[Chapter 223: The Palme d'Or]
"Quentin, when are you starting your new movie?" Link interrupted Quentin's rambling to shift the conversation.
"New movie? What new movie?" Quentin replied, taken aback.
"Pulp Fiction just hit theaters and the promotional period is wrapping up soon. Shouldn't you be thinking about your next project? As directors, our job is to create an endless array of brilliant films within our limited lifespans. The more we make, the better.
Instead of complaining about Miramax's marketing strategies, the slow box office growth, or how twisted my movies are, why not focus on crafting that next movie? Aim to get the next one to cross a hundred million at the box office, maybe even surpass Paranormal Activity.
From the current state of things, Pulp Fiction will max out at about $120 million in North America; it won't go any higher. Yet your next film has limitless potential; why not start prepping now?"
"Alright, you have a point," Quentin grumbled.
He felt a bit irritated. He and Link had debuted around the same time, and while Link was on his sixth film, Quentin was just seeing his second one hit the screens.
In terms of speed, efficiency, and success, Quentin felt he was lagging far behind. Comparing himself to Link only added to his frustration.
"Since you acknowledge my perspective, get ready early and create something great. If not, you'll just end up complaining after your next failure like you are now."
"Not gonna happen; my next film will definitely be a success, and I'll achieve better box office results," Quentin insisted.
"Yeah, go for it!" Link shook his head. Quentin was a talented director, but his pace was too slow, and he often got distracted. If he only filmed ten movies in a lifetime, averaging one every four years, he could be considered a disgrace for his talent.
He needed a nudge to focus on his work.
...
After hanging up, Link continued checking the box office numbers for the week.
In its seventh week, Dumb and Dumber was running strong. Summer was just around the corner, and this year boasted a flurry of blockbuster films.
The action blockbuster The Crow, starring Brandon Lee, was set to release on May 12.
Paramount's hit series Beverly Hills Cop III was due on May 25.
Universal Pictures was launching the animated feature The Flintstones on May 27.
Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster starred in the Western film Maverick, also slated for May 27.
Disney's animated classic The Lion King would be hitting theaters on June 15.
For July, Forrest Gump was set for release on July 6, followed by Joel Schumacher and Susan Sarandon's thriller The Client on July 20.
James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger teamed up for the action film True Lies on July 29.
In addition, Guess Pictures had the action-packed Speed scheduled for June 10.
This year marked the 99th anniversary of cinema and was an extraordinary year for blockbusters. The major studios and several independent film companies were all releasing films.
Many were eagerly awaiting which film would rise to become the summer box office champion.
---
"Scene 213, take one! Action!"
Regardless of the intense summer competition, Link remained composed, filming in Vancouver while working with Leonardo and a few other actors.
...
By early May, he took a slight detour and flew to the Cannes Film Festival to attend the 47th annual awards ceremony.
The competition for awards this year was fierce, with 25 films nominated for the main competitive section.
This included Link's Se7en, renowned Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore's A Pure Formality, Patrice Chereau's Queen Margot, Russian director Nikita Mikhalkov's Burnt by the Sun, and the Coen Brothers' The Hudsucker Proxy, among others.
All were classic films directed by internationally renowned auteurs.
During the festival, Link's Se7en received high praise from European critics, and Danny DeVito remarked that Link had a significant chance at winning, which was why he had made time to attend Cannes amidst his busy schedule.
After several days of deliberation, Link's Se7en garnered the overwhelming majority of votes from the jury and won the highest honor, the Palme d'Or.
To Live and Burnt by the Sun received the Grand Jury Prize. Italian director Nanni Moretti took home the Best Director award for Caro diario.
Ge You won the Best Actor award for his impressive performance in To Live, while Michel Blanc took home the Best Screenplay award for the French film Dead Tired.
Queen Margot won Best Actress for Virna Lisi as well Jury prize for director Patrice Chéreau.
Originally, Link aimed for the Best Director award but ended up receiving the Palme d'Or. While it was a little different than what he expected, it was still a worthwhile trip.
...
"Director Link, congratulations on the great honor!"
As Link descended the stage holding his trophy, Sophie Marceau stood up beaming with joy.
"Ha, I didn't expect to win this!"
Link and Sophie Marceau shook hands.
"You deserve it! Se7en is an incredible film; it's the most impactful movie I've seen this year. Once it's released, film fans will definitely hail it as a classic."
Sophie Marceau's face reflected seriousness and heartfelt admiration, revealing that she genuinely appreciated Se7en.
"Thanks, Sophie. Have you ever considered pursuing a career in Hollywood?"
"I've thought about it, but as French actors, it's tough for us to land suitable roles in Hollywood." Sophie Marceau looked hesitant.
"Sophie, you are a brilliant actress. If you want to make the jump to Hollywood, feel free to reach out to me."
[T/N: Originally it was Gong Li, I have changed it to Sophie Marceau.]
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