[Chapter 369: Berlin Film Festival]
Provence was located in southeastern France, less than 20 kilometers from Cannes. Like Los Angeles, this region enjoyed a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It was well-suited for the growth of grapes, lavender, thyme, and pine, earning it titles such as 'the Home of Lavender' and 'the Land of Essential Oils.'
At Link's farm, these plants flourished across a total area of 4.38 acres of total 26 acres, which included a ranch, two orchards, a winery, and a small perfumery. Each year, the farm produced about one hundred barrels of fine wine, three hundred pounds of premium lavender essential oil and perfume, generating an income of over two hundred thousand francs.
After Link purchased the estate, the premium wines and essential oils produced were no longer sold on the market. Instead, he intended to gift the high-end bottled wine and essential oils to the women in his life and his partners.
During their vacation at the estate, the women enjoyed using various perfumes and essential oils to nourish their skin, a practice referred to as 'aromatherapy', filling the air with fragrant scents at all times.
...
At noon, Link got out of the pool, and both Brooke Shields and Cindy Crawford diligently applied essential oils all over him, making sure to cover every inch while also giving him a massage. Link lay back on a lounge chair, reading the newspaper.
...
The Sixth Sense was in its sixth week of release, the first week of 1996, with earnings of 18.46 million dollars, bringing its North American total to 297 million dollars. After beginning its rollout in 63 countries and regions overseas in early December, it accumulated a worldwide gross of 314 million dollars. This brought its total worldwide gross to 611 million dollars.
Due to its overwhelming overseas popularity, Total Film projected that its overseas earnings would not be less than 500 million dollars and its total worldwide gross could surpass 900 million dollars, making it the most likely film to break the 900 million dollar mark since Jurassic Park. Link and Guess Pictures yet again found themselves envied by the entire industry.
...
This week, Guess Pictures released another film, Steven Soderbergh's Gray's Anatomy.
The film was based on the story of American comedian Spalding Gray and was entirely composed of Gray's monologue. It primarily chronicled his struggles while treating a rare eye condition and was classified as an experimental film. Steven was not aiming to make a profit with this project, but rather to hone his craft by making films that intrigued him, with a production cost of 800 thousand dollars.
The film premiered in two theaters in the United States, earning 9,425 dollars in its opening week, expected to lose 800 thousand dollars. The news of Guess Pictures' first new film of the year being a loss gave the media a chance to jest about it, claiming the company would likely see a decline in ticket revenue this year, providing a sigh of relief for other Hollywood companies.
Seeing the box office data, Steven Soderbergh called to express his embarrassment, saying he would strive to do better next time. Link encouraged him not to feel too pressured and not to let the box office affect him, advising him to stick to his original plans. He promised to support his films regardless of the financial outcome.
Steven was touched, choked with emotion, saying Link was the best investor in the world. Link felt secretly ashamed, realizing that his investment in Steven's movies was motivated partly by Steven's late bloom, with future films likely to perform well at the box office, making him a worthy investment.
Furthermore, the company was producing so many box office hits that they could afford a few flops; Steven was just the someone he chose to hedge his luck against.
...
Hanging up the phone, Link suddenly felt a peculiar sensation on his body. He picked up a magazine and looked down.
Brooke Shields and Cindy Crawford were working on his junior, and upon seeing him glance over, they did not let go, laughing mischievously.
Link helplessly remarked, "Aren't you afraid that Monica or Sofia will see you and punish you from sleeping in the master bedroom?"
Cindy chuckled, "I'm not afraid. I'm a temporary member around here, and my turns are few and far between. If I don't find a way to enjoy some perks while I can, I might just die from the jealousy of the others!"
"I'm fine with it, too. I've been busy recording shows while you're busy filming. Who knows when we'll see each other again? It's better to get what you can while you're here. If I don't later, it won't be a loss," Brooke Shields added.
The two wore light swimsuits and both had model-like figures. Brooke Shields had been with him longer and had a more voluptuous and alluring physique. Her curvy body had sparked debate after she rose to fame on MasterChef, with many media outlets claiming she had used technology to reshape her body to attain such a sizzling look. Brooke Shields, however, never explained; she merely dressed in high-end career suits, stockings, and heels for her appearances, seducing countless men with her sexy curves and long legs measuring 45 inches. Just last August, a crazed fan had stalked her until he was driven off by her female bodyguard.
Conversely, Cindy, who had been with him for a shorter time, maintained a slim and athletic silhouette; her body lacked the voluptuousness and fluidity of Brooke Shields, Lily, or Monica, leaving significant room for growth.
Hearing the two lament their situation, Link found himself intrigued and playfully brought them to the gazebo for some fun.
...
While they were goofing off, the estate's business van returned from the Marseille-Provence Airport with three guests: Michelle Pfeiffer, Diane Lane, and Jodie Foster. Lily greeted them at the villa entrance, showing them inside and helping to settle them.
"Lily, where is everyone?" Michelle asked upon entering the living room.
Lily replied, "They're all here; the estate is just pretty large. Some are in the garden planting flowers, some are in the essential oil workshop learning to make oils, and others are out at the stables riding horses. They'll all be back for lunch."
A servant brought over soothing herbal tea that filled the air with pleasing aromas.
"Where's Link?"
"He's reading the newspaper by the pool in the back," Lily pointed out.
...
Michelle took a sip of tea and then dragged Diane and Jodie to find Link but stopped when they heard a familiar exchange coming from the flower-covered gazebo.
Jodie froze for a moment, then turned bright red and looked away, feeling as though her eyes had been sullied anew.
Michelle and Diane exchanged knowing smiles, opting not to interrupt Link's moment but guided the stiff Jodie back to the living room to relax and enjoy some fruit snacks.
After bathing in their rooms, they changed into comfy dresses more fitting for the local climate and returned to the living room.
...
By then Link had returned as well, seated on the couch with a newspaper, dressed in a polo shirt and casual pants, looking very tidy. If they hadn't seen his wild side earlier in the gazebo, Jodie might have been entirely enchanted by his handsome appearance.
"Hi, Jodie, welcome!" Link stood, putting down the paper to greet her, hugging and kissing Michelle and Diane.
"Thank you! I'm preparing to bring Hachi: A Dog's Tale to the Berlin Film Festival. Would you like to join me?" Jodie politely asked.
"Sure! This year, Guess Pictures has two films that will be showcased; I'll be going too. Let's go together," Link replied.
"Great!" Jodie said shyly, looking down.
Michelle smiled at the two, asking Link to keep an eye on Jodie, as the latter would feel lonely in Berlin without anyone to accompany her; she wanted him to introduce Jodie to some great German beer and grilled sausages.
Link agreed.
Jodie shot a warning glance at Michelle.
Diane, having seen Link, stayed quiet but nestled closer, not wanting to part.
...
Before they could chat at length, it was mealtime, and Sophie Marceau along with Sandra, Emmanuelle, Julie, and Liv Tyler returned from a nearby shopping street, bags in hand filled with local crafts.
Monica Bellucci, Sofia Coppola, Jennifer Connelly, and Jennifer Aniston returned from different corners of the estate.
Those coming back from the ranch carried sunny, sweaty bodies with flushed cheeks, while returnees from the garden were scented with floral fragrances and earthy aromas, wearing flower crowns atop their heads or in hand. From the winery and essential oil workshop, the returning guests carried not just invigorating scents of wine but also of lavender.
Upon their return, the atmosphere in the living room became lively, enriched with layers of various fragrances.
When they saw Michelle Pfeiffer and Diane Lane, everyone warmly embraced.
Having shared beds and given each other mutual support, they had no secrets and the relationships were solid.
Jodie Foster, a newcomer, was also welcomed warmly. As Link's collaborator and an Oscar-winning actress, she'd also had a rumored fling with Link, categorizing her as nearly family.
Only Angelina Jolie and Liv Tyler were quietly betting on when Jodie would officially join this circle. Some wagered a day, others said within ten days, and some said twenty days. No one bet on more than a month.
...
As mealtime approached, Brooke Shields and Cindy Crawford descended the stairs.
Though they moved slowly, made up, and wore long dresses to disguise their earlier antics, Monica and the others were perceptive and experienced enough to recognize what had happened.
But given it was vacation, no strict disciplinary actions were enforced, and they weren't penalized.
"Penalized? For what? Are there still house rules here?" Jodie quietly asked Michelle.
Michelle mysteriously smiled, telling her not to be too curious, saying she'd find out in due time.
----
After Michelle Pfeiffer and the others arrived at the lavender estate, the group rested for two days before driving to a nearby ski resort at the Alps for vacation.
The resort, located in the Savoy region of France, contains slopes that stretch over 600 kilometers, making it the largest interconnected skiing area in the world and a famously renowned skiing destination.
Link took the women around nearby towns, visiting local attractions, tasting regional cuisines, and occasionally skiing amidst the blue skies and white snow, braving the cold wind.
---
After more than ten days of delightful exploration in France and Switzerland, the group headed back, some returning straight to America due to work commitments, while others lingered a while longer before either vacationing or heading to Paris for Fashion Week.
Link accompanied Jodie Foster to Berlin for the film festival.
This year, Guess Pictures featured four films in the festival, including Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility, Paul Thomas Anderson's debut, Hard Eight, and Tim Robbins' Dead Man Walking, alongside Jodie Foster's direction of Hachi: A Dog's Tale.
The first three films competed in the main competition unit for various awards, while Hachi: A Dog's Tale was showcased in a special presentation and did not contend for awards.
The reason being Hachi: A Dog's Tale had obvious commercial elements that did not align with the festival's selection standards and were thus ineligible for consideration. As the film was set for release soon, presenting it at the Berlin Film Festival would help with promotion and save marketing costs.
...
"It's quite chilly in Berlin in January; remember to wear a coat before you get off the train," Link reminded Jodie as the train approached the Berlin station.
"I know; I've been to Berlin before."
"When did you come?"
"I visited when Taxi Driver premiered in '78, and again during the release of The Accused in '89. But Berlin has changed quite a lot since then; it's livelier now than it was during the Cold War days."
Jodie gazed out the window at the high-rise buildings, the bustling vehicles on the streets, and numerous young people sporting hippie attire.
"Cold war? That sounds so far away," Link chuckled.
Jodie blinked, feeling the same way, while also regretting having made that comment, as it aged her in comparison to Link, who felt like someone from a different generation.
As the train from Paris pulled into the station, Link and Jodie donned their trench coats, stepping out with their bodyguard and assistant.
The station was crowded, with steam from the train mixing with the breath of the throng, enveloping the platform in a misty haze.
Link held Jodie's hand through the crowd, and she didn't react otherwise.
Throughout the previous ten days, Jodie had shared accommodations and meals with the women in his life. Link treated her similarly to the others, and at first, Jodie kept shyly avoiding him; however, as he persistently pursued her, her defenses crumbled, and she was only one step away from becoming his partner.
...
Arriving at the Hilton Hotel, Link and Jodie checked into their pre-booked rooms, each having one to themselves.
Upon hearing of his arrival in Berlin, James Schamus, Ang Lee, and Tim Robbins along with their spouses, and Paul Thomas Anderson came to meet him at the hotel to discuss the details regarding the film showcase.
Sense and Sensibility and Dead Man Walking garnered rave reviews right after their screenings at the festival, earning nominations for multiple categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress.
Hard Eight's performance was more subdued, but director Anderson also drew significant attention.
The premiere of Hachi: A Dog's Tale at the special screening was yet to be determined as good or bad.
After resting for a moment and enjoying some lunch, Link and Jodie left the hotel and headed to the Berlin Film Palace for the film's premiere event.
...
The premiere of Hachi: A Dog's Tale went exceedingly well, where the audience erupted in laughter at scenes of Hachi the dog frolicking with Professor Parker Wilson's family.
After Professor Wilson's death, the loyal dog waited day after day at the station, longing for his master.
Witnessing the sad yet loyal dog tugged at the heartstrings of the audience, who secretly wiped tears away.
The scene where Professor Wilson's wife unexpectedly encounters Hachi at the station featured a stunning performance from Joan Allen, deeply moving the viewers through wonderfully touching interaction.
...
After the film screening ended, there was a calm moment lasting four to five seconds, and then over five hundred audience members stood to applaud, the sound waves surging and reverberating in the hall.
"Congratulations, Director Foster! You've made a wonderful film," Link praised, clapping his hands towards Jodie.
Jodie rolled her eyes at him, "This is our film."
"Exactly! Congratulations to us for making a good film," Link beamed, pulling Jodie into the crowd to receive everyone's congratulations.
Seeing the two standing closely together, expressions of surprise spread across the room.
In the past, media had reported on their rumored relationship, but owing to their ten-year age gap, and because neither party confirmed it, many had dismissed it as speculations.
Seeing them now, close together, many were left with no choice but to accept the rumors were genuine; Link had gained yet another notable figure among his circle -- a two-time Oscar winner, a top Hollywood star, and the highly regarded intellectual beauty, Jodie Foster.
...
"Link is really impressive; he's even managed to charm an ice princess like Jodie," Tim Robbins exclaimed.
"Are you envious of Link?"
"Of course~ Ah, of course not, why should I envy him? It's good to have one most beautiful, caring and beloved wife; too many would be a hassle. I wouldn't envy Link for having multiple girlfriends; I would rather feel bad for him. Having dozens of girlfriends has to be a headache. But that's what he gets for taking on too much! I'll definitely talk to him about focusing on loving one person for life!"
Tim Robbins realized that the person who inquired was Susan Sarandon, and quickly changed his tone, taking her hand and showering her with compliments.
Susan cast a knowing look at him, observing Jodie in the crowd, "Link is indeed impressive. Jodie is wealthy and resourceful; she's both economically and intellectually independent -- a representative of women's rights in this industry. Yet here she is, happily standing beside Link like an affectionate housewife. While I don't quite understand what transpired between them, I must admit Link truly has his ways with women."
Tim Robbins nodded in agreement, stating that if he had encountered Link twenty years ago, he would have certainly learned a thing or two about charm.
...
Jodie Foster felt the weight of hundreds of gazes on her as she stood in the crowd, her cheeks involuntarily flushing. An independent and strong woman, she despised depending on men and had never wanted to be anyone's partner. She had thought things would always remain this way until Link came along, slowly changing everything.
Initially, they had met at The Golden Oak Apartments; she felt annoyed by Link as he had misled her twice due to her poor sense of direction. Later, as they bonded over scripts and regularly discussed film development at home, her familiarity with Link deepened, revealing that he was not the playboy others described; he was a talented individual with a remarkable grasp of his directorial craft at a young age.
He worked diligently and was serious about his profession, as even when others were indulging in leisure, he was home writing screenplays, preparing film projects, and reviewing company documents; not letting his wealth of billions cause him to become complacent.
Link was ambitious, fearlessly tackling the challenges posed by the seven majors like a brave hero full of masculinity.
He had so many excellent qualities.
Through their relationship, Jodie gradually became influenced by him, growing more and more interested in him.
Eventually, thanks to Michelle Pfeiffer, she got to know Link more comprehensively, unwittingly cracking open her tightly shut heart.
At first, Jodie felt jittery and rebelled against this change, wanting to distance herself from Link, putting their relationship on pause. But the scenes from that night in Michelle's bedroom kept replaying in her head, causing her to feel troubled and uncomfortable all over.
After much contemplation, she resolved to face her feelings and situation about Link directly, accepting him first.
With time spent together, issues might arise that could lessen her fondness for Link, and by then, she'd be able to face the relationship calmly, finding peace within herself.
Thus, no matter what transpired with Link during this time, Jodie would accept it with an open heart, believing that once she overcame her feelings for him, her future would hold a life of greater independence and tranquility.
*****
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