Director in Hollywood

Not far from The Matrix set, another classic sci-fi sequel, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, was also in production.

Although called a sequel, it was actually a reboot.

20th Century Fox had put in a lot of effort to persuade George Lucas, but he had been reluctant to move forward with the project until recently.

And the reason why George Lucas had been hesitant was surprisingly because of Gilbert.

"I wanted to hand over the Star Wars series to you, Gilbert," George Lucas said directly.

"Me?" Gilbert was a bit surprised.

George Lucas had indeed mentioned this before, but Gilbert had thought he was joking and had declined the offer.

George Lucas said, "Yes, but you turned me down. Looks like you have better projects now."

Since The Matrix set was nearby, George Lucas had brought Natalie Portman along to take a look.

Natalie Portman maintained a quiet and ladylike demeanor. She had asked the director to bring her mainly because she was curious about the much-talked-about Gilbert.

After observing the set, Natalie Portman was certain that Gilbert was highly capable. The set was well-organized, and everyone worked in an orderly fashion.

Moreover, Gilbert truly lived up to his reputation as a handsome director, looking no less impressive than top-tier Hollywood actors.

When she heard that George Lucas had once considered inviting Gilbert to direct Star Wars, Natalie Portman gained a deeper understanding of his status in the industry.

George Lucas made the introductions. "Gilbert, this is Natalie Portman."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Portman," Gilbert said, shaking hands with the girl, who wasn't particularly stunning in appearance.

Natalie Portman smiled gently. "You can call me Nat."

"Nat, pleased to meet you." Gilbert greeted her briefly, then paid her no further attention.

In her previous life, she had been quite famous. Even now, she was already well-known.

After all, with the Star Wars cast announced and her previous role in Luc Besson's Léon: The Professional, Natalie Portman had already gained some recognition.

It was said that Hollywood's elite circles admired Natalie Portman, but Gilbert wasn't particularly impressed he found Scarlett more endearing.

However, his lack of attention made Natalie Portman feel something different.

It was as if every other Hollywood figure was focused on her, yet Gilbert, a well-regarded director, was ignoring her.

Natalie Portman was a highly strategic and intelligent young woman. She was a few years older than Scarlett but far more mature.

Scarlett had gained Gilbert's recognition and gradually rose to prominence as a Hollywood child star, having worked with him since a young age.

On the other hand, Natalie Portman had started her career with Léon: The Professional. She also knew how to win favor with Hollywood's powerful circles, even performing in a Broadway production of The Diary of Anne Frank.

The Diary of Anne Frank was an even more well-known story than Schindler's List, depicting the experiences of a persecuted group.

Natalie Portman's intentions were clear she sought to gain favor with Hollywood's influential figures and use it as a stepping stone for her career.

This level of calculation and execution was something that even many seasoned Hollywood actresses might not possess.

Perhaps it was because Natalie Portman had impressed the right people that George Lucas ultimately cast her as the female lead in The Phantom Menace, playing Padmé Amidala.

While she was lost in thought, a tall woman in a black bodysuit walked over.

"Sally, let me introduce you this is Director George Lucas, and this is Miss Natalie Portman," Gilbert said, introducing Charlize Theron.

George Lucas shook hands with Charlize Theron and said, "To be honest, at first, I thought you would be a great fit for Star Wars, but I didn't expect you to take on Gilbert's film instead."

Natalie Portman was startled had she almost lost her role? Charlize Theron was also momentarily stunned had she missed the chance to star in Star Wars?

But after a moment's thought, Charlize Theron reassured herself that The Matrix might not necessarily be inferior to Star Wars.

Beyond her trust in Gilbert, the scenes they had filmed so far had filled Charlize Theron with confidence.

After exchanging a few more words, George Lucas bid farewell and invited Gilbert to visit the Star Wars set sometime.

Gilbert agreed immediately. Although he wasn't particularly passionate about Star Wars, visiting George Lucas's set would likely be insightful.

"Director Gilbert, I'll be taking my leave now," Natalie Portman said politely.

"Alright, Nat. I'll treat you to coffee sometime," Gilbert replied casually.

Natalie Portman immediately seized the opportunity. "Really? When?"

Caught off guard by her question, Gilbert hesitated for a moment before responding, "How about next week, depending on your schedule?"

Natalie Portman flashed an innocent smile. "Alright, I'll remember that. Let's exchange contact information so you can reach me anytime."

Her tone shifted so smoothly that it almost felt as if Gilbert was the one trying to get close to her, rather than the other way around instantly reversing the dynamic.

Gilbert saw through Natalie Portman's tactics but wasn't upset. This was just how things worked.

On the contrary, if Natalie Portman had been completely naive, that would have been more suspicious.

After obtaining Gilbert's private number, Natalie Portman left, satisfied.

Charlize Theron watched her walk away and mused, "That girl is something else. She's still young, but she already operates with such maturity."

"Indeed, she's not simple..." Gilbert said as he walked back to the set.

Charlize Theron followed him and asked, "You're not interested in her, are you?"

Gilbert shot Charlize Theron a look, and she quickly realized her mistake. "I know, I know I shouldn't have said that."

Of course, some people in the industry were notorious for such behavior, and certain places were proof of that, but Gilbert wasn't one of them.

Besides, Natalie Portman didn't hold much appeal for him. Her face wasn't particularly stunning, and her figure wasn't remarkable, though her aura was compelling.

But truthfully, every woman around Gilbert was just as outstanding as Natalie Portman if not more so. There was no reason for him to pursue her, and he wasn't in the habit of collecting trophies.

Charlize Theron leaned in and whispered, "Tonight, I'll come to your room in my bodysuit. Oh, and Jenny's arriving tomorrow."

Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "What's she coming for?"

"Obviously, she misses you. You don't think she's just a simple woman, do you?"

Charlize Theron said in a teasing tone, "No matter how innocent a woman is, by the time she's twenty-seven and has been in Hollywood for this long, she should know a few things.

She clearly knows what she should hold on to and that she needs a strong backing.

This is Hollywood. Effort and reward are proportional. Her greatest value is herself. If she doesn't give herself away, how can you protect her?"

Hearing Charlize Theron's twisted reasoning, Gilbert felt like his head was getting bigger. "Sally, I think you're the real Morpheus you're very good at luring people in."

"What do you mean by luring?" Charlize Theron held onto Gilbert's arm, grinning. "I'm thinking for your sake. You should be thanking me."

"Alright, then what kind of reward do you want?"

"I want this..." Charlize Theron leaned in and whispered a few words into Gilbert's ear.

Gilbert's eyes lit up. "Are you sure this isn't a reward for me?"

"Of course not! It's what I want," Charlize Theron looked impatient.

"Alright, then let's give it a try."

"Yay!"

The two couldn't wait any longer and went to try it out in the trailer used for resting. The crew was very tactful and considerate, knowing better than to disturb them.

The next day, just as Charlize Theron had predicted, Jennifer Connelly came to visit the set.

Seeing Gilbert again, Jennifer Connelly was noticeably more enthusiastic and bold than last time. She even took the initiative to greet him. "Hi, Gilbert."

"Hey, Jenny."

Their way of addressing each other had also become much more intimate, thanks to Charlize Theron. This time, there wasn't much of the initial awkwardness between them.

"What movie are you filming lately?" Gilbert asked.

Jennifer Connelly replied, "I'm working with Rufus Sewell and William Hurt on Dark City."

"Dark City?" Gilbert frowned slightly, indicating he had never heard of it. "A B-movie? I think you're suited for more important roles."

"I'd love to be the female lead in a big production like Sally, but without a powerful figure backing me, I have no such opportunity."

Jennifer Connelly had put her thoughts out there so bluntly that Gilbert certainly understood what she meant.

She had originally had a chance, with director Leone, but Sergio Leone had passed away in 1989.

Without the backing of a powerful figure, Jennifer Connelly, despite her extraordinary beauty, had struggled to make a real breakthrough for years.

Some things didn't need to be explicitly stated being too straightforward would take all the charm out of it.

Jennifer Connelly had dressed up deliberately today. She wore a white T-shirt, revealing the curves underneath, with a small jacket over it, left open at the front.

Her lower half was clad in a short skirt, paired with black stockings and high heels.

Needless to say, Charlize Theron had advised Jennifer Connelly on this outfit, making sure she dressed according to Gilbert's preferences.

As Jennifer Connelly stood on set, smiling charmingly while watching Gilbert direct, many people in the crew couldn't help but steal glances at her.

However, everyone was tactful. She was probably the director's special someone, and nobody wanted to risk being the next Mel Gibson, who had offended the wrong person and ended up in serious trouble.

After a long day of work, Charlize Theron invited Gilbert and Jennifer Connelly to dinner, then led them both to her hotel room.

Since The Matrix was being filmed in Los Angeles, Gilbert could have gone back to live at Melon Manor.

However, doing so would make it seem like he wasn't fully dedicated to the movie. So unless he had something urgent, he usually stayed at the hotel with the crew.

"I've done everything I needed to. The rest is up to you two," Charlize Theron clapped her hands, smiling as she left the room.

She was incredibly thoughtful, even hanging a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door to prevent hotel staff from interrupting.

After having a little wine at dinner, Jennifer Connelly's cheeks were flushed. Seeing Gilbert staring at her, she shyly lowered her head.

"Jenny, you're really beautiful." Gilbert cupped Jennifer Connelly's face and praised her.

"Thank you..." Jennifer Connelly looked up at Gilbert, her eyes like autumn water, as if they could melt him.

Their emotions ignited quickly, dry wood meeting fire.

The jacket was tossed to the floor, the short skirt slowly slid down, and under the ceiling light, their figures gradually merged into one.

A hand gripped the headboard, the bed creaking under the weight. Everything happened naturally.

The next morning, Gilbert went to work feeling refreshed, while Jennifer Connelly remained in the hotel room, unable to get out of bed.

Charlize Theron, who had no scenes to shoot that day, came by to check on her.

Jennifer Connelly rolled her eyes at Charlize Theron. "Are you satisfied now? I've finally fulfilled your wish and slept with Gilbert."

Charlize Theron giggled. "If I could, I'd want to have him all to myself. But you know, for actresses like us, it's hard without a powerful backer."

"Are you really only staying with him because he can support you?" Jennifer Connelly asked curiously.

"Of course not. I came from South Africa to Los Angeles, trying to make it in Hollywood. The only reason I've made it this far is because I met Gilbert.

It was Michelle who introduced me to him. She brought me to meet Gilbert, and that's how I got to where I am today.

All of us Naomi, Michelle, and me we all rely on Gilbert to have a foothold in Hollywood.

Take Naomi Watts, for example. Even after becoming an A-list actress, she still willingly lives at Melon Manor. There's love involved, yes, but also mutual benefit and a sense of gratitude..."

Charlize Theron explained why she couldn't leave Gilbert. She had started from nothing without him, who knows where she'd be?

Maybe she would've ended up as just another skinny model at some agency, or even filming certain types of movies in San Fernando Valley.

The deeper reasons were more complicated.

No matter the industry or society, like it or not, certain traits naturally categorize people.

It was nearly impossible to make it in Hollywood alone. Every powerful figure represented some force behind them.

Gilbert, for instance, was highly regarded by Hollywood's Squid Club and seen by the Italian Mob as the next leading figure after Coppola.

That wasn't a position he could refuse. Even if he claimed he didn't want to be a Squid Club member or a key figure for the Italians, he had no choice.

For actresses like them, they existed under the protection of these powerful figures. Without backing, one wrong move could lead to their downfall.

That was the unfortunate reality.

Before the era of female empowerment, actresses were naturally at a disadvantage. Just look at Hollywood's top executives less than ten percent were women. That said enough.

So staying with Gilbert wasn't just about security he was also handsome and naturally gifted.

It was even profitable. Otherwise, how had Naomi Watts climbed to the top?

Feelings and interests intertwined, creating this so-called "Hollywood phenomenon."

It was only a "phenomenon" because the women at Melon Manor seemed content to only be with Gilbert and no one else.

Of course, that was partly because Gilbert was possessive. But still, it was unusual.

One thing was certain: no one dared to go after his women. The last man who tried was still in prison.

Jennifer Connelly smoothly became part of this arrangement.

It wasn't unusual. As long as there was no marriage, no one could say anything. Even married people in Hollywood played around.

Jennifer Connelly then made a move. With Gilbert's tacit approval, she hired paparazzi to take photos of her publicly moving into Melon Manor.

The purpose was clear to announce to the world her close relationship with Gilbert.

Sure enough, after the news spread, several men who had been pursuing her instantly backed off.

These men were either indie producers, rising actors, or well-known photographers.

But after the reports, they acted like she had the plague not only did they stop chasing her, but they even avoided her.

No one wanted to end up like that guy who had fled to Europe out of fear.

To her surprise, in the following days, she secured several roles she had been vying for.

Her career, which had been stagnant, suddenly advanced, making her feel the power of having a strong backer.

So this was what Charlize Theron had meant.

Having a powerful man behind her felt incredible. Jennifer Connelly regretted not meeting Gilbert sooner she might already be an A-list star.

Meanwhile, more and more people came to visit the Matrix set, including Tom Cruise.

Tom Cruise had long wanted to work with Gilbert but hadn't been able to.

He had even publicly expressed his wish to collaborate, making himself look like an infatuated fan.

Now, with some free time before Mission: Impossible 2, Tom Cruise showed up in person determined to secure a promise from Gilbert.

....

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