King of Hollywood

Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Killing Two Birds with One Stone

The sky was overcast, laden with heavy clouds that seemed ready to spill rain at any moment, yet the people strolling along the streets which bore a classical charm did not quicken their pace. This kind of weather was far too normal for them, and they almost always carried umbrellas when venturing out in such conditions.

Not having an umbrella was no big deal, since most shops around offered free umbrellas for borrowing—as long as you remembered to return them the next time you passed by. And if there was a pub nearby, even better; just pop in for a drink, and by the time you came out, the rain might have stopped.

Pubs, a British cultural hallmark, have been said to have existed in Britain since Roman times more than 2000 years ago. However, in the 18th century and even earlier, these establishments were more frequently small inns in rural areas offering not only food and drink but also lodging.

Such inns and pubs have played significant roles throughout British and even European history. They frequently appear in fantasy novels and games from Europe and America, such as in “Heroes of Might and Magic” where you need a tavern to recruit heroes, or in “The Lord of the Rings” where Gandalf instructs Frodo to meet him at the Prancing Pony.

As times progressed, pubs also evolved, integrating a lot of local flavor. For instance, at the end of the 18th century with Britain’s industrial boom, pubs became a venting ground for workers.

In the modern era, although many historic pubs have started to decline, many British people still enjoy popping in for a drink, playing billiards or darts, and discussing matters with friends.

Adrian pushed open the pub door, looked around, and headed to the corner where he sat down opposite a bespectacled man, around fifty years old, who was engrossed in writing something in a notebook.

“Sorry, Mr. Newell, I’m late,” he said, removing his hat and smiling apologetically.

“No worries, Mr. Cowell,” the other man immediately looked up, speaking in a typical London accent. “I understand your situation. Sometimes, the press can indeed be quite a nuisance.”

“It sounds like you don’t think I ruined a famous British novel,” Adrian asked, curious.

“A director must take responsibility for his work, provided he has completed it,” Mike Newell shrugged. “Until then, I refrain from commenting, but afterward, I will certainly offer my opinion, whether it is praise or criticism.”

Adrian smiled faintly, “Thank you. Let’s skip the small talk about the weather and other trifles and get straight to the point—You can call me Adrian, and then I can call you Mike.”

“Of course.” Newell chuckled, signaling a waiter to order two pints of stout.

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“Although you only gave me a rough idea over the phone, it sounds fascinating. It’s a romantic comedy, right?” Newell recalled. “Using weddings and a funeral to transform the relationship of the male and female leads is quite a fresh concept.”

“Actually, I’ve already come up with a name for the screenplay. It’s ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’,” Adrian said with a smile, his expression unreadable, “The male lead is a British playboy, and then at a wedding, he meets an independent, somewhat conservative American woman. The striking contrast between them and the sparks that fly—if well portrayed, along with big moments at the weddings and funeral, will surely be very appealing.”

Newell pondered for a moment and did not continue the discussion on that topic but shifted the conversation, “There are so many directors in the UK, many of whom are better than me. So why did you come to me, Adrian?”

Adrian couldn’t help but laugh out loud before shaking his head and answering, “You know, Mike, before you, there have already been quite a few directors who’ve asked me the same thing—why I approached them.”

“Oh?” Newell raised an eyebrow, revealing a curious look.

“You see, besides being a director, I also wear many hats, such as producer, investor, owner of Bossworth Film Company, and—screenwriter!” Adrian said, gesturing as he spoke. “I entered the film industry because I wrote a few good screenplays, so I always have a lot of story ideas. The Screenwriters’ Guild has many of my outlines. I’d love to turn them all into movies, but as you know, one person can’t do so much. So, once I had my own film company, I started looking for people who could bring these stories to life on the big screen. So far, I’ve talked with several directors and reached agreements, although they’re all in the preparatory phase. But I trust my judgment. I’ve watched your movies, Mike, and I believe you can make this film excellently.”

Neville pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose and after a long pause, he managed to smile reluctantly, “It sounds quite magical, are all these scripts… written by you alone?”

“No, no, no, they are outlines,” Adrian said with a smile as he shook his head, “The very first scripts were indeed completed by me alone. Back at the beginning, I locked myself in my bedroom, didn’t step out for three whole months, typing on the typewriter every day. Even now, I’m amazed at how lost I could get in the process. But later, after becoming a director and owning my own film company, it was no longer so taxing. In general, I provide the outlines and let other screenwriters fill them in. I give feedback and have them revise until I’m satisfied; my screenwriters are all excellent.”

That was indeed the truth. Although limited by the agreements between AMPTP and the Screenwriters’ Guild, meaning Adrian couldn’t offer the screenwriters sky-high salaries, the level of benefits at Bossworth Film Company was second to none in Hollywood, hence attracting quite a few remarkable regular screenwriters, like Jules Mann, for instance.

“I know you have some concerns, Mike,” Adrian continued, taking a sip of stout and frowning—it wasn’t to his taste, the astringency mixed with bitterness reminded him of the Chinese herbal medicine he had long stopped taking.

Maybe it could do with a bit of chocolate? While this thought crossed his mind, he didn’t cease speaking, “You can rest assured that if you agree, I will let you pick a British screenwriter to refine the script, and I’ll give you enough authority to ensure that the film is exactly what you want it to be. I will handle all the logistics for you. In fact, I’ve even considered the male and female leads; I’m confident they will be a perfect fit.”

“It seems… I have no excuse to refuse.” After a few minutes of silence, Neville sighed and with a direct look at Adrian from behind his glasses, he asked, “I get to pick the screenwriter to collaborate with? Everything is to be shot exactly as I envision?”

“Of course,” Adrian nodded vigorously.

“Then, it’s a deal,” Neville said as he raised his glass.

Ting, a light clink.

Watching Mike Newell leave the pub, Adrian stretched his arms out with an extensive yawn. Although he had stated he wouldn’t interfere with the director’s work, he knew where he needed to step in.

For instance, Neville might likely approach Richard Curtis for the screenwriting, as they were friends. Adrian didn’t mind that, since Four Weddings and a Funeral was originally Curtis’s work anyhow. Yet, if Curtis’s writing failed to meet his standards and he refused changes, Adrian would certainly dismiss him.

This was well within the realm of possibility. While screenwriters generally didn’t hold high status, Curtis was an established figure—granted, mainly for television scripts—and Adrian was an American.

Currently, the version of Four Weddings and a Funeral was revised by Adrian, and after the Cannes Film Festival, he kept mulling over finding a comedy for Dennis. The mention of Mike Newell by Thompson and Hopkins brought that much-acclaimed romantic comedy of 1994 to Adrian’s mind.

After a conversation with Newell and establishing that he hadn’t encountered a script like this before, Adrian decided on Four Weddings and a Funeral. After all, Dennis had British roots, a decent London accent, having played an Englishman in his first film, and seemed handsomer than Hugh Grant with his permanent frown and unibrows. Combined with his highly adaptable acting skills, Dennis was just right for the role.

After deciding to cast Dennis for the male lead, a double-win idea suddenly sprung into Adrian’s mind, hence the selection of the female lead became clear—Julia Roberts!

Though Julia’s appeal would gradually shake off the “box office poison” label in the years to follow, the movie that truly restored and surpassed her popularity peak was My Best Friend’s Wedding. Adrian hadn’t initially considered this film, as well-acclaimed, highly profitable romantic comedies weren’t plentiful and had to be employed at the most opportune moments.

Therefore, Adrian thought casting her as the lead in Four Weddings and a Funeral could be quite favorable, only that the script would require a twist. The film’s original female lead was portrayed as a frivolous woman with a promiscuous private life, but Julia’s popularity rose largely due to her consistent portrayal of strong, independent characters. Removing this quality might lead the project into a pitfall, so Adrian refashioned the female lead character as independent with a hint of conservatism. The male lead, on the other hand, became a more carefree playboy.

This wouldn’t affect the essence of the film; Four Weddings and a Funeral was mainly about British humor, an alternative take on love and marriage, and the fine details of weddings and funerals. As long as Mike Newell managed the film correctly, the new version would not fail compared to the old one in memory. And Adrian, having done so much groundwork, would certainly not allow anyone to disrupt key aspects of the production, not even Richard Curtis.

Neville understood this as well, but though Adrian didn’t state it explicitly, his tone made it abundantly clear: as long as the crucial elements remained untouched, the rest didn’t matter. Thus, he eventually consented, as it wasn’t often that a director could gain such discretionary power in the producer-driven system of today. (To be continued. If you wish to discover what happens next, please visit www.qidian.com for more chapters to support the author and for legal reading!)