King of Hollywood

Chapter 316: Chapter 43: The Imminent Descent Chapter 316: Chapter 43: The Imminent Descent “I believe that before ‘Twisters’ was released, many people didn’t have high hopes for director Jean de Bont, not only because it was his directorial debut but also because the investment was so huge—it was akin to gambling. However, Adrian Cowell, the producer, insisted on hiring him despite his lack of experience in directing. And once again, this proved the eye of a ‘Miracle Director’ or a ‘Gold medal producer’ as Warner and Bossworth Film Company made a killing.

Now this smug director, with the support of Adrian, has brought his second big commercial project to the big screen. It must be admitted that Jean is indeed a rising commercial director. Although not as grand as ‘Twisters,’ ‘Speed’ excels in its meticulous structure and tight plot, showcasing intense confrontations between the cops and robbers in various limited spaces that captivate the audience’s attention almost every moment, ensuring they can’t look away. He has already brought a surprise in the summer and will surely bring a second one this Christmas.”—Los Angeles Times
“There are tense and fierce fights, critical rescues, and love that emerges through life and death. ‘Speed’ provides a new genre for thrillers.”—Empire
“The new work of the ‘Twisters’ director, also produced by the now behind-the-scenes Adrian, who has just earned the title of Gold medal producer. Frankly speaking, this movie, without a clear focus, vacuous love, meaningless heroism, though visually entertaining, when will the Miracle Director return to his own field?”—Variety
As expected, ‘Speed,’ released in the second week of December of ’94, was well-received. Showing in 2000 theaters for three days, it raked in 23 million US Dollars at the box office. Not only did it break through the competitive Christmas schedule and topped the North American box office, but it also recovered almost a third of its cost.

Although Jean de Bont’s ‘Twisters’ and Adrian’s reputation drew many eyes, the quality of ‘Speed’ itself was also a contributing factor, with positive film reviews serving as the best proof.

Yet, nearly every review, whether it was praise or criticism, couldn’t help but mention producer Adrian—even if only in name. Though he didn’t stir up countless debates and attention by producing three stylistically divergent, high-quality movies in a single year like he did in ’92, the movies released during this summer with his name in the producers’ column still attracted numerous eyeballs. In a sense, Adrian had become a phenomenon.

“Screenwriter, director, producer… sure, there are such people, but someone producing five or six movies in a year, each earning a high box office—even if just in name, every movie is somehow related to him! Whether the script is from his ideas or the directors or actors are appointed by him… Does he want every other director and producer in Hollywood to be out of work?” a high-level executive at a film company once complained to his subordinates.

In such cases, the media would praise or criticize him, but would certainly not ignore him. However, when they were ardently reporting, the main character was lying weak and powerless in bed.

“Achoo! Damn it, why does my nose have to be… Achoo!” Adrian, clad in pajamas and leaning against the headboard, sneezed several times in a row; he grabbed a tissue, rubbed his nose, and looked somewhat glumly at Blanchett, who was snickering beside the bed.

“I never thought that a runny nose could be so unbearably itchy…” Adrian grumbled.

“That’s great, finally there’s something you hadn’t anticipated,” said Blanchett with a laugh, cutting a red apple neatly into four pieces and placing them on a plate before handing it to Adrian.

“Thanks,” Adrian sighed but felt his nose itch again, nearly sneezing before he hurriedly pinched it. Even so, a few stifled sounds still came from his throat, eliciting several giggles from Blanchett.

“Could you not take so much delight in my misery, Kate?” Adrian glanced at her helplessly and took a bite of the apple.

“When did I take delight in your misery?” Blanchett asked, smiling as she rested her elbow on the edge of the bed, looking at him with her head in her hand, “I’m actually feeling pretty guilty. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have caught a cold, right?”