Chapter 28: Just a Snapshot
In August, Aaron returned to Los Angeles from New York, now with a newly signed talent, Jennifer Connelly. Nicole Kidman, meanwhile, had joined the crew to shoot Wild at Heart.
The summer blockbuster season was fiercely competitive, with high-grossing releases such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Dead Poets Society, Ghostbusters II, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Batman, and Lethal Weapon 2.
Yet amidst July's schedule, a low-budget Columbia romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally…, managed to stand out.
At its mid-July release, the film featured no major stars, so it opened modestly in just 41 theaters. But as word-of-mouth spread, by its fourth week, the number of screens had grown to 1,200, and North American box office revenue exceeded $35 million—and it was still climbing!
Meg Ryan, the film's lead, had been working steadily in Hollywood for years, but this film firmly established her as a blond-haired, blue-eyed Hollywood sweetheart in the eyes of the public.
At Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, a premiere was held for Steven Soderbergh's Sex, Lies, and Videotape, with Miramax inviting a host of stars to attend.
Aaron drove Jennifer Connelly to the event in his Lotus.
"I haven't seen this film yet," Jennifer said, dressed elegantly and linking arms with him, clearly curious.
"It's very artistic," Aaron replied. "After all, it won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and the Best Actor award. There are quite a few stars attending—Miramax has clearly put in effort."
Aaron understood that Miramax was strategically expanding its reputation, aiming to cement its position in the independent film world.
"That's Meryl Streep!" Jennifer exclaimed, spotting her favorite actress.
Inside the theater, Aaron introduced Jennifer to Steven Soderbergh and his team.
"A newly signed talent?" Soderbergh asked.
"Yes, but she's still going to continue her studies at Stanford," Aaron replied.
"So… you haven't really signed her, then?"
"It's fine. I don't have many resources in hand yet, so we'll take it slow."
Backstage, Aaron ran into Harvey Weinstein.
"Congratulations! This year, Miramax has picked up several films for a bargain," Weinstein said, eyeing Aaron. "But you—within just six months, you've handled three films. Interested in becoming a film buyer at Miramax?"
Aaron laughed. "Miramax needs a film buyer? I thought the fat guy in charge handled everything already."
"It's a shame," Harvey shook his head. "CAA is just an intermediary. Working directly at a distribution company will better showcase your abilities."
Aaron took another glance at the corpulent Weinstein. "So far, I've managed three films, one script, and signed four newcomers. And it's only August. Who knows—maybe I'll have new deals coming in. Based on CAA's performance rules, I could earn close to $1 million this year. And this is only my second year with CAA."
Harvey was momentarily stunned, then smiled broadly and patted Aaron on the shoulder.
In its opening week, Miramax released Sex, Lies, and Videotape in 28 theaters, earning $600,000, with per-theater revenue exceeding $20,000. By the second week, it expanded to 40 theaters, and by the third week, to 102.
Thanks to strong word-of-mouth, the film grossed $3.8 million in three weeks, and according to projections, its final box office would exceed $20 million.
Steven Soderbergh achieved fame and Miramax gained both prestige and profit, having purchased the screening rights at the Saint-Denis Film Festival for $1.2 million.
While the marketing costs for Sex, Lies, and Videotape were mainly limited to expenses at the Cannes Film Festival, Harvey Weinstein's sharp instincts had been proven correct.
At this time, Aaron Anderson accompanied Jennifer Connelly to Palo Alto in the southern Bay Area of California—home to Stanford University—since Jennifer was about to start her semester.
"So this is Stanford?"
Aaron couldn't help but feel curious about the famous university. Even though the Los Angeles area had top private institutions like Caltech and USC, Stanford—and Harvard—had a reputation that was simply unmatched.
"Yes," Jennifer replied, acting as his tour guide while walking him through the campus. "The university was founded by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their only son, little Leland Stanford, who died of typhoid. It has grown into a world-class institution, worthy of recognition by all."
Aaron smirked and glanced at Jennifer. "Don't act like I know nothing. Leland Stanford was also president of the Central Pacific Railroad, one of the top ten tycoons of the Gilded Age and California's first governor. A terrifying, ruthless capitalist—every railroad tie he laid across the Midwest rested atop the bodies of Chinese laborers who died building the tracks."
Stanford University is just a microcosm of America's development—built on blood, sweat, and bones.
Jennifer shrugged. "Have you ever thought about going to college yourself? With your current situation, it wouldn't be difficult."
Aaron shook his head and casually pointed at a group of nearby students. "Tell me, how many of these soon-to-graduate kids will ever make a million dollars a year?"
"I graduated high school just last year, and this year I'm close to that income. And I'm confident it will grow next year. Why would I waste time in school? Someday, these Ivy League grads will be trying to get into my company."
Jennifer nodded in agreement. Considering the average American weekly wage was just $400 at the time, achieving a seven-figure annual income was extraordinary.
"Alright," Aaron said. "Focus on studying acting. I'll keep an eye out for roles for you and notify you directly if something suitable comes up. Avoid controversial scripts like the last one. Hollywood has never lacked beautiful women with great figures."
Aaron had really only come to see the legendary Stanford for himself. In the meantime, he still had Quentin Tarantino's script Natural Born Killers waiting to pitch.
"Got it. How about we grab a bite at a nearby bar?" Jennifer suggested.
"Let's go!"