Kapitel 53: Chapter 53: Box Office
In a small town near Des Moines, Iowa, on the set of Sleeping with the Enemy.
"I still prefer reading Jane Austen novels. I'd love to adapt one of her books into a movie someday," Arthur said while chatting with Meg Ryan, Hugh Grant, and Brad Pitt.
Hugh Grant smiled, "Many people love Jane Austen's novels. They have a significant influence. Adapting her novels isn't easy!"
Jane Austen, a famous British author, had six highly acclaimed novels: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey.
"Yeah, the early 19th-century style would definitely need British filmmakers," Arthur said, looking at Hugh Grant, "Don't worry, if I ever get the chance to adapt one, I'll make sure you're involved!"
"Thank you, Arthur," Hugh Grant, a promising young British actor, was well-suited for such roles.
"Arthur, you should visit the UK sometime. There's a lot of material in classical literature," Meg Ryan said with a smile, "America doesn't have much history. For English classical literature, you have to look to Britain!"
"Alright, I need to head back to Los Angeles. See you all next week," Meg Ryan stood up, as she had to attend promotional events for Sleepless in Seattle.
Arthur and the others stood up to see her off. Hugh Grant remarked, "The Oscars are tomorrow, right?"
Arthur Smith and Brad Pitt both nodded. Arthur then took out a pack of cigarettes, handing one to each of them before lighting one for himself.
"Meg Ryan is definitely attending. She's really popular right now, and last year's When Harry Met Sally... got nominated," Arthur said. The Oscars didn't mean much to the three of them at the moment, but that was only temporary.
"Arthur, Sleepless in Seattle has received great reviews and its opening performance wasn't bad either," Brad Pitt said, handing Arthur a newspaper, "You were an actor in it and also the screenwriter. With such a good script, you'll probably be at the Oscars next year!"
Arthur took the newspaper from Pitt and casually flipped through it, "An opening of 17 million dollars is indeed impressive, and it's all positive reviews. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks should thank me for pairing them up! As for the Oscars, a nomination for Best Original Screenplay is almost certain!"
Brad Pitt admired him, "Arthur, being part of such a successful project and as the screenwriter, your future in the industry looks bright."
Arthur smiled, patting Brad Pitt on the shoulder, "I only appear for a few minutes and have little experience. I have more faith in you and Grant!"
Hugh Grant didn't need mentioning, and Brad Pitt had been in several films and TV shows, though in minor roles, but with more experience than Arthur.
"Arthur, you're only 21. You can slowly gain experience, and you've already become a producer. Even if you don't act, you can be a screenwriter," Hugh Grant said, walking over.
"Let's drive to the city and find a bar to have a drink. Let's celebrate Arthur's potential Oscar nomination next year!"
"Can we celebrate a year in advance?" Arthur exhaled smoke.
"Of course, tomorrow night I'll be celebrating my future Oscar for Best Actor!" Hugh Grant's British humor was always timely.
Brad Pitt gave a thumbs-up and asked Arthur, "Arthur, do you have any plans?"
Arthur shrugged, "Let's go. I'll treat tonight to celebrate Sleepless in Seattle's successful release!"
Oscar nominations weren't Arthur's main concern.
"Let's go," Hugh Grant and Brad Pitt clapped their hands. Soon, Hugh Grant's assistant drove over.
Arthur and the others got in, with Hugh Grant in the passenger seat, turning back to remind them, "When my girlfriend comes to visit, don't give anything away."
"Visiting this small town?" Arthur leaned back in his seat, thinking she should visit the set when they return to Los Angeles.
Des Moines might be the capital and largest city of Iowa, but it only had a population of about 200,000. The entire state of Iowa had less than 3 million people. Besides the nice scenery, there wasn't much else to linger for.
"Do you know who his girlfriend is?" Brad Pitt smiled, "British actress Elizabeth Hurley. She was a model before her acting career, and she knows many other sexy models. She can introduce them to us."
"She definitely needs to visit then," Arthur nodded. The concept of Victoria's Secret Angels hadn't come about yet!
Hugh Grant laughed, "Pitt, you're leading Arthur astray."
"Don't worry, if you ever visit London, Elizabeth can introduce you to her friends!"
That night, Arthur, Hugh Grant, and Brad Pitt found a nightclub in Des Moines. Neither Hugh Grant nor Brad Pitt were the shy types.
Watching Hugh Grant and Brad Pitt dancing with sexy women on the dance floor, Arthur pondered that they hadn't even become superstars yet. If they did, wouldn't they...
After the Oscars ended, in early April, Sleepless in Seattle grossed another $16 million in its second weekend in North America, bringing its 10-day total to $43 million.
With good reviews, Sleepless in Seattle was undoubtedly a success, performing better than Castle Rock's When Harry Met Sally... last year!
The film's rookie director, Nora Ephron, became an overnight sensation. The lead actors, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, shone even brighter, especially Meg Ryan, who earned the title of America's Sweetheart.
Arthur, as the screenwriter of Sleepless in Seattle, also reaped the benefits, receiving more offers from producers and film companies.
After spending half a month on the Sleeping with the Enemy set in Iowa, Arthur returned to Los Angeles in early April. The filming had progressed smoothly, so Arthur, as the producer, didn't need to stay on set constantly.
Moreover, Arthur's character had no scenes at the Iowa set; his main scenes were set on a beach in Los Angeles.
*****
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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