King of Hollywood

The sky was gloomy and covered with dark clouds, as if raindrops would fall at any moment, but the people walking on the rather classical-style streets did not quicken their pace. This kind of weather is really normal for them, and they basically carry umbrellas when traveling in this kind of weather.

It doesn't matter if you don't bring an umbrella, most of the shops around have free umbrellas, just remember to go back the next time you pass by. It would be even better if there is a tavern, just go in and have a drink, and the rain may stop when you come out.

The tavern with British characteristics has become a part of its culture. It is said that the Romans opened taverns in Britain more than 2,000 years ago. However, in the 18th century or even earlier, such taverns were more often small inns in rural areas, selling food and drinks and providing accommodation.

Such small hotels and taverns have a very important position in the history of Britain and even the whole of Europe. They are indispensable in many European and American fantasy novels and games. In The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf tells Frodo to wait for him at the Prancing Horse Inn.

With the development of the times, the tavern also began to change, adding many local characteristics. For example, with the tide of industrialization in Britain at the end of the 18th century, the tavern became a place for workers to vent.

In modern times, although many historical taverns have begun to decline, many British people still like to come here to have a drink, play billiards, throw darts, and discuss things with friends.

Pushing open the door of the tavern, Adrian looked around, then walked to the corner, and sat down in front of a man wearing glasses who was about fifty years old and was writing something in a small book with his head down.

"Sorry, Mr. Newell, I'm late," he said with an apologetic smile, taking off his hat.

"It's okay, Mr. Cowell," the other party immediately raised his head and said with a typical London accent, "I understand your situation. Reporters are really annoying sometimes."

"It sounds like you don't think I've ruined a famous British novel?" Adrian asked with interest.

"A director must be responsible for his own work, provided he finishes it." Mike Newell shrugged, "I won't make any comments before this, but after that I will definitely express my opinion, Whether it's praise or criticism."

Adrian smiled slightly: "Thank you, then let's skip the discussion about the weather and other trivial matters and go straight to the topic-you can call me Adrian, so I can also call you Mike."

"Of course." Neville said with a smile, reaching out to the waiter and ordering two glasses of dark beer.

"Although you only said the general idea on the phone, it's interesting to hear that this is a romantic comedy, right?" Neville recalled, "It's important to change the relationship between the hero and heroine through weddings and funerals. The idea is fresh."

"Actually, I've already named the script, and it's called "Four Weddings and a Funeral." Adrian said with a smile, completely unable to see other expressions, "The hero is an English swinger, Then at the wedding, I met an independent and slightly conservative American woman. If the contrasting impressions and the sparks created by each other are well arranged, and if the wedding and funeral are made a big fuss, it will definitely be very exciting. Attractive."

Neville pondered for a while, and did not continue the discussion on this issue, but changed the subject and asked: "There are so many directors in the UK, many of them are better than me, but why did you come to me, Adrian?" ?”

Adrian couldn't help laughing, and shook his head before answering: "You know, Mike, many directors have asked me this before you, why did I find them."

"Oh?" Neville raised his eyebrows, showing a curious look.

"You know, in addition to being a director, I also have many identities, such as a producer, an investor, the boss of Bosworth Films, and—a screenwriter" Adrian said with gestures, "I am I got into film because I wrote a few good screenplays, so I always have a lot of ideas on how to write a story, and I already have a lot of outlines in the writers' union. I would love to adapt them all to the film, but you know One person can't do that much, so once I had my own film company, I started looking for people who could bring these stories to the big screen. So far I have found several directors and worked with They've made a deal, and it's still in the works, but I trust my vision. I've seen your movie, Mike, and I'm sure you can do a great job with it."

Neville pushed his glasses on the bridge of his nose, and smiled after a long while: "It sounds amazing, so many scripts are written by...you alone?"

"No, no, it's the outline," Adrian smiled and shook his head, "I did complete the first scripts by myself. At the earliest time, I locked myself in the bedroom and didn't come out for three months. , typed on the typewriter every day, and I still feel surprised when I recall it. I was so carried away at that time. But after I became a director and had my own film company, it was no longer so hard. Usually, I provide the outline. Let other screenwriters make supplements, and if there are any problems, I will give them opinions and let them revise until I am satisfied, my screenwriters are all excellent."

This is true. Although limited by the agreement reached by the Producers Union and the Screenwriters Union, it is impossible for Adrian to give the screenwriters super high salaries, but the level of benefits is second to none in Hollywood, so the company has signed many outstanding talents. Regular screenwriters, such as the female screenwriter named Julius Mann.

"I know you are a little worried, Mike, and worried about whether the script can maintain the unique feeling of British humor. After all, there have been enough negative reports about me during this time." Adrian said, sipping a sip of dark beer and then frowned. Head, he doesn't like the taste, astringent with a bit of bitterness, reminds him of traditional Chinese medicine that has been gone for a long time.

Maybe add some chocolate to it? Thinking this way in my heart, my mouth never stopped: "You can rest assured, as long as you agree, I can let you choose a British screenwriter to perfect this script, and I will also give you enough power to be in charge of this movie. Don’t hesitate to shoot it into the work you want, I will do all the logistical work for you, in fact, I have even considered the male and female leading actors, I believe they are absolutely suitable.”

"It sounds... I don't seem to have an excuse to refuse." After a few minutes of silence, Neville sighed, and looked directly at Adrian with his eyes behind the lens: "I choose the screenwriter to cooperate? Everything is filmed according to my ideas ?”

"Of course." Adrian nodded vigorously.

"Then, it's settled." Neville immediately raised his glass.

Ding, a soft sound.

Watching Mike Newell leave the tavern, Adrian waved his arms and stretched his waist. Although he stated that he would not interfere with the director's work, he still has to intervene where he should.

For example, Neville is very likely to have Richard Curtis take over the screenwriting job, and they are friends. Adrian didn't mind this, since "Four Weddings and a Funeral" was originally Curtis's work, but if the other party's writing didn't meet his requirements and he refused to revise it, he would definitely let it go.

This is not impossible. Although the screenwriter's status is not high, Curtis is a well-known screenwriter after all—although most of them are TV drama scripts—and Adrian is an American.

The current version of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" has been modified by Adrian. After the Cannes Film Festival, he has been thinking about finding a comedy movie for Dennis. It happened that Thompson and Hopkins talked about Mike Newell , which reminded him of the well-received romantic comedy movie produced in 1994.

After talking with Neville and judging that the other party had not received such a script, Adrian immediately decided that it was "Four Weddings and a Funeral". Anyway, Dennis has British ancestry, and he speaks a good Cockney accent. He played an Englishman in the first movie, and his appearance is better than Hugh Grant's. Very strong acting skills, it is no problem to play this role.

After deciding to let Dennis play the leading role, an idea of ​​killing two birds with one stone popped up in Adrian's mind, so there was also a candidate for the heroine, that is Julia Roberts

Although Julia will slowly get rid of the title of box office poison in the next few years, it is "My Best Friend's Wedding" that really brought her back to the peak of popularity and even surpassed it. It's not that Adrian didn't think about this movie at the beginning, but there are not many romantic comedies that have won unanimous praise from critics and have a box office of over 100 million, and they have to be used at the best time.

So Adrian thought it would be a good thing to let her play the heroine of "Four Weddings and One Funeral", but in this case, the plot must be adjusted. The heroine in the original movie is a frivolous woman with an indiscreet private life, and the reason why Julia can be loved by most people has something to do with her consistent strong and independent screen image. It will make the future slip into the unknown, so Adrian set the heroine's character as an independent and slightly conservative woman, and the hero has become a very casual libertine.

This will not affect the whole movie. The main point of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" is British humor, an alternative interpretation of love and marriage, and details of weddings and funerals. As long as Mike Newell Properly regulated, the new version will never lose to the old version in memory. And Adrian has done so much work, naturally he will not allow anyone to make random changes in key places, not even Richard Curtis.

Neville actually understood this too, but although Adrian didn't say it clearly, he made it very clear in his tone: as long as a few key points don't mess up, it doesn't matter. So he finally agreed. For a director, under the current producer system, there are not many situations where he can obtain power that can be squandered at will. ()