Although everyone was curious about Gilbert and Tom Cruise's backup project, the host knew this show was primarily meant to promote the film, so all the questions focused on the movie.
Regarding The False, Gilbert said: "This film requires a very sharp mind to understand, with many twists and turns. The identities of Hanks and Cruise in the story are a huge mystery, and everyone will have to go to the cinema to discover the answers."
"All right," the host summarized, "in short, don't miss this movie. Go to the cinema this summer and see for yourself!"
The last few questions were about football.
In the UK, football is as important as afternoon tea. The British can give up many things, but they must have afternoon tea and football.
As a result, football is a perennial topic on British talk shows. When Hollywood stars visit, they always talk a bit about football.
Today, Gilbert's discussion of the topic was quite natural.
Regarding the host's question, Gilbert responded positively: "Yes, my team has been in contact with Arsenal executives for a long time, and the progress is going very smoothly."
The host asked again: "When did you start thinking about acquiring a Premier League club?"
Gilbert credited Prince Charles: "It was the last time, when Prince Charles introduced me to British football culture, that I became interested in football."
It turned out this had something to do with the British royal family, and the audience was surprised. That was Prince Charles' first move in this story.
After the recording, Tom Hanks, curious about the backup movie, asked Gilbert: "What exactly is the project?"
Gilbert looked at Tom Cruise: "Cruise?"
Tom Cruise revealed a bit of insider information: "It's a zombie movie set in a post-apocalyptic world, with a father-daughter story arc."
Tom Hanks still didn't fully understand what was appealing about the story, but Gilbert's productions were always guaranteed to be high quality.
Gilbert had already discussed this in advance with Tom Cruise, so Hanks didn't push for the project and stopped asking.
The show aired quickly. Given Gilbert's current popularity in the UK and the presence of two Hollywood stars, this episode broke viewership records.
It also sparked widespread discussion. At this point, people in the UK no longer cared much about the movie itself.
Everyone was focused on football and football-related topics.
Soon, fans got their opportunity. A few days later, in the VIP box at Highbury, Gilbert appeared with Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, and Arsenal executives.
Sky Sports broadcast the game, and the cameras captured Gilbert before the match.
Gilbert stood up and greeted the fans, who responded with warm applause and cheers, welcoming the team's potential new owner.
Although the takeover had not been finalized, everyone knew Arsenal executives could not resist Gilbert's financial power.
Gilbert being invited by the Arsenal management to watch the match together was proof of this.
"Mr. Landrini, look, Arsenal has the best fans and the best match atmosphere," said an Arsenal executive accompanying him.
Fearing that the three Hollywood celebrities didn't understand football, he explained everything happening on the pitch.
Gilbert was a casual fan. He knew more about stars from his own era, like Ronaldo and Messi. He didn't know many current players and only had a basic understanding of the rules.
Seemingly aware that the new owner was watching, the Arsenal players performed exceptionally well. Their number nine star, Henry, even scored twice.
Watching Henry sprint across the pitch celebrating, Gilbert asked: "This is Arsenal's number one player now?"
"Not only him," the executive replied. "From midfield to forwards, we have world-class players. Besides Henry, we have Bergkamp."
"I know him, the Ice Prince!" Gilbert said.
The executive brightened, smiling as if saying, "You really know your football," then continued: "In midfield, we have Vieira, Ljungberg, Robert Pirès, and Gilberto Silva. On the bench, there's Reyes and Fabregas."
Gilbert recognized Fabregas' name; it seemed a friend from a past life who was an Arsenal fan hated him, calling him a traitor.
With several players Gilbert knew, it was no surprise Arsenal had achieved such results.
The only remaining question was whether, with the new stadium under construction, the club could retain these players while strengthening the squad—a challenge for Arsenal's management.
But if Gilbert took over Arsenal, none of this would be an issue. He had plenty of money.
A conversation in an Arsenal-supporting household: the father worried that Gilbert might treat Arsenal as a profit-making tool.
The son and mother were unconcerned. The son said: "Dad, you shouldn't doubt Director Gilbert's capabilities. He's a billionaire and flew to the UK on a private jet."
The father was surprised: "Really? Aren't businessmen only after profit?"
The mother explained: "That's businessmen. Director Gilbert is an artist."
Indeed, who cares about money if you're an artist! But an artist without money is hopeless. Gilbert was now telling film fans an artistic story about making counterfeit money, guaranteeing them excitement.
After a few days in the UK, attending shows and watching matches, Gilbert prepared to return to North America.
Next were the film's test screenings and premiere.
Before returning to Los Angeles, Gilbert finally met the rumored Jilly Hazel, the "third edition girl," and football beauty.
Although the gossip was hyped by The Sun, just in case Gilbert was interested, Arsenal executives arranged a dinner for Gilbert and Hazel.
After dinner, what happened next was up to their own discretion.
Hazel was undeniably beautiful, especially her chest, which was large and very eye-catching.
But Gilbert wasn't particularly moved. He had seen many blonde, curvy women, and Hazel wasn't special.
The two had a friendly dinner, discussing football extensively. Of course, gossip reporters photographed them, ready to spin a story.
Hazel would likely gain considerable popularity from the news.
After dinner, as they exited the restaurant and saw gossip reporters nearby, Hazel apologized: "I'm sorry, I didn't intend this, but I had to cooperate."
"No problem, Miss Hazel," Gilbert replied casually. "Consider it my little mischief. If you become famous, I'll feel accomplished."
Hazel tilted her head at this Hollywood director, thinking, Do all big Hollywood figures have such peculiar tastes?
However, the imagined romantic moment did not occur. Hazel only received Gilbert's business card from the scowling Ivanka.
Holding the card, Hazel couldn't help wondering if she had a chance to go to Hollywood and pursue her career!
Girls love to dream, and Gilbert's world often made dreams come true.
Back in Los Angeles, Gilbert stayed busy, hosting and attending several test screenings to gauge media and fan reactions.
Given his status, his films didn't really need test screenings to build a reputation.
But The False was a particularly bold attempt, so he had to invest effort in publicity.
First, media and critics attended test screenings. Before watching, Gilbert chatted with his old friend Roger Ebert.
"How have you been lately?"
"Thanks to you, not bad," Roger Ebert replied, looking around at the test screening setup. "You really went all out on this one!"
Gilbert smiled and explained, "There are some things here that are hard to get just right, so I invited you all to supervise."
"The films you make have always been good," Roger Ebert said confidently, even more assured than Gilbert himself.
The test screening began quickly. The crime film, featuring three of Hollywood's biggest stars, finally unfolded.
Honestly, even though Roger Ebert had mentally prepared himself, he still hadn't expected The False to be this kind of film.
At first, he thought the commanding presence of Tom Cruise meant he was the main character, but the final twist surprised him greatly. It turned out the character was actually created by Tom Hanks.
Tom Cruise, in fact, was just a minor police officer. He particularly enjoyed the final yacht scene. The scenes with the real artist Mary were also compelling—Ebert even assumed Mary was the true painter.
The detailed sequence of making counterfeit money in the middle of the film excited Roger Ebert in a strange way; simply put, it hit his "G-spot."
He exchanged opinions with several colleagues, and everyone agreed this was a truly outstanding crime film.
The plot twists were not for the sake of twists alone but served the story naturally.
And the cast—three… no, four leading actors, plus a host of familiar veteran Hollywood faces in supporting roles—delivered performances that left everyone thrilled.
After the test screening, Roger Ebert privately told Gilbert: "Though the genres are different, it gave me the same surprise as watching The Sixth Sense. The final twist was truly unexpected."
It wasn't just Roger Ebert; most critics gave the film positive reviews, boosting Gilbert's confidence.
Subsequently, the film held additional test screenings for theaters and seasoned film fans, all receiving good word-of-mouth, giving Gilbert reassurance.
This film was Gilbert's first daring attempt, and the favorable feedback at least indicated that the quality was solid and that it could perform well during the summer box office season.
Next, it would depend on how the film performed in the market.
...
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