Los Angeles.
It was Saturday night in the Bel Air community, right next to Beverly Hills.
Yesterday, after officially signing the overseas distribution contract for 'Run Lola Run' with Warner Bros., Simon received an invitation from Terry Semel, CEO of Warner Bros. Pictures, to attend a party he was hosting that evening.
"This is a very clever romantic comedy called 'When Harry Met Sally', which tells the emotional journey of the male and female protagonists, Harry and Sally, over twelve years, from meeting, disliking, coexisting, understanding, and finally falling in love.
The story is somewhat similar to Woody Allen's 'Annie Hall', but without Woody Allen's neuroticism, it feels more heartwarming and interesting".
At the party in the courtyard of the hillside mansion, Terry Semel, holding a cocktail, smiled and listened to Simon finish speaking, but then shook his head and said, "Simon, for 'Annie Hall,' what the audience liked was precisely Woody Allen's neurotic intellectualism.
According to your description, 'When Harry Met Sally' is another romantic drama driven by dialogue and emotional changes. This type of film, without Woody Allen's skill or the participation of big-name actors, will find it difficult to generate much audience interest".
Simon, also holding a cocktail, stood opposite Terry Semel and, upon hearing this, still smiled, neither humble nor arrogant, saying, "Terry, perhaps you should read the script first. If Warner is interested in this film, I can even shoot a demo reel first. This is definitely a film worth investing in".
"Simon, if you pay a little attention, you'll find that Hollywood hasn't had a hit romance film in ten years, let alone a romantic drama with a plain plot".
Terry Semel still shook his head, but then changed his tone and said, "Simon, you are a very talented screenwriter. So, why not try writing some police action movie scripts like 'Beverly Hills Cop' or 'Lethal Weapon'?
That's the current trend in Hollywood in recent years. If you have any ideas in that area, feel free to contact me at any time".
'Beverly Hills Cop' was the North American box office champion produced by Paramount Pictures in 1984.
'Lethal Weapon' belonged to Warner, and the film was released a month ago.
At the time, Warner's high-priced purchase of the script for $250,000 caused a small sensation in Hollywood.
Although it has been firmly suppressed by 'Run Lola Run' since its release, 'Lethal Weapon' has already earned nearly $40 million at the North American box office, and its total North American box office is expected to exceed $60 million.
Compared to its production cost of $15 million, Warner made a substantial profit.
Since conducting a deal with Warner, Simon also took the opportunity to learn more about this major film studio.
The result was that Warner Bros., which he remembered as being very powerful, had been performing even worse than Fox in recent years.
For example, last year, Warner's highest-grossing film of the entire year, 'Cobra' starring Sylvester Stallone, only had a total North American box office of just over $49 million.
After learning this, Simon was no longer surprised why Warner would acquire the overseas distribution rights to 'Run Lola Run' at a relatively high price.
In this era, overseas distribution of films typically lagged three months to half a year or more.
Warner undoubtedly had a very complete global film distribution network, but at the moment, the film company itself had no films worth distributing globally.
Maintaining so many overseas branches without films to distribute was clearly a huge waste of resources.
Thus, 'Run Lola Run' became a very good choice.
'Run Lola Run' is expected to gross over $200 million at the North American box office, and there is absolutely no risk of loss for overseas distribution.
If operated properly, the film's overseas box office could at least reach $100 million.
Although the operating cycle for video tapes and TV broadcasts is slightly longer, it will certainly bring very substantial profits.
Thinking these thoughts, Simon could only nod to Terry Semel and say, "If I have similar ideas, I definitely will".
"Well then, that's all for now," Terry Semel said, then looked at Janette, who was beside Simon, and said, "Miss Johnston, your negotiating skills these past few days have been truly impressive. Are you interested in working for Warner?"
Janet smiled and shook her head, saying, "Terry, are you going to give me your position?"
"Haha, that's not something I can decide," Terry Semel chuckled, gently raised his glass to the two of them, and said again, "You two enjoy yourselves, have a good time".
After Terry Semel finished speaking, he turned and walked away.
Simon watched Terry Semel's retreating figure, noticing Janette's eyes flickering beside him, and smiled, "After dealing with the studios these past few days, you must have met Frank Price, the president of Universal Pictures, right?"
Janette didn't understand why, but still nodded.
Simon said, "Back then, when Spielberg wanted to make 'E.T, Frank Price was very unoptimistic about the project. He thought Spielberg's idea of making a children's film was crazy.
Ultimately, it was Sid Sheinberg, the CEO of Universal's parent company, who personally approved the project".
Janet curled her lips, "And then what?"
"What happened later, everyone knows. 'E.T.' had a production cost of only $10.5 million, but its global box office exceeded $700 million".
Janette had learned a lot about Hollywood during this time and couldn't help but say, "$10.5 million, how interesting".
The budget for major Hollywood studio projects is usually a relatively generous round number.
A budget of $10.5 million, with odd numbers, clearly indicated how stringent Universal was with the "E.T." project at the time.
"That's right, so after 'E.T.' succeeded, Spielberg publicly announced to all of Hollywood that he would never work with Frank Price again. Subsequently, for several projects where he served as executive producer, such as 'Back to the Future,' Spielberg even specifically wrote this clause into the contract".
Janet smiled and linked her arm with Simon's, saying, "In the future, we'll also write those who rejected you into the contract."
"I wouldn't do something so boring," Simon shook his head and said, "Speaking of which, I just wanted to tell you that in Hollywood, anyone can be rejected, and everyone has to get used to being rejected".
Terry Semel's invitation to Simon tonight was merely to build a relationship with this promising young Hollywood filmmaker.
However, with the outside world still overwhelmingly negative about 'The Butterfly Effect', Terry Semel would not rashly enter into any collaboration with Simon.
Moreover, the script for 'When Harry Met Sally' was not even written by Simon.
The two stayed at Terry Semel's party until around 9:30 PM, then bid farewell and left.
Back at the Palisades mansion, the message light on the telephone in the villa's living room was still blinking.
Janette ran upstairs to change, and after Simon listened to Amy Pascal's phone message, he simply called her back.
Janette, at some point, had already come back downstairs, wearing a loose white knit sweater and jeans.
She ran to the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee, then returned and lay on the sofa like a kitten, watching Simon talk on the phone.
Simon and Amy chatted on the phone for a full half hour before he hung up.
He walked over, picked up the coffee Janette had poured, and relaxed against the sofa.
Janet had already heard most of the conversation while sitting nearby, and now she leaned over sideways and asked, "New Line Cinema also rejected it?"
Simon nodded.
New Line Cinema was the film company that acquired Marvel Entertainment last year, originally founded by Roger Corman, the King of Hollywood B-movies.
It was also in a state of rapid expansion in recent years.
Although it didn't churn out blockbusters like Orion, due to the company's cautious business philosophy inherited from Roger Corman, New Line Cinema's operations were much stronger than other second-tier film companies like Orion and Cannon.
These days, Simon and Amy were separately looking for investors for 'When Harry Met Sally', and New Line Cinema was one of the potential collaborators.
Now, it had clearly failed again.
Upon hearing Simon's confirmation, Janette frowned slightly again and asked, "What do we do now?"
"Now is not a good time to look for partners for 'When Harry Met Sally,' I've already told Amy to put it on hold for now," Simon said, without the same distress in his tone as Janette.
"Next week, we'll see the first week's box office and second week's drop for 'The Butterfly Effect.'
If things improve, Amy and I will contact some independent film investment funds. As long as we secure investment, finding a distributor will be easy.
Finally, if all else fails, we'll invest ourselves, but in that case, it will definitely be delayed until the end of the year before filming can begin, and subsequent distribution will also be difficult to manage".
Janette twirled the fabric on Simon's shirt shoulder, and after listening to him speak so clearly, she said softly, "Goldberg has been like he's about to be cooked these past two days, and David and Brian too, they're all very anxious.
Simon, do you really not care about those negative reviews? I don't even dare to look at them, they're too much".
Simon felt Janette's somewhat different tone, took one of her small hands, and squeezed it, saying, "Do you want to see me pretend to be worried?"
Janet's eyes flickered, and she shook her head, saying, "No".
Simon placed his coffee cup back on the coffee table in front of him, and with a slight pull of his hand, Janette lay down, resting her head on his lap.
Looking at the woman in his arms, her eyes shining, Simon brushed away the golden hair covering her neck, and looking down at her, he said earnestly, "Including the doubts from a while ago and the negative media reviews now, honestly, I don't feel much about them at all.
Because I clearly know what kind of person I am, what abilities I possess, and what I can achieve in the future. The petty actions of those people might delay my steps, and they might cause me some trouble, but no matter what, they cannot stop me from moving forward.
To use a slightly arrogant analogy, how could a lion care about the bites of ants?"
"Simon..." Janette raised her hand and carefully touched the man's face, whispering, "You will truly conquer the world".
"Yes," Simon tilted his head and kissed the palm of her hand, laughing, "So, when that time comes, please be gentle and don't destroy my world, okay?"
"Mmm".
Janette nodded seriously, still looking up at the man above her, a hint of reluctance suddenly in her eyes as she asked softly, "Simon, what about us? What about our future?"
"Us," Simon's fingertip traced Janette's delicate cheek, and he said gently, "It's still a bit early. In a few years, we'll get married. Then, we'll have a few children, you'll be the good cop, and I'll be the bad cop, and we'll raise them together."
Janette's eyes held a longing, but after Simon finished speaking, she shook her head, took one of Simon's hands, and held it to her chest, saying, "It's not like that. It shouldn't be like that. Simon, you are a lion, the king of the prairie, destined to conquer the world. How can you be held back by a little cat, becoming a mediocre man who guards his small home? It shouldn't be like that".
Simon felt Janette's mood growing increasingly off. He picked her up and placed her on his lap, looking at her eyes, which had unknowingly dimmed. A wave of pity surged in his heart, and he said earnestly, "Jenny, did something I said just now make you misunderstand? If so, I apologize".
"No," Janette shook her head, leaned over to kiss Simon's lips, then pressed herself against his chest, hugging him tightly, and murmured, "Simon, I told you on your last birthday that I wouldn't become a burden to you".
Simon also hugged the woman in his arms tightly and said firmly, "No, of course not. How could a little cat burden a lion?"
"But that's just how it is," Janette said dreamily, "Do you know, Simon, I love you very much. This is definitely not love at first sight, because ever since I was very young, I knew that in this life, I would either always be free and independent, or I would only ever love one person. I always thought the chances of the first option were higher.
But when I was 27, I suddenly fell in love with a young man. He is intelligent, powerful, solitary, mysterious, crazy, and strong-willed, but he also indulges me when I'm being mischievous, tolerates me when I'm wilful, protects me when I'm drunk, and trusts me when I'm working. Although I know it's because a lion doesn't care about a little cat's mischief, I still fell in love. I won't be as hesitant as Kate, so since I've fallen in love, I must quickly hold onto this man tightly".
Simon reached out and pinched Janette's delicate earlobe, saying softly, "It's not good to talk about Kathryn behind her back like that".
Janette's earlobe was very sensitive. Being pinched by Simon, her cheeks immediately flushed, but she didn't pull away. She remained pressed against his chest and continued, "And then, Simon, after we truly got to know each other, I quickly discovered your flaws".
"Oh, that," Simon's face showed a worried expression, and he said, "Keep it to yourself, don't spread it around".
Janette chuckled softly and then directly revealed the secret, saying, "Simon, I discovered that you are someone who, deep down, likes to indulge those around you, especially those who love you. You always find it hard to refuse them, always treat them doubly well, and even always feel that what you've done isn't good enough".
Simon weakly retorted, "That shouldn't count as a flaw, should it?"
"Of course it's a flaw," Janette rubbed her cheek against Simon's chest, saying, "Just like me, I've actually always known that you weren't ready for a relationship, but after Christmas Eve last year, you still acknowledged my status," At this point, Janette suddenly looked up at Simon and asked, "Last time in Arizona, Simon, did you sleep with Kate?"
Simon shook his head: "No".
"See, that's how it is," Janette pressed her cheek back against his chest, "You clearly prefer Kate, and Kate actually has a good impression of you too. I think you wouldn't even need to say any sweet words; if you had just carried Kate directly to your room and pressed her onto the bed in Arizona, she wouldn't have resisted much. But you didn't do that. That's a burden, my burden on you".
"This is what I should do," Simon patted Janette's back and said, "If any other man dared to carry you into a room, I would kill him".
"You won't have that chance; I can kill people too," Janette said, patting Simon, "Don't interrupt".
"Alright".
Janette continued, "And then there's the adjustment you made to the earnings of 'Run Lola Run' during this period, that supplementary contract. Simon, I can feel your guilt. You want to quickly accumulate more capital, but you also feel that it's unfair to me. You feel that what you've given me isn't enough, and you feel that what you're doing is a bit selfish.
But how could that be, Simon? I only invested $400,000 initially, but now I'll get back $67 million. A 168-fold return, what kind of greedy person would still think that's not enough? So, Simon, this is your flaw, a fatal flaw. I can feel your detachment and indifference to this world; it's hard for you to actively love someone, but for those who love you, you are too soft-hearted, too indulgent".
Simon forced a smile and said, "Jenny, you're not very disappointed in me right now, are you?"
"Of course not," Janette immediately shook her head, looked up, and said seriously, "I love you, Simon. I like your strength, your mystery, your indifference. But if you were truly ruthless to everyone in this world, I might love you, but I would never want to be with you. Your flaws actually make me love you even more. But at the same time, your flaws have made me your burden".
Simon couldn't help but interrupt, "Jenny, it's not like that".
Janette raised her hand and pressed it against Simon's lips, continuing, "Last month, at the Malibu villa, I asked you if you wanted to marry me quickly so you could have half of my assets. I could feel your panic at the time, yet you still joked with me as if nothing was wrong. Just now, you were able to calmly tell me that in a few years, you would marry me, have a few children, I would be the good cop, and you would be the bad cop.
Clearly, you must have considered this matter more than once during this time. You know I'm very much looking forward to such things, because I'm already 27, and a 27-year-old woman certainly looks forward to marriage. Since I'm in love, I genuinely look forward to these things. And I don't doubt for a second whether you will keep your promise, because you definitely will.
But this makes me realize even more that, even now, you are only 19 years old. A 19-year-old boy should be free and unrestrained. And my king, my lion king of the prairie, needs even more to conquer the world without any burdens, not to hastily consider having children and returning to family because of a little cat's entanglement".
At this point, Janette, without waiting for Simon to speak again, reached out and hugged her boyfriend tightly, then quickly said, "So, Simon, let's start over. From the moment we first met that evening in Burbank. That day, standing by the roadside, you said you were from the Watsonville mental hospital. Very cool".
Simon felt the slight tremor of the woman in his arms after she finished speaking. He reached out and gently patted her waist, saying, "Jenny, I think we should go take a shower together now and then get a good night's sleep".
Janette, however, didn't let go and whispered, "Simon, I'm not breaking up with you. How could I break up when I only love one person my whole life? It's just that I don't want to be a burden to you. So, let's be like Harry and Sally, starting as friends. I won't bother your life, I won't interfere with your work, and if you need me, I can even help you manage the company. But for now, we won't be lovers, okay?"
Simon shook his head and said, "No".
Janette, however, seemed not to hear Simon's reply and continued, "I'm moving back to Malibu tomorrow. Before I met you, I actually always wanted to open an art gallery, but I was too lazy, and my small studio was always a mess. Now, well now, I have motivation! Ever since 'Run Lola Run' was released, people have been contacting me because of the painting in the movie".
Simon didn't know what to say for a moment, only remaining silent.
Janette finished speaking to herself, then was silent for a while before saying again, "Simon, I'm a little scared".
"Hmm?"
"When the lion conquers the entire prairie and becomes the true king, will he still care about that little cat from before?"
"Of course," Simon said with certainty, "That's a very selfish lion; what belongs to him will always be his."
"Then why don't you try to keep your little cat now?"
"Would it help?"
"No."
"Then I won't try to keep you," Simon patted the woman, saying, "However, you'll still live here, and I'll move out."
"Why?"
"The paparazzi would probably go crazy if they heard this news. I don't want them to bother you. This place is more private than Malibu".
Janette's lips curved slightly, her eyes sparkling, and she said, "Then you can live in Malibu; I'll lend it to you as a friend."
"No."
"You can pay rent".
"Actually, I prefer villas with a more modern style".
Janette recalled her European-style villa in Malibu and the current Mediterranean-style mansion, then tightened her arms around Simon's waist: "You've always indulged me".
"Yes, and now I don't have to".
"Ugh, you little rascal," Janette seemed a bit displeased, reaching out to pinch him, but without any force, she said softly, "You, if you live in Malibu, they won't know that we… we've temporarily broken up".
Simon thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright."
Janette paused, feeling some wavering in herself, but quickly shook her head again and said, "No, don't. You can live wherever you want, even if you run off to co-rent with Kate right now, I don't care. We, we…" Janette mumbled a few words, then suddenly broke free from Simon's embrace, stood up, took two steps back, and firmly declared, "Simon Westeros, I officially inform you, we are breaking up".