King of Hollywood

Chapter 360: Chapter 84: This is the Vision of the Miracle Director

“Adrian is crazy!” That was the phrase most circulated within the major film studios in late August, and all the executives, managers, and bosses mentioned it, either proactively or in passing, at meetings, luncheons, and parties.

In an era when a 100-million-dollar investment in film was considered huge, someone was making a movie with a 200-million-dollar budget, and it was the well-known story of the Titanic, at that. If the person wasn’t stupid, then they must certainly be insane. Adrian’s talent and vision were equally well-known, so he could only be the latter.

“Adrian obviously thinks he’s so wealthy that he can afford to squander money without worrying about the consequences,” Michael Eisner said with a face full of scorn and sarcasm, not hiding his attitude.

“But you have to admit, Mike, he’s got guts. Not just anyone can pull off such a grand gesture,” chuckled Summer Redstone, chairman of Viacom, clearly amused. How could he not guess what his old rival was thinking?

“Of course, Adrian is always unpredictable, and it’s not surprising that someone supports him in making such an astonishing move,” said Matthew Seville of Warner, looking over at Claude. “Isn’t that right, Claude?”

“This has nothing to do with me; he made the investment in a personal capacity.” Claude, impeccably dressed and holding a wine glass, shrugged his shoulders, and many faces immediately darkened—even Redstone’s surgically altered face showed a clear change of expression.

Indeed, this was not a film studio making the investment, but Adrian, who had personally raised the 200 million to give to Cameron to splurge. Such an investment might not be “unprecedented,” but it certainly had no precedent. Although it was called a fundraising, Adrian always talked about it light-heartedly in front of reporters, without a trace of feigned composure. From this, it was clear how much his actual net worth might be, and how much AC Media could mobilize. Consequently, many began to look even more unfavorably upon Disney.

“You really should have attended that party; the expression on Eisner’s face was priceless.” Claude laughed heartily over the phone to Adrian, delighted to have vented the frustrations from earlier in the year.

“Enjoyable as it is, don’t get complacent; let’s celebrate once we’ve got it in hand,” Adrian cautioned. He knew that Claude, sitting in that position, would certainly not be complacent, but a little reminder was always good.

Besides, it wasn’t just the bold 200-million-dollar investment that caused such a shift in the attitudes of these executives, but also the reputation Adrian had built up over the years. Precisely because of the “Miracle Director’s keen eye,” the entertainment media, despite thinking that spending 200 million dollars on a film was insane, were still careful with their words when commenting.

Initially, the UK media had doubted his decision to shoot “Howards End” was a grave mistake, but what had the results been? Not to mention Al Pacino, who finally achieved a longstanding wish, and Tom Hanks, who was now the reigning Best Actor, as well as other directors like Jean de Bont, Michael Bay, and David Fincher, whom he had backed and who then achieved success.