Chapter 97: The Departed

The budget for Underworld was very low, with hardly any special effects, and the visuals were average. Now, with the second installment, the budget has increased. Although the pay for the main creators has gone up, at least they can now afford CGI werewolves.

In the first movie, actors had to play werewolves wearing wolf head costumes, but now, the scenes can be shot with more grandeur.

Underworld: Evolution started assembling its crew, and at the same time, Walk the Line was also in the crew-building phase. Prison Break was formally being prepared by Paul Scheuring.

This year, Carpe Productions expanded significantly. As the company grew further, Charles Carpe believed they might need to look for a new headquarters soon.

At the Chateau Marmont Hotel in West Hollywood, under the dazzling lights of another lively night, Charles ran into the famous director Martin Scorsese at a party.

"Martin, what are your thoughts on the adaptation of The Departed?" Charles had to ask about this remake; Universal was getting quite anxious after the failure of Van Helsing.

Martin Scorsese, sporting black-rimmed glasses that added to his wise look, with his thick eyebrows and expressive eyes, explained: "Due to the cultural differences between East and West, The Departed is adapted with the structure of an American gangster film. Many expressions will vary significantly, and the role of the undercover cop in the gang will be more prominent."

"I know, the American version will appear rough and direct in expressing violence while the Hong Kong version has a more subtle internal expression, with a lot of inner drama," Charles didn't have much objection. 

"What about the cast?"

"I have a good opinion of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt!"

"Leonardo will play the cop undercover in the gang, and Brad Pitt will play the gang member undercover in the police?" Charles responded. Was Leonardo DiCaprio about to become your go-to actor? The two had already collaborated on Gangs of New York and The Aviator.

Martin Scorsese nodded, clearly holding Leonardo in high regard!

Adding Brad Pitt, assuming he even agrees to take on the role, these two combined would demand a salary of about $40 million, right?

"What about the role of the gang boss? That's an important character too," Charles asked patiently.

"I think Jack Nicholson would be great!"

"Didn't he decide not to play villains anymore?" Charles frowned. Jack Nicholson's acting skills were top-notch, no question.

But convincing him to play a ruthless gang boss now, is that even possible?

"Once the script is adapted, I'll be the first to get it to Jack. I'll go all out to persuade him to take on the role," Martin Scorsese said with confidence.

"Can Leonardo really handle this role? The inner struggle and torment - it demands a lot from an actor," Charles doubted whether Leonardo DiCaprio had the chops yet. He felt Leonardo's acting, particularly in the previous version of The Departed, was uninspiring.

Martin Scorsese shifted a bit and continued, "Charles, Leonardo has changed a lot in recent years. His performance in The Aviator has improved significantly!"

Gangs of New York was also directed by Martin Scorsese, where Leonardo's acting was barely passable.

However, Leonardo had a huge influence worldwide. His acting evolved from immature to mature, but it still fell short compared to many other seasoned actors he worked with.

Daniel Day-Lewis and Tom Hanks were both acclaimed actors.

Nonetheless, Leonardo DiCaprio needed a few more years of honing. 

"We should discuss it with Universal eventually," Charles was reluctant to use Leonardo, but knew he had to respect Martin Scorsese's opinions.

Of course, Universal's opinion mattered too as the distributor; after all, the investment and budget details weren't finalized yet.

After talking with Martin Scorsese, Charles took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. The Chateau Marmont Hotel hosted endless large and small parties.

"Hey, Charles, good evening!"

"Good evening, Will!"

Charles ran into Will Smith at the party and they started chatting.

"The Passion of the Christ is quite impressive, very significant in terms of religious context," Will Smith began by praising the film.

Charles shook his head and smiled, "That's all thanks to producer and director Mel Gibson. But your latest film, I, Robot, is quite good. It's a sci-fi film that also reflects on the over-reliance of humans on machines."

Will Smith laughed and patted Charles on the shoulder.

Charles changed the subject and asked, "Do you know Chris Gardner, a very inspirational African-American investment expert?"

Will Smith shook his head; he hadn't focused on him. "Is he amazing?"

Charles nodded, "He's incredible. Raised in a single-parent family, he experienced homelessness and imprisonment. After growing up and getting married, he became a salesman but went bankrupt and his wife left him.

He lived on the streets with his two-year-old son, using hotels, parks, subways, train station restrooms, and even office desks as their refuge.

Then he started learning stock brokering and within a year became a millionaire. He's now the owner of Gardner Rich & Co.

I want to adapt Chris Gardner's biography into a film. I think you would be perfect to play this inspirational character."

Will Smith listened attentively. An inspirational story from the African-American community, a legend in the investment world.

"Charles, I need to learn more about Chris Gardner first. Besides, I'm currently working on Hitch, so it might have to wait," Will Smith responded.

Charles nodded and smiled, "Of course. You should take some time to meet Chris Gardner and talk to him. His life might be even more exciting than any movie!"

Charles was, of course, referring to The Pursuit of Happiness. He hadn't met Chris Gardner personally.

Just seeing Will Smith reminded him of this meaningful film.

Getting Chris Gardner's authorization wouldn't be too difficult.

Chris Gardner hadn't even published his autobiography. In the previous timeline, the book came out after the movie.

It would be a model of a film first, followed by a book. Additionally, Charles wanted to research Will Smith's future box-office hits like I Am Legend and Hancock and try to secure those opportunities as well.

*****

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