Chapter 52: Box Office Hits Big Again

[Chapter 52: Box Office Hits Big Again]

Evening at the Saint Arthur Independent Cinema.

Mark, dressed in his work uniform and sweating profusely, nervously faced a group of African American men and explained with a dry mouth, "Gentlemen, please calm down. We're contacting the theater alliance manager, trying everything to get more film copies."

"Damn it, Fifty Shades of Gray is playing now, and you're telling me there are no copies available?"

"Then just add more showtimes!"

"This is disappointing, guys, let's check other theaters."

The group, clearly let down, complained and turned to leave.

Mark sighed in relief and smiled at his colleague beside him, "I thought they were about to cause a riot. What's going on? Are people really lining up to see this movie again?"

His female colleague glared impatiently, "Of course. The only screening room has been packed from afternoon until now."

What was happening?

Mark was baffled. "The manager already started pulling the movie days ago. Suddenly it's blowing up again?"

"Haven't you seen the news? Will Smith is heartbroken over his girlfriend's bold performance," she snapped. "A lot of the guys want to catch a glimpse of the big star's girlfriend's daring scenes. Don't you want to see it?"

Uh...

Mark was embarrassed but nodded with a playful grin, then quickly adopted a thoughtful look. "Max, something's not right here."

"Of course it's not right! It's Charlie Corleone," the cinema manager strode in. "He's rumored to have handled the marketing for Independence Day. Fifty Shades of Gray is no exception. He hit some rough patch a while back but now he's making a comeback. Somehow, he landed a big star and Fox's media outlets have been pushing it hard. In a strange way, they made the movie popular again."

Mark gasped, "How'd he pull that off? Convince those companies and promote it in a way that actually risks the reputation of the black star?"

"If I knew how, and could become a movie company boss in three months like him, would I still be a theater manager?" The manager scoffed. "Forget the big shots, FedEx just delivered the copies. Come with me, let's get this sorted!"

Similar scenes played out across many theaters.

Male viewers vied impatiently to see the star's heartbroken girlfriend's bold scenes.

For a time, Fifty Shades of Gray's box office numbers climbed steadily.

...

At Los Angeles Airport, Will Smith stepped out of the terminal after wrapping filming in Nevada.

His agent, James Lasset, arrived with bodyguards and assistants. "Hey man, welcome back."

Will, dressed in a black suit and sunglasses, glanced around. "How's it going, James? I mean the relationship news. Reporters have been chasing the Men in Black set, thankfully it's well-secured there."

James smiled brightly. "It's great. Columbia's involved and you're trending everywhere. The Godfather's plan benefited everyone. His movie is also seeing big box office success."

"That guy's shamelessly surprising. I'm sure a lot of people are laughing at me these days."

"But soon your personal image and fame will be boosted again. The Godfather's promotional strategy is now internal study material at CAA. Even I'm analyzing it. Get ready, reporters are waiting outside!" James was upbeat and full of praise.

"Of course!" Will raised his head proudly, boasting about his strong acting skills.

Though unwilling to admit it aloud, he admired Charlie's tactics.

The group marched out of the airport.

Reporters swarmed them instantly.

But before they could act, a crowd of women burst forward, brandishing signs and blocking Will and his entourage.

What were they doing?

Reporters looked confused.

Then the women shouted loudly:

"Boycott Fifty Shades of Gray!"

"Openly filming women being abused by men - that's huge discrimination!"

The righteous outcry drew many onlookers.

A woman ripped off her top in outrage.

"What are you waiting for? Film it!" a Los Angeles Times reporter yelled at his stunned colleagues.

Eager like wolves smelling blood, the reporters surged forward.

"Will, is your relationship over?"

"What do you think about this protest? I heard many women's groups opposed Fifty Shades of Gray from the start."

"Do you personally discriminate against women?"

The scene was chaotic, but after the crowd heated up, staff who had been waiting stepped in to maintain order.

At a clearing, Will stood on a platform.

Tearful and sorrowful, he said, "These days have been terrible. My relationship matters seriously affected the Men in Black shoot."

Men in Black? Some reporters grimaced, silently cursing Hollywood's dirty marketing tricks.

But they hurriedly asked, "Can you be specific?"

"Sisters, in truth I'm a victim like you!" Will sobbed. "I only found out a few days ago that Alicia wasn't actually pregnant. She faked it with a doctor. She lied with family and children. And claimed to be an independent woman."

James gave a thumbs-up and handed over a medical certificate.

"Look!" Will held it high. "I didn't want to expose everything, even though I was hurt deeply.

But after seeing Fifty Shades of Gray and your protests today, I feel I must tell the truth! I'm breaking up with Alicia the liar and support all women protesting Fifty Shades of Gray!"

...

The drama exploded across the U.S.

The New York Times ran a headline: When will discrimination against women end?

The Washington Post published an editorial: Hollywood star Will Smith, currently filming Men in Black, has hit a major snag. A dirty, shameless woman toyed with him.

Stars often face financial chaos and bankruptcy, but emotional deception is rare.

According to Will's agent and the Men in Black crew, Will's troubles stemmed from his kind nature and desire for family.

...

The news swept the nation. People privately mocked Will as clueless or a sucker tricked by a call girl.

On the surface, major media and Hollywood stars rallied to his support.

Strangely though, Fifty Shades of Gray's box office continued climbing.

Fox Entertainment Channel reporters filmed on the streets.

Some women in white shirts held signs blocking male pedestrians.

"Sir, the female lead in Fifty Shades of Gray is a deceitful lover who pleases men in the story and even demeans herself as a slave. We hope you join us in protesting at the theaters!"

Well, pleasing men?

A sharply dressed young man with a briefcase lit up and seriously nodded. "Of course, I'm going to the theater now. It's called Fifty Shades of Gray?"

The reporter explained on camera, "We see many supporting this cause. Let's talk to some male supporters."

Outside the theater, groups of young men emerged from showings.

"Are you here supporting women's rights?" the reporter asked.

A tattooed guy who had been joking nodded firmly and loudly said, "Definitely! We shouted slogans to show respect for women."

His friend added, "We watched the film critically and deeply realized the importance of mutual respect."

...

Inside Fox's Century City building, McCarny stared at the screen then at the box office report.

He looked disgusted. "Is shamelessness contagious? Or are people just stupid? I've never seen a marketing trick this many people."

Benjamin scratched his head. "This frenzy can cloud minds short term, but I worry about the fallout. We bought Fifty Shades of Gray's rights."

"Asshole!" McCarny was upset. "That guy squeezed every penny out!"

...

At the Haas building, Corleone Studios.

Pierza held a copy of Variety showing the news.

Last week, Paramount's The First Wives Club opened in 1,922 theaters and topped the box office.

Close behind was the three-week-old Fifty Shades of Gray, raking in $12.36 million.

"Ha! Charlie, a few days ago the Century Theater owner scoffed at me, said he'd never screen Mafia Distribution's movies again. But soon after, he marveled that Mafia somehow came back from the dead."

Charlie smiled modestly. "Thanks to Will's help. Soon this film will be worthless. Miramax is talking with HBO about cable rights in North America today. You come with me. I want us to leverage his channels to improve distribution."

"OK!" Pierza nodded, joking, "Now I kind of regret buying out Mafia completely."

"You'll be a shareholder again, just not now. If that $8 million's idling, maybe you can invest in Corleone's film projects."

Pierza rolled his eyes. "Man, I'm a pro."

Charlie chuckled, "Don't worry, I won't screw the books too much. I'll try to give investors some return. Honestly, I've been thinking about setting up financing channels."

Kevin knocked. "Boss, the directors are here."

"OK, I'm coming!" Charlie waved at Pierza, signaling he'd talk distribution company plans later.

Then he left the office with Kevin for the Good Will Hunting director interview.

*****

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