[Chapter 474: How About Quitting?]
"Link, how's the script?" Michael Ovitz asked.
"Not bad, it has potential," Link replied objectively. Although the love triangle plot was a cliche, the script had many strengths: standout selling points, handsome men and beautiful women, themes of friendship and love, plenty of explosions and aerial battles, and good triumphing over evil.
The story also included positive portrayals of countries like France, Britain, and Japan, which could appeal to international audiences.
The selling points were clearly defined, top-notch for a commercial film.
"Link, how about directing this movie yourself? You've directed Saving Private Ryan and The English Patient, so you're familiar with this genre. If you continue with films like this, the box office will definitely do well," Ovitz said with a laugh.
"When do you plan to start filming?"
"If you don't have time this year, shoot it next year."
"I have three movies lined up next year; I don't have the time for a big project like this."
"No worries, we can wait - even another year or two."
Ovitz had heard about Warner Bros. Pictures' box office failure with Batman & Robin. Warner Bros. had originally wanted Link to continue directing the series but contacted him too late; he was booked solid.
They then hired Joel Schumacher to direct quickly, hoping to cash in on the success of Batman Forever. However, Schumacher's Batman was poorly received, and audiences rejected it, leaving the franchise unfinished.
Ovitz didn't want to repeat that mistake.
Link thought for a moment and shook his head. "The script is structurally sound, but I don't like the story, and I'm not skilled at directing love triangle films. I suggest you find a director better suited for this genre."
"Link, please reconsider. If you direct, the whole project is yours. Even script changes are fine. We just want your cooperation."
Ovitz spoke sincerely, watching Link's expression closely to gauge his true attitude. Was Link genuinely disinterested, or did he see problems with the script and hope to game Disney by staying silent?
"Changing the script would be troublesome. Plus, my schedule for the next two years is packed. I don't have time to take on Pearl Harbor."
"Link, you choose the shooting dates. We're offering 20% of the North American box office and 15% overseas. That's our best offer."
Ovitz dropped the highest offer right away, hoping to impress Link. He usually saved such details for late negotiations, but Link skipped all the formalities.
Link stroked his chin. Previously, the Big Seven studios had offered him 15% worldwide and a base salary of $10 million. Now Ovitz was offering 20% of North American box office. If Pearl Harbor exceeded $200 million domestically, Link could make tens of millions more.
For him, blockbuster bonuses ranged from 15%-20%, so flaws in Pearl Harbor's plot wouldn't affect his earnings.
"Alright, I'll squeeze this movie into my schedule."
"Uh... okay!"
Ovitz was stunned but nodded, secretly cursing Link. He had seen Link firmly refuse before, as if truly uninterested, but once the salary was named, Link changed his mind immediately.
Ovitz suspected Link was manipulating him to negotiate a higher salary -- and he'd walked right into the trap unprepared.
Damn it! Link was a billionaire, yet he played these petty tricks over a few million dollars.
Ovitz cursed him silently.
"Mike, I'm going to rest first. Have fun tonight. There are a lot of beauties here, but please take care of yourself," Link smiled softly as he left the cafe with the script and a few girlfriends.
...
Michael Ovitz waved goodbye, but as soon as Link disappeared behind the revolving door, his smile faded and he slammed his fist on the sofa's armrest.
Link was a despicable bastard. Every time Ovitz gambled or did business with him, he got the short end and felt foolish.
'Forget it. Don't be mad. When Harvey and Epstein take Link's company down, I'll find a way to get back at him,' Ovitz vowed.
He stood and left.
He saw a group of Latino women soliciting on the street and tempted to call some back to his hotel room, but thinking of Link's proposal, he feared a trap and restrained himself.
He went back to his hotel, angry and sleepless.
...
After parting ways with Ovitz, Link returned to the hotel with his girlfriends to relax under the soft starlight shining through the glass dome atop the Caribbean Coast Hotel.
He spent a wonderful night with girlfriends including Jennifer Lopez and Cate Blanchett.
---
In early July, after filming scenes in the Caribbean, the production moved to Baja California, Mexico, to shoot naval battle scenes in a large water tank.
By July, six major commercial films had already opened in North America.
Among them: Warner Bros. Pictures released Lethal Weapon 4; Disney and Guess Films co-produced the animated film Mulan; Fox released the comedy Doctor Dolittle; DreamWorks released the animated Small Soldiers; and Guess-MGM Studios released two low-budget comedies, There's Something About Mary and The Waterboy.
...
After weeks of box office battles, the July results were in. The low-budget romantic comedy There's Something About Mary from Guess Pictures unexpectedly became July's highest-grossing film and a box office dark horse.
It told the story of Ted, who as a kid met beautiful blonde Mary at a party and fell in love, but lacked the courage to express himself.
Thirteen years later, Ted is successful, searches for Mary through private detective Hurley, who gets smitten himself and pursues Mary madly.
Just as Hurley's about to win her over, Ted finds her and confesses. Mary chooses Ted after some struggle, and they marry.
Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly (of Dumb and Dumber fame), starring Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, the film cost $23 million.
After four weeks, it earned $107 million domestically, becoming Guess Films' third $100 million North American hit this year.
The media predicted it would reach $180 million in North America, making it the biggest surprise hit of the year.
The comedy Doctor Dolittle came in second, earning $87.47 million domestically after four weeks, with a $65 million budget.
It looked like a box office hit.
Third was The Waterboy, about a water delivery man on a college football team, ridiculed for being dull but eventually coached to a star player by a rival coach.
It starred Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, and Angelina Jolie, cost $25 million, and earned $75.35 million after two weeks. It was expected to exceed $100 million domestically.
It would be Guess-MGM's fourth $100 million domestic hit this year.
Fourth was Disney and Guess Pictures' animated Mulan, based on the Chinese folk tale of a young woman who takes her father's place in the army to fight invading Huns.
It cost $75 million and earned $85.03 million domestically after three weeks.
The other films did average business.
Guess-MGM had dominated summer with their four hits, leading the industry in total box office.
...
Meanwhile, Miramax was struggling.
"Alas, this movie lost money again," Bob Weinstein lamented.
Miramax had borrowed heavily to produce six films, including Rounders, Sliding Doors, and 54, and bought distribution rights for eight international films, including Smoke Signals, Artemisia, and Beyond Silence.
Most were artsy fare. Only Rounders, Sliding Doors, and The Young Girls of Rochefort turned a profit; the rest lost $60 million.
Miramax was heavily in debt, operating at a loss. Without Disney's funding, they'd be unable to produce movies next year.
"Why sigh at me? I'm not president anymore," Harvey Weinstein said, smoking a cigar, his face gloomy.
Last year, due to a scandal, Disney removed him as Miramax president. Now he was general producer, overseeing projects but still the de facto decision maker.
Bob said, "The company's debt is $300 million, with $4-5 million yearly interest. If losses continue, Miramax will go bankrupt by next year. Then we'll all be laid off."
Harvey twitched around his eyes and coughed. "What can we do? I'll hear you out."
Bob sighed, "We don't have lofty ideals. We're in this business for money and, well, to meet women. When the company isn't profitable and we can't pick up high-quality women, there's no reason to continue.
My suggestion is bankruptcy -- to use the remaining funds and contacts in other industries. With our skills, we can make money and meet women elsewhere. What do you think?"
"No way!" Harvey said fiercely. "Movies are our lives and livelihood. We've put 20 years into this. Quitting now wastes all that effort."
"But the fact is we can't make money anymore. Quitting now protects our capital and lifestyle. Staying means losing everything. Which do you want?" Bob retorted.
Harvey's face darkened. "No matter what, I won't quit -- not even if I die. This isn't over. Link, that bastard, won't keep getting away with this."
"Give it up, Harvey. Link's a billionaire. We can't beat him. Fighting only hurts us. Better to apologize to Link, admit past mistakes, and deepen ties with Guess Pictures. Then maybe we get a seat back at the Hollywood table."
"Shut up! You want to be Link's little follower; I want to be Hollywood's king. No one stops me."
Harvey kicked a chair and stormed off, limping.
*****
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