Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 121: Premiere]

"Link, I'm so happy! I can't believe it!"

In the audience, Sophia hugged one of his arms, nearly bouncing with excitement.

"What are you so happy about? Is it because you said those things that left everyone speechless?" Link joked.

"Yes! In the past, when my dad and his friends talked about film artistry, it felt like they were discussing religion -- so serious and stiff. Whenever I disagreed, they shot me down, completely dismissing my views. Back then, I didn't know much and thought film was supposed to be somber and untouchable. But then I saw that movie you made with $20,000, and it dominated those overhyped Hollywood blockbusters. You were incredible.

Then I heard about your theory on accessible filmmaking, how you made movies for the ordinary audience, and it hit me! You're right; movies should be straightforward and understandable. They shouldn't be the kind of work that pretentious old men make to seem smart, thinking that if people don't understand it, it's the audience's fault. I've decided -- I want to make films that everyone can understand."

Link ran his hand across his forehead, realizing that he might be leading a talented young director astray.

"Sophia, do you know what my goal was as a director?" he asked.

"You mentioned wanting to win an Oscar and awards from the major film festivals in Europe."

"Exactly. Do you know who the judges usually are?"

"What do you mean?"

"The Oscar judges and other festival panels are mostly elites who value film artistry and have high standards. If I want to win those awards, I can't keep making movies like Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project. In the future, I plan to create more artistically ambitious commercial films. At first, I was a newcomer trying to make money with Paranormal Activity, since economic success lays the groundwork for more elevated projects. Without money, I can't create films that appeal to both ordinary viewers and elites.

So when you become a director, don't stress over what constitutes commercial versus art film. Just make what you love. Only when you liberate yourself from those constraints can you reach a level of artistic freedom and create films that get acclaim. Don't obsess over what you learned on the set of The Blair Witch Project, and don't undermine the techniques Coppola has taught you. If you can see both sides with a balanced perspective, you'll find your own path."

Link spoke seriously, hoping to guide Sophia away from the potential pitfalls of following his path too closely. His technical skills were solid, and while his directing theories were fresh, he still had a way to go to match the likes of Coppola.

"I know. But I'm starting to really see how talented you are, both in filmmaking and in your thinking," Sophia said, tightening her grip on his arm, holding it between her not-so-full chest, pressing his palm against her warm abdomen, seemingly unfazed by their closeness.

"Eh, I'm not that impressive," Link shrugged.

Beside them, Monica glanced over, feeling a pang of disappointment. Link's left arm was occupied, but he hadn't forgotten Monica on his right side. Once the movie began, he reached out to take her hand, and she too wrapped her arms around his.

Their hands felt warm together.

...

"I..."

From behind Link, Quentin raised his fist, wishing he could bang on Link's head a couple of times. He had heard about Coppola's new film and decided to come by to learn something but found Link with two women, ready to surprise him.

But before he could do anything, Link was already embracing both women -- both knew of each other's presence and didn't seem to mind.

"It's too much! What's a single guy like me supposed to do?" he thought, feeling the predicament, especially since both girls were of Italian descent, just like him.

Two gorgeous Italian girls were ignoring him, instead were captivated by Link -- it was infuriating.

To avoid further jealousy, he switched places with Lawrence, keeping out of sight.

...

As the film started, the story went through the tale of Count Dracula.

In the 15th century, armies from Turkey were invading Europe, threatening to conquer all Christian territories. Count Dracula, commanded to fight for God, faced the battlefield successfully, only to have rumors spread that he had died in battle.

His wife Elizabeth, grieving, jumped to her death. In line with Christian doctrine, suicide meant damnation, so in fury, Dracula pierced the heart of a crucifix and drank the blood of Christ, transforming him into the vampire he doomed to become.

Fast forward four hundred years, a young lawyer named Jonathan was sent to Dracula's castle to finalize a property sale. Dracula, struck by how much Jonathan's fiancee resembled his deceased wife, imprisoned Jonathan and traveled to London to woo his fiancee Mina.

The drama unfolded in a melodramatic way, with Mina slowly recalling her past life and getting caught in a love triangle between Jonathan and Dracula.

Dracula, needing blood to maintain a human guise, murdered several people, including Mina's best friend. After her friend turned into a vampire, a mysterious scholar, Van Helsing, took it upon himself to hunt Dracula down.

In the climax, as they tried to kill Dracula, Mina arrived just in time to save him, and under divine influence, Dracula awakened, realized his sins, and begged Mina to end his life so his soul could ascend to heaven.

...

Overall, the film was quite good -- artistically impressive, with top-notch graphics, elaborate costumes, and beautiful settings. The sound design was engaging, featuring exceptional performances by Gary Oldman as Dracula and Winona Ryder as Mina.

The only downside was the story felt cliched and the tone heavy, lacking the narrative flair of films like Ghost.

Afterward, as the credit rolled, applause and cheers erupted in the theater, indicating the film was well-received. Link clapped his hands too.

"Baby, you were fantastic in the movie," he told Monica.

"Do you really think so?" she asked, smiling. She and the other two actresses in the film had only appeared briefly, seducing the young lawyer with a few lines, dressed provocatively and painted in Gothic makeup, so her performance couldn't be compared to much.

"Absolutely! Each time you appeared on screen, I couldn't take my eyes off you. No one delivered as you did."

Link pulled Monica in for a quick kiss.

Monica shot a glance at Sophia, wrapped her arms around his neck, and drew him into a passionate kiss.

"Hey, have you two kissed enough?" Sophia complained, visibly annoyed.

"Sophia, Link is an amazing kisser. You should give it a try," Monica joked.

"Not interested!" Sophia turned her head away, yet still kept a firm grip on Link's arm.

Link smiled slightly and let go of Monica and Sophia, moving to congratulate Coppola upfront.

*****

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