Chapter 310: Coppola's Youth Without Youth

The capital of California, Sacramento International Airport, Charles walked out of the airport with Scarlett Johansson, who had just finished filming Vicky Cristina Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.

Francis Ford Coppola, who had not released a film for ten years, returned to the film industry with his philosophical meditation film Youth Without Youth.

"Is Coppola's movie screening going to be held in Sacramento?" Scarlett Johansson asked. She rose to fame with Lost in Translation, directed by Coppola's daughter, Sofia Coppola.

"Yes, it's being held at the Hall of Fame in Sacramento," Charles replied, having also been invited by Sofia Coppola.

However, things were not so simple. Francis Ford Coppola's return to the film world was drawing considerable attention.

A movie like Youth Without Youth was not something Charles would normally pay attention to, even if it was a Francis Ford Coppola film.

1990's The Godfather Part III and 1992's Bram Stoker's Dracula were the last glories of Francis Ford Coppola, and The Godfather Part III didn't even have a great reputation.

Youth Without Youth was his comeback film after a ten-year hiatus from 1997 to 2007.

Sacramento city is divided by the Sacramento River and its tributary, the American River.

After arriving at the Courtyard Hotel at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River, Charles and Scarlett Johansson met with Sofia Coppola.

"Charles, Scarlett, long time no see!" Sofia Coppola warmly embraced them both.

"Sofia, good afternoon, and congratulations on your baby boy!" Scarlett Johansson knew that Sofia Coppola and her boyfriend had just welcomed a son this year.

"Thank you," Sofia Coppola responded, clearly pleased.

"It has been a while. The last time was at last year's Cannes Film Festival. I guess you got pregnant during the festival," Charles said with a smile. Sofia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette had also been shortlisted for the main competition unit at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

At that time, Charles was unaware that Sofia Coppola was pregnant, but since she gave birth in May this year, it must have been around that time.

"Unfortunately, the box office and reviews for Marie Antoinette were just average," Sofia Coppola shook her head, somewhat disappointed. Marie Antoinette only won the Oscar for Best Costume Design this year.

"Alright, let's rest first. We'll chat more tomorrow," Sofia Coppola said, patting Scarlett Johansson's shoulder.

As Sofia Coppola left the hotel, she looked incredulous. She recalled when Evelyn Capet introduced her son, Charles Capet, back then - just a small-time role player on the set.

One movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, earned him his first gold mine. Investing in Lost in Translation earned his second.

In just six years, Capet Pictures had become one of Hollywood's seven major studios, ranking fourth in market share.

Now, at 25, Charles Capet was a household name in Hollywood. The summer hits Iron Man and Transformers kept Capet Pictures strong at the box office.

Charles didn't think much about it; Sofia Coppola's skills were well-known, but as an artsy filmmaker, there weren't many opportunities for collaboration.

Lost in Translation was thought to be just the beginning but turned out to be her most successful film.

After taking Scarlett Johansson to the high-end suite of the hotel, Charles sat on the sofa, holding the sexy Scarlett Johansson as they chatted.

"Next year we start filming Iron Man 2. You'll have some action scenes. Black Widow is a top agent, and she's very skilled," Charles reminded her.

Scarlett Johansson kissed Charles on the cheek and laughed, "I know. I'll make time to learn various weapons and melee combat. I really like the role of Black Widow!"

"Next month, I'm heading to the UK to shoot Mamma Mia! at Pinewood Studios' 007 stage. They had a fire there after filming Casino Royale," she added.

"Pinewood Studios' 007 stage? Sony and MGM are preparing the sequel Quantum of Solace, scheduled for next November, right? Last year, they started filming in January and released it in December. Quite daring. Can't believe they're doing it again this year," Charles said, recalling the timeline.

"That stage is huge, covering almost two acres. It will serve all the bright Greek scenery for our movie, including musical and dance elements!" Scarlett Johansson, who could also sing, was excited to be part of this musical adaptation.

"Alright, after Coppola's screening tomorrow, let's head to Lake Tahoe for a few days to cool off," Charles suggested, and then they started kissing, feeling the heat of Scarlett Johansson's voluptuous body.

"Lake Tahoe sounds good," Scarlett Johansson agreed, hoping to spend more days with Charles.

"Yep, I had a 1,800-square-foot mountain lodge built near South Lake Tahoe. It's right by the lakeside in the mountains; we can visit anytime!" Charles said as he picked Scarlett Johansson up onto his lap, removing her white tee and kissing her chest.

Scarlett Johansson held Charles' head, enjoying the moment. Soon, her bra was tossed aside.

...

Meanwhile, Sofia Coppola and her father, Francis Ford Coppola, left the Hall of Fame building, recently awarded by the California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and wine mogul Robert Mondavi.

"Dad, do you think Capet Pictures isn't interested in your new movie either?" Sofia Coppola asked.

Francis Ford Coppola smiled, "Honey, I've been out of the game for ten years. Today's movies are all about blockbusters with special effects. Most of the funding for Youth Without Youth came from our Coppola Winery."

"Sony Pictures Classics is handling the North American release, and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment only bought the UK DVD rights. People aren't very optimistic. Of course, given your relationship with Charles Capet, if you asked, he would definitely help," Francis Ford Coppola said, patting his daughter's shoulder.

"But you should know my new idea isn't low-budget like this one. It's a big-budget film. Capet Pictures focuses on commercial films; they wouldn't be interested."

Sofia Coppola opened her mouth but couldn't deny it. Charles wouldn't invest tens of millions or even a hundred million dollars in a project he didn't believe in.

*****

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