September 30
I want to make that movie—it was, in many ways, a fine desire to pursue what I had longed for, and the new film that stood before me was The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. To perform in a gothic film, to embody that atmosphere, to give a new depth to a character that could be fantastic, so long as I knew how to carry it out. It seemed, however, that many scenes were to be decided jointly with the screenwriter, but it was a firm yes. Each passage was crafted with precision, almost naturally, as though born for gothic works, like Dracula, where perhaps I might even take on a small romantic role.
-I quite like the style of the film. – replied Billy, noticing that the director had a strong sense of aesthetic direction, a vision for what to accomplish and how to balance each scene, even if it was only a short project, without proper funding or the right setting.
-Then it's settled. – said Jim.
-Well, I think we can move forward with the film next year. I've got to fly out to see Matrix. – he answered with complete certainty.
-It will be under commission from Universal Movies. I'll let the work simm, and I'll call you in March next year. – Billy replied, hoping the timing would work out. Still, it was so rewarding to make films, to interpret different characters—ones he could emulate, whether easy or difficult—and nothing could stop him from putting his own signature into the history of cinema, to see himself on screen. Whether it was ego or the pursuit of growth, it was always a game worth playing.
-You'll take part in the film, and I believe Lux Films asked for a partial stake in the library. It's always wise to negotiate those films that carry a distinct air of excellence for the future. – answered Jim, to which Billy nodded. Mónica waited a little further away, her eyes gleaming, with that longing to be part of the film. She masked it with a distant look, as if hiding a touch of unease, but Billy was happy to recognize the truth within her, or at least the indifferences she carried—cold, restrained, but stretching her neck as if to show she still cared.
-Then I trust there's nothing more to add. – said Jim, though his arms betrayed how difficult it was for him. Still, he was certain—his paycheck this year was considerably larger.
From the new stars now on the roster—Ethan Hawke, Billy Carson, Winona Ryder, Monica Bellucci—and even David Fincher, who returned thanks to a deal with Billy that was now shaping up well. It was a passing of hands, ever since the previous director had handed over his entire client list, which also included Martin Scorsese, drawn in with promises of creative freedom, major investments, and all the cinematic ideas he could explore. Under the banner of Creative Artists Common, the policy allowed Jim to dismiss two directors and keep artists who worked with intensity. Jim's secret, he realized, was to treat each artist differently, in a way that wasn't common to him before.
For instance, with Winona, the key was to protect her on set, to be present, and ensure no conflicts ever arose. She herself secured her films, choosing roles she liked, so his task was to manage all the other details she neglected outside acting. That gave her grace. Mónica, on the other hand, was different—she liked pursuing roles but hated negotiating for them in meetings, preferring that scripts find their way to her. And when they did, she always pushed for lead roles, no matter if they required seduction or nudity; she could never settle for something plain.
-I'll see you in Australia—I'd also like to meet your new wife. – Billy said, shaking hands with JimWaitt. The deal was good, very good, and often he felt certain, even while masking it with feigned indifference.
-I'd like that. – said Jim with a smile, though deep down it wasn't easy for him. He disliked being tied down with such work; in fact, he resented it. He was almost irritated at the thought of going, but he hid it well—that was his way. He never refused outright, nor did he lag, but the thought of adding three more days of work to his calendar weighed on him. He thought of his small house with his wife, or their farm in Iowa, the cold, and her warmth.
-Time is precious, but you may as well hold on to what you have. – said Billy, reading his emotions, a skill honed over time. Reading emotions was vital, and here it was plain in Jim's eyes. They said goodbye at the Paris hotel, grand and beautiful, the moon hanging like a giant trophy from another era. The yellow marble glowed, casting reflections, while every detail of the space—arranged carefully, with varnished furniture, richly colored tapestries, even the remotes—spoke of difference and precision.
-I want you to take part, and I like that you do. – said Billy.
-Would you let me? – She asked.
-Of course, though you'd have to play the mother—you don't look like a sixteen-year-old, not anywhere, but I swear you're more beautiful than anyone else. – Billy replied, slipping his arm around Mónica's waist. It was almost an opportunity for her to step into the world of voice acting as well. With upcoming films like Monsters, Inc. and Robots, each paying $100,000 per role, it seemed small, but with at most fifty lines, it was a good way to practice for future parts. Lux Animation's requirements were visible, rarely rejected, with major roles going for up to $5,000,000. You take it or leave it.
-Thank you. – sighed Mónica, holding on to what was offered. It may have seemed little, but to her it was enough to be considered a small fortune, and that fortune was precisely what she needed.
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