Chapter 327: The Butterfly Effect Premiere

[Chapter 327: The Butterfly Effect Premiere]

Friday arrived with a cloudy sky and a hint of humidity in the air.

It was the day of The Butterfly Effect's release, and at noon, Link drove to the ArcLight Cinema in Hollywood for the premiere.

Celebrities like Quentin Tarantino, Nicolas Cage, Keanu Reeves, Jodie Foster, Bruce Willis and his wife, Madonna, Sharon Stone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Tim Robbins, Nicole Kidman, and many others turned out to support the event. The star-studded premiere was even more dazzling than the Golden Globes.

...

"Damn! Why are so many people going to support Link?"

Michael Ovitz grumbled after glancing at his guest list, which was crowded with familiar names. His expression soured.

"Ron, I told you beforehand to inform their agents not to attend Link's premiere. Why are all these names appearing on this list?"

Ron Bernstein, the vice president, rubbed his bald head in frustration. "I did notify them and even called a meeting, insisting that agents take this seriously. They assured me they would persuade their clients to stay away, but it seems they failed."

What Ron didn't mention was that, earlier in the year, Michael had stripped some authority from Jay Moloney to bolster his control over the talent agency, assigning those responsibilities to Ron. Unlike Jay, who had more experience, Ron faced an uphill battle with many high-profile agents disregarding his authority. He wouldn't tell Michael all this, lest he be considered incompetent.

"Those bastards! They won't even listen to me! I'm going to blacklist them," Michael exploded.

Included on the list were A-list stars like Nicolas Cage, Jodie Foster, Julianne Moore, Bruce Willis and his wife, Madonna, Brad Pitt, among over thirty other key clients of CAA. Blacklisting them was simply not an option; CAA's revenue relied heavily on their film commitments. If he took action against them, CAA would suffer, while competitors like WMA, UTA, and ICM would rejoice.

Michael realized he had no real leverage over them. When he saw those names, he felt a wave of desolation wash over him, as if it raised goosebumps all over his body.

Once, CAA had a firm grip on most of the top talent contracts in Hollywood, dictating terms on film projects, and he had maneuvered the industry to stab Lu Wasserman, who had previously supported him, in the back, becoming the most powerful person in Hollywood. During CAA's dominance, no one dared to ignore him. Even when Sony and Panasonic acquired Hollywood companies, they needed him to mediate. Even President Clinton once invited him over to discuss votes.

Back then, all actors revered him, eager to win his favor. Those who climbed the Oscar stage to accept awards often thanked him first before mentioning God.

To them, he was not just a king of Hollywood, but a god of entertainment.

But now, merely five or six years later, everything had changed. Not only had Link repeatedly gone against him, but even CAA-affiliated artists had started to disregard his commands, rushing to support Link's films.

This blatant betrayal felt like being mocked in his face for losing power, as if Link had eclipsed him completely.

Michael's fists clenched tightly, veins popping on his forehead, his face darkening.

...

"Michael, I'm here."

Tom Cruise approached, greeting him at the entrance of the Pacific Theatre.

"Where's Nicole?"

Michael noticed Tom was alone.

Tom's expression darkened as he glanced toward the ArcLight. "She went over there to support Link."

"Damn it!"

Michael could hardly contain his anger. He lowered his voice upon noticing others nearby. "They all deserve this! I will make sure they regret it; I swear it!"

Tom Cruise clenched his fists as well.

After shooting Batman Forever, Nicole had not only moved out but had refused to accompany him to any public events, even trying to avoid him altogether.

It felt like he didn't even have a wife now.

And all of this was because of Link, who pretended to be a saint, boasting he wouldn't interfere with others' wives -- what a hypocrite.

"Tom, calm down. Don't let your anger show; it will only please Link," Michael said, patting Tom's back.

Tom noted the press gathering nearby and took a few deep breaths, relaxing his face.

...

"Tom Hanks has arrived."

Ron Bernstein pointed to the red carpet as a reminder.

Michael chuckled to himself. As Tom Hanks strolled by, he and Tom Cruise greeted him. However, upon seeing them, Tom Hanks wore a noticeably displeased expression, merely nodding before turning to lead his wife into the theater.

Michael felt the chill of rejection wash over him again, his expression slipping, anger flashing in his eyes.

He understood why Tom Hanks didn't like him -- because this was also the premiere for Apollo 13, in which Tom was the lead.

Initially slated for a June release, the film's schedule was advanced to undermine Link's The Butterfly Effect.

Apollo 13 was a major commercial project by Universal Pictures, with a production cost of $52 million. Its initial screenings received stellar praise, indicating it had substantial box office potential.

Releasing it alongside the low-budget art film would ensure it outperformed The Butterfly Effect.

They'd prefer not to wield their big project against Link this time, but after underestimating him in previous confrontations, they learned their lesson. They intended to come back swinging with the strongest hit they had.

Not only did they want to defeat Link's film, but they wanted to crush it completely, ensuring it flopped hard.

This was what he and the higher-ups at the Big Seven studios deliberated, yet Tom Hanks had objected to the schedule change.

After participating in Link's The Sixth Sense, he had privately praised Link as an exceptionally talented director and had developed a favorable relationship with him.

Hanks didn't want to be a part of the studios' tactics against Link, nor did he want to pit his film against Link's.

But he was just an actor, and his protests were futile.

This was what made the usually affable Tom Hanks so frustrated.

Still, as a CAA talent, his boss didn't even greet him, let alone act cordial.

Michael's fists clenched once more--he felt a simmering rage. If this had happened four years ago, would Tom Hanks have dared to treat him like this?

Now, because of his waning influence, they started to ignore him -- how absurd.

Had he known they were such people, he would have made sure they never gained fame.

...

"Michael, don't let it get to you. Watch out for the reporters," Tom Cruise softly advised.

Michael composed himself, glancing at Tom beside him. He nodded appreciatively, feeling reassured.

Despite betrayal from many, Tom's presence affirmed his judgment had not failed; the flaw lay with the traitors.

Someday, he would take down Link and regain his reign over Hollywood.

He silently vowed that he wouldn't let a single traitor get away unscathed.

...

After entering the theater, Tom Cruise sat in the audience and pondered. He pulled out his phone and sent a message to Link, wishing him success with the new movie and explaining his absence from the premiere.

Despite hating Link for taking his wife and embarrassing him, Tom understood that, given the current dynamics, Michael's power was merely a facade, while Link was a rising star whose influence in Hollywood was growing stronger.

Building a friendly rapport with Link at this time seemed far more beneficial than continuing as adversaries.

Tom huffed softly, storing away his phone while secretly hoping Link's new movie flopped at the box office.

*****

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