Chapter 256: You've Fallen

[Chapter 256: You've Fallen]

Ding-ling-ling!

"Link, I saw on the news that Warner Bros. announced you would be directing the next Batman sequel. Is that true?"

"It is."

"Wow, that's incredible news! Congratulations!"

After the announcement, many people called to inquire, including Ben Affleck, who was currently on the line.

"It's just a job, not exactly life-changing news," Link replied as he typed up the shooting schedule for Batman 3 on his computer.

"Of course it's a big deal! I heard the budget for the Batman sequel is over a hundred million dollars. That's a real blockbuster! Isn't it great that you get to direct something with that kind of budget?" Ben continued, his excitement palpable.

"The reason my films don't cost a lot is that they don't require that much money, not because I don't have the chance to direct blockbusters. Got it? Besides congratulations, do you have anything else? I've got work to do."

"Wait a second, Link! I heard Michael Keaton isn't going to reprise his role in Batman 3. They're looking for a new Batman. What do you think about me? I'm handsome, I've got great acting, and I've been a Batman fan since I was a kid. If you let me take on this role, I'd be over the moon!"

Michael Keaton had starred in the first two Batman films. After Warner Bros. announced the directing and writing changes, Keaton followed suit and announced he would not return.

"You? That might not work."

"Why not? Link, we're friends, your closest partner! We've done four movies together, more than anyone else. Our relationship is like Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. If we keep collaborating, one day I could win an Oscar, and you could be named Best Director. Our partnership would go down in history, wouldn't it?"

Ben babbled on.

Link continued typing away at his keyboard. "What did you say? The signal is bad here; could you get to the point?"

"Okay, Link! How about I play Batman? You've said I'm the most talented actor you've worked with, even if I'm a bit lazy. I've worked hard on my acting since you said that. I'm way better now than when I filmed Se7en. If we get a chance to work together again, I'd definitely surprise you."

"Unfortunately, that won't happen. The studio wants to cast a top star as the new Batman to ensure the box office success. Your drawing power might not be enough."

"How can that be? Se7en smashed box office records! My fame shot up too, on par with those top stars. Let me play Batman; it makes sense!"

"Alright, I'll seriously consider the feasibility of your involvement in Batman."

...

After hanging up, Link resumed writing the shooting schedule for the Batman sequel, detailing the film's stylistic direction, set design, lead cast candidates, prop design and construction, action director team, and so forth.

Once he clarified these terms, Warner Bros. would evaluate them one by one and estimate the costs needed to make the film.

He had also designed a new vehicle and set of gear for Batman, along with a variety of cool gadgets. If Batman 3 did well at the box office, it could carry over to Batman 4's production, avoiding waste.

...

Ding-ling-ling!

Not long after ending the call, his assistant, Annie, informed him that Quentin Tarantino was on the line and wanted to know if Link would take the call.

Link picked up the phone and asked Quentin what was up.

"Link, I heard you're planning to direct the Batman sequel. Is that true?" Quentin asked, his tone heavy.

"Yes, it is," Link answered.

"Link, you're making a mistake. We are independent filmmakers; how can we direct a movie for one of the major studios, let alone something like Batman? That's not a good idea. I advise you to reconsider this project."

Quentin's words were intense.

Independent films, in a broad sense, refer to movies that differ from the mainstream film industry within the country.

The American mainstream film industry comprises the major studios, which zero in on market potential and aim for maximum profit.

This operational model could bring a massive influx of funds to the film business but limited the creative space for filmmakers, forcing everyone to focus on money.

Some filmmakers sought to escape the control of large studios by self-financing their projects and creating films according to their vision. These films were also known as "independent films."

Films like Buried, The Blair Witch Project, and The Butterfly Effect fell within Link's independent film category, while others leaned more toward mainstream commercial films.

This was also a point of contention he faced after becoming a well-known director. Media critiques claimed he had surrendered to market demands, abandoning his personal style and surrounded by a sense of commercialism. He had even mentioned this during an interview for Billy's Movie Show, noting that he was too broke and had no other choice.

Now that he announced plans to direct a standard commercial film like Batman, it was akin to declaring he had fully embraced the commercial director role.

Link didn't mind this shift.

Top-tier directors only focused on making great films, not whether they fell into mainstream or independent categories. Filmmakers like James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, and Ridley Scott perfectly fused artistry with commercial success, gaining both box office acclaim and critical praise.

Link aimed to be one of those directors, thus he disregarded external labels.

"I didn't originally intend to take this on, but Warner Bros. offered me too much money to turn it down," Link explained.

"Oh really? How much are they offering you?"

"About $30 million."

"How much?!!! $30 million? You're getting $30 million for a single film?"

Quentin's voice cracked with disbelief.

"Yes, they offered too much; I couldn't refuse," Link chuckled.

There was silence for a few seconds on the other end.

"Link, I still don't think this is a good idea. You're worth over a billion. You don't need to do this for just $30 million. It's like an Oscar-winning actor doing adult films in the San Fernando Valley -- it's just pathetic," Quentin said, nearly gritting his teeth as he emphasized the 'just $30 million.'

"Quentin, you're missing a point. Although I have some money, I'm not exactly rolling in it. You know I have a lot of girlfriends, and buying them gifts every year costs me about $5 or $6 million. If I don't find a way to earn more, that billion won't last long."

"So you're taking this movie for the women? Link, I'm really disappointed."

"Alright, maybe a little. How's your new film coming along?"

After chatting for a bit, Link hung up and went back to writing and sketching.

...

Just a few minutes later, his assistant, Annie, reminded him that a call came in from Nicole Kidman, who wanted to speak with him.

Link asked Annie to transfer the call.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.