The Wolf of Los Angeles

Chapter 471 - 471: Los Angeles Fires

[Chapter 471: Los Angeles Fires]

Hollywood area, Chief Stone Theater.

A gray carpet stretched from the roadside straight to the theater entrance.

A giant poster of a blazing inferno hung down from the top of the theater.

The premiere invited many Hollywood stars whose homes had been destroyed in the Los Angeles fires, many of whom appeared in the film as themselves.

Hawke had entered the theater early and went to the second-floor lounge, sitting by the window to look down just as Brian, the mayor of Los Angeles, walked along the long ash-covered carpet and entered the theater.

A few minutes later, Brian entered the lounge, sat opposite Hawke, and said, "Those damn Democrats wanted to organize people to cause trouble, but the people I placed inside stirred up internal strife."

Hawke smiled and said, "Well done. Now that we're in a strong position, we need to keep the Democrats in Southern California down."

The real goal of this film was to pin the California Democrats on the shame pillar.

Brian asked, "Are we planning to shoot Philip's personal biopic next?"

"Exactly, Eric has already started writing the script," Hawke briefly explained the project situation. "The women's rights activists have always been an important tool for the Democrats. To counter them, we have to be more radical."

Brian laughed, "Ever since the Philip incident broke out and Steve launched the Occupy San Francisco movement, I expressed support for the LGBTQ community, and my approval rating rose by nearly five points."

Hawke said, "That's indeed good news."

The margin of victory in elections is often just a few points.

Therefore, the socially active and vote-heavy LGBTQ community held special weight in the eyes of politicians.

Brian was somewhat worried, "The women's rights activists in San Francisco will not be easily suppressed; they might be planning a counterattack."

Hawke had long considered this and again reminded Brian, "Now that you have a fiancee, you must keep your distance from other women. If our plan falls apart because of a woman, that would be ridiculous. I'll throw you into the Pacific to swim with the great white sharks."

Brian spread his hands, "I'm a family man now, not the man I used to be."

Hawke didn't say more on that subject but added, "Don't be alone with female subordinates -- no one knows if they've been influenced by women's rights activists. After all, the money from activism flows too fast; sometimes, a slip of the tongue can cost tens of thousands to settle."

At this moment, someone knocked on the door. Edward opened it: "Schwarzenegger and Stallone have arrived."

Hawke said, "Please let them in."

...

Two minutes later, Stallone and Schwarzenegger entered the lounge one by one.

Brian had already discussed election matters with Schwarzenegger, and the four quickly shifted the topic to the film.

In recent years, Stallone had not been doing well, with no outstanding works for many years.

Big-budget productions like Get Carter and Avenging Angelo had only average box office and reviews.

To stop the decline, Stallone was considering rebooting the First Blood and Rocky series.

Hollywood and audiences are forgetful; without new successes and proper self-promotion, an actor's status naturally dwindles.

Schwarzenegger's situation was slightly better since as California governor, he remained in the public eye.

Hawke said straightforwardly, "You both have unparalleled drawing power among action film fans nationwide and worldwide. Why not collaborate on an action blockbuster?"

Stallone's poker face showed no expression but he said, "The problem now is no one wants to invest in traditional action films."

Hawke replied, "Overseas investors are willing, as long as the two of you star, investment won't be an issue."

He had contacted the Abu Dhabi consortium and Malaysian investors, both agreed.

The latter even said if Stallone and Schwarzenegger starred as leads, they'd directly invest $60 million.

Together with Abu Dhabi, Hawke's foundation could easily secure $100 million.

Schwarzenegger had no political plans and decided to return to Hollywood, looking at Stallone: "I have no issues; twenty years ago, I wanted to work with Sylvester."

Stallone asked, "What kind of film exactly?"

"Traditional action." Hawke recalled, "You and Arnie are private security company owners or elite mercenary leaders, originally rivals, but become friends after a joint rescue mission."

This was the most cliche Hollywood storyline.

Anyone familiar with Hollywood movies could think of it.

But it was also a staple Hollywood had held onto for decades.

Such scripts weren't valuable; Stallone showed no interest but was very interested in the investment, forcing a slight smile and praising, "Very creative idea, I like it."

For making money, it wasn't shameful.

Hawke added, "How to write the script, set roles, film the movie -- you guys know better than me. You can discuss and come up with a concrete plan."

Stallone said, "I want to be the writer and director."

Schwarzenegger knew his rival was much stronger in this aspect, said, "I want a say on my character."

They reached a preliminary agreement.

Although planning to use Abu Dhabi and Malaysian investments, Hawke wouldn't gamble such a large sum recklessly; through Tom Cruise and Eric's production companies, he'd hire a professional producer for the action project.

This talk relieved Schwarzenegger to some extent.

Their conflicts somewhat eased.

Ten minutes later, Stallone and Schwarzenegger left the lounge first.

...

Inside, Brian asked, "Any problems from Abu Dhabi or Malaysia?"

"Abu Dhabi consortium controls trillions, their aim is to gain global prestige through money," Hawke summarized,"Hollywood films are widely cultural products; they willing to spend without expecting high returns."

He added, "Malaysian funds have some issues; they want to clean money. Even recovering half or 60% of it would be a cause for celebration."

Brian remembered the person who contacted the West Coast Investment Foundation was the Malaysian defense minister's son.

Hawke and Brian avoided dealing with them publicly.

...

The film premiere was about to start; Tom Cruise called Hawke.

They went down from the second floor, together entering the screening hall on the first floor.

Tom Cruise smiled at Hawke and Brian, "I thought you wouldn't come."

Brian said, "How could we miss such a masterpiece?"

Hawke hadn't watched the film yet but the media praise piqued his curiosity, "I heard the preview got great feedback."

Tom Cruise confidently said, "This will be a triumph for both art and commerce."

Eric came over, "I feel it's going to be a big hit."

Although from indie films, after D.C. Heights, his style grew more commercial and balanced.

The premiere started shortly.

...

Los Angeles Fires didn't just focus on the fire itself but presented many supposed real causes on the big screen for the whole U.S. and world to see.

Only a few knew Hawke and Brian's planning, which pushed the Southern California Democrats' actions.

In the film, all faults were pinned on the Democrats and former mayor Antonio.

Los Angeles Fires aimed to settle the matter once and for all.

Don't underestimate a film's influence; even Enemy at the Gates, which wasn't a commercial success, had a huge global impact, with many people treating it as real history.

The film detailed Antonio's municipal budget cuts, diverting funds from firefighting equipment and seasonal firefighters to support women activists.

Experienced fire chief and deputy chiefs resigned, replaced entirely by women from feminist groups.

Eric cleverly used TV news form with media-exposed female firefighter videos.

Former Mayor Antonio's water sale plan, California Democrats' smelt fish protection policy, and the resulting ban on out-of-state firefighting trucks and planes due to emissions standards were all mentioned.

All this made the fire a tragedy engulfing Los Angeles and much of California.

The tragedy had many ironic scenes: female fire chief panicking, female firefighters struggling with high-pressure hoses, an outsourced Chinese firefighting company using fire to fight fire, nearly burning Santa Monica, and most firefighting supplies bought from China being substandard.

Even the fire retardant dropped by planes was actually an accelerant!

Amid the blaze, many acts of human bravery shined.

Male firefighters fought valiantly; residents in the south spontaneously set up aid stations, donating food and clothing.

An LGBTQ group self-organized to rescue cats, dogs, and an American flag from the flames.

Thanks to ample budget, the fire scenes were grand, many nearly lifelike.

Over 80% of the footage was real; 10% slightly adapted; 10% artistic license.

Hard to tell since the fire was man-made, with mayor Antonio and Democrats primarily responsible.

Women activists' poor performance was portrayed exactly, as they mostly hindered firefighting.

Eric and Tom Cruise dared to shoot realistically because the facts backed them, and they had full support from Hawke and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Both sides had opposing backers; it was a direct clash.

...

Many ordinary Los Angeles residents in the back rows wiped away tears.

The fire was an unforgettable memory.

When it ended, enthusiastic applause erupted.

These people clapped heavily, reflecting their feelings.

The theme and tone aligned perfectly with their view.

The fire was man-made by Antonio-led Democrats.

Eric and Tom Cruise took the stage twice; the applause lasted over 5 minutes.

At this year's Cannes Film Festival, Guillermo del Toro and Pan's Labyrinth received nearly 15 minutes standing ovation.

Guests and cast exited; Hawke and Brian mingled among them.

...

Jacqueline, who played the female lead, approached and greeted, "Hawke, Mayor."

Brian smiled, "Hello."

Hawke praised, "Your acting was great, you have made much progress."

Brian agreed, "You showed the craziness and selfishness of the women's rights activists."

Jacqueline played the most prominent female activist role, "The role had a real-life model, making it somewhat easier."

She added, "I've joined the NAACP."

Hawke, informed by Eric, said, "Don't worry about the women's activists. We will continue shooting on them."

"Thanks," Jacqueline understood Hawke's meaning; she needn't worry about losing roles or work.

...

Outside, Paramount's outsourced staff collected audience surveys.

Due to the film's unique content, mostly Los Angeles residents attended, many returned surveys.

...

Hawke and Brian didn't stay long; they exited a theater side door and got into the same car.

Edward told Raul to drive towards Beverly Hills.

Brian said, "The film's well-made, but we must watch for women's activists' backlash."

Hawke whispered, "You're helping those fire victims hurt by insurance. Think of ways to have your people push those victims to protest at Antonio's house, Democrats' Southern California headquarters, and the FMF headquarters, making noise to stir up fire aftermath again."

He added, "Also, give them free movie tickets to watch the film."

Mainstream Hollywood films were politically correct, shove their agendas clearly into faces.

Los Angeles Fires had a clear theme and villains, easy to stir victim emotions.

Hawke told Edward, "Prepare Compton Foundation, Mattachine Society, and NAACP to counter the women activists immediately."

Women activists hadn't won any direct confrontations.

Hawke planned a series of public opinion to use the film's expected chaos to renew marginalized groups' movements.

Brian understood, "Turn victims' hatred back onto Democrats and women activists to keep the momentum and promote the film."

Hawke looked outside, "Exactly, it all started with the Democrats."

Not just Los Angeles Democrats but California Democrats, whose legislature passed smelt fish protection and environmental laws, prohibited fire trucks and planes from other states from entering due to emission standards.

Hawke told Edward, "Tomorrow talk to Sasha about key tweets reviewing important news during the fire."

He called Megan Taylor; Fox 11 would rebroadcast the specialized documentary at a suitable time.

All were used to pin fire responsibility on Democrats.

...

Back home, Tom Cruise called, excited: "Hawke, the premiere got great feedback; average audience grade was A+."

Hawke understood Hollywood audience ratings, "That's the highest?"

"Yes," said Tom confidently, "Even if ratings drop on wide release, it'll stay around A; that's strong momentum."

Hawke repeated, "Do more opinion work on those responsible."

Tom agreed, "I have lots of promo articles ready; more to come."

...

Hawke went to the living room.

Erica came downstairs, asked, "Premiere done?"

Hawke took off his jacket, "Better than expected; Eric's directing has improved."

Erica took the jacket, "Maybe he's focused on pleasing you in making the film."

Hawke thought it made sense.

In his memories from a past life, Eric wasn't a director; he guessed Eric might have fallen at Sundance Film Festival.

Hollywood directors ranked higher than actors but had similar backgrounds; many directors likely fell on their way to fame.

---

North Hollywood, FMF Headquarters.

Michelle drove and just turned onto the street, finding it almost blocked.

Hundreds gathered shouting outside the FMF headquarters, nearby LAPD patrol cars watched by two officers who merely observed.

Michelle saw banners reading 'Los Angeles Fires'.

She recalled her darkest time, when as deputy fire chief, a fire scandal caused the women's movement near its lowest point in a decade.

Worried about being recognized, she immediately turned and entered via the back door.

These people only talked big, never facing real problems.

Michelle asked an assistant, "What's going on outside?"

"Those are fire victims, many not fully compensated; they think..."

She glanced at Michelle, "They think we're responsible for fire spread and demand accountability."

"It's the fire and their wooden houses' fault!" Michelle was angry; she turned it into a gender issue, "These bastards bully women!"

The assistant agreed, "Yeah, they want to sue us for financial damages."

Money was a sore spot; Michelle immediately called the association lawyers and notified sympathetic media to say those people discriminated against women.

Assistant was more cautious, "But they use no discriminatory slogans."

Michelle pointed at her chest, "We are women with the power; if we say they did it, they did it."

Assistant went to make calls.

Michelle stood by the window, brows furrowed watching the front door.

Assistant returned soon, "Lawyer will arrive in half an hour," adding "Several media want to interview you."

Recalling her poor role in the fire, Michelle avoided facing reporters and gave a solid excuse, "Tell media I'm suffering from depression due to unfair attacks after the fire."

That protective aura made things safer.

Assistant made calls.

...

Besides the FMF, protests erupted outside former Mayor Antonio's house, Southern California Democrats' HQ, and California State Capitol in Sacramento.

Fire victims, with city hall's help, formed an alliance to fight for legal rights.

That afternoon, the alliance's lawyers officially sued the FMF, former mayor Antonio, former Speaker Nunez, demanding federal accountability and economic compensation.

The Los Angeles Fires heat rose again, hitting media front pages once more.

*****

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