Chapter 55: Test Screening
[Chapter 55: Test Screening]
Jerome Preston, wanting to express his gratitude, offered to gift Link a sports car, inviting him to choose whichever he liked. However, Link politely declined the offer. In the apartment garage, aside from his newly purchased Cadillac, he already had two other vehicles, so having so many cars seemed unnecessary.
Jerome also extended an invitation for Link to join a local amateur golf club, one frequented by people from the entertainment industry. The members included mid-to-senior level employees from film companies, actors, directors, as well as white-collar workers from cinema chains, advertising firms, and banks. Joining such a club could expand his social circle, and Link happily accepted.
---
After working in the afternoon, when Link got home, Monica was also back. She had picked up some cosmetics and clothes, and bought him five sets of casual outfits, shoes, and a watch. She pulled him into the changing room to try things on, planning to return whatever didn't fit the next day.
After trying on a couple of outfits, Link was done. As a director, he wasn't concerned about his public image -- whether the clothes were a bit loose or snug didn't make much difference. Instead, he enjoyed watching Monica change clothes.
Encouraged by Link, Monica went through several outfits in the changing room. She modeled dresses, a patchwork skirt, a pink nightgown, women's business attire with a pencil skirt, and a sultry slip dress paired with black stockings.
Having spent over two years as a model in Paris, she had practiced walking gracefully. With her curvy, voluptuous figure -- luscious bust, rounded hips, a slim waist, and long legs -- she embodied Italian beauty with a remarkable allure.
When she slipped into her sexy outfits, her magnetic appeal doubled. As Link lounged on the couch watching her, he eventually had to sit up, crossing his legs strategically to contain his excitement.
"How about it? Which one looks better?" she asked, striding into the living room in high heels with an alluring gait.
She placed her hands on her hips, turning gracefully in front of him, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders, accentuating her slender waist, full hips, and the pulsating curves of her chest that drew his eye.
"They're all amazing. Even Venus herself would be envious of your beauty," he replied.
Flashing her confident smile, Monica's figure was stunning, but the delicate straps of her slip dress seemed to struggle under the pressure, its neckline drawing attention to her skin. The dress highlighted her fair complexion, long dark hair, and a classic elegance. There was a seductive quality to her appearance, alongside a certain allure that suggested an air of restraint, igniting a sense of conquest within him.
----
After several days of preparation, the weekend arrived, and the test screening for Paranormal Activity was set to take place at Guess Pictures' small screening room. A total of 72 people attended.
Major studios and a few prominent independent companies sent representatives, including Robert Shaye from New Line Cinema and Harvey Weinstein from Miramax, both present for the event. Special guests included Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Jerome Preston, William Mason, Sam Haskel, and Will Roger -- old acquaintances and friends.
"Link, you've really made an event out of this internal screening; nearly all the studios have sent people over, even top producers like Scott Rudin and Brian Grazer are here. Aren't you nervous with this crowd watching?" Quentin asked, surveying the audience.
"Why would I be nervous?" Link shot back.
"Ha! If I were you, I'd be worried. Just look at these people; they are Hollywood's elite, seasoned veterans with an eye for talent. And you're presenting what? A low-budget home video with just two or three actors in a single location? Do you really think they'll appreciate that?"
"Why not? My last film had only one actor, a coffin, and grossed over 60 million worldwide. Now I've got two actors and a house. With more actors and a broader setting, I know this film will bring in the same success," Link countered.
"What? That's how box office numbers work? Add one actor, expand the setting, and voila -- your revenue doubles?" Quentin laughed, disbelief etched on his face.
"I don't know about others, but that's how it works for me," Link replied confidently.
"Man, you're crazy," Quentin said, pointing at Link before heading to the audience to find his seat.
...
Link took the microphone and stepped up to the platform in front of the screen, welcoming everyone to the test screening for Paranormal Activity. He briefly shared the inspiration and backstory behind the film.
Years ago, when he and his adoptive mother moved from Appleton, Wisconsin, to El Monte, Los Angeles, they struggled financially and could only afford to rent an old, inexpensive house in a rough neighborhood. The surroundings were filled with woods, and at night, eerie sounds drifted in -- animal calls or perhaps ghosts floating through the windows.
Link, being naturally timid, had to sleep with his head under the covers each night, sometimes drenched in sweat from the summer heat. Living in that old house for years kept him on edge, especially during the night. The fear lingered in his memory well into adulthood.
Now, as a director, he decided to craft a movie that captured those childhood fears.
"Ladies and gentlemen, before we begin, I want to draw your attention to something written in the invitation that many may have missed. This film is a thriller, and its narrative is quite terrifying. If anyone feels unwell during the screening, you are welcome to exit, or you can notify our staff. We've even arranged for an ambulance just in case anything unexpected happens."
A murmur of conversation rustled through the audience upon hearing this.
...
"I always said Link is a talented speaker; before the film even starts, he finds a clever way to pique curiosity. It's a clever tactic. But the film itself is what matters most, not this enticing pitch. If the film doesn't live up to his hype, we'll see how he manages that," Quentin mused, shaking his head.
"Regardless, I'm looking forward to this film; I'm curious to see how he conjures up the fears of his childhood," Steven Soderbergh said.
"That does sound intriguing. I experienced similar terrors as a child. I hope this film is something special," Lawrence Bender added.
Hearing both men, Quentin contemplated whether to employ a similar strategy in future test screenings, maybe even arrange for an ambulance -- whether necessary or not -- it could be a fun way to build anticipation.
...
"Link is a stubborn guy, brimming with confidence. He seems very sure of this film," Jerome Preston commented to William Mason seated nearby.
"Let's hope he's right; Buried was just the beginning of his career, not its peak," William mused, stroking his beard.
...
"Richard, I hear you've been feeling some heart issues. Maybe you should take a break in the lounge until the screening finishes? I could fill you in on the plot afterward," Scott Rudin, a top producer at Paramount, suggested to the older gentleman beside him.
"No need; my heart's in great shape. I've participated in the making of classics like Jaws, The Thing, and watched all the classic horror films. Am I really going to be terrified by a movie from a young director? Not a chance," Richard Zanuck replied dismissively.
"Alright then, let's see what Link has created," Scott said as the lights dimmed, and the screening began.
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