Chapter 80: Sam Raimi

"Darkman?" In North Ridge, on his way home, Arthur saw a movie poster. It was a superhero movie based on a comic book.

The important thing wasn't the movie but the fact that it was directed by Sam Raimi.

A young Hollywood director who had shot two low-budget horror films, The Evil Dead 1 and 2, and would go on to direct the Spider-Man trilogy. He was exactly the kind of director Arthur needed.

"Tracy, I want you to send the script of Scream to Sam Raimi, who directed the Evil Dead series. He seems like a good fit," Arthur said over the phone to his agent after arriving home.

"Is he? He's only 31, right?"

"Don't worry, it's fine. Horror movies are simple to shoot."

"Okay, I'll have it sent over," Tracy Jacobs quickly agreed over the phone.

"By the way, someone from Columbia TriStar will be at Galaxy Films tomorrow to discuss the promotional work for Sleeping with the Enemy in Venice."

"I'll be at the company," Arthur said. He'd been shuttling between Galaxy Films and Orion Pictures these past few days.

Winona Ryder had several movies coming out soon and had gone with the Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael crew to film festivals. She also had Mermaids and Edward Scissorhands releasing at the end of the year. After acting as his assistant for a few days, Winona Ryder left Los Angeles, and it looked like Arthur would need to hire a personal assistant.

The next day, at Galaxy Films.

"Hello, Arthur. I'm Amy Pascal from Columbia TriStar," said the 32-year-old Amy Pascal, who had joined Columbia TriStar's production department two years ago.

"Hello," Arthur shook hands with Amy Pascal. She was a familiar face, destined to become the future chairperson of Columbia Pictures and co-chairperson of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

But now, she was just a junior production manager and hadn't really overseen any films.

"Does Columbia TriStar have any plans or arrangements?" Arthur asked. After all, Sleeping with the Enemy's North American distribution was handled by Orion Pictures.

The international market wasn't as important as the North American market.

Amy Pascal shook her head. "We're following your lead. I'm here to support you."

She smiled. "As you know, if Sleeping with the Enemy does well in North America, international distribution will be easier."

"I requested to be transferred to work with you because I appreciate your projects. Sleepless in Seattle and Sleeping with the Enemy, even The Silence of the Lambs, all have strong female characters."

Arthur nodded. "I see. I didn't expect Columbia TriStar to send Sleeping with the Enemy to the Venice Film Festival. But since we're going, I believe it will help with publicity. We'll head to Venice in early next month and stay for three or four days. Director Joseph Ruben, the lead actors Hugh Grant and Meg Ryan, and I will go. The crew is just a few people. I thought your international distribution department would be coordinating with me."

Arthur said as he poured Amy Pascal a cup of coffee.

"Thank you," Amy Pascal said, smiling as she took the coffee. "We will have European staff assisting in Venice. I'm here to help with things like dubbing in European languages. But mainly, I really believe in this project."

"Can I call you Amy?" Arthur asked.

"Of course!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Amy, it sounds like not everyone at Columbia TriStar is confident about this film."

Amy Pascal shrugged. "That's not the point, Arthur. Sleeping with the Enemy isn't exactly a Columbia TriStar project."

"True, it's under Orion Pictures," Arthur said with a smile. Columbia TriStar likely had more than just Sleeping with the Enemy to promote at the Venice Film Festival.

"Sleeping with the Enemy is waiting for release. How is your The Silence of the Lambs coming along? I heard you traded the Sleeping with the Enemy script for it," Amy Pascal said with interest. "A thriller starring Meg Ryan isn't as promising as a horror film? Even with Jodie Foster, it doesn't have strong commercial prospects."

Arthur took a sip of coffee. "Sleeping with the Enemy will do well, but I believe The Silence of the Lambs has more impact. I've spent a lot of time on set. I believe when it comes out next year, it will surprise everyone!"

After chatting with Amy Pascal, Arthur had her contact details for any future business between Galaxy Films and Columbia TriStar, including The Silence of the Lambs.

As for Sleeping with the Enemy going to the Venice Film Festival, Arthur suspected it might also be to promote Sleepless in Seattle, which was currently being released in Europe.

That evening, at Arthur's home in North Ridge.

Jennifer Connelly, wrapped in a towel, was sitting on the bed reading the script for Scream. Arthur hugged her from behind and kissed her shoulder. "How's the script?"

"Arthur, is this a comedy?" Jennifer Connelly put down the script, turned around, and kissed Arthur with a smile.

"It's a horror comedy. It has both elements. I'm about to start developing this movie," Arthur said as he slipped off Jennifer Connelly's towel and pinned her down.

"Congratulations, Arthur," Jennifer Connelly said, stroking Arthur's face. "Next month, I officially join The Rocketeer crew!"

"Yeah, I have to go to Venice too, then focus on developing Scream. Your movie Career Opportunities is set for a Halloween release, right?"

Arthur said, kissing Jennifer Connelly's 32D breasts.

"Yes, Orion Pictures has scheduled it for late October!" Jennifer Connelly's breathing quickened.

"Do you want to watch it?"

Arthur looked at Jennifer Connelly beneath him and whispered in her ear. "You're my woman. I can watch you anytime. Why watch on TV?"

He then fondled her 32D breasts. "Don't you think, Jennifer?"

"Do you only want to see my body?" Jennifer scratched Arthur's back.

Arthur smiled. "Of course not. I don't just want to see," he said, kissing Jennifer Connelly passionately.

*****

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