Capítulo 208: Chapter 208: Striking a Conversation
"Uncle Niv," the girl looked at Avi-Niv with curiosity, "what big sale were you talking about?"
Her accent was distinct, and Murphy, familiar with British and Australian accents, could tell it was neither. Judging by her appearance, she was likely from Israel.
Avi-Niv, also originally from Israel but now an American citizen, was one of many Jewish Americans across the country.
"We were discussing the new film I've invested in," Avi-Niv explained with a smile, "whether it could make a big sale of eighty million dollars in North America."
The girl nodded in understanding. "Is it the one adapted from a comic book? Called..."
She frowned, trying to recall the name, then shook her head, "I can't remember."
"No problem," Avi-Niv gestured towards Murphy, "let me introduce you."
"This is Mr. Harvey Weinstein, the president of Miramax Films," he then turned to Murphy, "and this is Murphy Stanton, the director of the film I invested in, one of Hollywood's most talented young directors."
He introduced them to the girl, "Harvey, Murphy, this is Gal Gadot, the daughter of an old friend from Israel. She's here representing Israel in the 2003 Miss Universe contest."
"Hello."
"Hello."
They exchanged polite greetings.
After a brief chat with Avi-Niv and Weinstein, Murphy excused himself as other guests arrived to greet Avi-Niv.
Leaving with him was Weinstein, and they talked about 'Sin City' as they walked towards a quieter resting area.
"All post-production work must be completed before April 20th," Weinstein reminded Murphy, "We'll have a series of screenings before the official release to generate buzz."
Murphy nodded in agreement, "It'll be done on time."
The post-production of 'Sin City' was nearly complete, with only subtitles and sound editing left.
Not far away, Murphy spotted Robert Downey Jr. and James Franco surrounded by several beautiful women, laughing and drinking.
"Let's talk another time," Murphy said, pointing towards Downey Jr. and Franco, "I'll go chat with them."
After Weinstein nodded, Murphy walked over with his VIP hostess, Mira Colston. Before he reached them, Downey Jr.'s voice carried over.
"Hey, Murphy! You're late!" he exclaimed, "You owe us three drinks!"
Franco gestured to the five beautiful women surrounding them, "Look, we've even got company for you!"
The women laughed, and someone handed out drinks.
Murphy quietly asked Colston, "Who are these women?"
He had noticed that only a few guests had hostesses like Colston in cheongsams. She explained they were party girls hired by the company.
"They're dead slow, Murphy!" Downey Jr. teased, holding up a drink, "When did you become so slow?"
"I'm here, aren't I?"
Murphy took a seat, thanking Colston for pulling out a chair. He took a drink from a brunette and clinked glasses with Franco and Downey Jr., drinking in one gulp.
Colston stood silently beside them, unlike the noisy party girls.
"Continue! Keep it going!" Downey Jr. encouraged, wrapping an arm around a brunette, "Pour more!"
Another woman filled their glasses with whiskey, a strong contrast to the earlier champagne.
Murphy wasn't a heavy drinker and knew he couldn't handle much more.
"When did you get back, Jim?" he diverted the topic to Franco, "I thought you were going on a vacation?"
Franco mumbled something about a change of plans.
Downey Jr. was about to encourage more drinking when Franco pointed out a Miss Universe contestant he'd seen earlier.
"That's one of the Miss Universe contestants, the Israeli one," Downey Jr. confirmed.
Murphy glanced over, spotting a girl in a purple dress with strikingly long legs, the same Miss Israel he had met earlier with Avi-Niv.
"Oh..." Downey Jr. couldn't take his eyes off her legs but commented on her small chest.
The women around laughed, and Downey Jr. turned back, raising his glass for another toast with Murphy.
Murphy, however, stood up, excusing himself to greet the Miss Universe contestant.
"Do you know her?" Franco asked.
Murphy shrugged, "Of course."
Downey Jr. teased, "You're not going to hit on her, are you?"
Ignoring him, Murphy signaled Colston to stay and approached the Miss Universe contestant, who was standing under a palm tree, looking bored.
"Hi, Miss Gadot."
Murphy greeted her, and Gal Gadot responded with a polite smile, "Hello, Director Stanton."
"Why are you standing here?" Murphy asked casually, "There might be mosquitoes under the tree."
"It's okay," Gadot replied courteously, "Thanks for the heads-up."
Murphy suggested sitting at a nearby table, but Gadot declined, mentioning she'd be heading back to her hotel soon.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Murphy said, feigning realization, "I heard there's a lot of training and preparation for the contest. It must be tough."
"It's not too bad," Gadot replied casually, "I've been doing physical training since my teens. I'm used to it."
A waiter passed by, and Murphy grabbed a drink to offer Gadot, but she refused, citing alcohol as a strict no-no for contestants.
"Sorry..." Murphy returned the drink to the tray, then engaged in conversation about Hollywood actresses and their relationship with alcohol.
Gadot observed that many Hollywood actresses she saw at the party were drinking freely.
Murphy showed interest in who she had seen, trying to find common ground.
Gadot mentioned meeting Catherine Zeta-Jones, commenting on her impressive drinking capacity.
"So she looks a bit sturdy, even a bit chubby!" Murphy blurted, unsure if it was related to her drinking, "She's definitely on the fuller side among Hollywood actresses."
"Indeed," Gadot agreed, then added, "But she's also very successful."
"Extremely successful," Murphy agreed, moving slightly closer to Gadot, "Not every actor wins an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress or stars in the Best Picture."
They discussed Zeta-Jones's peak career and the recent success of 'Chicago' at the Oscars.
"'Chicago'..." Gadot said with a hint of disdain, "As a director, do you think it deserved the award?"
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