Dunn's always had a solid tie with the British film scene.
Take Kate Winslet—she's an Oscar-winning actress thanks to Dunn's backing. Jude Law's star is rising too, ever since he joined The Wedding Crashers, a project Dunn produced. Then there's The Chronicles of Narnia from last year and the ongoing Harry Potter series—no explanation needed. Daredevil's director, Christopher Nolan, is British and loves casting his countrymen, while Spider-Man 2 is helmed by Ridley Scott.
Through David Heyman's arrangements, Dunn throws a dinner party, and the big shots of British cinema show up. Even heavyweights like the chair of the British Film Institute make a personal appearance.
Dunn figured it'd be a low-key affair—just a chance to mingle and get familiar. But nope, the place is packed with VIPs!
With that kind of turnout, he's got to deliver more than just a good impression.
So, at the dinner, Dunn makes a bold promise: he'll throw his weight behind two British actors currently tied to Dunn Films and turn them into Hollywood A-listers. The picks? Christian Bale, the lead in Daredevil, and Tom Hardy, the second lead in Pirates League: Curse of the Black Pearl.
As for Christopher Nolan? Dunn's even more emphatic. He's all in—pouring every resource he's got into making Nolan one of Hollywood's top directors!
That kind of commitment wins over the whole British film crowd.
You give, you get—and the payoff comes right then and there.
The bigwigs pledge that if any British works are up for film adaptations, they'll pull strings to give Dunn Films first dibs.
It sounds vague, but it's a massive deal. Basically, they're cutting off Harvey Weinstein's lifeline!
Miramax's best flicks in recent years—like Shakespeare in Love, Chocolat, The Cider House Rules, and An Ideal Husband—all came from British adaptations. In the English-speaking world, Britain's a goldmine for that stuff.
Miramax's Oscar-friendly vibe? Sure, Harvey's got skills, but it's mostly about milking that British charm.
Now, with these UK film titans promising to use their connections to hand Dunn priority rights, it's a huge boost for him!
Worst case, even if it's just to screw over Harvey Weinstein, Dunn would still snatch those adaptation rights. That sleaze needs to be taken down—hard!
Consensual deals between willing parties? Dunn doesn't care—he's often the one cashing in. But using power to force sexual favors? No way he'll let that slide.
One rotten fish stinks up the whole pot. What should be a mutual "you scratch my back, I scratch yours" game got twisted by Harvey into something everyone hates. In another life, it even sparked a feminist backlash—infuriating!
When the time's right, Dunn's ready to strike without mercy.
…
After a day in the UK, Dunn jets off to Rome, Italy.
The New York Gangs crew is shooting on location there, not even pausing for the Oscars.
"You just let her go like that?" Rose Byrne's tagging along with Dunn, surprised that Julia Roberts has already headed back to the States.
Dunn grumbles, a little ticked. "What's the point? She's in her thirties and still playing innocent—give me a break!"
Rose giggles, throwing him a flirty glance. "She's just shy, you know. Three of us together? She probably couldn't loosen up."
Dunn shrugs it off. "If she's stiff once, fine. Twice, three times? Come on. Whatever—I wasn't planning to move her in with us anyway."
Rose smirks. "Right, right. Just a taste, then move on."
Dunn cracks up laughing.
Rose blushes, ducking her head. "I've gone bad hanging out with you!"
He pulls her close, planting a kiss on her rosy lips. "Don't worry—I'll spoil you rotten!"
…
New York Gangs is recreating the Civil War-era vibe of New York, focusing on the Italian mafia's turf. Most of the filming's in Rome, but that's not enough for Martin Scorsese. He's built over 20 sets at Cinecittà Studios.
When Dunn hits the set and sees the insane cash dumped into those elaborate builds, he's practically in tears. Old Marty's killing him here!
It's lunchtime, and the crew's on break. Dunn storms onto Scorsese's trailer, face dark. "Martin, you realize we could've done all this with CGI in post, right?"
Scorsese stays cool, shrugging like it's nothing. "George Lucas swung by a few days ago—said the same thing. But you know, this project's been in my head for 25 years. My approach is stuck in that old groove."
Rose, trailing Dunn, darts her eyes around, quietly shocked. The legendary Martin Scorsese—charismatic and towering in reputation—is such a tiny guy? Just a little old man!
Dunn sits down, chats with Scorsese a bit, and tells him to take it easy. No rush—slow and steady wins the race.
With 9/11 looming, a movie this heavy on murder, crime, violence, and gore isn't hitting screens this year, no matter how fast they shoot.
Then, out of nowhere, a ruckus kicks up outside.
It gets louder—sounds like a fight's brewing.
Dunn stares at Scorsese, baffled. "Seriously? You're a big-shot director, and your set's a mess?"
Scorsese doesn't flinch, calm as ever. "Grab a slice of pizza—real Italian stuff."
Dunn blinks. "Martin, they're fighting out there, right?"
Scorsese waves it off. "Normal stuff. Bill's stirring things up."
"Bill?"
Dunn pauses, then it clicks.
"Bill" is the lead in New York Gangs—Daniel Day-Lewis as "Bill the Butcher"! And Scorsese's careful with his words: it's "Bill" causing trouble, not Daniel.
Curiosity piqued, Dunn hops off the trailer.
He's gotta see what this quirky Oscar winner's like on set.
Stepping out, he's floored.
Daniel Day-Lewis is decked out as "Bill," barking in a 19th-century Manhattan accent, looking downright menacing. Dunn's bodyguards instinctively close in, shielding him.
It's over-the-top!
"Kid, one more word, and I'll gut you!" Daniel grabs a prop knife, eyes blazing red, snarling like he's about to kill for real.
The poor crew guy handing out lunches goes pale, legs shaking, face drained of color.
Thankfully, the assistant director jumps in, apologizing like crazy, and cools things down.
Rose clings to Dunn's arm, freaked out. "Dunn, is… is that really Mr. Lewis?"
Dunn's mouth twitches as he swallows hard. "Right now? He's not Daniel Lewis. He's 'Bill the Butcher.'"
"But he pulled a knife! I thought he was gonna hurt someone!" Rose's face is white—she's never seen anything like this.
Dunn gives a wry smile. "That's his style. On set, he's all in—totally lost in the role. Says it helps him nail the character faster, more precisely."
Rose gasps, voice shaky. "Do all Oscar winners act like this? It's terrifying!"
"Nah, Tom Hanks is a gentleman," Dunn says, shaking his head. "This is Daniel's thing. Honestly, it's my first time seeing it too."
Rose pouts. "I'd rather not see it again. We're actors, not street thugs. That was way too intense."
Dunn chuckles, teasing her. "That's why he's a big-time actor—an Oscar winner—and you're just a so-so talent. Look at that dedication. Could you match it?"
"I'm not that bad!" Rose puffs out her chest, indignant.
"Not bad?" Dunn snorts. "If your work ethic was half his, I'd have you as an A-lister already!"
Rose puffs her cheeks. "We never dated or anything, but I gave you everything—whatever you wanted. Isn't that dedication?"
"Uh…"
Dunn's stumped, blinking dumbly, at a loss for words.
From that angle, these girls handing over their all—their "work ethic" isn't half bad either.
Luckily, Leonardo DiCaprio strolls over, bailing him out. "Hey, when'd you get here?"
"Just now," Dunn says with a grin, nodding toward Daniel. "He's like this every day?"
Leo scowls, annoyed. "That guy's a total pain! I swear, I'll never work with him again—it's torture!"
"His acting, though?" Dunn smirks.
Leo's fair, shrugging. "No question there. He's using every fiber in his body to dig into the role. Guy's a genius."
Dunn claps his shoulder. "So, keep pushing yourself!"
Leo scoffs. "My style comes from Al Pacino—nothing like him! And honestly, I wouldn't say a word to that nutcase!"
"Al Pacino?" Dunn shoots him a skeptical look, shaking his head. "Pacino's soul is in his eyes—that sharp edge comes from inside, pure method stuff. You've got the edge, sure, but it's too restless. Lacks depth."
Leo rolls his eyes, but Dunn's already grinning. Game on.
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