Chapter 224: Even a Sex Offender Can Win Awards?
Los Angeles, Sunset Boulevard — ArcLight Cinema.
A media screening was held for Philadelphia, directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington.
Aaron attended the event with Monica Bellucci.
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Backstage in the dressing room, Aaron wrapped an arm around Monica and kissed her lightly.
"The lingerie campaign you shot for Victoria's Secret was incredibly sexy."
Monica smiled, leaning back against him. "I heard you're planning to organize a Victoria's Secret fashion show. Is that true?"
"Yes. In New York. Tentatively scheduled for November."
Aaron hadn't been deeply involved in the day-to-day operations. Since Victoria's Secret had separated from Limited Brands and restructured, new management had been appointed to oversee the business.
"By the way," Aaron added, "Dawnlight's horror label has received a few promising scripts. When we move forward, I want you as the lead."
"Once Philadelphia is released, more people will start to recognize you."
Her appearance in Interview with the Vampire was still just a supporting role. Compared to her earlier part in Bram Stoker's Dracula, she had slightly more screen time—but it was still not a breakout performance.
"Okay," Monica replied softly.
---
Soon they returned to the auditorium.
Philadelphia tackled several themes, but at its core were homosexuality and AIDS—both highly sensitive and controversial issues in early 1990s America.
At the time, prejudice and fear toward LGBTQ individuals and AIDS patients were widespread. Many viewed them as immoral, abnormal, or dangerous, deserving exclusion rather than compassion.
The film follows Andrew Beckett, a lawyer unjustly dismissed from his firm after his AIDS diagnosis becomes known. Through his experiences—in the workplace, in court, and within his family—the film exposes systemic discrimination while affirming dignity, courage, and humanity in the face of illness and societal bias.
Beyond that, the story also explores justice, empathy, love, and family.
The journalists present at the screening responded overwhelmingly positively. Many audience members were visibly moved.
And Tom Hanks' performance was nothing short of extraordinary—restrained, vulnerable, and deeply authentic.
---
Backstage again, Aaron found Jonathan Demme.
"Jonathan, I've reviewed the latest revision of Red Dragon. After these changes, the script is in excellent shape. I think we can move into production."
Demme nodded.
"I've read it too. I'm satisfied. I'll begin preparations soon. Anthony Hopkins is willing to return—no issues there. But we still need a strong male lead to match him."
Aaron smiled slightly.
With Hopkins reprising Hannibal Lecter, the project had weight.
Now they just needed the right man to stand opposite him.
Aaron nodded.
"For The Silence of the Lambs prequel—Red Dragon—the budget won't be under $45 million. We have room to approach a wide range of actors."
"Understood," Jonathan Demme replied. "I'll begin casting. We should be able to start shooting by the end of the year."
It was already September. Three months of preparation would be sufficient—especially since the project had been in development for quite some time.
---
That evening, Aaron and Monica Bellucci were driving back to Beverly Hills along Sunset Boulevard when they passed the newly reopened Viper Room.
Since Johnny Depp had become one of its co-owners, the club had turned into a magnet for Hollywood celebrities.
"Aaron, what's special about that bar?" Monica asked from the passenger seat.
Aaron smiled, his hand resting lightly on her thigh. "Johnny Depp is one of the owners."
Of course, that wasn't what truly caught Aaron's attention. What he remembered was that River Phoenix had died outside that very club.
"Johnny Depp? Winona Ryder's ex-boyfriend, right?"
Monica had worked on Bram Stoker's Dracula and was somewhat familiar with Winona Ryder.
"Yes. That's him."
Monica didn't dwell on it. Instead, she changed the subject.
"Did you follow the Venice Film Festival last month?"
Aaron nodded. "Of course. The Golden Lion went to the American film Short Cuts and the French film Three Colors: Blue."
Short Cuts was directed by Robert Altman and starred Tim Robbins and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Three Colors: Blue, the first installment of the trilogy by Polish-French director Krzysztof Kieślowski, featured Juliette Binoche in the lead role.
Monica smiled. "This year's Venice festival was lively. Four people received Lifetime Achievement Golden Lions—Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro, Roman Polanski, and Claudia Cardinale."
Aaron paused, then scoffed lightly. "Roman Polanski received a Lifetime Achievement award?"
He shook his head. "The man's a convicted sex offender—and a fugitive from the United States."
Monica shrugged gently. "Polanski is still highly respected in Europe. His films are considered artistically significant."
She hadn't expected that to be Aaron's focus.
Then she added, "By the way, I heard the North American distribution rights for Kieślowski's Three Colors trilogy are with Miramax…"
Aaron's eyes narrowed slightly.
That was worth noting.