章 217: Chapter 217: Box Office Flop
Okay, despite William White's best efforts, Evita's box office was unsurprisingly a flop.
Well, saying it was a flop might be a bit unfair. If you compare it to Speed, then yes, it's a flop. But this was an art film, so box office numbers aren't exactly the most important thing.
Hollywood was thoroughly commercialized, and while commercial films have their techniques, art films are naturally different.
Alright, you might say that if it's commercialized, it should make money. But there's a misunderstanding here. First, art films don't cost much, and actor salaries are low. The focus is on exposure and recognition in mainstream society, not box office value.
To be honest, the box office appeal of William White was somewhat mythologized. With over ten million dollars in its first weekend, it wasn't unexpected. After all, Speed was still in theaters and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was soaring. Even if it flopped, its box office was still in the top three.
Meanwhile, other films didn't have this luck. If you say Evita flopped, what about the other movies?
Did they flop even worse?
William White was still quite happy. The reason was simple: even the most critical film reviewers didn't have overly harsh comments.
This wasn't because he had given any bribes; it was simply that the film's theme was very inspiring. Pacifists and feminists both supported it as a classic.
In today's world, peace and women's rights are the main themes. If you don't want to be everyone's target, you better watch what you say.
...
Across the ocean in Europe, it was a different story. Even with the film poking fun at the English, they enjoyed it without caring about the Americans' jabs.
Don't think that only America plays the anti-war and feminist game. Europe takes it even further.
Unknowingly, William White became a feminist warrior, which was kind of funny. It's really hard to understand; how did this guy, who caused so much trouble, become a champion?
A film without famous actors or directors suddenly became the darling of major film festivals. Given the current momentum, they're probably aiming for an Oscar.
Okay, but the Academy remains as arrogant as ever, not commenting on films that haven't been nominated. They don't care much, but the Oscar committee is in a different situation.
...
In recent months, the Oscar has been discredited, with a barrage of criticism and ridicule that's suffocating.
Oscar has its own rules, which are essentially commercial. You can't do without lobbying and promotion.
Now, there's someone breaking the mold.
What? They need a sample for the elderly committee members to view because they can't move around easily.
White Films' response was sharp: the movie's plot is too intense, not suitable for seniors. What if someone dies? It's not worth it.
William White's words were even harsher. He thought a group of senile people judging his film was unreliable.
White Films wasn't afraid of the Oscars. His reputation wasn't that easy to tarnish.
The Oscar committee was quite frustrated. They hadn't seen someone so unreasonable, let alone a big shot personally coming down. It was unheard of.
...
"Lucas, what do you think will happen?"
"What, the Oscars?"
"Yes, what else?"
"It's going to be entertaining. If nothing unexpected happens, it'll be another big loss."
"Those old thieves do have some character."
"Heh, it's not that simple. The biggest possibility is that after a foreign tour, this film won't even attempt the Oscar. Even if it gets nominated, William White might not show up."
"Wow, if he doesn't show up, he won't win. That's like a solid rule. If they don't even give him a consolation prize, it'll be a complete fallout."
"Heh, the Oscars aren't exactly clean. There has been prize-buying before. William White, with media connections, wouldn't be polite."
Lucas made a fair point. He knew William White well, aware of his brash nature. Gentlemanly manners were just a facade.
A gentleman takes revenge ten years later; a villain seeks revenge from dawn to dusk. William White was undoubtedly the latter, so the Oscars were in trouble.
...
"Sir, the villa is ready."
"Okay, come pick me up. Prepare some gifts. I need to visit the neighbors."
"Sure thing, sir."
William White's previous behavior was quite extreme, and it had frightened his neighbors. They wanted to hear an explanation -- whether there were indeed burglars and if they'd be endangered.
"Sorry, sorry, there were just a few small thieves. They probably didn't know the details here. It's just warning shots. See, no one died or got hurt."
Though everyone knew he was full of it, they weren't too bothered. After such a big commotion, bad guys probably wouldn't dare come back.
As for the gifts, they were simple: a bottle of wine from his winery and some homemade cookies. That's all.
...
Regardless of whether the box office flopped, Madonna became famous. The movie's soundtrack sold over a million copies and was nearing the second million milestone.
What? You say MJ already sold over a 100 million; what's a mere million?
Well, you're mistaken again. First, the 100 million sales weren't achieved in a year or two; it's years down the line. Among all MJ's albums, that's a one-of-a-kind success.
Then there's the gender difference. If a female singer reaches ten million sales, it's nearly a miracle. In fact, even selling a million is rare.
The record sales explosion was related to the equipment. In the pre-walkman era, even a million sales were remarkable.
As for Michael Jackson, he was a legend, an insurmountable legend. If it weren't for his social issues, there wouldn't be anyone like him.
In fact, Americans had an ambiguous, even jealous attitude towards him. Prejudice was ingrained deeply, impossible to explain.
The racial issues of this era were far from harmonious compared to later times. MJ was simply born ten years too early; this era was just the darkness before dawn.
Why not just recruit MJ?
That's unrealistic. Even if you offered him half the shares, it wouldn't work. Michael Jackson was already a superstar, why would he join a small record label? He might as well start his own company.
*****
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