Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 122: The Party]

The premiere of Bram Stoker's Dracula had wrapped up, and Link and Monica were invited to the after-party at the Bulgari Hotel.

Through Sofia's introduction, Link met a host of Hollywood A-listers including Al Pacino, Nicolas Cage, Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, and Winona Ryder. At the party, he found common ground with Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage, but had a harder time talking to the older crowd, including Gary Oldman, Richard Gere, and Dustin Hoffman. Link made an effort to greet a few but didn't receive warm responses, prompting him to move on.

...

As the year came to a close, conversations at the party revolved around the upcoming Golden Globe Awards and the Oscars, discussing which films might snag the coveted awards. Al Pacino's Scent of a Woman, Robert Downey Jr.'s Chaplin, Tom Cruise's A Few Good Men, and Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven were among the films frequently mentioned.

However, no one seemed to acknowledge the year's box office top place, Paranormal Activity, or the critically acclaimed Buried.

"Nah, Link, you're not banking on the little golden guy, are you?" Nicolas Cage leaned against the railing, swirling his drink with a grin.

"Of course, I am! Don't you want one?" Link replied.

"Ha! I'd love to, but between you and me, I think the odds are stacked against you." Nicolas chuckled, pointing at Link.

"Why's that?" Link asked, intrigued.

"Come on, you know how the Academy works. Their voters are industry folks from various guilds. This year, you've shown everyone with two films that a good actor, a great cinematographer, or even a skilled production designer doesn't matter as much. You've demonstrated that a film can still break records without them. The success of Paranormal Activity essentially undermined the traditional ways of filmmaking and their value, so good luck getting their votes." Nicolas laughed.

Johnny Depp chimed in, "The box office numbers for Paranormal Activity really were astonishing. It caught everyone off guard. I heard some folks even suggested that The Hollywood Reporter shouldn't include it in their annual box office rankings. Since Paranormal Activity completely dominated both domestic and global markets, it must've stung for a lot of filmmakers; they're probably grumbling about you behind closed doors and you can bet they won't be voting for you."

Dressed in a sharp plaid suit with his hair neatly combed, Johnny carried a friendly smile, emanating a youthful charm that would soon evolve over the years. People often said that actors craft characters, but in truth, characters also shape the actors. The more seasoned one became, the deeper the impressions characters left behind.

Had Johnny Depp not played iconic roles like Edward Scissorhands or Captain Jack Sparrow, he likely wouldn't have transformed into the star he later became.

"If I were Link, I wouldn't be sweating the Oscars at all. Six hundred million dollars in box office revenue as the year's top film -- that's a badge of honor no award can compare with." Keanu Reeves chuckled, flashing his handsome smile.

"Absolutely. After all, the title of box office champion is just as prestigious as best picture at the Oscars. Only one film gets it each year, and in Hollywood's century-long history, only a hundred films have ever claimed that title. That's a worthy accomplishment!" Nicolas added with a laugh.

"Sounds logical. If that's the case, I think I'll let one of you take my spot for next year's Oscars; how does that sound? Very generous, right?" Link joked.

"Ha! Sure, as if you'd ever actually get nominated!" They all laughed together.

Link chuckled lightly, recognizing the lightheartedness. Both Buried and Paranormal Activity, being thrillers, could be submitted for next year's Saturn Awards. However, the Oscars and Golden Globes traditionally recognized high-quality artistic films or innovative commercial projects. Neither Buried nor Paranormal Activity necessarily fit the Oscar criteria. If Link wanted an Oscar, he'd have to craft something of a higher caliber to gain the elite's recognition.

For someone like him, who had already ruffled feathers within half the industry, that would be quite a challenge.

...

"Hey, handsome guys, look over here!"

Hearing the call, Link, Keanu, and Johnny instinctively turned.

Click! Click!

Sofia had her camera aimed at the trio, capturing a series of shots. Link and Keanu stood at the center while Johnny stood on the left, and Nicolas leaned casually against the railing on the right.

"Wait up, Sofia! I'm not ready!" Nicolas straightened up, adjusting his bow tie.

"Honestly, it's fine without you," Sofia mumbled before snapping another shot of the four of them.

The group posed in their dark suits, standing tall and looking dapper, each exuding their own distinct charm.

"So, what are you guys chatting about? It looks like you're having a blast," Sofia asked, still holding her camera.

"Link here was just saying he wants to snag the Oscar for Best Director, but we told him it's a long shot, hah!" Nicolas grinned widely.

"What's so funny? Link's only twenty! He's snagged the top box office; why wouldn't he be able to get the Best Director Oscar?"

"That's different. The box office championship relies heavily on luck, whereas the Oscar for Best Director is selected by thousands of voters -- it's based entirely on merit, so it's much tougher to achieve," Nicolas countered.

...

As Nicolas and Sofia exchanged thoughts, Martin Scorsese approached Link to chat. He praised both Buried and Paranormal Activity, calling Link a unique, talented, and creative director with immense potential in the film industry.

Scorsese encouraged Link to study film theory in his spare time and to keep making appealing films. He went on to discuss the balance of entertainment and art in cinema. While he agreed with Sofia that entertainment included elements of art, he believed that art's purpose extends beyond merely pleasing the elite; it also raises the aesthetic standards of the general audience and allows them to empathize with the deeper aspects of humanity.

As the audience's appreciation grows, so too do their expectations for films, compelling directors to elevate their craft. This, in turn, would result in a flourishing film industry -- a long-term vision.

Link nodded, acknowledging Scorsese's perspective. Pleased with Link's agreement, Scorsese handed over his contact information, offering his support if Link ever faced creative challenges. As a professor at New York University, Scorsese spoke with the seriousness and patience of an esteemed educator.

Link sincerely thanked the gentle older man for his encouragement.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.