Chapter 28 30. About Hannibal’s Plan

Movie fans don’t know Eric’s identity, but the actors know it very well. The young man in front of them represents MGM, or to put it in a more straightforward name - capital!

So no matter if you are the best actor or actress, no matter how many billions of box office results you have created, unless you are the best in this industry, you still have to bow your head in front of capital.

Of course, Eric would not be arrogant and greeted them one by one enthusiastically. As a veteran who had been in the circle for more than ten years before traveling through time, he was very familiar with the people in front of him.

First of all, there is director Brett Ratner. It is hard to imagine that this guy is only 33 years old this year, but he has been able to direct blockbusters like "Red Dragon" and make a group of movie emperors and actresses listen to his orders. When Eric was 33 years old, he had never even touched the director's microphone.

His famous work is "Rush Hour", the one starring Jackie Chan, which grossed 250 million US dollars in 1998. It can be said that it was a peak from the start. It was also because of this that he got the right to direct "Red Dragon".

He also has several works that are very familiar to Chinese movie fans, including "Prison Break Season 1", "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "Skyrim".

But I don’t know if it’s because his inspiration is gradually drying up, but Brett Ratner’s works are gradually going downhill and have never gotten better.

Then came the veteran actor Anthony Hopkins. Eric had nothing to say about this great actor except admiration. He won the Oscar for Best Actor with just 24 minutes and 52 seconds. Every muscle of his facial muscles could be used for acting.

By the way, the Oscar winner with the shortest screen time is David Niven, from the 1958 film "The Romantic Comedy". He is a great actor from the black-and-white film era, and his screen time is 23 minutes and 39 seconds.

Ralph Fiennes is another film emperor. You may not know what he looks like, but you must have heard of or seen his works, including "Prime Suspect", "Schindler's List", "The English Patient", etc. The most well-known to young movie fans should be Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" series.

Philip Hoffman has starred in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "The Hunger Games", and won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2005 for "Capote".

Emily Watson, a drama giant, entered the industry in 1994 and has been nominated for two Oscars so far. There is no need to say more.

Edward Norton, an actor very familiar to Chinese movie fans, is a typical second-generation rich man with a very stubborn personality. Perhaps because he is not short of money, he is fond of art films and has always been indifferent to commercial films.

Norton's acting skills are very good, which can be seen from films such as "Primal Fear", "American History X", "Fight Club" and "Birdman", but he is also known for his stubborn character.

For example, when filming "American History X", because he was dissatisfied with the director, he actually cut a 40-minute version himself and almost had a fight with the director.

The most well-known incident is when Norton changed the script on the spot during the filming of "The Incredible Hulk", trying to make a popcorn movie more humane.

This caused the filming process to be interrupted continuously, and the director and screenwriter were on the verge of collapse. Later, he refused to participate in publicity due to a conflict with the crew. He was really a difficult thorn in the side.

Looking at all the big names in front of him, if it were in China, Eric really wanted to sign them all to his own company. Unfortunately, this is in the United States and there are unions in place.

After a while of playing on the red carpet, everyone was there. Eric suggested, "It's almost time to go in. Let's take a group photo first."

Everyone naturally followed his suggestion, and Eric also stood in the C position very naturally. Except for some fans who didn't understand the situation, no one had any objections.

After entering the cinema, the host came on stage to warm up the audience and told witty jokes that made the audience laugh.

For this premiere, Dad specially invited Jon Stewart to host it. Now is the rising period of Stewart's career and he is very popular among young people.

Afterwards, the actors and creators came on stage, and fans and the media began to ask some questions. They had all been informed in advance, and there was no case of reporters being blindsided.

Finally, a surprise guest appeared. In order to boost the event, MGM also invited many big stars to watch the ceremony.

Keanu Reeves, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, John Cusack, and even Sylvester Stallone were invited to the finale.

Today's premiere will definitely make the headlines in tomorrow's newspapers.

Moreover, the quality of "Red Dragon" is not bad. It is a work above the passing line. Giving it 75 points is not excessive, and film critics will also show mercy.

Eric looked to the side and said, "Dad, I didn't expect you to have such a wide network of contacts!"

Charlie Cooper smiled slightly, but before he could speak, Charlemagne, the general manager of Universal, said, "Young man, your father has been in this industry for 30 years, so don't underestimate him."

As the clock struck midnight, the theater lights went down, the curtain opened, and everyone's eyes fell on the big screen.

Shortly after the film begins, Hannibal's identity is exposed and he is sentenced to prison.

But then a more terrifying killer, the Tooth Fairy, appeared on the scene. Hannibal usually killed one person at a time, but the Tooth Fairy killed an entire family, increasing his efficiency several times.

Then there is a plot similar to "The Silence of the Lambs". The FBI can't deal with the Tooth Fairy, so they can only ask Uncle Dave to help. A battle of wits begins.

Eric attended the internal preview of "Red Dragon". He actually disagreed with the director's partial adaptation of the original novel, which led to some logical inaccuracies, but the matter is done and there is nothing he can do.

With a few gunshots, the Tooth Fairy fell to the ground and died. The protagonist barely survived, and Uncle Ba's conspiracy failed.

But it doesn't matter, because at the end of the movie he met his destined girl, Clarice.

Crash...

After the film ended, the audience stood up and applauded, applauding the actors and creators. Even some film critics frowned, but they also applauded.

The obscure metaphorical shots in the movie cannot be understood in a short time. Similarly, some logical loopholes cannot be understood in one go. If you can't figure it out, just applaud.

The premiere was over. It was already 2 a.m., the lights in Los Angeles were still bright, and people were leaving one after another.

Eric called out to someone, "Mr. Harris, can I spare you a few minutes?"

Thomas Harris, screenwriter of Red Dragon, is also the author of Hannibal Lecter.

In 1992, "The Silence of the Lambs" was adapted into a movie. With an investment of 19 million U.S. dollars, it earned 270 million U.S. dollars at the box office and became a global hit.

It won five major awards at the 64th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, becoming the third film in Oscar history to win four major awards.

The blessing of honor made Thomas Harris a god overnight. Faced with such a great writer with a gold mine in his hands, how could Eric let go? If he didn't take advantage of him, would he still be a human being?

"Mr. Harris, although it's late, is it convenient for me to keep you for a while?"

In addition to being a writer, Thomas Harris was also a screenwriter. Faced with the new captain of MGM, he naturally could not say no.

"Of course, the fact is that I am a night owl, and many of my novels are written in the middle of the night."

"Really? Aren't you scared to spend the rest of the night writing those cannibalistic scenes?"

"Of course not, because when I write I drink foie gras and red wine. Silence and darkness inspire me."

The two of them laughed. They hadn't had time to talk just now because there were too many people around, but now they could have a good chat.

"Mr. Harris, I want to congratulate you. Red Dragon will surely be a big hit. You are an outstanding writer and screenwriter."

The fat on Thomas's face trembled. "This is all thanks to MGM's strong promotion. To be honest, I never thought you would do so much for Red Dragon!"

Eric reached out and hooked his finger towards something not far away, and Chen Xing quickly brought over two glasses of champagne.

“It’s not that we have to do so much, but because it’s good enough.”

"Ha ha ha ha……"

Everyone likes to hear nice words. Thomas Harris suddenly felt that the young man in front of him was particularly friendly, and the two of them clinked their glasses lightly.

After a brief greeting and a glass of wine, the two quickly became familiar with each other.

"Thomas, have you ever thought about continuing to develop this gold mine in Hannibal?"

The other party nodded: "Of course, no writer doesn't want to spread his or her work more widely, but the trilogy has been filmed and my novel is also finished. Isn't it too early to remake it now?"

Eric was speechless. What are you doing? Brother, what are you doing? You can't remake the 1992 movie? Besides, who dares to challenge Anthony Hopkins? It's not appropriate to ask the old man to play Hannibal again. No matter how much money you offer, he won't agree to do it.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

"Thomas, I'm not talking about the big screen. Before you release the new Hannibal movie, this series is no longer suitable for the big screen, at least not for 20 years."

"I mean the small screen, the movie is too short after all, it can't fully show Hannibal's story, why not make it into a TV series?"

"We will have plenty of time to show the inner world of Hannibal to the audience more perfectly. Isn't it interesting?"

Thomas Harris was silent for a moment: "As for a TV series, I haven't thought about it yet. Is this feasible?"

"Of course it's feasible, and MGM is the most suitable filmmaker. You should have seen our sincerity."

"And not only the TV series, MGM also wants to obtain the copyright of your subsequent Hannibal series of novels."

Thomas Harris realized Eric's purpose after the truth was revealed: he wanted to buy him out.

"Eric, your idea is very interesting. I am willing to consider it. After all, it doesn't matter who I work with. We have cooperated so many times and I trust MGM."

Eric smiled and said, "Thank you. We can discuss the details. I am looking forward to your subsequent works."

"Then you may have to wait a long time. I am a slow person."

"Ha ha ha ha……"

Originally, due to MGM's own chaos and other factors, MGM participated in the production of Young Hannibal, but its share was very small. It did not participate in the production of the Hannibal TV series at all.

Although neither of these two dramas was a success, it was a blessing in disguise for MGM. However, in the eyes of Eric, a man with a future perspective, as long as he holds the dominant power in his own hands, it is impossible to mine stones from the gold mine.

You sold a psychological thriller like "Hannibal" to NBC. I can only say that the producers are simply out of their minds.

What is NBC's style? They are old conservatives, and the main viewers are housewives in their 40s. Will they watch "Hannibal"? If it were broadcast on AMC or HBO, the ratings of "Hannibal" would definitely increase a lot. After all, its ratings and reputation have always been high, but the wrong market positioning led to a disastrous ratings failure.

"Thomas, Mr. Cooper, what are you talking about?"

Not far away, a figure approached with graceful steps. It was Anthony Hopkins, and he seemed to be preparing to leave.

The old man is 65 years old this year. He cannot compare with young people in their 30s. His physical strength really cannot keep up, so he does not plan to attend the upcoming banquet party.

Eric reached out and pulled him back: "I'm talking to Thomas about the subsequent film and television development of Hannibal."

Hopkins looked at his old friend and said, "Thomas, are you planning to publish a new book? I haven't heard anything about it. You should tell me. You know how much I love your book."

Thomas pointed at Eric and said, "It's not me. It's him who wants to develop a TV series of Hannibal."

"Yes, Anthony, if a new series of Hannibal is launched, I hope to invite you to continue to star in it. After all, you are the best choice in the hearts of the audience."

Hearing this, Hopkins smiled and refused: "Mr. Cooper, I said when I took the role of Red Dragon that this would be my last time playing Hannibal. Please give others a chance and let me take a break."

Eric had anticipated Hopkins's attitude, so he made another reasonable request: "How about a cameo appearance? It certainly won't take up too much time."

Facing this polite and approachable young man, Hopkins was too embarrassed to refuse him a second time after having just rejected him once, so he could only nod reluctantly: "Okay then."

…………………………………………

It was a new day. Eric was eating the breakfast prepared by his mother while reading various newspapers.

The premiere ended last night at around 2 a.m., and I also attended a party. My young body couldn’t handle it, and I woke up at around 10 a.m.

As for Dad, he seemed to have more energy than Eric and had already gone to the company.

As expected, the premiere of "Hannibal" made headlines in major newspapers without any surprise, with the cover featuring the group photo on the red carpet.

Originally, the dad should have been standing in the C position, but this opportunity to be in the spotlight was naturally given to his son because Eric’s exposure was not high enough.

Even though he was the vice president of MGM, if he took a look at the world of fame and fortune, there were definitely still many people who only regarded him as a rich second-generation in name only.

After breakfast, I called Gal Gadot. I have been very busy recently and have not been able to take care of this girl. I should go see her.

It’s so sad. Why are so many people sick? It’s a headache.

We will have a test run tomorrow, I hope you guys can support us, thank you all.

(End of this chapter)