[Chapter 404: Venice Film Festival]
[T/N: Maggie Cheung came to bring them breakfast knowing Brigitte Lin would be shy after last night. They learned that because of work, Link had already left. Brigitte realized what s Superman Link is, and Brigitte and Joey Wang looked at each other and smiled gently, seeing the happiness and satisfaction on each other's faces.]
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Rush Hour was in its third week in North America, playing in 2,807 theaters with a $24.55 million gross, a 31% drop from the previous week, totaling $94.98 million so far.
This week's box office winner was Kevin Costner and Rene Russo's romantic film Tin Cup, making $25.71 million in its first week, a decent comeback for Costner after Waterworld.
Other films like Batman Forever, The Net, and The Mask of Zorro dropped in sales, but remained in the top ten.
Good news arrived: Link's directed Batman Forever officially exceeded $300 million in North America, the first film that year to do so.
...
Warner Brothers held a big party celebrating its North American $300 million and global $800 million gross.
Terry Semel and Richard Fox approached him about a sequel under the same conditions as Batman Forever: If domestic gross exceeds $100 million, 5% North American box office bonus; over $200 million, 10% domestic and 5% overseas; over $300 million, 10% worldwide; over $400 million, 15% worldwide.
Link didn't agree.
When he discussed pay with Richard Fox in Hawaii, his highest-grossing film had been Se7en with $850 million worldwide.
Now, his highest grossing was The Sixth Sense, over $1 billion globally, and Batman Forever over $800 million.
His box office appeal and commercial value were rising.
The old profit-sharing model no longer fit.
He demanded a guaranteed $10 million base salary plus 20% of worldwide box office, regardless of sequel success.
Terry and Richard refused and said they'd discuss it.
Link stayed cool and enjoyed the party.
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By late August, the 53rd Venice International Film Festival began.
Link led the crew to Venice for the festival.
Guess Pictures had two films entered: Link's The English Patient, and Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights.
Both received good reviews, especially The English Patient, praised highly by European media.
Italy's La Stampa called it the biggest surprise of the festival and Link's best work, comparable to classics like Roman Holiday.
The UK's The Guardian called it a grand love story, as if crafted over decades.
France's Le Figaro praised The English Patient as an astonishing literary adaptation and a pure cinematic triumph.
Movie fans gave positive feedback too.
...
The second screening of The English Patient was packed; no one left early, and the applause lasted over five minutes.
"The English Patient was amazing! Juliet, I regret not pushing Link to cast me."
Sophie Marceau sighed.
"You mean you want to steal my role?"
Juliette Binoche frowned.
"Yes, your part looks easy to play."
Sophie smiled faintly.
"You're wrong. I was good, so you thought it was easy, but filming was grueling. We shot from Morocco to Tunisia, Egypt, Italy, and France, traveling thousands of miles.
Plus, Link was hard to get along with. Everyone on set got criticized by him, and I was scolded a few times. He was scary, like if you messed up, you'd get punished. The pressure was intense. You should work with him once -- it'd be unforgettable."
Juliette complained.
Sophie smiled as Link approached. She teased, "Honey, Juliette says you bullied her on set. Is that true?"
"True. I treat all actors fairly harshly," Link joked, holding Sophie.
"So bossy! Aren't you worried nobody'll want to work with you?"
Sophie tilted her head, radiant.
"No. My strictness helps actors get into roles and follow the story better. I trust they understand my intentions."
"No way! We'd do fine without your criticisms, which just stress us out and sometimes backfire," Juliette retorted.
"Really? Why not tell me on set?"
"You were so serious, nobody dared oppose you."
"Alright, I'll be more mindful next time," Link laughed.
...
At the festival, Link also met Julia Roberts, whose Michael Collins was competing. She praised The English Patient and expressed eagerness to work with him.
He also met Director Giuseppe Tornatore, a jury member, who came to watch the film.
...
James Schamus acquired rights for the French film Ponette for $500,000 on behalf of the company.
...
After a week of judging, 12 out of 138 films made the main competition, including The English Patient, Boogie Nights, Michael Collins, Ponette and Hommes, femmes, mode d'emploi (Men, Women: A User's Manual) from France, and Der Unhold (The Ogre) from Germany, Carla's Song from the UK, Pianese Nunzio, 14 anni a maggio (Sacred Silence) from Italy, etc.
On September 3, the awards ceremony was held at the Lido Island Cinema Palace. Link attended with Monica, and Sophie Marceau.
The English Patient won the Golden Lion for Best Film. Link received the Silver Lion for Best Director.
Michael Collins, starring Julia Roberts and Liam Neeson, won Best Actor.
Four-year-old Victoire Thivisol won Best Actress for Ponette, becoming the youngest winner in Venice history.
Boogie Nights took Special Jury Prize and Best Screenplay.
*****
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