Capítulo 76: Chapter 75: Takeoff!
What happens if you direct a film in North America, in Hollywood, that grosses over $100 million at the box office? The answer is, you'll become a hit, and not just any hit—a massive one.
Gilbert had already become famous, but now he's even more popular.
Though directors during this era aren't usually front-and-center figures, often staying behind the scenes, Gilbert is an exception. At such a young age, he not only looks as good as any Hollywood star, but he also insists on relying on his filmmaking talent. And, he's achieved tremendous success, which leaves people in awe.
However, even though the media buzz is huge, Gilbert's actual popularity didn't surge as much as Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, who, during the film's release, were hyped up as Hollywood's latest "golden couple," almost as if they were in a real-life romance.
In reality, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock's relationship was more like that of temporary partners, collaborating with the studio for publicity purposes.
To celebrate the film's box office success, Disney and Warner Bros. hosted a grand celebration party.
This was already the third celebration for one of Gilbert's films.
By late May, the weather in Los Angeles had already become quite hot—dry and rainless, which always made people feel particularly irritable.
Fortunately, a light evening breeze provided some relief from the heat, easing the sense of discomfort. But in Michael Eisner's estate, that slight irritability vanished entirely.
"Cheers…"
Michael Eisner raised his glass, offering a toast: "Let's thank the Speed film crew for their outstanding work over the past half-year. Especially you, Gilbert. You are a truly remarkable film director and one of Disney's most valuable talents."
Warner Bros. CEO Jeff Robinov, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel slightly displeased. What do you mean by "Disney's"? He's clearly working with Warner Bros.
Of course, he couldn't voice this aloud.
Once again, everyone raised their glasses for Gilbert and the Speed crew. After that, the party officially began.
Outside, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, as the leading actors, were the media's focus. But to the high-level executives and producers in the film industry, Gilbert was the one truly worth paying attention to.
There were also plenty of uninvited high-level executives from other film companies at the party.
Particularly Universal Pictures, who had missed out on working with Gilbert. Their president, Akio,once again extended a sincere invitation for Gilbert to return to Universal Pictures.
"Gilbert, no one your age has achieved what you have," Akio praised before quickly shifting gears, "You started at Universal. Why not return to where your dream began?"
Before Akio could finish speaking, Michael Eisner's voice came from behind him: "A genius like Gilbert will rise to the top no matter where he is. Universal isn't his stage—Disney is."
Poaching a director from a rival company isn't unusual, but Akio still felt a little awkward being caught in the act.
After some polite small talk, Akio left. As he was walking away, he overheard Michael Eisner telling Gilbert, "Try not to associate with those islanders…"
Clearly, Michael Eisner wasn't fond of the Japanese.
As Akio walked away, he realized something. Wait a minute, it was Disney that had poached Gilbert from Universal, but Eisner was acting like they were the ones being robbed.
Still, with Michael Eisner around, there was no chance of luring Gilbert back that night.
After Akio left, Eisner turned to Gilbert and said, "Young man, I have to say, you've created a miracle."
"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Eisner," Gilbert responded, remaining calm and composed.
Even though he was facing one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, Gilbert now had the credentials to speak to him as an equal.
In the past, Hollywood studios held absolute control. Directors and A-list actors were subject to their authority. But with the globalization of Hollywood films, the status of directors and actors had risen dramatically.
The most obvious sign of this is that directors and stars used to earn only basic salaries, but now top-tier directors and actors commonly receive a share of box office profits.
The very best, like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, even get a cut of the merchandise sales.
The Star Wars franchise's merchandise has always been a huge source of profit.
George Lucas only has the Star Wars series under his belt, but it's enough to make him one of the wealthiest directors in Hollywood.
In the old days, that would have been impossible.
After Eisner, Jeff Robinov also came over to speak with Gilbert.
Compared to the more assertive Eisner, Robinov's attitude was much friendlier.
The huge success of Speed had convinced Warner Bros. to continue their collaboration with Gilbert.
Robinov came to ask about Gilbert's next project: "Gilbert, would you be interested in directing a Batman film?"
If Gilbert directed a Batman movie, Disney would have no reason to get involved, as Batman belonged entirely to Warner Bros.
Gilbert was indeed interested in directing a Batman film, but not at the current stage, so he politely declined.
"Thank you, Mr. Robinov…"
"Call me Jeff…"
"Alright, Jeff. I appreciate the offer, but I already have an idea for a new project, so…"
Before Gilbert could finish, Robinov understood: "No worries, Gilbert. If you ever want to direct a Batman film, the door will always be open."
Robinov then inquired about Gilbert's new project: "As for your new idea…"
"Don't worry, when I return from my vacation, my agent will negotiate with Warner Bros. and Touchstone Pictures."
With Gilbert's assurance that he wasn't completely out of the game, Robinov felt relieved.
There were always people eager to get on board, and others reluctant to leave, which made Gilbert's stance even more important.
After wrapping up his conversation with Robinov, a woman named Sheena Boone walked over and took Gilbert's arm, acting as his companion, introducing him to several acquaintances.
"This is Claude Zidi, a well-known screenwriter currently working on a project with James Cameron," Sheena Boone introduced.
A man in his forties shook hands with Gilbert warmly: "Hello, Director Gilbert…"
"Hello…"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gilbert asked, "Is the project you're working on with Cameron True Lies?"
Claude Zidi confirmed without hesitation.
True Lies is James Cameron's latest film, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Gilbert was more interested, though, in Cameron's Titanic. At one point, he had considered directing it himself.
But that film isn't just emotionally moving—it's a testament to the industrial power of Hollywood, a massive production within the system.
With a $200 million investment—though much of that was added later—it ranked among the highest in film history.
A project of that scale involved extremely complex management and immense pressure.
Even with his foresight from his previous life, knowing how the movie would turn out, Gilbert didn't have the confidence to produce it.
His skills weren't developed enough yet; he needed more experience from directing other projects.
If someone like Spielberg were at the helm, it might work out fine, but if Gilbert took on Titanic now, it would be a disaster.
However, he wasn't worried. Knowing James Cameron's personality, the studios backing Titanic, 20th Century Fox and Paramount, would be driven crazy by the production.
When that happens, Gilbert could step in as an investor.
It was a golden opportunity, as Titanic would dominate the global box office for a long time. He couldn't miss out on such a sure thing.
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