King of Hollywood-Chapter 83 - Dennis’s Trouble
Chapter 83: Chapter 83 Dennis’s Trouble
Never feeling tired? Of course, that was impossible. In fact, after completing the post-production of “Scent of a Woman,” Adrian really wanted to take a long vacation. However, the problem was that every minute and second of this year was extremely precious. He had two more films to produce and a company to develop. He’d spent the past year carefully maintaining a reputation that circulated within the industry but remained relatively unknown outside of it, waiting for a breakout by the end of this year. Adrian had to put in his best effort, as his plan was not allowed to fail! If the gamble paid off this year, then the sky would be the limit.
Therefore, Adrian had to suppress the urge to take a break and continued to work hard on the new films. Thankfully, he had anticipated this and had already instructed his nutritionist to arrange a reasonable diet and schedule for him. If he could keep that up, it shouldn’t affect his normal life.
The discussion returned to “Pulp Fiction.” Adrian remembered that the film’s budget was only 8 million US dollars, so his company could handle the investment, and there was no need for outside interference. As for the actors, John Travolta was currently in a slump—a very deep slump—and would surely not turn down a film offer, with the price likely being negotiable. Samuel Jackson had just begun making a name for himself and should be easy to talk to. And Bruce Willis, despite his huge success with “Die Hard,” had yet to start shooting “Die Hard 2 and 3.” So his asking price was also negotiable, especially considering Adrian’s current reputation in the circle. With these considerations, the budget could be further reduced.
The trouble was with the key female role of the gangster’s mistress Mia. Adrian didn’t know who to choose for the part. Uma Thurman was not to his taste; he’d rather give the role to someone he considered eye-catching. Kate was certainly out of the question, she was too green for the role that needed an actress whose aura was either very close to Uma Thurman’s or possessed her own unique quality suited for playing a gangster’s mistress. Thinking about it, he really didn’t know who would be appropriate.
In the end, Adrian left this task to the casting director and told him to put the word out. The actresses’ agents would naturally come knocking for an audition opportunity. Could it be possible that he couldn’t find a suitable candidate in Hollywood?
However, when Adrian asked Laverne to arrange for a casting call, the entire company was shocked. They knew his previous films had never held auditions for major roles; he always specified who he wanted to star, and if they refused, he would personally persuade them. Why was he thinking about casting now?
Adrian was unaware of the employees’ thoughts, and even if he knew, he would just laugh it off. He was currently troubled by another role. In the film, there was a part with not much screen time but was very important that he wanted Dennis to play— the diner robber “Little Pumpkin” who appears at the beginning and the end.
Thanks to a great agent, Dennis was currently performing a supporting role in a low-budget independent film titled “Vanity.” The script seemed decent, but Adrian had no memory associated with this film, so he didn’t pay much attention. The shooting of the film was nearing completion, and Dennis would be able to take on the part after a short break. The role didn’t have many scenes but was challenging and could benefit him. However, the problem was…
“I didn’t know you were such a good fighter, Dan,” Adrian said, looking amusedly at Dennis, who was sitting a bit uneasily across the office desk, as he put down the newspaper in his hands and asked with a teasing tone.
“It was just a verbal altercation, we didn’t actually come to blows,” Dennis defended himself. “You know, Ed, those tabloids always like to exaggerate.”
“Exaggeration?” Adrian chuckled, then picked up another newspaper and began to read, “Last night at 22:00, a spectacular Hollywood action movie unfolded at the Winton Bar on Celeox Avenue. The two leading men were Hollywood’s ‘bad boy’ Johnny Depp, who shone in ‘Edward Scissorhands,’ and Dennis Knight, who rose to prominence with ‘Memento’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption.’ The leading lady was none other than Johnny Depp’s girlfriend, Winona Ryder. Johnny and Dennis initially got into a verbal altercation over Winona and started throwing punches when her attempts to mediate failed. The situation escalated to a level comparable to ‘Die Hard’ until Winona bravely stepped in and risked injury to separate the two men.”
“No, no, no, that’s all just nonsense,” Dennis hurriedly defended himself, “It’s true that Johnny and I had a verbal spat, and indeed there were intentions to get physical, but it was Noni who desperately broke us up.”
“Don’t rush, I haven’t finished yet, Dan,” Adrian leisurely shrugged his shoulders and continued reading, “Clearly, after nearly a year of relationship, Winona quickly grew tired of Johnny. But even though she threw herself into Dennis’s arms, she still harbored feelings for Johnny, seemingly playing both sides. Yet, it’s quite impressive that she could make two men willingly fight over her…”
At this point, Adrian finally stopped reading and looked at Dennis, who was bearing a wry smile, before asking, “So, Dan, tell me, did you… sleep with Winona?”
“No, I didn’t,” Dennis said honestly, “We just kissed in public at the bar, a passionate kiss. She was upset, and I wanted to… comfort her, that’s all.”
This time it was Adrian’s turn to give a bitter smile. He massaged his temples, then let out a long sigh, “You really disappoint me, Dan.”
He never imagined that when Dennis came to him for advice, it was to pursue Winona Ryder! Was Winona beautiful? At least Adrian didn’t think so; he always found something strangely off about her facial features, unable to comprehend what Dennis found attractive in her. Maybe it was just a matter of the right chemistry.
“I’m sorry, Ed, I just… I just wanted to…” Dennis tried to explain.
“No, you don’t understand what I’m getting at, Dan,” Adrian waved his hand, “If you want to pursue her, then go ahead, that’s no big deal. Like you said last time, there’s no law against pursuing a girl who already has a boyfriend. What I’m trying to say is, you have to learn to control yourself, your emotions, your desires. You’re starting to make a name for yourself on this stage, and your every action is under the public’s scrutiny. Do you really think they like Johnny’s so-called ‘bad boy’ persona? Just wait and see. If Johnny continues to act impulsively, go by his feelings, even with Tim Burton’s backing, he won’t make it big! If I were you, I wouldn’t even argue. I’d keep a smile on my face and use calm but sharp words to provoke him, let those present, and the girl you fancy see the difference between you and him, to see what kind of demeanor a man should have!”
(Please, I beg you, also, can you guess who outshone Uma Thurman for the role?)
This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.
