Chapitre 406: background.
The woes of Hollywood are masked by a turbulent city full of life and relaxation... It was strange that reservations at restaurants weren't necessary; just stepping out of the car and getting ready, they were promptly offered a table for the three of them, even if the restaurant was full. Some of the diners glanced at them with curiosity, as they shared the same space as these stars. The two women each had their way of expressing their allure.
The dining room was spacious, with numerous round tables scattered throughout the place. It was incredible how this type of restaurant created such an appealing ambiance for the patrons. On a central stage, a band played music non-stop, drawing in the crowd with popular tunes, some classic melodies, and the deep, resonant notes of a cello that pierced through everyone in the room.
White tablecloths, along with glittering silver and gold decorations, adorned the tables, complemented by a floral centerpiece featuring blue, yellow, white, and violet flowers.
-It's been a while since we went out to eat,- Mónica remarked, looking at the menu.
-In Italy, less than a month ago,- Billy responded, scanning the menu filled with curious dishes, such as a vegetable starter, asparagus gazpacho followed by risotto sprinkled with lemon zest and a pinch of sea salt. The risotto came with seafood on the side, a red whiskey sauce, and a two-layer chocolate cake with strawberry shavings and a blackberry sauce that made the dish look irresistible.
-Here's a little secret: Billy doesn't like these types of restaurants because they never fill him up... I think the portions are just right, but if it's not a hefty piece of meat, he can't be satisfied,- Mónica confided to Winona, who nodded, listening intently. They were already discussing opening an Italian restaurant in San Jose, part of a new franchise. But this time, it would be different; they weren't aiming for fast food, but gourmet dining. The menu would change monthly, and the dishes would be prepared by a chef trained for this level of cuisine.
-Billy says Spanish and Thai food will do well in the market, just like Mexican, but he's waiting to see how things play out,- Mónica added. For those who didn't know, she had nearly completed her law degree in Italy, and while she might appear to be just a bystander, she participated in Billy's negotiations from a privileged position.
-That sounds interesting. Billy always has these strange ventures; it's national news every time he starts a new company,- Winona said.
The large eyes of the women exchanged glances, each having much to say.
***
After dinner, they headed to a small club, which had once belonged to Winona's ex-boyfriend, Johnny Depp. Not far from the restaurant, it had been sold in 1994 and bought by an outstanding businessman. After correcting past mistakes, the club had been completely renovated. Now it was a fully-fledged establishment where many stars gathered. There was a private second floor for VIPs, completely separated from the main area, with special seating even for bodyguards.
-Ohhhh, there are so many familiar faces,- Winona commented, noticing the well-known stars who had joined the scene. Even some non-industry folks, engrossed in their worlds, could be spotted. Julia Roberts was sharing a table with Michelle Pfeiffer, Kate Guinzburg, and, surprisingly, the young Drew Barrymore.
Other groups were present too, though Billy didn't fully recognize them. According to the unwritten rules, it was complicated for someone outside the industry to enter this place, but that's just how things worked at "Búho Stars," the newly baptized venue. It was a grand project, but even so, the idea of an even more exclusive area seemed interesting.
They took a seat at a distant table, the red leather chairs surrounding a glass-topped marble table, with ashtrays and cheap candy mints in a small basket. They ordered three bottles of water, a bottle of wine, and an exquisite Bourbon. The dance floor was dimly lit, with multicolored lights, especially a white haze contrasting against the LED lights embedded in the glass tiles. The music was classic with clean undertones; DJs were still a thing of the future, and live music or lounge sets were more common. Here, they alternated between a jazz band, rock, and a playlist that lightened the mood for the performers.
At one point, Winona disappeared, while Mónica swayed softly with Billy.
-We should go to Milan one day and attend a masquerade, maybe even Paris. Do something exciting—laugh, live, and embrace happiness,- Mónica suggested.
Billy's eyes locked onto hers, shining with intensity. They danced together for a while in the club. Although the primary goal was to relax and have a good time, there was always the possibility of a meeting or simply enjoying the night. For instance, Julia Roberts, freshly divorced after a long-term relationship, was enjoying herself, mingling and chatting with others.
-It seems like you want to book my schedule for the next ten years,- Billy said.
Her doe-like eyes were incredibly expressive.
-I'd like to, I'm envious... Would you share your time with me?- Mónica asked, using a subtle technique, but Billy only nodded.
It was often safe to let moments speak for themselves, and though her words were sweet, they carried a hint of commitment. For that reason and others, they continued to dance slowly in a show of companionship.
However, some trust and secrecy lingered—three months together felt too soon for both of them.
...
Winona was chatting with Drew Barrymore, advancing gossip and dark secrets that arose from fears about the recent encounter in the bathroom doorway, even though it wasn't discussed directly. The conversation wasn't uncomfortable, and Drew's gossip could be trusted to some extent, but it was not exclusive—her constant barbs and off-color jokes were well known.
-So, he's Billy Carson,- Michael Pfeiffer commented, who knew the guy casually.
-Hollywood's wealthiest wallet,- Drew said with a chuckle, earning some smiles from the women at the table. The owner of a successful animation company, Apple, and recent purchaser of the Golden State Warriors, he was a magnate in every sense, not someone easily overlooked by industry women. Julia's eyes were shy and somewhat reluctant, but even she couldn't deny that a magnate wasn't charming. Even one without many scandals, young and willing, was something she found appealing. She needed a wild fling to forget her troubles, and if it came with all the luxuries, that was even better.
-Stop being rude,- Winona murmured.
Drew stuck out her tongue.
-However, you're not wrong. He is the wealthiest wallet in Hollywood...- Drew whispered, her eyes provocative. She could do as she pleased, adapting to things that weren't entirely right. Drew had a moral compass, albeit a loose one, and perversions she understood better than most. Winona was well aware of the situation at the table; a separate table for some younger guests had been set up. They didn't dare approach, and some didn't know Billy very well, but the visible presence of the bodyguard made it clear that there were issues with the new guest.
-I miss you, but you've been so committed that I haven't had the chance to relive our fun times. Sadly, we don't have time to see each other,- Winona said to Michelle. They had known each other from the time they worked on the film The Age of Innocence, and through that film, they formed a deep friendship. Michelle had always taught the young, inexperienced Winona many things.
-Darling, don't overthink it. You are and will always be my friend. I'm too mature for these youthful escapades... Besides, we could have a small get-together... I can introduce you to David, who is a remarkable man,- Michelle said, hugging the brunette.
-Right now, we're working on a film with your friend Claire Danes, a very talented young woman, - Michelle added.
The music reached its peak around 11 p.m. The club was at its busiest, and the women danced in their spots, claiming the scene while very few dared to step into the oppressive circle of the famous.
Interestingly, Drew had a brief marriage of one year with a young man.
...
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Chapitre 407: assembly.
The filming of L.A. Confidential continued at its usual rapid, urgent, and intense pace. Time was no longer a concern; although movies required repetition and many small assembly processes, everything was moving smoothly. The director had envisioned the film from the first day of shooting.
It was like a North Star that compelled people to sit and focus during work time. In L.A., by the sofa, Monica was present throughout the filming for the first time. She was a true delight, with a keen sense of fashion and a penchant for wearing new dresses. This time, she wore a white dress with a blue leather jacket, looking stunning.
She observed everything with passionate eyes.
She watched Billy's performance with the necessary attention, noting every detail of his portrayal. Billy was an amazing actor, among the best in Hollywood. His partiality didn't matter; he had that passion, which was so needed in his love life. Just watching him with such dedication excited her immensely. She was sure he would be a wonderful lover, as sweet as the wine of Dionysus.
-Adjust the lighting; the place needs to be dark... - shouted the crew, who seemed like busy ants in a construction site, everyone ordering every little detail.
Billy was being made up. His face on camera was angular and serious, but when the camera rolled, he shifted to an innocent look with a hint of rebellion, marked by the way he raised his eyebrows.
***
Scene 43, Take 6
An old black man in a tattered tuxedo plays the piano. Bud, sipping a drink at the bar, approaches a redhead with too much makeup and too many miles on her.
REDHEAD: Are you having a drink, old man?
BUD
(while nodding)
My name is Bud.
REDHEAD: Nobody is born with the name Bud.
BUD: If they give you a name like Wendell, you need an alias.
REDHEAD: "What are you doing, Bud?
BUD: I'm a bit between jobs. Look, what if we...?
A hand lands on Bud's shoulder. He turns to see Dudley Smith.
DUDLEY: Kid, can I talk to you?
James Cromwell's presence and his clear way of doing things made him perfect for the role. Some actors remain among characters, recognized but never reaching superstardom. Personally, and in Billy's view, James was his superstar.
BUD: What's up, Captain?
DUDLEY: Say goodnight to your friend and join me at those tables in the back.
Pointing to a table hidden by a pillar and shaded by the distant light, Dudley's eyes were cold and eager. Billy mimicked the questioning look, trying to gauge what was happening in the room. Dudley begins. Bud turns back to the redhead, but she's already talking to a sailor.
INTERIOR
Dudley sits at a table. There is an open newspaper with a small pile beneath it. Bud joins Dudley.
BUD: Does that newspaper say we've been accused? Does it say Exley is a hero for ratting me and Stensland out?
DUDLEY: He made his move and got what he wanted. They're making him a detective.
BUD/BILLY: Captain, what do you want?
DUDLEY: Call me Dudley.
BUD: Dudley, what do you want?
A faint expression of disdain, so subtle it only creates some discomfort.
DUDLEY: Kid, I admire your refusal to testify and your loyalty to your partner. I admire you as a cop, particularly your adherence to violence as a necessary part of the job. And I'm very impressed with your punishment of wife-beaters. Do you hate them, Wendell?
BUD
(looking away)
Yes, I hate them.
DUDLEY: And with good reason, judging by what I know of your background
Bud looks back. Dudley is becoming too personal.
BUD: What's going to happen to Stensland? He'll get cirrhosis from this. He's a year away from his pension.
DUDLEY: It would have happened years ago if you hadn't carried him. Why the loyalty, Wendell
BUD: He helped me once. That's all.
DUDLEY: Your partner is finished. The department's scapegoat by the chief's orders. Charges have been filed against him, he'll be prosecuted, and he'll get revenge.
BUD: Him and me too. Screw Exley.
DUDLEY: Don't underestimate his skills. As a politician, he even surpasses me. But the department needs smart men like Exley and... straightforward men like you.
BUD: What do you want?
DUDLEY: Wendell, I want you to come to work for me.
BUD: To do what? Mow your damn lawn?
Smith tears off the newspaper, revealing Bud's badge and .38 Special.
Bud is stunned by what he sees.
DUDLEY: They're yours. Take them.
BUD: I knew you had power, but... Is there no damn charge against me?
DUDLEY: Four of the accused retracted their testimonies.
BUD: How?
Dudley dismisses the question with a wave of his hand.
DUDLEY: I need you for a mission the chief has approved. A duty few men are fit for, but you were born for it. You'll be working in Homicide.
BUD
(excited)
Homicide? A detective?
Billy's smile was one he tried to hide, but his eyes sparkled in front of the camera, prompting James to match his expression with a smile of his own. They played off each other like a pair of poker players, elevating the performance to a new level of natural and flawless interaction.
CHIEF: Your talent lies elsewhere, Wendell. This is a job for strength and shooting. You'll do what I say without asking questions. Do you follow?
BUD
(disappointed)
In Technicolor.
DUDLEY: Will you work for me?
BUD: Of course... But how?
DUDLEY: How what, Wendell?
BUD: How did you get them to retract their statements?
Dudley places his bloodstained bronze knuckles on the table.
-Cut. –
-Great take, change the set. – the director shouted. The studio had small rooms and twelve sets, making it easy to simulate various scenarios.
Billy wiped the sweat from his brow and walked over to where Monica was observing the entire process.
-I think the schedule is more intense than I thought, - Billy remarked, checking his watch and noting it was 5:30 PM. Monica simply nodded, deeply captivated by the magic of filming. Such processes required long hours or multiple takes from different angles for the director and future editor.
-I love being here. Many of the takes are so incredible and insightful that you start to understand how Americans achieve such professional film editing. Many deny its artistry, but I find beauty in it, - Monica commented.
In the 90s, Hollywood reigned supreme over any filmmaker or recording. The potential and risk were simply magnificent, with significant stakes involved.
-Luis, how much time do we have until the next take? - Billy asked a young camera assistant.
-15, 15, and 30, - the young assistant replied. This code meant they would likely be waiting another hour due to some discontent between the director and producers over minor issues. Billy took the script and read through his lines as Monica lovingly caressed his hair, offering small gestures of affection he appreciated.
Monica didn't hesitate to help him with his lines.
...
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS
rollo1019to
rollo1019to
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
200+ Classement
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