[Chapter 28: Bastards Recognizing Bastards]
After that incident, everyone suddenly realized that the Godfather wasn't just someone obsessed with power.
He had the fiery temper of youth and, at the same time, was an excellent producer who could listen to others' advice.
The newly formed production team quickly gelled because of this.
Communication during work became smoother, even though problems with equipment, actors' conditions, makeup, and props emerged one after another.
But the filming schedule significantly sped up.
A movie project just starting out, with a team mostly made up of young people full of spirit and working together, was quite comparable to mature film crews.
All the staff, including Spike who had been threatened at first, completely accepted Charlie as a producer and respected him.
This greatly boosted work efficiency and team building.
...
Except for Alicia, who had deep psychological scars.
She was pondering, convinced that all that just happened was a scene designed by that domineering bastard with a mind full of schemes!
She even trembled as she muttered.
...
Nearby, Matt and Affleck exchanged glances, surprised to hear her mumbling.
What trauma had this new rising star's girlfriend been through?
Soon, Matt's attention was drawn outside. He looked out the window, "Hey, it's Harvey."
Affleck leaned over, "Is it him? I heard Smith mention he's quite interested in our script."
Matt smirked, "His attitude wasn't like this before. I think he values the Godfather."
Affleck whispered, "Has Harvey contacted you privately?"
"Yes. Did you promise him anything?"
"Of course not. Don't forget, the Godfather gave us this chance."
"Right." Matt nodded thoughtfully. "Opportunities like this are rare. But I'm thinking Good Will Hunting is suitable for awards season. Maybe Harvey's better at that?"
Affleck shrugged, "Let's see how their talks go. For now, we don't have the say. Anyway, I won't betray the Godfather, at least I'll do my best to protect his interests."
"Oh, me too." Matt nodded slowly as he thought.
...
In the garden downstairs, Charlie and Harvey embraced each other.
This chubby guy was a head shorter than Charlie but had the domineering boss aura in every gesture.
He tilted his head, half-closed eyes, showing a crooked smile, "Corleone, you're a rare sight! Now you're Hollywood's praised media expert.
You helped Fox boost their movie income by over a hundred million dollars. Even the president heard funny stories about you. But what has all that done for you? You haven't even found a distributor for Fifty Shades of Gray, and the filming is full of problems. Your ambition is huge, but what do you have to achieve it?"
A rapid-fire string of words came out as Harvey lit a cigarette and said, "Most importantly, you stole Good Will Hunting. That was my project!"
Charlie showed an interested expression, gently waving away the cigarette smoke, seriously studying Harvey.
As expected of the notorious boss Harvey, he came on sharp, words full of cutting edge.
Harvey first pointed out a key issue: "Adding a hundred million to Fox's income," which was Charlie's hinge to hold his ground in Hollywood.
Many would think Charlie was just a lucky guy, a talented writer, or something else.
But Harvey keenly demonstrated his insight. Then he mentioned White House gossip, showing off his powerful connections.
He also pointed out the many problems with Fifty Shades of Gray's shooting, implying Charlie's projects and every move were easily known.
This complex message might confuse others, but not Charlie, who even felt like laughing inside.
He clearly knew his current resources and what he could accomplish.
To be honest, Harvey was less of a headache than Tupac for Charlie.
"Did you sign any agreements on the Good Will Hunting project?" Charlie retorted with a half-smile.
Harvey replied coolly, "Do you think Damon and Ben could refuse me?"
Charlie shook his head and got serious, "Harvey, let's talk facts. I tell you clearly, your terms are impossible. You know that as long as the film isn't awful, Fox won't refuse to distribute!"
Harvey pointed, eyes sharp, "You won't choose Fox, at least not now. Unless you want to be Fox's employee, them making hundreds of millions in profit while you get a few million."
Charlie grinned, "Yeah, but who knows? I'll climb slowly inside the system; in twenty or thirty years, maybe I'll be Fox's president. I'll be only fifty then, still free to enjoy Hollywood's endless beauties."
Harvey scoffed, "Don't fool me, kid. You don't have that patience; otherwise, you'd have gone to Fox already. You sought investments secretly and contacted New Line, Summit, even Orion just crawling out of bankruptcy -- all with distribution capabilities.
Clearly, there were no good results.
Those companies are tightly linked to the other six major studios.
Plus, your biggest investment deal with Frank Giustra's Yorkton Securities is still at a stalemate."
Charlie touched his stubble.
Did this guy seriously investigate me so well?
I only called those companies on the phone.
The leak must be from them.
Harvey really had deep, broad connections in Hollywood.
"Can you find a better partner than me?" Harvey smiled, "What fool would meet your huge ambitions and help distribute your movie?"
A light voice appeared, "Maybe, I'm that fool?"
Harvey immediately turned his head, staring at the suddenly appearing Pierza, confused and sharply asking who he was.
"I'm Mitch Pierza, president of Mafia Distribution Company, and co-producer of Fifty Shades of Gray." Pierza smiled politely and held out his hand.
Harvey reluctantly shook it, thinking for a moment, "A bit of history but useless garbage company.
Charlie, you stooped so low as to partner with this?
Think carefully, besides me, you have no better options.
You have many projects, and Miramax fully invests; you'll surely get profit shares!"
Pierza rolled his eyes, ignoring Harvey.
Charlie laughed, reassuring, "He's a bastard; don't mind his words."
"Right, you're clearly a bastard too!" Harvey laughed loudly.
Gert and Bob Weinstein exchanged helpless looks.
What was this? Bastards recognizing bastards?
Harvey thought Charlie had surrendered and agreed to cooperate, hence his brazen disrespect.
But soon, he found out it was just his wishful thinking.
*****
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