Chapter 40: Miss Connolly

[Chapter 40: Miss Connolly]

"Ha ha, Link, congratulations! You've made history," Sam Haskel laughed as he approached at the Buried celebration party, a beautiful woman trailing behind him.

"Come on, Sam, it's just a box office record," Link replied, rolling his eyes modestly.

"Ha ha, but film history is still history! This is Jennifer Connolly; I think you should know her."

Sam gestured to the woman next to him, who wore a sleeveless white gown. With her long, light brown hair cascading over her shoulders and a plain yet elegant appearance, she looked like a priestess from a Greek temple.

Jennifer was in her early twenties, with striking pale blue eyes and a delicate, refined face. Beneath her innocent exterior, she also carried a certain allure, which added a layer of complexity to her beauty.

Once a child star and of Jewish-American descent, Jennifer rose to fame at fourteen for her role as young Deborah in Once Upon a Time in America, captivating audiences worldwide with a dance sequence that many fans regarded as one of the most beautiful moments in film history. While she was celebrated as Hollywood's "pure girl" star, as she grew older, that label became more of a hindrance than a help in her career.

To make a transition, Jennifer had taken on numerous mature, sultry roles in the past couple of years, and in the 1990 crime film, The Hot Spot, she even sensually revealed her upper body, much to the delight of audiences.

She was a dedicated and professional actress.

"Miss Connolly, welcome! It's such a pleasure to have you here," Link said warmly.

"Director Link, congratulations on the success of Buried! It's a fantastic film," Jennifer replied, tilting her head up as her blue eyes reflected his image. Her gaze remained pure, though her tone felt indifferent, leaving room for doubt about whether her compliment was sincere or merely polite.

"Thank you! Miss Connolly, it's a pleasure to have you join us," Link said as he welcomed her.

After briefly greeting Link, Jennifer moved off to chat with other guests at the party.

...

Sam Haskel remained, eager to talk.

"So, Link, are you preparing a new film?"

"Yes, it's in the works, and we're set to start shooting next week."

"Next week? Is that fast?"

"After over a month of preparation, it's not that quick."

"Is the funding, cast, and crew all lined up?"

"Pretty much."

"Is there a role for Jennifer? She's stunning and talented, isn't she?"

Sam pointed at Jennifer Connolly, who, dressed elegantly, roamed through the crowd. Her striking beauty turned every head, and the men nearby eagerly sought her attention.

The celebration's atmosphere seemed to elevate with her presence.

"She is beautiful. Is she one of your clients?"

"Indeed! Her former agent retired, and now I'm representing her. Is there a role for Jennifer?"

"Unfortunately, this film remains experimental with limited funding and a small cast. We only have four actors, and while the lead is set, I'm looking for an unknown for the supporting role. Jennifer wouldn't be suitable; she's too well-known and too beautiful."

"Only four actors? What kind of film are you making? I hope it's not what I think."

Sam raised an eyebrow, eyeing Link skeptically.

"No, it's a very innovative film. You wouldn't imagine it."

"Alright, so lots of people are eager to see what you do next with this film. Some are hoping to see you fail while others are curious to see if you're really talented and worth investing in. The importance of this film is evident. Aren't you concerned that sticking to smaller productions could be too risky?"

"Low-budget films allow for lower stakes; if it fails, that's alright. I'm twenty, and I can handle the setbacks."

"That's impressive! Regardless of outside praise, you maintain your convictions. They say you're a stubborn person, and I'd say that's true. Well, I don't know much about filmmaking, but there are plenty of professionals in our clients. If you need anything, just reach out."

"Absolutely!"

...

After chatting with Sam, Link took a champagne flute and mingled with Jerome Preston, William Mason, and critic Will Rogers, celebrating Jerome's promotion while thanking the three for their support during Buried's release.

Although the system could ensure that the movie would sell well, the process of achieving it was not easy. As can be seen from the decline in box office this week, the process is very important.

The help from a few key individuals had eased the journey significantly.

"Link, you're incredible! I'm not just talking about Buried's box office, but your determination before the film's release -- no one can match your tenacity," Jerome Preston remarked.

"Thanks! I just did what was needed."

"Link, I heard you're preparing for a new film. Can you share any details?"

Will Rogers raised his champagne glass to ask.

Link had a good impression of Will since he had been one of the first to write a review praising Buried. He had even been the first person to watch it at the Burbank-United Cinema.

Moreover, the shooting for the next film wouldn't take long. A little media buildup before production could save a lot of time and advertising funds once it premiered.

"I can. It'll still be a thriller, a small budget, but very exciting."

"Will you continue as the lead?"

"No, I'll be using only new actors."

"New actors entirely?"

As Link mentioned his new movie, several media representatives, invited to the party, surrounded him eagerly.

"Link, using only newcomers means there's no guarantee of acting chops or box office draw. Isn't that too risky?" asked Ross Stanton, editor of the entertainment section of the Los Angeles Times.

"Risk is crucial for progress. I'm young, and a cautious approach doesn't fit my film philosophy."

"Good point!"

From the crowd, Jim Carrey clapped his hands.

Everyone turned to see him.

"Link's absolutely right," Jim said, shrugging with a smile.

"Director Link, what's your budget for this film? Is Guess Pictures producing it exclusively, or partnering with others?"

A deputy editor from The Hollywood Reporter raised his hand.

"Mr. Kooch, I can't disclose exact numbers yet, but I can tell you it's a modest budget, exclusively produced by Guess Pictures."

"Director Link, many filmmakers, after producing a successful film, often face failures with their second. Are you holding back the budget for this second film to avoid that?"

Another media representative asked.

"Trying to avoid failure would never be a strategy for me. I'm a newcomer to filmmaking, currently exploring the industry. Each movie is an experiment in finding success, not escaping failure."

"Director Link, do you have an estimate for this movie's box office? Do you have confidence in surpassing Buried and achieving something even more remarkable?"

Ross Stanton inquired.

"Mr. Stanton, that question is very premature; after all, the film hasn't even started shooting yet. However, I hope this movie does even better and that Buried's box office isn't the peak of my career but merely a starting point."

"That's very well said."

Just as Jim prepared to speak, a commotion drew their attention. A stocky guy in a suit was standing on tiptoe to peek inside while clapping. His brows danced like he was the life of the party.

Next to him stood an attractive, tall, and plump woman, also applauding, beaming brightly at Link in the crowd with a look in her eyes that mirrored someone in love.

However, when she seemed to catch his gaze, her radiant smile immediately faded, replaced by a blank expression.

Jim Carrey shrugged and shifted his focus back to Link.

"Alright, everyone, today is Buried's celebration party. Feel free to ask questions privately; I'm happy to engage with everyone."

In the center of the crowd, Link called out, then stepped farther into the gathering to chat individually with other guests.

...

"Link, every time you speak, you come off with a lot of philosophy. You should be giving speeches, not directing!" Quentin Tarantino teased.

"Sure, I'll consider your advice."

"Link, when do you start shooting? Can I visit your set?"

Bald director Steven Soderbergh asked.

"Of course, but try to arrive early. This movie won't take long to shoot."

...

After the Buried celebration, Link's comments circulated among the attending media personnel.

Companies like Miramax, New Line, and Carolco Pictures were disappointed to hear Link was sticking to small productions with no exyernal investment, and they were puzzled by his insistence on using newcomers without big names.

How could a film without star power translate into box office success?

Without renowned actors, newcomers wouldn't guarantee quality. A movie lacking both quality and box office assurances was a considerable risk.

Film companies didn't understand Link's intentions but continued to keep tabs on the film's production, pondering how much potential he had and whether it was worth trying to collaborate. This movie would provide the answer.

*****

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