the various gazes around her, silently packing her belongings. She was no longer an actress in this play.
Last week, after receiving an audition invitation from Los Angeles, she made a bold decision to quit her current job, determined to venture into Hollywood again, refusing to return to London unless she succeeded!
"It's just an audition. Hollywood is fiercely competitive. You might not get the role."
Catherine Zeta-Jones caught the voices of others discussing her. The speaker was Rachel, with whom she had had a falling out since last year. Even though this woman feigned calmness, she could see from Rachel's face that it was filled with envy, resentment, and jealousy.
As if noticing Zeta-Jones's gaze, Rachel unabashedly looked over and met her eyes, sneering, "Am I wrong? Even if you climb into Duke Rosenberg's bed, you might not pass the audition!"
Zeta-Jones suddenly laughed, mimicking Rachel's tone. "Too bad you won't even have the chance to climb into his bed, Miss Rachel Weisz!"
After saying this, she ignored the twisted minds of the failed actresses in the makeup room, picked up a cardboard box, and strode out, stopping only when she reached the theater's back door to get into a waiting car.
"Did it go well?"
The driver was a woman who was not much older than Zeta-Jones. Seeing her nod, she started the car toward Kensington. "Kate, are you ready?"
"I've been preparing for this for half a year!"
This was her new agent from America. Zeta-Jones looked straight ahead, speaking with unwavering determination. "Since the day Duke Rosenberg found me, I've been preparing for this audition. I will get the role of Velma! I must succeed! I want to become a star in Hollywood, a star that the whole world pays attention to!"
"I have a few suggestions," the agent said at the right moment. "Do you want to hear them?"
"Go ahead, Vivian."
"Many people are skeptical about Duke Rosenberg's new film, including myself." Vivian turned to Zeta-Jones. "I know you have your doubts too, but Kate, for any actor who hasn't become a big star yet, working with Duke Rosenberg is a huge opportunity."
Zeta-Jones kept her eyes on Vivian, knowing the agent still had more to say.
"I can't say Duke Rosenberg is on par with Spielberg, but no one would argue that he is at the forefront of Hollywood directors. Even if he occasionally misses the mark, it won't affect his status in the industry this is not the genre he is good at. As long as he returns to the commercial mainstream, there will be countless production companies who want to pay for his movies. "
The car stopped at a red light, and the female agent turned to stare at Zeta Jones, "Kate, do you know what this means to you?"
Without waiting for her answer, Vivian said, "As long as you can establish a good relationship with Duke Rosenberg and please him, you will have countless opportunities in the future."
"I know what to do!"
Compared to getting a certain role, it seems to be more beneficial to her if she can conquer a big Hollywood director?
