Hollywood Director 1992

#2 - Nicole Kidman

Chapter 2 Nicole Kidman

Although Link knew that Quentin's film had a good box office performance, with an investment of 1.2 million, it grossed more than 4 million worldwide.

But he wasn't nervous at all.

After transmigrating, in addition to having scripts and related materials of hundreds of classic movies in his mind, he also had a golden finger that had not yet been verified—the box office subsidy system.

According to the system prompt, in order to reward him for his contributions to film art in his previous life, all the films he participated in filming and production would receive box office subsidies, with the minimum subsidy being doubled, X2 on the basis of the original box office.

The more he participated in the film production process, the higher the box office subsidy.

This system only left a message in his mind when he transmigrated, and never appeared again. Therefore, whether this system exists needs to be verified.

He planned to use "Buried" to verify the authenticity of this information.

"Haha, Director Link, congratulations on defeating many opponents and winning the Jury Grand Prize."

At the Sundance Film Festival party, Harvey Weinstein, the owner of Miramax Films, squeezed out of the crowd with a big belly and shook Link's hand.

Harvey Weinstein is a famous Hollywood producer, director, and screenwriter, and also a film dealer.

In the late 1970s, he and his brother Bob Weinstein founded Miramax Films, acquiring films from all over the world at low prices, re-editing and producing them, and putting them into the North American film market, which is equivalent to a treasure appraisal expert in the antique world.

In recent years, the two brothers successfully picked up Italian films such as "Cinema Paradiso", Irish films such as "My Left Foot", and British films such as "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" and other excellent films, earning more than 100 million US dollars, causing a sensation in Hollywood, and also making Miramax a leader among Hollywood independent production companies.

However, because the brothers gave very low prices when acquiring films, even cheap, film directors from various countries both loved and hated him.

What they loved was that the two had accurate vision and extremely keen insight into the film market. Being favored by them was also an affirmation of the film.

What they hated was that they often edited films indiscriminately, often deleting large sections of the original film. For example, the director's cut of "Cinema Paradiso" was 173 minutes, while the Miramax Films release was only 123 minutes, with 50 minutes being deleted.

Although this film grossed more than 50 million US dollars in North America and won the 62nd Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, the film director Giuseppe Tornatore was not happy.

He scolded Harvey in the media for ruining the film and vowed never to hand over the film to Miramax for distribution again.

Seeing Harvey coming, Link smiled, shook hands with him, "Thank you!"

"Director Link, has 'Buried' found a distributor? How about handing over 'Buried' to Miramax for distribution?"

Harvey Weinstein only exchanged a few simple greetings after sitting down, and then went straight to the topic, wanting to get the North American distribution rights for "Buried".

Link smiled slightly and asked a question off topic, "Mr. Weinstein, I heard that Miramax was named after Mr. and Mrs. Old Weinstein, is that so?"

Harvey was stunned for a moment, and laughed loudly, "That's right, my mother's name is Mira, and my father's name is Max."

"They will definitely be proud of Mr. Weinstein when they see Miramax growing stronger."

Link said, raising his champagne.

"Thank you!"

Harvey touched him, patted Link on the shoulder and said: "Link, let's get back to the movie. I've seen 'Buried'. The movie is not bad. As a low-cost independent film, it is a relatively novel kind among literary films in recent years and has certain market potential.

I heard that you used 100,000 US dollars when filming this movie. I'll give you 150,000. How about you give me the North American distribution rights for this movie?"

Link smiled and said: "President Shea offered 400,000 US dollars, but I didn't agree."

"Robert Shea? Can he compare to me? I can help you get nominated for an Oscar, can he?"

Harvey Weinstein asked with a toad mouth and a strong tone.

Link shook his glass and smiled without saying a word.

Robert Shea is the president of New Line Cinema, one of the top ten independent film companies in Hollywood.

In terms of influence and distribution capabilities, New Line is comparable to Miramax.

Harvey is a little stronger in impacting the Oscar awards, but Link will not back down because of this.

For him, making money is the most important thing at this stage.

Link took a sip of champagne and said unhurriedly: "Mr. Weinstein, what is your estimate of the North American box office for 'Buried'?"

Harvey frowned and raised his index finger, "1 million, at most 1 million. Although your movie is relatively novel, the scene is just a small wooden box, with only one actor, a few simple props, a monotonous and boring background, and a dark and depressing atmosphere. How many people are willing to spend 8 dollars to watch this kind of movie? I think there will definitely not be too many."

Harvey waved his arms and said in a sonorous tone, which sounded very convincing.

Link also raised an index finger, "Mr. Weinstein, your ability and vision are obvious to all in the industry, and I also hope to cooperate with you. I have a suggestion, how about you listen to it?"

"Oh? Tell me!"

"Under the condition of ensuring a certain number of screenings, if the North American box office is less than 1 million, I will not take a penny. If it exceeds 1 million, I want 40% of the box office revenue share for every additional 1 million."

"40%"

Harvey's eyebrows furrowed into a vertical line. He encountered a ruthless person who dared to play a gambling agreement when distributing his debut work for the first time.

"Link, are you very confident in this movie?"

Harvey asked, squinting his eyes.

Link smiled and said: "Yes, I am very confident in my movie, and I am not afraid of taking risks. You should have heard about my gambling with Director Quentin."

"Haha, betting three movies with a trophy, you are so cunning."

Harvey laughed and scolded.

Link shook his head, shook his glass and said: "Everything is completely voluntary, I didn't force him. The distribution of 'Buried' is the same."

Harvey Weinstein pondered for a moment, pinching his chin, "40% is too high, no one in Hollywood dares to give such a high share, 20%, this is my bottom line."

Harvey's estimate of the film's box office is around 4 million. If there are 4 million, Link will get 600,000 for the part exceeding 1 million. Although it is higher than the acquisition price, the distribution company earns more.

"Mr. Weinstein, since this is a gamble, taking a little risk is inevitable, 35%, this is my respect for Mr. Weinstein."

Link said, raising his glass.

Harvey Weinstein glanced at him and offered 25%, of course Link was unwilling.

After several rounds of bargaining, the two reached an agreement on a 30% split ratio.

Harvey Weinstein's additional condition was that if the box office of "Buried" exceeded 5 million, Link's second film must have Miramax's investment, at least 20%.

Link's requirement was that 50% of the share must be paid within 45 days after the end of the film's distribution period, and all shares must be paid within six months.

Harvey Weinstein agreed.

—

"Link, how did it go?"

Nicole Kidman walked over and asked.

She was wearing a black ballroom gown, with golden hair draped over her shoulders, fair skin, a tall figure, and a pair of long legs, which made many short men dare not approach. She was a very charming woman.

Back when Lin Ke was choosing the female lead for "Buried," his requirements were that she be beautiful, have a sexy figure, and be a competent actress.

After much deliberation, he ultimately chose Nicole Kidman.

Nicole's skin was very fair, reflecting light under the lamps, and her appearance was captivating enough to hold someone's attention for two hours without tiring them. Moreover, she was Tom Cruise's wife, which meant she had high popularity.

She was the most suitable candidate.

Initially, Nicole wasn't interested when she heard it was an experimental project by a newcomer.

However, after seeing the script, she felt the story was good and the role was challenging, so she agreed, with a salary of only $50,000.

Lin Ke looked at the beauty before him and smiled slightly, "Not bad! We've finalized the collaboration."

"You're going to give 'Buried' to Harvey for distribution? Harvey doesn't have a good reputation in the industry. You have to be careful working with him," Nicole Kidman said with a slight smile.

"I will be careful. Nicole, would you like to dance?"

Lin Ke extended his hand, inviting her.

"Of course!" Nicole Kidman smiled and placed her hand on his chest.

—

Thursday, February 15th, "Buried" premiered in twenty-four art cinemas in thirteen major North American cities, grossing $328,000 in the first three days, with an attendance rate as high as 80%.

The film also received very positive reviews.

The movie tells the story of a woman who is knocked unconscious by her drunken, abusive husband and placed in a wooden box, then buried in an unknown sandy area.

The woman only has a cell phone and a flashlight. She is only wearing a thin nightgown. The woman calls the police, relatives, and friends for help.

Through several calls, the audience learns that the woman lives in a very conservative small town, and her husband is impotent, often drinks, and is abusive.

Without exception, read it from start to finish!

The woman is a lesbian. The reason she was knocked unconscious by her husband, put in a cabinet, and buried was because her husband discovered she was secretly dating her lover and was very angry.

After the woman revealed the truth on the phone, she was criticized by her parents, ridiculed by the police, cursed by her husband over the phone, and met with the disgust and lack of support from acquaintances.

Finally, there was a heavy rain, and the police searched without success. Her husband forgot the location of the burial due to drunkenness, and the woman had to save herself.

At the end of the film, the woman, filled with anger and despair, punches the cabinet again and again.

The film's pacing is excellent, with both slow and fast moments, and the emotional tension is very powerful and highly infectious.

Especially at the end of the film, the heroine's bloody fist hits the wooden cabinet again and again, as if hitting the audience's chest, thumping.

The audience almost finished the entire film with tears and shouts.

"Amazing, so wonderful! This is the best movie I've seen this year."

"I cried so badly, I suggest those with low tear thresholds don't watch it."

"One actor, one cabinet, one movie. Director Lin Ke is a genius. He deserves the Sundance Film Festival Jury Award."

"Ms. Nicole Kidman's performance is so wonderful. Her character is very powerful. This is the best movie she has ever acted in."

"Plot? Sorry, I was only focused on watching Ms. Nicole Kidman. She is so beautiful, lying in the cabinet for more than an hour, letting us appreciate her, haha, the director knows us too well. This is his gift to all Nicole fans. I decided to watch it again."

"The movie is great and definitely worth watching."

In an interview program outside a CBS TV theater, 80% of the audience gave it a good review on the spot.

15% thought it was acceptable, but the disadvantage was that the production was relatively rough. If there was more investment and the picture was more exquisite, it would definitely be a classic movie.

There were also 5% of the audience who gave bad reviews, thinking that the movie had logical problems. How could the phone and flashlight be in the cabinet? This doesn't make sense.

In movie publications such as "The Hollywood Reporter" and "Variety", many professional film critics also gave relatively fair comments.

90% of film critics gave "Buried" a rating of five stars or higher.

They believe that this is an extremely bold experimental film, the plot and structure are handled very well, novel and unique, and has pioneering significance. The film's theme explores marriage, family, gender relations, social discrimination and other issues, and is also very profound, touching on the sensitive points of current society.

The performance of the heroine Nicole Kidman in the film is also a breakthrough compared to before. Although she is still a vase, she shows great potential and plasticity through the role.

Director Lin Ke received even more praise. Commentators believe that he used extremely limited funds and served in multiple positions. His talent is fully demonstrated in this film.

Driven by the media and film critics, "Buried" grossed $3.37 million in less than 100 theaters in its opening week in North America, ranking 11th in the weekly box office in the sluggish February film market.

A movie with an investment of less than 100,000 earned 3.37 million in its opening week, with a box office return ratio of 37 times.

This result cannot be said to be a hit, it can only be said to be amazing, making many people in the film industry exclaim in disbelief.

American media have called "Buried" the dark horse movie of the year.

With the strong publicity of the media, "Buried" became famous and the box office results got better and better.

In its fourth week of release, the cumulative box office reached 30.81 million US dollars, an amazing return ratio of 300:1.

Lin Ke and "Buried" became famous in the world film industry.

The media believes that he is 'the most anticipated director among the new generation of directors', 'the director with the greatest potential', and 'the designated winner of the next Academy Award for Best Director'.

During the same period, "Reservoir Dogs" only grossed $330,000 in its opening week, and the estimated North American box office was less than two million.

"Lin Ke, you won!" Quentin said through gritted teeth on the phone.

"Quentin, don't be discouraged, your 'Reservoir Dogs' is also good," Lin Ke said with a smile.

"Humph, I don't need you to say that. I will definitely win you in the next movie," Quentin said unhappily.

After the fourth week's box office results came out, Harvey personally found him and gave him three things.

A Bank of America check for $10 million, a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow car key, and a detached villa in Beverly Hills.

This was originally Lin Ke's thing, and he accepted it without hesitation.

After receiving the money, Nicole Kidman called to congratulate him and said she wanted to invite him for a drink.

Lin Ke invited her to his apartment.

At noon, Nicole, who had disguised herself, walked into Lin Ke's small apartment with a bottle of red wine, gracefully. After drinking the wine, the two dry wood met raging fire and rolled together again.

"Lin Ke, you are so great," Nicole said weakly, lying on his messy bed.

"What are you referring to?"

"You, your movies are great."

Lin Ke smiled slightly and lowered his head to kiss her red lips.

"Next year I will tailor a movie for you to help you win the Academy Award for Best Actress."

"Really?" Nicole asked excitedly.

Lin Ke nodded.

Nicole turned over and kissed him, leaning over him.

The storm rose again in the small apartment.

Knock knock knock! Knock knock knock!

Suddenly there was a burst of violent knocking on the door.

"Who is it?!" Lin Ke asked impatiently.