Chapter 188: This One's Got Talent
Burbank — Dawnlight Pictures
In a conference room, Don Steel and Aaron watched several video clips. On the screen, a middle-aged man contorted his face into bizarre expressions, performing exaggerated slapstick comedy.
"This guy's name is Jim Carrey," Aaron said.
"He used to perform at comedy clubs, then transitioned into film and television. He's appeared in quite a few projects, but mostly as a supporting actor."
He gestured toward the screen.
"His facial expressions are incredibly versatile, his body language is over-the-top, and he's excellent at impressions. He's got real talent."
Aaron then took out a script and placed it on the table.
"This is a comedy script adapted by director Tom Shadyac in collaboration with Jim Carrey—Ace Ventura: Pet Detective."
He summarized calmly:
"The story follows Ace Ventura, a pet detective hired to find a missing dolphin, who ends up stumbling into a conspiracy. By playing along with the plot, Ventura ultimately exposes and captures the culprit."
"It's a low-budget, absurdist comedy," Aaron added.
"Definitely worth developing."
Don Steel flipped through the script casually.
"The director and lead actor aren't well known," she said.
"There are no large-scale action scenes either. The budget should be very modest."
Aaron nodded.
"True. About $12 million. But I'm very optimistic about Jim Carrey."
He continued:
"I want to sign him to a three-picture deal. We've already secured the film adaptation rights to Dark Horse Comics' The Mask, and I plan to cast him as the lead."
"Of course, the comic itself is quite dark and violent," Aaron said thoughtfully.
"We'll need to rework it into a more comedic tone."
Signing newcomers to multi-picture contracts was standard practice in Hollywood—both to manage future salary inflation and because the studio genuinely believed in the actor's potential.
Aaron then shifted topics.
"How's the preparation for Forrest Gump coming along?"
This was a project he cared deeply about—one with enormous box-office potential.
"Forrest Gump is scheduled to begin filming in May," Don replied.
"Director Robert Zemeckis and lead actor Tom Hanks are both fully on board and satisfied with the revised script."
She paused briefly.
"The only issue is Edward Zwick's new film, Legends of the Fall. Progress has been slower than expected, and the script still needs further refinement."
Zwick, after all, was the director of Ghost—their collaboration with Dawnlight had been smooth so far. Since he was passionate about adapting Legends of the Fall, the studio was committed to supporting him fully.
"Alright," Aaron said after a moment.
"Make sure we also keep pushing forward on the adaptation of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire."
Although the Interview with the Vampire project was being handled by David Geffen, there was little reason for concern.
Whether it was Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt, Geffen had more than enough influence to handle them with ease.
As mid-January arrived, the 50th Golden Globe Awards officially opened.
Aaron, however, left Los Angeles and traveled to New York, where he paid a visit to Les Wexner, the founder and owner of Limited Brands.
Just as Charles Johnson had said, Wexner placed enormous importance on the Victoria's Secret brand.
---
East Hampton, Long Island
In a private villa, Aaron reclined in a warm bathtub, lowering his phone after finishing a call with Charles Johnson of Franklin Templeton.
"Hah…"
He exhaled slowly, sinking deeper into the water.
Sophie Marceau, who was sharing the bath, lifted her head and nestled into his arms.
"Aren't you going to attend the Golden Globes?" she asked softly.
Aaron smiled, his hands gliding lazily over her body.
"I don't need to," he said calmly.
"Dawnlight is guaranteed to dominate."
Sophie nodded.
"Of course. Schindler's List won Best Director, Best Motion Picture – Drama, and Best Screenplay.
And Scent of a Woman earned Al Pacino the Best Actor – Drama award."
Aaron showed little interest in the ceremony itself.
"Tomorrow I'm flying to Washington, D.C. for the presidential inauguration," he said.
"Do you want to come with me?"
Sophie shook her head, resting against his shoulder.
"You know I hate political events."
Aaron chuckled.
"Fair enough. Then are you heading back to Los Angeles, or staying in New York?"
"That depends," Sophie replied.
"My agent has lined up two scripts. I'll be meeting with directors and producers here.
The main shooting locations would be Canada and New York."
Aaron gently kneaded her shoulder.
"There's no rush. Four Weddings and a Funeral—the film you're starring in—will have its wide release in April.
You might want to wait until then before choosing your next project.
The scripts coming your way right now probably aren't that great."
Sophie sighed lightly.
"You're right. One's a romance, the other a thriller.
Either way, my main responsibility seems to be… looking beautiful."
Aaron laughed quietly.
It was clear that the roles Sophie was being offered were still largely decorative—low-budget projects built around her appearance.
"There's a new literary adaptation being developed by Edward Zwick," Aaron said after a moment.
"You should consider taking the female lead."
"The role may not have a huge amount of screen time," he added,
"but the film itself should be strong."
Sophie's eyes lit up.
"Edward Zwick? The director of Ghost?"
"That's him," Aaron nodded.
"What kind of project is it?"
"It's an adaptation of the novel Legends of the Fall," Aaron explained.
"The story follows a former U.S. Army colonel who, disgusted by war, retreats to the vast western plains with his three sons.
Their lives are forever changed when the youngest son's fiancée enters the picture."
"The film centers on a tragic love story, while deeply exploring family bonds, friendship beyond race, reverence for nature, and the pursuit of one's true self."
"The novel paints a sweeping portrait of the American West in the early 20th century, filled with reflection on nature, humanity, and ecological balance."
As he spoke, Sophie's expression grew brighter and brighter.
"Aaron, that sounds incredible," she said softly.
"It feels so… epic."
He shrugged lightly.
"It's still being rewritten.
When the project officially moves forward, you can meet Zwick and discuss the role."
---
The following day, just as Aaron was preparing to fly to Washington, D.C., his phone rang with a familiar number.
"Christiana, you're already at JFK Airport?" he asked in surprise.
He hadn't expected Christiana Yeri to arrive from France without any warning.
"I'll send someone to pick you up immediately."
Aaron had originally planned to bring Sophie with him to Washington, but she had declined.
Now that Christiana had arrived, the timing was perfect—he could take her along instead.
---