Chapter 354: Kate Winslet
[Chapter 354: Kate Winslet]
After meeting with Michael Ovitz and Harvey Weinstein to finalize a collaboration, Link returned to the studio to edit Hachi: A Dog's Tale. Photos from their meeting had been published by media outlets like the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. The media reported that Link and Ovitz had buried the hatchet and spent over half an hour talking amiably at the cafe.
Insiders suggested they discussed collaboration opportunities. If Guess Pictures and Disney, along with Miramax, secured a partnership, the Hollywood Big Seven Studios would likely crumble, strengthening Guess Pictures' foothold in Hollywood, and further enhancing Link's influence in the entertainment industry.
Link had not responded to this publicly yet, but when invited to the premiere of Sense and Sensibility that Friday, several reporters asked him about it.
...
"Mr. Link, there's media speculation that you and Michael Ovitz have reconciled and are preparing to collaborate on films. Is that true?" a reporter from the New York Post asked while holding a microphone at the barrier on the red carpet.
"Yes, we've had our disagreements in the past, but now that he's at Disney, we'll have more opportunities to collaborate on several big projects in the future. Guess Pictures isn't only partnering with Disney but is also looking to collaborate with other film companies. Our goal is a win-win situation, bringing Hollywood back to its golden age," Link responded confidently.
"Mr. Link, many people now refer to you as the King of Hollywood. How do you feel about this title, and how do you feel about transforming from an ordinary person into the King of Hollywood in under five years?" a reporter from the San Francisco Chronicle asked.
"I don't consider myself the King of Hollywood. I'm just a director, an ordinary director. My interests and ideals are all expressed in my work. My goal is to make more great films, not to accumulate wealth and power. The title of King of Hollywood is worth nothing to me, not even worth as much as a nomination for any film award," Link replied frankly.
Applause erupted from reporters and fans outside the red carpet, who appreciated his sincerity.
"Director Link, I heard you're currently preparing a new film, which would be your third film this year. From what I know, no director in Hollywood has filmed more than three movies in a year. What's your purpose in such a continuous production?" a Newsweek reporter inquired.
"Probably career anxiety," Link chuckled. "Many artists, when at the peak of their creativity, produce many high-quality works in close succession. Yet, during low points, their work tends to decline. I'm currently on a creative peak, where every project is well-received by audiences, so I have to take advantage of this time to film more projects before my creative abilities diminish. Further down the line, I won't have the luxury of being able to regret it."
"Career anxiety? Billionaires experience career anxiety?" the reporters exclaimed, surprised and excited. They had not expected that someone of Link's stature could have such worries. The conversation topic was sensational enough to draw significant interest, likely leading to more viewers.
"Yes, as I said, I'm an ordinary person, and naturally, I have ordinary person issues."
...
After addressing a few more questions, Link waved to the reporters and fans and took Jennifer's arm as they exited the red carpet area.
"Honey, is your career anxiety real?" Jennifer Connelly asked, wrapping her arm around him and smiling sweetly, her exquisite features enhancing her charm.
"Since 1992, nearly every movie I've made has performed well, often resulting in blockbusters. As a result, I've been labeled a top director, one of the most profitable directors in Hollywood, and so on. However, while receiving these honors, I faced hostility and jealousy from many. A lot of people hoped my films would fail, waiting for me to fall from grace. That's why I'm very cautious and slightly anxious before each project -- feeling anxious is inevitable."
Link held her delicate hand as they walked.
Jennifer looked at his profile with some emotion. At home, he was always the most emotionally stable one. Whenever someone was upset, he would always check in and help make everyone happy. Yet, because he seldom sought concern from others, his feelings often went unnoticed, leaving others unaware of his wellbeing or the extent of his stress.
"Darling, you've done great; don't put too much pressure on yourself. How about taking some time off before filming again? There's no rush," she suggested kindly, tightening her embrace against his solid arm, seeking comfort.
Link chuckled softly, pinching her pert nose playfully. "I was just joking. I made that statement to create a buzz and help promote Sense and Sensibility. As for anxiety, it's there, but it's entirely manageable, so you don't need to worry about me."
"No way, I'm worried. When we get home tonight, I'm calling a family meeting to tell everyone not to keep bothering you about work. They need to give you space to unwind. You should have more time to relax!" Jennifer said, showing her concern.
"There's no need; next month, I'm headed out of the country to shoot a film. After that, I won't have much time to spend with everyone. While I can, I want to spend as much time with you all. Trust me, this is the best way for me to rest and release pressure and anxiety."
"Really?"
"Of course!"
Link kissed Jennifer's forehead gently as he pulled her into the cinema.
...
Introduced by director Ang Lee and lead actress Emma Thompson, Link met several cast members, including leading man Hugh Grant, second lead Kate Winslet, and second male lead Alan Rickman, among others.
After some casual chatting, the film screening began. Sense and Sensibility, adapted from the novel by renowned British author Jane Austen, tells the story of two English sisters facing different attitudes toward love.
Set in an English noble manor, after the passing of the estate's owner, the daughters faced the fate of losing their home due to inheritance laws favoring male heirs. Marriage became their only option.
The elder daughter approached love with calmness and restraint, concealing her romantic feelings for the family's happiness, while the younger daughter, driven by her romantic mind, willingly sacrificed for love.
Ultimately, both sisters received true love; one "reason," the other "feeling."
Ang Lee's direction was remarkable, and the performances were captivating. As the screening concluded, the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause.
...
"Ang Lee, congratulations! The film was fantastic!" Link said, clapping his hands.
"Thank you! Link, I appreciate your support!" Ang Lee smiled modestly, feeling relieved. Sense and Sensibility was his first film with a completely European and American cast, and he felt considerable pressure collaborating with such star-studded actors. Now that the film was released and the audience reception had been positive, it indicated he had done well, but he wouldn't feel at ease until he saw the box office numbers; he hoped it wouldn't lead to losses for the company.
...
"Director Link, what did you think of my performance?" Kate Winslet ventured to ask boldly as she approached him.
"Very good! You captured Marianne's innocence and passion well, adding a lot of depth to the character," Link replied, looking at the twenty-year-old Winslet.
"Thanks! Director Link, if you have a role suited for me, will you consider collaborating with me?" Kate asked, staring at him unwaveringly.
Link nodded affirmatively. "Absolutely!"
"Great! Here's my number; please contact me if you find a role that fits me!" Kate Winslet handed him a photo taken in an artistic pose, wearing a spaghetti strap dress with her long honey-brown hair cascading down her back. Her fair skin complemented her beautiful features and figure; the back of the photo contained a string of numbers and her Los Angeles address.
"Okay, I've got it," Link said, smiling as he accepted it. He had heard that Kate Winslet was good at seizing opportunities; during the casting for Titanic, she had written multiple letters to James Cameron to promote herself, ultimately landing the role. It seemed the rumors were indeed true; she wasn't just an ordinary actress, and it made sense that she could become a leading star in the future.
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After the premiere, Link returned to his company to continue editing Hachi: A Dog's Tale, completing the edit in three weeks before handing it to the production team for post-production.
*****
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