It was a good position. Billy made his occasional appearance in New York, accompanied by Monica. By midnight, he would be flying back to California for the next day. Monica, who this year would be appearing in several films, was also being considered for a second movie in May—Life is Beautiful—and now had a role in Liar Liar.
–We should come here more often. I like how the fur coats look. –said the stunning Italian woman, wearing a black dress and a long white fur coat, draped over her shoulders despite the cold. She wore it confidently, undeterred by the cameras. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, with long bangs that moved in two sweeping motions.
The cameras flashed as she and Billy joined to begin the meeting.
–I heard you have a fashion campaign coming up next month, across several states. –murmured Billy, aware that Monica, having secured her position as a brand ambassador, was set to appear at all the major events for Prada, Hermès, and Bulgari, along with her recent deal with Ferrari. Monica referred to the American market as outdated. Magazines always captured her while shopping, going out at night, or at any time of the day—she was in every fashion magazine. She gave talks and was deeply involved in business while trying to stay organized.
–Yes... and you also have your hand in Ferrari. Your contracts with BMW aren't exclusive, and you need to meet some quotas. But if you make room for it, it'd be fantastic if you bought a collection. Ferraris are great for collectors. If you buy the '90s models, we could negotiate for some retro '80s ones that are still in circulation—filling your garage with something spectacular.–
–How long is the contract? –Billy asked.
She touched her lips.
–I believe it's for three years. But since they give you one car and you buy the others, it's only fair that it isn't too demanding. It's thanks to Jim Wait, who's done a great job reinforcing the deals. Besides, we can use the underground garage that's currently unused to store at least seven cars. –said Monica, fully aware of how much it meant to Billy to show off his status as a star—and as a millionaire. He wasn't just anyone; he was one of the wealthiest people in California. That status created an aura of being untouchable, and that was a good thing.
–All planned out. Nothing can be denied to our dear Italian lady. –said Billy, kissing her lips. The gala was about to begin. Unfortunately, it was a small event attended only by a few people from the production and direction teams, and Billy. But the cover star, with her blond hair, Kim Basinger, was absent. She had attended a previous meeting some time ago, accompanied by her husband, Alec Baldwin.
–I'm curious about the film. They say it's quite intense. –said Monica.
L.A. Confidential was a film based on a novel from the 1950s, where the central theme revolved around police corruption and Hollywood glamour intertwined. Three very different cops get caught in a complex web of murder, secrets, and power. Among them was Billy's scene, played by Bud, who, with some great shots and his rugged demeanor, accentuated by his boxing-like movements, made a striking impression on screen.
Ed Exley is an idealistic and ambitious young lieutenant, willing to follow the rules to climb the ranks. Bud White, on the other hand, is an impulsive and violent officer, but with a strong personal sense of justice, especially toward abused women. Jack Vincennes, who enjoys the fame that comes with advising a TV police show, lives halfway between duty and popularity. It all starts with a massacre at a diner called "Nite Owl," where several civilians, including a former cop, are murdered. While the press and their superiors rush to close the case, the three detectives begin to investigate independently, each driven by different motivations.
As they dig deeper, they uncover a high-end prostitution ring where women are surgically altered to resemble movie stars, a drug operation aiming to replace the vanished mobster Mickey Cohen, and a conspiracy within the police department itself. Their investigation both unites and confronts them, exposing betrayals, manipulation, and deep institutional rot. Lynn Bracken, one of the high-end prostitutes, becomes a pivotal character, especially in Bud White's li, e—bringing out his humanity amid the violence.
The truth eventually comes to light, but not without tragic consequences. Some die, others survive forever changed. And while the real culprits are partially covered up to protect the institution's image, the survivors must choose whether to keep playing the g, me or break it from within, summarizing the film and its central themes. Billy's scenes are few, and his character is a crude cop with little to no education—he barely reads or writes. Even in that, he's contrasted by his older counterpart with golden-rimmed glasses.
During the film:
–I think I like that side of you—a little rough around the edges. –Monica whispered, leaning in toward Billy, not wanting to waste a moment.
***
Jim Gianopulos was completely serious as he completed the acquisition of the rights to the film Casper—a long-term, non-exclusive license with the sole purpose of extending its box office lifespan. Several films are now aimed to open on Fridays and have reruns on Sundays.
–I think it's a good deal. –Jim commented.
The price of $1.2 million for a license nearly 30 years long wasn't bad—though somewhat steep—and it came with conditions regarding airing times or broadcasting schedules. That is, they couldn't air the film simultaneously and had to respect the networks' calendars.
–We've got a few other films that could be used. –said a member of the board, trying to push some children's films that didn't have much traction, as kids' programming wasn't in high demand.
–Alright, give me the list—we'll buy a few licenses. –Jim replied, knowing that if there was anything worthwhile in the lineup, he could make the most of that opportunity.
...