Chapter 379: Legion of Honour
In the western suburbs of Paris, Poissy, bordered by the Seine River to the west and the Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest to the east, is where Sophie Marceau's European-style villa was located.
Returning to Sophie Marceau's Poissy villa from the George V Peninsula Hotel, the air quality was much better due to the proximity to the Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest.
After taking a bath, Charles lay on the bed casually flipping through a magazine, while Sophie Marceau, wrapped in a large bath towel, leaned into his arms.
"How about it? Did you have any new movies to plan on this trip to France?" Sophie Marceau asked as she kissed Charles's chest.
The ticklish sensation made Charles a bit eager as he untied Sophie Marceau's bath towel, "Didn't find anything suitable. I'm not that interested in overly artistic films. A lot of movies in the U.S. would only get an NC-17 rating and won't make any money!"
Moreover, French films were famously neurotic, and French comedies didn't have much of a market in the U.S.
Sophie Marceau, not lifting her head, enjoyed the feeling of Charles's muscles, "French films pursue art!"
"Heh, art? Then why is Luc Besson the most famous director in France?" Charles shook his head, acknowledging that France had many fans of art films. However, capital was the same everywhere; commercial films were always the driving force of the film industry.
In France, about a third of the film's budget came from TV stations, a third from producers, and the rest from overseas, film funds, and the French National Center of Cinematography (CNC)!
Moreover, due to major French film unions, including BLIC (Film Industry Bureau), BLOC (Film Organization Bureau), and ARP (Society of Authors, Directors, and Producers), these non-profit organizations made French films more unique.
"Hollywood is too commercial. When I went to Hollywood to shoot Braveheart and The World Is Not Enough, I was just a pretty face in the movies, with no real role to play. So, I went back to France and didn't want to take any more Hollywood movies!"
Charles smiled, "Hollywood does love using European pretty faces!"
...
Later, during the days of the Cannes Film Festival, Charles not only met with executives and producers from various French film companies in Paris but also signed a broadcasting cooperation agreement with Channel 4.
Moreover, he signed a streaming media content rights agreement with major French film companies like Pathe and Gaumont for Netflix.
On May 24, Evelyn specially flew from Los Angeles to Paris to attend the Legion of Honour award ceremony hosted by French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Elysee Palace.
The ceremony was simple, just nine people in total, and Charles found it somewhat boring!
"Charles, you are practically half French. I hope you can continue to promote French film culture!"
Nicolas Sarkozy pinned the Knight's Cross on Charles with a red ribbon and patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Mr. President. France, as the birthplace of modern cinema, naturally has a unique film culture. The French cultural renaissance is not far off!"
After the ceremony, they attended a banquet, and in the evening, Charles returned to the George V Peninsula Hotel with his mother.
"This new French president doesn't have much news, but marrying the sexy actress Carla Bruni this year was definitely in line with the French spirit," Charles gossiped after returning to the hotel.
Evelyn smiled, "Carla Bruni has had quite a few tabloid stories. Becoming France's First Lady this year was indeed interesting!"
Carla Bruni, born in Turin, Italy, and raised in France, was a model, singer, and actress. Her love life was quite exciting and complex.
Marrying Nicolas Sarkozy this year made her the focus. Otherwise, who would care about the private life of a sexy starlet?
"What's going on? Is Hollywood quiet now?"
Evelyn nodded, "Almost. Your move against Mia Farrow left her almost penniless. Who would dare to speak recklessly about feminism again?"
In the Harvey Weinstein incident, there were many who tried to stir up trouble using feminism, with Mia Farrow among the prominent ones.
"I've always said, the knife of feminism should only be held by me. Otherwise, I would not let it hurt anyone!" At this point, Charles felt no one was irreplaceable.
Evelyn patted Charles's shoulder, "She is just a small fry, but this Harvey Weinstein incident served as a wake-up call for Hollywood. Many will be more cautious in the future!"
Charles shook his head and laughed, "Cautious? Hollywood has no morals. If I hadn't pushed for it, the Jewish forces and politicians behind Harvey Weinstein would have covered it up.
Don't think Roger Ailes was any better. He had a mountain of blackmail materials, and every female anchor in the Fox News network was harassed by him!
Capital, social status, and political connections together make you fearless. Even the biggest scandals can be covered up!"
Charles was always acquiring capital; his social status was rising quickly - Hollywood mogul, philanthropist, and sports team owner, among others.
As for political connections, how much support had he given to Obama? Funding, media, and his advisor, Arianna Huffington, were all his people!
Of course, capital was the premise. With capital, you could better chase after other things.
In a few years, when Charles's early investments paid off, who could control him?
"Politicians in Washington, D.C., and actors in Los Angeles are the same. The public only sees the side they present," Evelyn, with growing capital and influence along with her son, was increasingly in the inner circle.
Her mindset had long changed; after tasting the intrigue of power, she couldn't return to the life of an ordinary person.
"A trade-off, each taking what they need," Charles wasn't particularly concerned.
Evelyn patted her son's shoulder, feeling somewhat reassured, "You already have a lot. You're still young; take your time. Mom's going back to the country tomorrow. I can't stay here too long. Our ETA merger negotiations are at a crucial stage!"
*****
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