Every summer blockbuster season isn't just Gilbert .'s busiest time; it's also when Sheena Boone is swamped. Even though she still manages the contracts for Matt Damon and Naomi Watts, Gilbert . is her most important client. "Serve Gilbert . well" is a line Sheena Boone has written on the first page of her work diary.
The Rock finished its third week in North American theaters, accumulating a total of $146 million at the box office, temporarily holding the top spot for this year's North American box office. What's even more incredible is that in the highly competitive summer season, the film held the weekly box office crown for three consecutive weeks. The Rock raked in $32 million in its third week, successfully beating the new film Die Hard with a Vengeance, which premiered on May 19th.
There's no need to introduce Die Hard with a Vengeance much; it's Bruce Willis's breakout film, earning $22.162 million on its opening weekend. By all accounts, Bruce Willis is a top-tier action star, and as a sequel to a classic action movie, it should have opened with decent box office numbers. However, the film's box office actually declined day by day. The reason is simple: despite being a classic action film, Die Hard with a Vengeance had the same old plot with no new ideas, making it quite ordinary. After experiencing such an exciting action blockbuster as The Rock, moviegoers lost interest in uninspired action films like Die Hard with a Vengeance.
Forget the F-18 flying low under the Golden Gate Bridge or the bullet-time bomb perspective in The Rock; Die Hard with a Vengeance didn't even have the tire perspective or the bus jumping a broken bridge like in Speed. After eating a delicious dish, if you're served a bad one, audiences naturally won't like it. Many audience reviews were simple: "The plot is too simple, it doesn't fully imitate Gilbert .'s Speed, and Bruce Willis has absolutely none of Keanu Reeves's charm. He even looks older than Roger Moore." Another audience member commented more sharply: "This Die Hard with a Vengeance isn't even as good as Rumble in the Bronx, which came out in February..."
Rumble in the Bronx is a film starring Jackie Chan. After his cameo in Real Steel, Jackie Chan quickly filmed Drunken Master II and Rumble in the Bronx. Rumble in the Bronx ended up exploding at the box office, achieving good results in Korea and Japan, and even setting a box office record of 35 million RMB in mainland China. More importantly, the film even grossed $32.23 million in North America, making it the highest-grossing non-English film in North America. Reportedly, some theaters even had queues, with North American movie fans eager to see the charm of this martial arts superstar from Hong Kong. Thanks to its strong North American box office, Hollywood production companies immediately sent invitations to Jackie Chan to make movies.
Sheena Boone even asked for Gilbert .'s opinion because he had worked with Jackie Chan and could speak Chinese, so he surely knew a lot about this "big-nosed" actor from the East. Gilbert . simply replied, "Sign him, Sheena, I guarantee you won't lose money." Believing Gilbert .'s words, Sheena Boone formally invited Jackie Chan to develop his career in Hollywood, even adding that Gilbert . was also very much looking forward to Jackie Chan coming to Hollywood. Jackie Chan was still hesitant, but according to the trajectory of his past life, he would officially venture into Hollywood and make a name for himself soon enough.
The fact that a film by this "big-nosed" actor, who was only slightly famous in Hollywood, received better reviews than Die Hard with a Vengeance left Bruce Willis feeling wronged. Twentieth Century Fox, the film's distributor, was also innocent. They had already shifted the film's release date to two weeks after The Rock, hiding so far away, yet audiences still compared it to The Rock. Bruce Willis even complained to Gilbert . on the phone, "Gilbert ., why didn't John Gusby's role go to me? I think I'd be very suitable! Our last collaboration on Real Steel was quite enjoyable, wasn't it?"
These questions from Bruce Willis were just jokes with Gilbert . Gilbert . laughed heartily upon hearing them, "Bruce, we'll have many more opportunities to work together in the future." "Really?" Bruce Willis immediately said, "Then I'll take that seriously; you can't go back on your word." "Don't worry, I absolutely won't go back on my word," Gilbert . replied. There truly was a film, of excellent quality and an original story, that achieved impressive box office numbers in North America and worldwide. Gilbert . had already registered it with the Writers Guild early on, and he planned to produce it when his schedule allowed. He was tired of explosions and sometimes wanted something different.
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After finishing his promotional tour in North America, Gilbert . returned to Los Angeles. With The Rock's huge success at the North American box office, a celebratory party was naturally in order. The celebration was personally organized by Robert Iger, with Disney executives, including Michael Eisner and Michael Ovitz, attending. Warner Bros.' Jeff Robinov and Doug Walter, Twentieth Century Fox's Tom Rothman, and head of distribution Tim Solomon were also present. Of course, there were many uninvited guests too, such as Mel Gibson and Sophie Marceau. Inside the banquet hall, glasses clinked, creating a dazzling scene.
After completing interviews with reporters at the hotel entrance and entering the hotel, Gilbert . was immediately welcomed by Hollywood's biggest figures. Five consecutive box office hits propelled Gilbert .'s reputation to its peak, and he became the object of attention and flattery from various film company executives and stars. The value brought by a blockbuster film isn't just about box office; it also involves many other complex things.
In a corner, Mel Gibson and Sophie Marceau watched Gilbert ., who was surrounded by people. Mel Gibson was jealous. Although he knew that if he succeeded, he would receive the same treatment, he was still very envious. "Sophie, remember what I told you. Find a way to be alone with Gilbert ., and ideally, slip this pill into his drink when he's not looking." Sophie Marceau looked hesitant, making one last attempt to resist, "But the pill is so big; he'll surely notice." "It doesn't matter; this pill dissolves in water," Mel Gibson said confidently. "In this kind of setting, it won't attract attention. It's the perfect time for us to make our move."
Mel Gibson actually wanted to drug Gilbert ., but not to harm him; it was just an aphrodisiac. After Gilbert . drank the spiked wine, Sophie Marceau would help him leave the premises, get into a car Mel Gibson had arranged beforehand, and head straight to a pre-arranged private residence. That place had already been set up by Mel Gibson with cameras at various angles, ready to capture the "exciting" scenes. Once they had that leverage, Gilbert . would be at his mercy. At the thought of this, Mel Gibson felt a warmth in his loins and wanted to have Sophie Marceau right there and then. However, he reminded himself not to rush; better days were ahead.
Sophie Marceau was still hesitating. She pleaded, "Mel, I really can't do this. Please, find someone else!" This Frenchwoman, still so indecisive at such a crucial moment, couldn't accomplish anything significant. Annoyed, Mel Gibson slapped Sophie Marceau's backside hard a few times. Sophie Marceau bit her lip to keep from crying out in pain. This was a public place, and although no one was paying attention to them, a shout would draw people over.
Mel Gibson was dissatisfied that he didn't hear the scream he desired, but he at least knew it was a public place; otherwise, he would have started something. After scolding her, Mel Gibson threatened, "If you don't do as I say, I'll release those photos to the media." Under Mel Gibson's coercion, Sophie Marceau reluctantly agreed. It was truly one wrong step after another. Why hadn't she thought carefully when the temptation of fame in Hollywood made her agree to Mel Gibson's demands? She regretted it, truly regretted it. But regret was useless now. After tonight, Sophie Marceau would no longer be the same; she would become an accomplice. Silently apologizing to Gilbert ., Sophie Marceau steeled herself and looked for an opportunity to approach him.
As the guest of honor, Gilbert . had many social obligations, so opportunities for him to be alone were rare. Especially with his sharp female agent, who always played the role of a companion by Gilbert .'s side in such settings, reminding him of various precautions. If Sophie Marceau wanted to get Gilbert . away, she would have to distract Sheena Boone. Mel Gibson had already made arrangements for this, so Sophie Marceau didn't need to worry. She just needed to wait until Gilbert . was alone, then go up and talk to him. It was said that Gilbert . couldn't resist a beautiful woman, so she was confident she could attract his attention.
It sounded simple, but the actual execution was not so easy. Sophie Marceau felt like she was acting in a spy movie, unable to let anyone see through her facade. At the same time, she had to overcome her inner fear and force herself to go through with it.
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Gilbert . had just finished a round of socializing and finally had a moment to relax. Sheena Boone understood her client well and knew that Gilbert . would want to eat something at this point. So, Sheena Boone said, "Gilbert ., you can rest now and get something to eat. But remember, don't eat anything handed to you by someone you don't know, and no drinks either. If anyone is persistent, just refer them to me."
"Don't worry," Gilbert . replied casually, his gaze drifting over the young, tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed women at the party. "I've been in this game long enough to have that basic safety common sense." Seeing Gilbert . seemed interested in pretty girls, Sheena Boone reminded him again, "If you want to ask a girl out, be vigilant. No one can guarantee there aren't bad people among these girls, especially minors; absolutely do not touch them." With Michael Jackson's past as a cautionary tale, Sheena Boone had to remind Gilbert . to be careful.
Gilbert . thought Sheena Boone was being a bit too cautious, "Is that really necessary? They're all just girls looking for fame. Who would risk offending me, a director, to cause trouble?" "You never know," Sheena Boone's eyes narrowed as she noticed Mel Gibson approaching, and she quickly warned Gilbert ., "Mel Gibson is coming over."
Gilbert . looked over and saw Mel Gibson approaching with a smile, holding a glass. Although Gilbert . and Mel Gibson had already clashed several times in secret, this was their first face-to-face meeting. Both knew they disliked each other, but Mel Gibson put on a smile and walked up to Gilbert ., congratulating him, "Congratulations, Gilbert ., on your film's box office success."
In such a public setting, Gilbert . couldn't be impolite. He clinked glasses with Mel Gibson and said, "Thank you, Mel. I hear your new movie is about to be released; I hope it achieves good results." Gilbert .'s words had a hidden meaning, which Mel Gibson naturally understood. He casually replied, "Our goal is the Oscars. What do you think about Best Director?" "Very good. Perhaps it will be your fondest memory in Hollywood," Gilbert . retorted. What kind of person needs a "fondest memory"? Someone who's about to be out of Hollywood, of course. Gilbert .'s subtext was that Mel Gibson would eventually be out of Hollywood.
When it came to verbal sparring, Mel Gibson was clearly no match for Gilbert ., losing after a few exchanges. However, Mel Gibson's purpose wasn't this. He seemed to just notice Sheena Boone standing beside them, and his tone and expression were overly complimentary, clearly deliberate. "Oh, Miss Boone, I didn't expect to see you here. My apologies, I didn't notice you." Mel Gibson, true to his bad temper, couldn't beat Gilbert . in words, so he tried to get back at Sheena Boone.
Sheena Boone didn't back down, "It's alright. It's just my good fortune to have a client like Gilbert .; through his connections, I have smooth sailing. On the other hand, Mr. Gibson, arriving uninvited is a bit rude, isn't it?" "Is it?" Mel Gibson chuckled and turned to Gilbert ., "Director Gilbert ., if you don't mind, may I catch up with an old colleague?" Sheena Boone had worked at CAA before, but she had no real interaction with big clients like Mel Gibson, so "catching up" was just an excuse.
However, Gilbert . was too lazy to get entangled with Mel Gibson. "Sure. I was just about to get something to eat." As he spoke, he gave Sheena Boone a look: This trouble is all yours; take him down. Sheena Boone returned the look: Don't worry, I'll handle him; you go ahead! And so, Gilbert . was able to escape to a corner to quietly enjoy some pastries.
At the banquet's buffet table, there was also a large platter of fresh seafood on ice. Gilbert . only took a couple of bites and then stopped eating. He'd heard about the risk of parasites, and Gilbert . took good care of his body, so he didn't dare eat too much. While he was enjoying his meal, a soft, pleasant female voice spoke behind him, "Hello, Director Gilbert ...."
Gilbert . put down his plate, wiped his mouth, and turned around to see Sophie Marceau standing elegantly before him. It had to be said that this Frenchwoman had excellent smile and high beauty, with a delicate face and a pair of expressive, crescent-shaped eyes. No wonder Sophie Marceau became many people's dream girl and eternal goddess based on her looks alone, even enjoying good popularity in China.
But having been in Hollywood for a long time, Gilbert . clearly understood what these stars were like beneath their glamorous exteriors. He wasn't sure what Sophie Marceau herself was like, but Gilbert . knew quite well what kind of person Mel Gibson was, having hired a private investigator to look into him. Given Mel Gibson's lust and strange fetishes, Sophie Marceau herself probably hadn't escaped his clutches, which was also why Sheena Boone wanted Sophie Marceau to be a spy. These thoughts flashed through Gilbert .'s mind, and he shook hands with Sophie Marceau with a smile, "Hello, Miss Sophie Marceau."
Sophie Marceau feigned surprise, "You know me?" "Of course," Gilbert . smiled slightly, "I watched your film La Boum; it was quite stunning." Sophie Marceau seemed a little embarrassed and flattered, "I can't believe you've seen my film. It's truly an honor."
Using the film as a topic, they began to chat, and Sophie Marceau occasionally let out a melodious laugh. Gilbert . was humorous, witty, and good at charming women, which was probably why his three rumored girlfriends always maintained a relationship with him, in addition to his power and status. Faced with a man like him, he was far better than the crude Mel Gibson. She wondered, though, how Gilbert . performed in bed...