Capítulo 48: Chapter 47: Exciting and Stimulating Life
"'Final Destination' is Director Gilbert's continued exploration in the thriller and horror genre. The film creates a new model distinct from typical American horror movies." - *The Hollywood Reporter*
"It turns out that moving Gilbert from Universal to our own studio was a wise choice. The film's $11.376 million opening weekend box office is quite impressive." - *Variety*
"The film uses the invisible concept of the Grim Reaper to create seemingly accidental deaths, constantly keeping the audience on edge.
Director Gilbert is adept at understanding audience psychology; he knows what the viewers want.
The main cast performed well, especially Matt Damon and Cameron Diaz, whose performances were noteworthy." - *Film*
After earning $2.896 million on its opening day, *Final Destination* continued to perform well, earning $4.632 million on Saturday and $3.848 million on Sunday.
With no strong competitors that week, *Final Destination* quickly became the top North American box office hit of the week.
This was Gilbert's second box office win, the first being with *The Shallows*.
The success thrilled everyone at the studio.
As the new week began, Robert Iger continued discussions with theater chains to increase the film's screenings.
"Tim, is there anything more popular than *Final Destination* right now? I'm not trying to put you in a difficult position, but according to the contract, the other party shouldn't have any objections."
"Alright, thank you…" Robert Iger hung up and smiled at the distribution manager, saying, "Several theater chains agreed to increase the screenings and expand the showings."
Distribution manager Reno Lynch looked as if this should have been expected: "With *Final Destination*'s box office performance, I don't believe the theater chains would remain indifferent."
"Indeed," Robert Iger sighed, "Taking Gilbert from Universal was the right decision. He has indeed brought us surprises."
At this moment, Reno Lynch mysteriously asked Robert Iger, "Bob, have you asked Director Gilbert if he has plans to make a sequel?"
"What do you mean?"
"I think *Final Destination* could become a series. If Gilbert doesn't plan to make a sequel, we should find another director to do it," Reno Lynch suggested.
This idea sparked interest in Robert Iger: "I'll talk to him after he finishes the North American promotions."
As the new week began, Gilbert, along with Matt Damon, Cameron Diaz, and other lead actors, embarked on a nationwide promotional tour starting from Los Angeles.
While the scale of the tour for *Final Destination* was not as grand as top-tier blockbusters, the film's high level of discussion and popularity made up for it.
At each promotional event, there were usually two to three hundred fans present, giving Matt Damon and Cameron Diaz a taste of celebrity treatment.
Especially for Cameron Diaz, who, having just transitioned from modeling to acting, started as the female lead. Her high starting point was notable.
Moreover, the film's success and her beauty and acting received much praise.
Feeling the taste of fame, Cameron Diaz was thrilled and very grateful to Gilbert for the opportunity. She often sought Gilbert out to play around.
During the Chicago tour, Cameron Diaz even sneaked into the men's restroom to have a rendezvous with Gilbert.
The activity took place while people came and went in the restroom, adding an extra thrill to the experience.
When they emerged, Gilbert felt the odd stares from around them, wishing he could disappear into a crack in the ground.
Such an open lifestyle was exciting but also overwhelming and hard to adjust to.
Taking the opportunity, Gilbert asked Cameron Diaz, "Was that intentional?"
"Intentional? What do you mean?" Cameron Diaz licked her lips, leaning in close to Gilbert's ear, speaking in a seductive tone, "I'm still not satisfied. How about we go for another round?"
Another round? Gilbert gave Cameron Diaz's thigh a firm pat.
Cameron Diaz winced, looking at Gilbert with watery eyes, playing the innocent.
Gilbert knew she was acting, so he pulled her into his embrace and stroked her golden hair, "We shouldn't be reckless. What if someone finds out?"
"I'm not afraid…" Cameron Diaz seemed indifferent.
"I am," Gilbert said firmly, "I'm a possessive man. I don't want other men seeing my woman."
"Hee hee," Cameron Diaz smiled, clearly pleased with the term "my woman": "Don't worry. I won't let anyone see."
"Let's hope so," Gilbert was also troubled, feeling helpless against the bold woman.
This seemed to be a difference in cultural perspectives—what is considered improper on the other side of the ocean is seen as freedom here.
Perhaps due to the pain from Gilbert's pat, Cameron Diaz was more restrained in the following schedules, avoiding bold actions.
Accompanying *Final Destination*'s tour, the film earned $8.938 million over the weekend and an additional $17.849 million during the weekdays, retaining the top spot at the box office for two consecutive weeks.
In total, the film's box office reached $29.225 million, making Disney very happy.
Internal analysts estimated that the film's final North American gross would reach between $60 million and $70 million.
This was great news, as higher box office earnings meant more profit for Disney.
Disney had now arranged for Stonebridge Pictures to start planning the film's international release.
With box office numbers rising, Gilbert was also very pleased.
If the film surpasses $50 million, it would automatically trigger a 5% profit-sharing clause.
Additionally, his 10% investment stake would also be counted.
Most importantly, the success of two consecutive films established Gilbert firmly in Hollywood.
Many high-level executives' business cards were handed to his agent, Sheena Boone, seeking to recruit Hollywood's youngest director.
Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. were the most proactive. Universal's Vice President Lew Wasserman faced pressure from the board to bring Gilbert back.
Warner Bros. CEO, who admired Gilbert, quickly arranged for his confidant Doug Walter to meet with Gilbert.
In summary, if Gilbert proposed better terms now, many studios would be eager to negotiate.
Gilbert now had the leverage to establish himself in Hollywood.
He could pitch a project—though not as sought-after as Spielberg's—but still significant enough for studios to pay attention.
It is known that new directors and screenwriters struggle to break through in Hollywood due to lack of successful experience and studio trust.
Even with Spielberg's endorsement, Universal Pictures had hesitated for a long time.
But with two consecutive successes, such hesitation was unlikely.
At least Gilbert's scripts wouldn't gather dust in the script library.
While busy with the promotional tour, Gilbert also worked in his hotel room at night.
Cameron Diaz, freshly showered, wrapped in a towel, draped her arms around Gilbert's neck and asked, "What are you working on so late?"
"Planning a new script…" Gilbert replied casually as he scribbled on paper.
Cameron Diaz was surprised: "*Final Destination* is still in theaters, and you're already busy with a new project?"
Gilbert put down his pen and rested his head on Cameron Diaz's broad and warm chest, enjoying its softness.
"I'm not tired. When I have ideas, I naturally want to write them down," Gilbert said.
"What's the new project called?" Cameron Diaz asked curiously.
Thriller and horror films are not mainstream commercial films. After two horror films, Gilbert aimed to move into mainstream commercial cinema.
"It's an action film. How does 'Speed' sound for the title?"
"'Speed'? That's a good name…"
...
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