Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 119: Four Hundred Years of Terror]

On Friday, Link accompanied Monica to the Beverly Boulevard Cinema for the premiere. The film, Bram Stoker's Dracula, was a collaborative project between Columbia Pictures and director Francis Ford Coppola's studio. They had begun filming in the latter half of last year and wrapped up in March of this year.

The movie starred Hollywood's rising star Winona Ryder and renowned British actor Gary Oldman. It also featured Hollywood heartthrob Keanu Reeves, among others. Monica played the eighth female lead, with only a few seconds of screen time, barely qualifying as a supporting character. However, her character was prominently placed fifth on the movie poster with a half-body shot. Columbia Pictures promoted her, claiming that Katie, the lead character from the horror film Paranormal Activity, made a surprising appearance in the vampire film, delivering a thrilling performance.

Interestingly, in Paranormal Activity, Monica portrayed Katie, who ultimately was possessed by an evil spirit that drained her boyfriend Micah's blood. In Bram Stoker's Dracula, she played a vampire bride. It was a quirky connection, crossing two different eras and genres through Monica's role.

...

"Hey, Link, why didn't you tell me you were attending the premiere of Bram Stoker's Dracula?" Sofia Coppola asked as she caught up with them at the cinema's entrance.

"I thought you knew," Link replied casually.

"We wanted to surprise you," Monica chimed in playfully.

"It really is a surprise! Link, come with me later to meet my dad. He's been wanting to chat with you," Sofia continued as she walked beside them.

"Finally going to meet the legendary director Coppola? I'm a bit excited," Link admitted.

"Don't make a fuss! My dad's a fan of yours; he might ask for your autograph," Sofia teased while giving him a light nudge.

...

Director Coppola was known as a leading figure of the Italian American mafia in Hollywood and one of the most established directors in the industry. Famous filmmaker George Lucas had even been his assistant in the 70s, and fellow Italian-American director Martin Scorsese had also benefited from Coppola's mentorship.

Coppola's films launched the careers of numerous actors, including Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Matt Dillon, Diane Wiest, and Nicolas Cage, most of whom shared Italian heritage. This group was central to Hollywood's Italian American elite.

Since Coppola's new movie premiered today, a plethora of stars attended the event, ranging from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino to Richard Gere and Madonna, as well as Dustin Hoffman. Link, though a notable director himself, felt he still had some distance to cover among these seasoned veterans.

...

Through Sofia's introductions, he finally met Francis Ford Coppola. The director, at age 53, had a robust figure, slicked-back hair, and a full beard, exuding the charisma of a mafia godfather.

Upon seeing Link, Coppola's demeanor was not as warm as Sofia had portrayed. He exchanged pleasantries and praised Link's novel, Interstellar, hoping he would write more books of similar caliber. However, he never mentioned Link's two films, as if viewing him purely as an author rather than a filmmaker.

"Dad, why don't you mention Link's films? Paranormal Activity grossed over $600 million worldwide, far more than 99% of directors' films. Don't you want to say something?" Sofia playfully urged.

Coppola shot her a sidelong glance and begrudgingly said, "Buried is impressive, very creative. It's rare for a new director to produce such a quality film on a limited budget; you definitely have potential."

"Thank you, Mr. Coppola, I appreciate the praise. I will do my best," Link responded with a smile.

"What kind of praise is that? Link shot Buried for $20,000, grossing over $70 million, and with Paranormal Activity, it made over $600 million. That might reach $700 million eventually. Can you achieve that? Clearly not. Not just you, but Uncle Scorsese wouldn't either." Sofia's playful jab sparked laughter nearby.

Martin Scorsese, who was also present, watched the banter unfold, clearly entertained with Sofia's rebuttals against her father. At age 50, he bore a somewhat jovial expression, with strikingly dark eyebrows that contrasted Coppola's gray beard. However, upon hearing Sofia's comments, his brows furrowed, transforming his face into an expression of mock dismay.

"Sofia, why are you dragging me into this?" Scorsese complained.

"What I'm saying is fact! Link created a 600-mbillion-dollar film on a $20,000 budget, a miracle in filmmaking that teaches all new directors a vital lesson: in the movie industry, capital isn't everything; talent is key."

Sofia continued, her finger dancing in the air with excitement.

"Is box office all that matters? If everyone followed your logic, the best films would only be commercial ones. Is that what you want? To abandon all artistic integrity?"

Coppola's expression turned serious as the conversation shifted.

"I once thought artistic value was essential. After working with Link, I've come to realize it might not be as critical as I thought."

"Wait, artistic integrity isn't important?" Sofia's claim sent shockwaves through Coppola, who felt incredulous that his artistic daughter would dismiss the importance of art in film.

"Do you really understand? Artistic integrity is the soul of any artistic endeavor -- painting, literature, cinema. A film without it is like a soul-less human being, dull and lifeless. Do you think artistic value is unimportant?" Coppola's voice grew louder, drawing attention from those nearby who were eager to witness the escalating exchange.

"Sofia, please," Monica tried gently pulling Sofia's arm to calm the dispute.

Sofia had a habit of arguing, regardless of the audience -- friend or family, anyone was fair game for her debates. Link stood between Sofia and Monica, facing Coppola, Scorsese, and the surrounding crowd, content to observe the lively conversation unfold.

"Dad, please don't misinterpret. I'm saying that while artistic value is still essential in film, I don't think it's the most crucial factor. Those are two different concepts," Sofia clarified.

"Then what do you think is most important?" Scorsese challenged.

"Entertainment, of course," Sofia replied confidently.

Coppola, Scorsese, and the others shook their heads in disapproval.

*****

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