Chapter 355: Batman Internal Preview
[Chapter 355: Batman Internal Preview]
Sense and Sensibility achieved an impressive opening week at 190 theaters across North America, grossing $3.07 million, with an over $10,000 per theater average -- an outstanding feat for an art film.
The film received favorable reviews. Director Ang Lee's talent was widely recognized. Ang Lee infused the character 'Elinor' with the conservatism and subtlety of Eastern culture, stamping the film with his unique artistic style and making it feel both distinct and highly artistic.
In its second week, Guess Pictures, along with Columbia Pictures, expanded the film's release and marketing efforts. It was now shown in 1,054 theaters, bringing in $17.91 million. The two-week total stood at $20.98 million, against a production cost of $16 million, suggesting that the film would likely make back its investment -- expecting to gross at least $50 million in North America, marking it as a commercial success.
Meanwhile, In & Out entered its seventh week of release, reaching a North American total of $58.64 million and an overseas tally of $23.37 million, with global earnings anticipated to exceed $100 million. Given its $32 million budget, this qualified as another box-office hit.
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As Sense and Sensibility entered its second week, the post-production of Batman Forever was completed. Warner Bros. hosted an internal test screening attended by Link, Nicole Kidman, Ben Affleck, and other key contributors.
The movie turned out well, featuring a plot that outshone the original version, and the cast was a better fit than the previous ensemble. During filming, Link included numerous captivating action sequences, extravagant prop designs, and high-level cinematography and set design, which enriched both its commercial appeal and artistic depth.
...
After the screening ended, applause erupted abundantly, accompanied by continuous cheers. Warner's lead producer, Richard Fox, exhilarated, applauded and praised the film as a perfect blend of commercial and artistic quality, describing the viewing experience as a lavish visual feast.
...
Jim Carrey shouted excitedly, exclaiming that the film was "so cool, exactly the kind of movie he wanted to make."
"Awesome! No one can surpass my version of Batman, can they?" Ben Affleck smugly stroked his chin.
Matt Damon and Ryan Phillippe smiled, choosing not to argue with him. Affleck had indeed delivered a solid performance in the film. His tall, muscular physique and handsome, brooding looks matched flawlessly with Batman's persona, even appearing superior to Michael Keaton's version.
Yet, whether anyone could truly surpass him remained uncertain. Affleck's outstanding performance could be credited to Link's directorial skills. If Link could guide Affleck, he could just as easily mentor others in the future. Thus, whether someone could eclipse Ben Affleck primarily depended on Link continuing to direct the Batman series and whether he would keep Affleck as the lead.
"I think the best performance came from Gary Oldman as Two-Face," Joaquin Phoenix remarked, crossing his arms. "He played the character with enough distortion and radicality, infused with a tragic essence, giving depth to the role; I really liked that character."
The others nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Gary Oldman's portrayal of Two-Face was truly impressive, rivaling Jack Nicholson's Joker from the '89 Batman.
"Jim Carrey's Riddler was also great, humorous and zany; no one but him could nail that role," Edward Norton stated.
Everyone concurred, noting Carrey's vibrant physical comedy, which fit the Riddler's eccentric nature perfectly. It would be difficult for anyone else to match Carrey's performance, solidifying him as an irreplaceable member of the ensemble.
Affleck scowled at the accolades directed towards his co-stars; he had just praised himself, thinking they would shower him with compliments as well, but Matt Damon and the others went on to praise their fellow stars instead.
Every compliment to Gary Oldman's depth, Jim Carrey's uniqueness, Nicole Kidman's beauty as Dr. Chase, and Michael Caine's superb role as Alfred seemed to diminish Affleck's achievements, making it seem normal for him to perform well.
"This is all Link's doing," Drew Barrymore interjected with applause. "Link is great at guiding actors. His high standards push everyone's performances, and if another director had been involved, achieving such results would be tough."
"Absolutely," others nodded in unison.
"Link is truly remarkable. I believe if I work with him a few more times, even an inexperienced actor could win an Academy Award under his direction," Ryan Phillippe asserted, earning nods of agreement from the group.
Affleck's expression grew darker; he had collaborated with Link on four films and had yet to receive a single Oscar nomination. Did this indicate that his acting skills were lacking?
"Ben, you need to step it up. You've starred in four films with Link and three times as the lead; if handed off to someone else, they might score an Oscar for Best Actor," Casey Affleck patted Ben's arm, sharing a ripped chuckle.
Affleck shot him a glare, signaling him to hush.
...
The applause following the film screening lasted for over three minutes before gradually tapering off.
Warner Bros.' president, Terry Semel, lead producer Richard Fox, and former director Tim Burton approached Link to congratulate him on a job well done.
Link expressed his gratitude to everyone, stating that the success of this film was not solely his doing, but a result of everyone's hard work, and he was eager to share this success with them.
...
In truth, the excellence of Batman Forever had exceeded his expectations. He remembered watching the prior version of Batman Forever and noticing many flaws and loopholes, wanting to critique it once he was done.
But this version of Batman Forever had delivered an exceptional viewing experience -- whether in terms of the cast's performances, set design, lighting, or special effects -- all reached a high standard. If he had to score it out of 100, Link would have rated it 98.
As the screening concluded, Link also received feedback and rewards from the system.
[Movie production completed, box office subsidies are being calculated...]
[Host participation rate: 62.1%, movie completion rate: 97.3%, market fit: 86%]
[Reward: 2.2x box office subsidy; directing experience +20%; director stamina +25%; movie quality increase +14%]
"Another 20% boost in directing experience and a 25% boost in stamina?" Although the participation rate was lower than for The Butterfly Effect and Se7en, the higher completion and market fit ratings meant that these rewards hadn't diminished, likely due to the movie's blockbuster status. It seemed making big films yielded more experience and stamina. After receiving the 25% stamina boost, Link felt a warm sensation in his body, but with improved fitness, the effects were less intense.
...
"Link, are you feeling hot? Your face seems a bit flushed," Nicole Kidman gently inquired.
"It is a little warm," he replied.
"Would you like me to help?" Nicole bit her glossy red lips, her eyes full of pent-up desire and passion.
Link gazed at her exquisite features, her slender neck, and her elegant figure that was accentuated by her long dress, and asked, "How are things going with your divorce from Tom Cruise?"
"I'm in the process of finalizing it," Nicole replied, adding, "It should be wrapped up soon, definitely by the end of the year."
"With your divorce agreement still underway, it's best to keep our distance to prevent any rumors from negatively impacting us both," Link suggested.
Nicole nodded, her expression hinting at unmasked disappointment.
Link refrained from comforting her, as denying Nicole's advances was for her own good. On one hand, any scandal during her divorce would harm her reputation and make garnering sympathy and support from the public challenging. On the other hand, his already high fitness level had increased even more after receiving the 25% boost in stamina. If Nicole continued assisting him like before, it could lead to injuries, leaving him uncomfortable as well.
...
After the test screening concluded, Link returned to his mountaintop villa and invited Lily, Monica, Sofia, Brooke Shields, Winona Ryder, and Jennifer Lopez for an extravagant feast. Once he restored his energy to optimal levels, he returned to the editing studio to fine-tune Batman Forever, examining the film for any changes to pinpoint the reasons for modifications and to learn from them.
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