บท 434: Chapter 434: Dogma 95
As the Cannes Film Festival kicked off, the coastal town became increasingly lively. After acquiring MGM, Galaxy revived the United Artists brand, which now focused on foreign films and independent cinema.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, who shot the romantic film Sense and Sensibility and the historical drama Catherine the Great in Europe, arrived at Cannes. At the JW Marriott in Cannes, Arthur attended a party with Catherine Zeta-Jones and ran into the crew of Ed Wood, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.
"Depp, I see you still like those quirky roles," Arthur said with a smile as he shook hands with him. "This is Miss Catherine Zeta-Jones!"
Johnny Depp greeted Catherine Zeta-Jones, saying, "Arthur, you know, I really get where Tim's coming from; it feels like we're on the same wavelength!"
Arthur remained noncommittal. It was no surprise the two would become the best of friends in the future, even if Tim Burton's gothic style was destined to be niche. Just look at Ed Wood: Tim wanted to make it a black-and-white film, which caused the original investor, Columbia Pictures, to drop it. It was the Disney subsidiary, Touchstone Pictures, that picked it up.
Before long, Johnny Depp's current girlfriend, Kate Moss, arrived, and after chatting for a bit, they all went their separate ways.
"Arthur, isn't there going to be a sequel to Speed?" Catherine Zeta-Jones inquired.
Arthur shook his head. "The story's already complete. Besides, Depp isn't much into action films these days." After all, Johnny Depp was much more popular than those wild rockers; making action movies was tough work!
Suddenly, on the stage of the party, Danish director Lars von Trier grabbed the microphone and announced his Dogma 95 manifesto:
First, films must be shot on location. No sets or props.
Second, no sound that is not part of the scene;
Third, hand-held cameras must be used; the story doesn't have to happen in front of the camera...
There were a total of ten rules, and only by following them could a film be considered a Dogma film! Lars von Trier was one of the representatives of European independent cinema, known for the Europa trilogy.
At this moment, Tim Burton appeared next to Arthur and said, "This Lars von Trier has his supporters. Besides a few other Danish directors, he has Jim Jarmusch backing him in the American independent film scene!"
"A movement to break traditional conventions?" Arthur chuckled, "Opposing Hollywood aesthetics?"
He shook his head again. "There are so many genres of films now, especially European independent films, which almost all oppose Hollywood. It's just a futile resistance against Hollywood!"
Wasn't Tim Burton also from the dark gothic genre? He was of the same class as director Barry Sonnenfeld.
Tim Burton laughed, sensing Arthur didn't take them seriously. Yet, with his status and identity, he certainly could afford to ignore them. Talking strictly about film accomplishments, Arthur Smith had produced several globally popular films to back up his opinion.
...
"This year's Cannes Film Festival doesn't have any standout films," Arthur said to Catherine Zeta-Jones as they left the banquet hall and strolled along the nearby beach.
"A lot of films didn't come to exhibit; they're just here for promotional purposes," Catherine Zeta-Jones said, linking her arm with Arthur's.
"By the way, Arthur, I'm about to shoot a mini-series, the TV movie Titanic: The Final Chapter," Catherine Zeta-Jones said, hugging Arthur.
"Titanic: The Final Chapter?" Arthur responded in surprise, "A mini-series?"
At this time, all he knew was that 20th Century Fox was supporting James Cameron in developing Titanic!
"Yeah, I'll be going to America to shoot it. I've already tried on the costumes," she explained. "Plus, Paramount has a comic-based superhero movie, The Phantom, that I've talked to my agent about, and I'll be in it, too!"
After completing Sense and Sensibility, Catherine Zeta-Jones shifted her focus to work in America.
Arthur wrapped his arm around her waist. "Well, when the time comes, I'll arrange the script for you. You won't need to be involved in those mini-series anymore!"
Though Arthur had no idea what Titanic: The Final Chapter was about, TV movies typically didn't require a huge budget.
"I know, mainly because my agent said I looked fantastic in the costume test and it suited my style!"
"Don't worry, you're beautiful no matter what," Arthur said as he kissed her. "Let's head back to the hotel and rest; we'll go out on the water tomorrow."
"Sure!"
...
In the hotel bedroom, Arthur leaned against the bed while flipping through a movie magazine filled with introductions to films vying for the Palme d'Or. Most of the films were unfamiliar to him.
"Arthur," Catherine Zeta-Jones said as she came to sit on the edge of the bed after showering, "Does Galaxy have any films that catch your interest?"
Arthur shook his head. "Not at the moment, but several people have approached United Artists for investments!"
"Really?" Catherine Zeta-Jones smiled.
Then, she leaned forward and kissed Arthur. He responded, taking off both of their nightgowns and pressing her down onto the bed. The sexy and beautiful British rose closed her eyes, enjoying his touch.
"Sweetheart, are you going to be sticking around in Hollywood for a while?" Arthur asked as he caressed her soft forms.
"Yeah, I can be with you more often," Catherine Zeta-Jones replied, her breath quickening and slightly unsteady.
Arthur leaned closer to her ear, "So, most of Hurley's time is also spent in America now?"
Catherine Zeta-Jones's fingers traced Arthur's back. "Arthur, we do see each other quite regularly!"
Arthur smiled and playfully nibbled her earlobe. "You probably don't know Nicole Kidman, do you? When she comes, let's all go out together!"
"You really are a flirt," Catherine Zeta-Jones teased before kissing him again...
*****
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