Die Hard with a Vengeance finally got its revenge, managing to snatch a summer box office weekly championship despite being sandwiched between The Rock and Braveheart. It was fortunate that Braveheart wasn't popular with the market, giving Die Hard with a Vengeance a chance.
Sophia was curious why Braveheart wasn't doing well at the box office. After all, Gilbert Jr. even attended its premiere, so it should have done well, right? Sophia asked Gilbert Jr. about this very question.
"Gilbert Jr., why isn't this movie doing well at the box office? I watched it, and it's good quality!" Sophia was genuinely curious.
Gilbert Jr., enjoying the Californian sun in his backyard, replied, "My dear Sophia, you're looking at this film with a so-called 'film art' perspective. But this is the summer blockbuster season; art doesn't play well in the summer. And don't forget, the North American market has always been very exclusive. People don't care about stories that happened on that island across the Atlantic, even if they share the same origins as America."
Sophia pondered this. "You're right, I should have thought of that. No wonder there weren't many audience members interested in this film in the cinema."
The North American market isn't always exclusive, but for a film to succeed there, it truly needs to captivate audiences and win over fans with its quality. Braveheart might have won over the Oscar judges, but in the summer, it couldn't win over audiences. Audiences weren't interested in Scottish independence or the love-hate relationships with the British monarchy. Of course, it's not absolute; if some cold-weapon battle scenes were well-shot, some audiences might enjoy it.
However, unfortunately, Mel Gibson, for the sake of the Oscars, had to cut a lot of battle scenes, and the lengthy dramatic scenes left audiences dozing off in the cinema. In the summer blockbuster season, quick and exciting popcorn plots are always the most popular; idealistic humanistic themes are secondary. In this regard, Gilbert Jr.'s next film, Saving Private Ryan, did very well. Spielberg understood the market well and achieved a near-perfect combination of commercial and artistic appeal. That's why Saving Private Ryan achieved both commercial success and Oscar recognition.
But Braveheart was different. Mel Gibson didn't achieve a good balance and released it during the summer, thus becoming a film that audiences found sleep-inducing. Film critics, however, praised the film. Kenneth Turan, a critic who had previously criticized Gilbert Jr.'s films, gave it extremely high praise.
"Braveheart is an epic historical film full of passion, politics, romance, and morality. Making such a film is a challenge and a test for any director. But director Mel Gibson showed extraordinary ability in this film; he successfully delivered such an epic film with profound nationalism and political connotations."
Epic films are also a genre; the famous Ben-Hur is also considered an epic film. Coincidentally, Ben-Hur also performed poorly at the box office, causing the film company to lose a lot of money. However, the film achieved great success at the 1960 Oscars, winning major awards like Best Picture and Best Director. Decades later, Braveheart seems to be following in Ben-Hur's footsteps. If it does well at the Oscars, Mel Gibson could maintain his status and potentially advance further.
But Gilbert Jr. wouldn't give him that chance. Braveheart was in theaters, but audiences were indifferent. Mel Gibson seemed to be getting desperate. He couldn't even go all out against Gilbert Jr. because he had no leverage on him. Helpless, Mel Gibson, like Sean Connery, had a bad temper, but at least he hadn't overdosed on drugs. So he quickly found someone to send signals of goodwill to Gilbert Jr.
But things had progressed this far; it was too late to back out. Seeing no response from Gilbert Jr., Mel Gibson had his trusted associates hide his photos and negatives, while also actively trying to save himself by networking everywhere. He wasn't stupid. Although he didn't reveal everything, he did tell Martin Bob some of the truth and pushed all the blame onto Gilbert Jr.
This instantly made Martin Bob realize why Gilbert Jr. had specifically attended the premiere; he clearly had ulterior motives. The two sat and discussed for a long time, unsure how Gilbert Jr. would make his move.
"Mel, is there something else you haven't told me? Who did you get to do that thing at the celebration party?" Martin Bob asked.
Mel Gibson hesitated and didn't say.
Martin Bob urged, "At this point, you want me to help you, but you won't tell me the details of what happened. How can I help you?"
Since that was the case, Mel Gibson had no choice but to say, "I had Sophie Marceau do it."
Martin Bob's eyes widened in surprise. "You entrusted such a dangerous task to an outsider? If you're going to do it, you should find someone reliable."
Mel Gibson seemed about to speak again, and Martin Bob, sensing more, pressed further, "What else are you hiding from me?"
Mel Gibson stammered, "I took pictures of Sophie Marceau. I thought she would be obedient, but I didn't expect her to..."
Before he could finish, Martin Bob slapped his forehead, feeling a headache. Martin Bob evidently knew something about his client's special hobbies. He was very curious why these big Hollywood stars, who possessed wealth, fame, and status that ordinary people could never have in a lifetime, were all eccentric and had unusual preferences. Wouldn't it be better to just be honest, methodical, and stable?
He couldn't understand it, but Martin Bob knew he still had to find a solution for Mel Gibson, as he was a very important client. After thinking for a moment, Martin Bob asked Mel Gibson, "Are those photos hidden well?"
"They're hidden well. The photos and negatives are scattered in different places. Besides my closest confidants, no one knows where they are," Mel Gibson replied.
"OK," Martin Bob's worried heart eased slightly. "As long as the photos aren't found, they have no evidence. Also, besides Sophie Marceau, who else have you involved? Quickly give them hush money and make them shut up." This kind of thing is a bottomless pit. The best solution is to deal with it once and for all, by having them commit suicide directly. But that move shouldn't be used unless absolutely necessary.
Martin Bob continued, "You need to strengthen your security lately. They've definitely hired private detectives to investigate you. It wouldn't be good if a private detective found something. Gilbert Jr. won't play the Sophie Marceau card until the very end. Even if he gets Sophie Marceau to come out and accuse you, they can't do anything without evidence."
Martin Bob's idea was to stall and drag things out. If he could dig up dirt on Gilbert Jr., Martin Bob would certainly want to. But Gilbert Jr. was a strange person, like a saint in Hollywood. Because only a saint would remain untainted; he didn't attend orgies, didn't drink or do drugs, had no family, and therefore no history of domestic violence. He hadn't abused children, no assault cases had occurred, and he was only interested in blonde, buxom beauties, so his orientation was very normal. He had three rumored girlfriends, now possibly four, but that wasn't an issue in Hollywood. The gossip tabloids were still hyping up Gilbert Jr. bringing honor to Americans by conquering Sophie Marceau, the "French Rose."
Gilbert Jr., being so impeccably good, was practically untouchable. If Gilbert Jr. knew Martin Bob's assessment of him, he'd probably laugh his head off. By his past life's standards, his life was already quite dissolute; he even had foursomes with Naomi Watts and three other women occasionally. If similar things happened in his home country and the media found out, he'd probably be cursed to death by netizens, yet now he was a moral model in Hollywood – truly odd.
Martin Bob was also thinking about reconciling with Gilbert Jr through various channels; at worst, he'd just give up some profits. To achieve reconciliation, he proactively terminated his contract with Sophie Marceau, sending a signal that he would no longer bother her. He also promised Gilbert Jr. could participate in their packaging projects. This even included the director position for Independence Day, a collaboration between CAA and 20th Century Fox, and Gilbert Jr.'s Watermelon Studio could even invest.
But all his overtures fell on deaf ears; Gilbert Jr. remained unresponsive. Martin Bob had no choice but to arrange a meeting with his former subordinate, Sheena Boone. This female agent had an arrogant look, putting on a haughty air, and merely left him with one sentence: "Director Gilbert Jr. has gone on vacation. Whatever it is, it can wait until he gets back!"
Martin Bob was certain that Sheena Boone knew everything, including what Gilbert Jr. was plotting. But unfortunately, he wasn't law enforcement, nor did he have those truth serums from the movies. Unable to get any information from Sheena Boone, Martin Bob knew something big was amiss.
Gilbert Jr. had woven a large net, trapping Mel Gibson within it. No matter how much Mel Gibson struggled, it was useless; the more he struggled, the tighter the net became. At this point, there was only one path left. If the person died, then everything would be over. But the problem now was that Gilbert Jr. wasn't even in North America; the assassins wouldn't know where to find him.
Gilbert Jr. had anticipated this. When the other party tried every method and realized they had no other recourse, physical elimination would be their only option. So, after attending the Braveheart premiere, Gilbert Jr. took Sophie Marceau and went on vacation to China. Martin Bob's reach, no matter how long, couldn't extend there, unless he found locals. But to be honest, although Gilbert Jr.'s trip was private, he was, after all, a representative figure in current US-China film and cultural exchanges and a renowned director. If he were to die there, it would become a diplomatic incident, and locals with any sense wouldn't dare to act. Moreover, by the time Martin Bob found out he was in China, everything would be too late; the situation was already decided.
Mel Gibson, unable to find a solution, became increasingly irritable, continuing to verbally and physically abuse his assistants and hangers-on. What are "hangers-on"? They are a peculiar type of person in Hollywood, usually attached to a star or director, accompanying them for meals, drinks, and entertainment, even participating in sexual activities with both men and women. Many of Mel Gibson's deeds involved these hangers-on. Therefore, the hangers-on earned Mel Gibson's trust and depended on him for their livelihood. They even knew more about Mel Gibson's actions than Martin Bob did. They also knew that if these matters were exposed, Mel Gibson's ship would sink, so they had to protect him.
But the human heart is the most unpredictable thing. Like a web novelist who doesn't know if readers will like the plot before writing, but has to write it anyway, only to be cursed by readers. Amidst Mel Gibson's increasingly nasty attitude, the hangers-on realized that there was no turning back. At this point, staying loyal was useless. Mel Gibson was brainless, couldn't think of a solution, and would only vent his anger on them. After being beaten repeatedly, one of the hangers-on had a cunning thought: Why not take this opportunity and jump ship? He'd betray Mel Gibson, get a sum of money, then quickly run away and never return for the rest of his life.
No sooner said than done. While Mel Gibson and the other hangers-on weren't paying attention, this hanger-on quickly ran out and used a public phone booth to contact the Super Artist Management Company. The company's phone number was public; anyone could call it. The receptionist picked up the phone, and the hanger-on, ready to betray, said, "I have important information that your president desperately needs. If you want it, bring a million dollars." Then he gave an address and hung up.
The receptionist was bewildered, thinking it was a prank. However, the hanger-on called for three consecutive days, forcing the receptionist to take it seriously. She immediately reported it to President Sheena Boone. Sheena Boone asked, "Who else knows about this call?"
The receptionist replied, "I've answered it all three days. Besides you and Miss Hannah, no one knows." Miss Hannah was Sheena Boone's assistant and a trusted confidante.
Sheena Boone nodded, satisfied. "Well done. You'll get a bonus next month. Remember, don't tell anyone about this. Keep it to yourself." The receptionist nodded, indicating she understood. After she left the office, Sheena Boone immediately told Miss Hannah, "Have Bramer handle this. Make sure it's done discreetly." Miss Hannah acknowledged and went to contact Bramer.
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