บท 35: Chapter 35: Francis Ford Coppola
At the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel, Winona Ryder met the big director Francis Ford Coppola, accompanied by her agent Jessica James and Arthur Smith.
"Director Coppola, isn't Winona suitable for The Godfather Part III?" Jessica James, as her agent, still wanted to fight for it.
Francis Ford Coppola smiled, "Winona is an excellent actress. Although we couldn't collaborate this time, there will definitely be opportunities in the future!"
"But..." Jessica James wanted to say something else when Arthur, who had been accompanying Winona Ryder, suddenly spoke.
"Director Coppola, Winona withdrew from The Godfather Part III due to health reasons!"
As soon as Arthur spoke, neither Winona Ryder nor Jessica James refuted him. After all, they came tonight to resolve this issue.
The crew of The Godfather Part III could find a reason to announce it publicly, but if Winona Ryder said anything to the media, it wouldn't be good for anyone.
After all, Winona Ryder had some popularity among teenagers; she wasn't some unknown actress, and even Coppola himself had favored her to play the godfather's daughter. But now, with his own daughter's demands, Winona Ryder had to be sacrificed.
Signing an agreement and then changing the cast just before filming without any warning? And replacing her with the director's daughter, a newcomer with no acting experience? Anyone with a discerning eye could see what was happening.
Arthur now gave the crew a reason: Winona Ryder was unwell!
Francis Ford Coppola looked at the young man who suddenly spoke, "And you are?"
Arthur smiled, showing no signs of fear in front of the Hollywood big director, "I'm Winona's friend, Arthur Smith, a small-time screenwriter and producer."
Francis Ford Coppola nodded, "You're quite something. Are you also an actor?"
"Sort of," Arthur said, glancing at Francis Ford Coppola, "Don't worry, though Winona is very sorry she can't participate in your work, we all respect your attitude towards movie roles!"
Francis Ford Coppola also stood up from the sofa, "Regret can be remedied. I genuinely like Winona's acting!"
Quickly, Arthur and the other two left Francis Ford Coppola's room together.
In the car returning, Arthur drove while Jessica James and Winona Ryder sat in the back, saying nothing.
"We have no choice. Director Coppola meeting us shows he genuinely values Winona," Arthur comforted while driving.
"He could have just notified us directly; could we resist? There are a hundred ways to replace an actor. Or should we go to the media and say that Director Coppola is nepotistic? Use the contract as leverage?" Arthur shook his head, "Jessica, you should know these wouldn't work and would only offend people, which is not good for Winona!"
"Arthur, I know," Jessica James said helplessly, "I just feel stuck inside. To those big shots, we're like grasshoppers, they can squash us anytime!"
Arthur was very calm, "Winona is somewhat famous now. With increased influence, things will be different later. Hollywood is a Vanity Fair. Many things are not about right or wrong but about positions. When The Godfather Part III starts filming, if reporters ask you about it, you can avoid the topic by citing health reasons!"
"I understand. I'll follow your advice," Winona Ryder, who had said little, replied.
Arthur could sense Winona Ryder's low mood from her tone, "Winona, trust me, the Coppola family is already in decline. You'll see after The Godfather Part III is released, not being part of this movie was a wise choice!"
Back in West Hollywood, Arthur helped an unhappy Winona into her room and intended to coax her to sleep.
"Arthur, aren't you going to sleep in the bed?" Winona Ryder pulled Arthur to her, lying on the bed.
"Uh..." Arthur lay on Winona Ryder and kissed her for a while, then smiled, "Jessica is still in the living room; I'll chat with her for a bit and see her out!"
"Oh, but hurry back. I want to hold you tonight..."
Arthur nodded and then left the bedroom and went into the living room.
"Is Winona asleep?" Jessica James, sitting on the sofa, asked.
"Not yet, but her mood is better," Arthur said, taking two beers from the fridge and handing one to Jessica.
"Thanks," Jessica took a sip and suddenly talked about the past, "When I was young, I also acted on TV but only in minor roles. Stumbled around until 30, got married and divorced, then entered the agent industry, rising from an office clerk to an assistant, and finally became an agent.
When I first met Winona, she always dressed like a tomboy, somewhat introverted, probably bullied a lot when she was young. She loves acting, and her temperament suits it.
I always had high hopes for her, and she hasn't let me down; things have been going smoothly these two years..."
As Jessica James spoke, Arthur just listened.
Finally, Jessica James looked up at Arthur Smith beside her, "Arthur, you give me a very special feeling, like someone who has gone through a lot and is in control of everything. Look, in just a few months, you've gone from an unknown dropout to a Hollywood screenwriter who has sold two scripts and also become a movie producer!"
"Sigh, I seem to be talking too much," Jessica James stood up, "Take good care of her!"
"Wait," Jessica James was about to leave but was stopped by Arthur.
"What is it?" Jessica James asked, puzzled.
Arthur wrote a check for $50,000 and handed it to Jessica, "Find some small tabloids and release some information saying The Godfather Part III crew is nepotistic. Director Coppola disregards the quality of the film, stubbornly choosing family members, and the failure of The Godfather Part III will be tied to the crew's nepotism. In an objective tone, state that a new actress couldn't resist the big director..."
Jessica James's eyes widened, "Didn't you say earlier it wouldn't work and wouldn't impact them?"
Arthur nodded, "I know. I'm just leaving evidence.
I understand these won't make an impact. But if next year The Godfather Part III' has a poor reputation and low box office, these news articles will be more powerful than saying it afterward. By then, the Coppola family will face double the criticism, and Winona, as a victim, will gain more sympathy!"
Jessica James understood, "But will The Godfather Part III really fail?"
Arthur glanced at Jessica, "Even if it doesn't fail, it won't cost us anything, right? Do you think a few thousand dollars is still a big deal for me now? Openly, you need to firmly say Winona Ryder left because of health issues but continue to take on roles and attend events. Behind the scenes, isn't it normal to express some complaints through small tabloids?"
The Godfather Part III crew chose to unilaterally terminate the contract without any negative news or other sudden incidents affecting Winona Ryder's participation in the film. And Winona Ryder already cooperated by declaring health issues, caring for their pride and face!
Coppola didn't offer any compensation, just talked about remedying regret, thinking Arthur was just an honest man to be stepped on? Now still weak, not being able to resist doesn't mean not being able to cause annoyance behind the scenes.
Jessica James took the check, "I understand what to do, but why do we have to hide it from Winona?"
"She's still young. I worry she might not be able to keep it a secret," Arthur explained.
"Anyway, you do as you see fit. Act after The Godfather Part III starts filming!"
Jessica James nodded...
*****
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