The Chapter 193: Next Time, Wanna Bet You Won't Dare?

People had no choice but to leave, feeling sick of the plot's ridiculousness, but they couldn't deny how imaginative it was.

Alright, from a historical perspective, it's all nonsense. If this were shown to a repressed woman, she might cry regardless.

Despite its melodrama, at least it's a biography. Nowadays, it's considered a story about historical figures, so adding some polish is fine, as long as it doesn't stray from the main plot.

Having a powerful wife, beloved by the people, could sometimes leave one speechless.

People always talk about how great Evita Peron was, but who remembers Peron without her?

William White believed the reversal of fortune had to be dramatized. A girl born out of wedlock, barely educated, whose greatest assets were probably her body and her mind.

Imagine that someone like her managed to free Peron from prison. Keep in mind, Peron was just one of her lovers then; they weren't even married.

Her job?

Dancer and bar singer.

Think about it: she was basically from the bottom rung yet managed to garner public support.

William White couldn't help but be amazed when reading these materials; maybe she had some sort of cheat code.

William White was curious. How is it that this musical drama was written by the Brits, and they didn't make any sarcastic or demeaning remarks, considering Evita had anti-British views?

After World War II, the Brits compared her to Hitler, causing quite a stir back then.

Evita's status among the common folk was high. Even years after her death, people still reminisced about her.

Going against public opinion is foolish. Naturally, the dancer's image needed to be softened. In those days, dancers were seen on par with prostitutes, maybe just a slightly different rate, but not much distinction.

In the movie, you can't portray it like that -- a struggling singer would be more acceptable and cause no discomfort. It must highlight love at first sight and passionate love afterward.

Rescuing the beloved at all costs elevates the relationship. In sacrificing herself for the country and people, falling sick from overwork makes it a gripping end.

As for the antagonist, it's naturally the Brits with their endless plots, even lusting after her.

Well, the Brits got villainized thoroughly.

Madonna wasn't known for her acting, but this role was different. It required her to tap into her own experiences. Back when she was hustling in New York, she wasn't much different from Evita.

Playing someone else's life isn't easy; acting as yourself is a breeze -- just act naturally. As for the passionate love, just follow that jerk's direction.

Women can easily lose themselves in roles, and William White knew it firsthand. But could she end up like Evita?

Haha, you're overthinking it. This is Hollywood.

...

William White started filming a literary movie. This news shocked Hollywood, even the old Academy folks had nothing to say.

Was he aiming for the Oscars?

First, the old folks thought of last year's fiasco, then pondered his age.

No matter what, they thought William White was unreasonable and didn't believe he'd make a good movie.

The oldies didn't know that William White was sharpening his teeth; if he faced targeted discrimination again, he'd definitely not show any courtesy to the Academy.

Being polite was fine, but repeatedly getting slapped in the face would test a saint's patience.

Without a doubt, this movie was exceptional. From a commercial standpoint, it far exceeded the original play. So, the Brits had nothing to say and just left quietly.

As for the significant plot changes, it couldn't be helped; the perspectives and focuses were different. Frankly, if they chose to ignore it, fine, at least they paid some fee, mainly for the music.

No one knew how the movie's release would go. It had just started shooting, and Broadway theaters were already packed again. White Films was no small operation anymore, its influence was undeniable.

...

"Anderson, the Oscars have been held for over fifty times, what's up with your Academy?"

"To tell you the truth, I don't even know what those old folks are thinking now. Keep going like this, there's bound to be trouble."

The two were from the Oscars' organizing committee, different from the film academy. These dudes weren't any saints either; Oscar night schemes were all pre-planned. Teasing William White was their brainchild.

But now, although William White handled it gracefully, his team was not having it; they planned to retaliate.

Why put Oscar winners on the ad page? It's way over the line, and coincidentally, mainstream media opted for a low profile, barely anyone, except some tabloids, cared about the Oscars.

That blasted TV network kept running interviews with their boss, and that was it.

Are you kidding me? Mentioning Rowan Atkinson's nomination vaguely, what was that about?

This year's Oscar situation was like this, but what about next year? If those old lace purses keep scrambling, it's hard to imagine handling William White's wrath.

Alright, they really got too full of themselves; spending all day with literary snobs, naturally, they looked down on those who thrived through commercial films.

They indeed messed up; while William White was a commercial film director, he was also a boss, a bestselling author, and a renowned screenwriter.

To belittle such a wonder was baffling.

This year's Oscars were a complete joke; if the next year repeated, they could hardly imagine what would happen.

*****

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