Chapter 90: Sleeping with the Enemy Premiere

At the end of October, with To Die For officially starting production, Arthur played another supporting role. As Orion prepared to release Sleeping with the Enemy, Arthur's busy days truly began.

Perhaps due to their confidence in Meg Ryan, Orion held the premiere at the Hollywood Chinese Theatre.

Meg Ryan, Hugh Grant, and Brad Pitt attended the premiere, along with high-profile guests like Sylvester Stallone and Madonna.

Arthur even brought Jennifer Aniston, who was filming Scream, as his date.

"Arthur, I only have two scenes, right?" Jennifer Aniston felt unnoticed after walking the red carpet and entering the theater.

"I only have two scenes too. Some reporters took your picture, so it's good exposure," Arthur reassured her with a smile.

"But you're a producer. It's different. The movie can't do without you."

Arthur patted Jennifer Aniston's shoulder, "In movie promotions, stars are the most important. Who cares about the people behind the scenes, right? Come on, I'll introduce you to some others!"

Hugh Grant and Meg Ryan were the main leads, and Brad Pitt was still a minor player at the time. In the future, Jennifer Aniston would have no relationship with Brad Pitt, which was indeed unpredictable.

Later, Arthur joined Hugh Grant and Brad Pitt for an interview with the press. The three handsome men on stage were quite eye-catching.

Meg Ryan, facing the interview, smiled and said, "Filming Sleeping with the Enemy was such eye candy. My boyfriend is handsome, my neighbor is handsome, and the guy I liked after moving was also handsome..."

"Arthur, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment is very interested in you. They are eager to collaborate," Hugh Grant's girlfriend, Elizabeth Hurley, informed Arthur.

Arthur glanced at Hugh Grant being interviewed, "Have you guys already talked to PolyGram?"

Elizabeth Hurley nodded, "The British film industry is in decline right now, and PolyGram wants to support British filmmakers. You know, the UK market is mostly Hollywood films, with very little share for local films. The government is also proposing tax exemptions and subsidies for the entertainment industry."

Arthur thought for a moment and suggested, "Look into scripts based on classic British literature. This is a strength of the UK. Adaptations of works by great British authors from the 19th or early 20th century are promising. Wait until December. I'll be in the UK shooting To Die For and will stay for about three weeks."

Filming in Europe was cheaper, and there was plenty of talent in the UK. To Die For was a crime comedy with a touch of British humor. Plus, compared to Australia, the UK was much closer to the US, making it a good choice.

"That would be great," Elizabeth Hurley said, hugging Arthur, "Hollywood is such a desirable place."

At the premiere party, Mike Medavoy approached Arthur with more praise, "Arthur, the audience response is great. You've developed another successful film."

Arthur nodded, "But it seems there are some negative voices too?"

"No movie can satisfy everyone."

"Alright," Arthur didn't dwell on it and asked about another matter, "Last week, Dances with Wolves had its premiere in Washington, and I remember it had great reviews. Why did Orion schedule the release a month later?"

Mike Medavoy shook his head, "It's the runtime issue. Anyway, Sleeping with the Enemy opens in two days, and Columbia TriStar plans to hold the UK premiere a week later. Do you have any other thoughts?"

"No, with Hugh Grant, Meg Ryan should go to London, and Brad Pitt can be brought along too," Arthur considered.

"I won't go over there so soon. I'll be in London in late November."

Mike Medavoy sighed, "I don't get it. Earlier this year, Sleepless in Seattle grossed over a hundred million dollars worldwide. In the summer, Ghost has passed two hundred million domestically and another hundred million overseas, aiming for a five-hundred-million-dollar run. And now, Pretty Woman is also performing well, with a hundred million domestically and two hundred million overseas."

Arthur smiled, "Three of the top five movies at the North American box office this year are romances, right? And Ghost and Pretty Woman are undoubtedly the top two."

"Don't worry. Sleeping with the Enemy is a thrilling crime film with a mix of elements and stars Meg Ryan. The box office will be fine."

Mike Medavoy smiled, patted Arthur on the shoulder, "I'm sure we'll have more projects to collaborate on. Now, enjoy the party. Plenty of pretty girls are waiting to chat with you!"

Watching Mike Medavoy leave, Arthur felt he might have more to say but shook his head. There was nothing to worry about. He didn't have any dirt on him.

"Arthur," Jennifer Aniston brought Arthur a drink, "Cheers, tonight was fun!"

"Cheers," Arthur took a sip, "You'll be even happier when you're the lead actress."

"When will you be the lead actor? You're already a producer, but only play supporting roles," Jennifer Aniston laughed.

Arthur hugged Jennifer Aniston, "I'm just too lazy to be the lead."

Soon, other cast members also toasted with Arthur. No matter what, Arthur Smith was the executive producer of Sleeping with the Enemy, overseeing the entire production.

Soon Brad Pitt joined him, "Did George Clooney talk bad about you again?"

"Who?"

"George Clooney, the guy we auditioned with for Thelma & Louise," Brad Pitt reminded him, "Should we teach him a lesson?"

Arthur smirked, one arm around Jennifer Aniston and the other patting Brad Pitt's shoulder, "Come on, we're gentlemen! Don't worry, with Sleeping with the Enemy and Thelma & Louise, you'll be in the spotlight. As for that guy, the gap between us will only grow. If you don't like him, there will be plenty of chances to deal with him later."

Arthur had almost forgotten George Clooney. Even Brad Pitt, who got the role, must have heard the gossip about him.

*****

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