Chapter 65: The Tragedy of Genius
At the end of the meeting, the PR manager reminded Keanu Reeves of some important points and advised him to follow them. Although Keanu Reeves was now somewhat famous, he was still just an actor in the face of Disney and Warner Brothers' demands. He had to cooperate.
Robert Iger noticed that Gilbert had been silent and asked, "Gilbert, do you have any thoughts? Please share them with us."
All the executives turned their attention to Gilbert, aware of his expertise in movie marketing, especially following his Super Bowl ad campaign. They wanted to hear his thoughts on this crisis.
Gilbert glanced at the blackmail keywords compiled by the PR department and said, "I don't think these blackmails are a big deal. Aren't they all doing the same things? Since they're using this to attack us, we should attack them back."
"What do you mean?" an executive asked.
Gilbert closed the file, tapped the table, stood up, and said loudly, "Since everyone's involved, no one is innocent. In terms of media power, doesn't Disney and Warner have the same strength?"
Gilbert's point was clear. Robert Iger understood him immediately: "Of course not. I get your point. Arrange for our tabloids to dig up blackmail on all summer films, especially those releasing in May."
Doug Walter glanced around at all the executives and said, "Warner will fully cooperate…"
The plan was to dig up blackmail on films from other studios but not on Disney and Warner's own films. Disney and Warner's tabloids would not attack "Speed."
With the counterattack plan set, the initial targeted attack on "Speed" turned into a chaotic battle. Today's news was about a star's past silver party, tomorrow about another star's drug use, and the day after about a star's scandalous affair.
In the North American entertainment section during March and April 1993, it turned into a battle of mutual blackmail.
There's a saying: if you're the only one doing something wrong, then you're at fault. But if everyone's doing it, then you're not the only one to blame.
Objectively, Keanu Reeves and his friends were among the worst offenders in Hollywood's drug scene. But the public only knew they were involved,but not what extent.
Thus, the heat from the Super Bowl ad turned into a blackmail battle that dragged many stars down with them. However, the impact was most severe for Keanu Reeves.
Disney's survey revealed that more than 25% of surveyed fans said they would not go to see the movie due to the scandal.
The Super Bowl brought benefits but also magnified problems, with even small issues being blown out of proportion. Keanu Reeves' scandals were particularly glaring.
Although other Hollywood stars were also exposed to blackmail, Keanu, River Phoenix, and Johnny Depp were hit the hardest. If the internet had been more developed, they would have been mercilessly attacked online.
River Phoenix was reportedly in poor mental health due to the media's relentless attacks and had not worked for a long time, needing to see a psychologist. Disney's PR department arranged for Keanu Reeves to receive psychological treatment, which was reported to gain public sympathy.
This tactic had some effect, but Disney did not anticipate that Phoenix's depression was at its limit. Keanu Reeves cooperated with the publicity efforts for "Speed," but only half-heartedly.
On April 8, just over twenty days before the film's release, River Phoenix was found dead in his North Los Angeles home. Hollywood was shocked.
In the blackmail battle, Keanu Reeves, River Phoenix, and Johnny Depp faced immense attacks and stress. Details emerged that Phoenix had taken a large amount of sleeping pills during the media's smear campaign.
Disney and Warner quickly seized the opportunity, contacting Phoenix's family and friends, who gave interviews expressing grief and denouncing the media that harmed Phoenix.
Phoenix's girlfriend, Martha Plimpton, tearfully told the media, "River was always hopeful about life. He talked about our future together, having children, going horseback riding, fishing, and enjoying life together. Now, all of that is just a fantasy."
Phoenix's brother, Joaquin Phoenix, angrily stated, "The media that hurt my brother are just bloodsuckers with no journalistic ethics."
While once everyone was at odds, no one dared to speak ill of the deceased. The media and public showed sympathy, and Disney and Warner's media published tributes to Phoenix, turning their pages black and white.
Keanu Reeves and Johnny Depp appeared in public, looking extremely haggard. Phoenix's death deeply affected them. While the public believed Phoenix's death was due to media attacks, the truth was that he had consumed lethal doses of drugs.
Thanks to "Speed," the Los Angeles police had a good relationship with the production team and informed Gilbert immediately. Gilbert requested that the autopsy report not be released.
Due to Phoenix's family's request, the report was not made public. Thus, rumors circulated that Phoenix's death was caused by media attacks, placing the blame on the media.
The media and their companies knew something was amiss, but with North American society sympathizing with Phoenix and his family, they dared not continue the attacks.
For Keanu Reeves and Johnny Depp, the impact was severe. Both sank into depression and reduced their work. Gilbert did not force Keanu to participate in the movie's promotion, understanding that the death of a close friend was a significant blow.
Gilbert was aware of Phoenix's death but did not expect it to be indirectly caused by the promotional issues related to "Speed." He felt no guilt, knowing it was not his fault or his responsibility to manage other's personal lives.
The consequences matched the actions, and if it was fate, it was indeed strange.
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