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In the courtyard, Simon listened carefully to the director named Michael Hoffman telling the story he was about to direct, which was the first feature film funded by the Sundance Institute.

After Michael Hoffman finished speaking, Simon turned to another woman who was listening, with a smile on his lips, and said, "Meg, do you want to try the role of Bev?"

The woman was none other than Meg Ryan.

Simon didn't expect that the two met again in the evening just after meeting in the afternoon.

Meg Ryan was wearing a black suspender dress at this time, perhaps because of the heavy makeup, or because of the night, she didn't look as haggard as in the afternoon.

Just seeing Simon appearing, Meg Ryan had the expression of seeing a ghost, trying to calm herself down at this time, and replied nonchalantly: "Yes, Wei... Simon, what do you think?"

Saying so, the woman raised her chin slightly in a demonstration.

The few men and women standing together did not expect Simon to know Meg Ryan. Listening to the conversation between the two, they all showed curiosity and waited for Simon's answer.

"Bev should be that kind of flamboyant and unscrupulous character. According to your acting style, this character will become very silly," Simon just shrugged, looked up and down at each other, and added under the surprised eyes of several people around: "So, obediently go to my side tomorrow."

nasty man.

Seeing the changing expressions of the people around, Meg Ryan thought bitterly, and was a little frustrated. This guy said so in front of the director, and it was basically impossible for him to win this role.

Gathering up her courage, Meg Ryan was about to retort when Robert Redford walked over and said to Simon, "Bob is here, Simon, let's go over."

Simon nodded to everyone, and followed Robert to a living room in the mansion villa.

As one of the four talented actors in Hollywood in the 70s, Robert De Niro is already in middle age, and his peak period has long passed.

However, although it is difficult for Hollywood to rely on one or two works for a lifetime, Robert De Niro's four nominations and two Oscar honors are too great, and he is still the hottest top star in Hollywood these years.

Like many screen images of the other party, Robert De Niro is also a very quiet and even shy person in private, slow in words and not good at greeting.

After a few brief introductions, the three sat down on the sofa in the living room, and Robert De Niro asked directly about "Pulp Fiction": "Simon, I have read the script several times, but I am still very confused , I don't know what you want to express?"

Since he helped introduce it, Robert Redford naturally read the script, and when he heard De Niro's question, he also looked over curiously, obviously having the same confusion.

Even after "Pulp Fiction" is completed, many people still don't know what's good about it. Simon is not surprised by the expressions of the two.

After thinking about it for a while, Simon replied: "Bob, I didn't want to express anything through this movie. Deterministic postmodernist black comedy."

Robert De Niro heard Simon say this, wondering: "Postmodernism?"

Simon explained: "You can understand it as an artistic expression method that is anti-traditional, anti-authority, anti-continuity, and anti-values."

Robert De Niro nodded half-understood, and said: "Simon, maybe you already know this movie of yours, but to be honest, it's hard for me to understand. I even think the script is clumsy, Completely disjointed plot, characters popping up, lots of non-disputing dialogue, all of these seem inexplicable. You want me to play Butch Coolidge right? Having read your script, I don't even know how to construct this character at all, Because I don't feel any meaning to this person's existence, as if he is there, but at the same time, he seems to be dispensable."

"Bob, you already understand the story, and it's very deep," Simon said with a smile on his face, repeating what De Niro said just now: "He's there, but he seems dispensable."

Robert De Niro shook his head: "Simon, I don't quite understand."

"Actually, life has no meaning, Bob. Just like us, we are talking about a movie. If we reach a cooperation, we will sign a contract, then start filming, release it, and look forward to the audience's reaction. This is our life. Similarly, other people have other people's lives, and they are all doing their own things. But in fact, we are dispensable to this world, or the entire universe. We are just here, living our lives, being us things."

Robert De Niro's expression finally showed a bit of enlightenment.

Robert Redford also showed a faint appreciation on his face, and said with a smile: "Simon, I didn't expect you to be a philosopher."

Simon just smiled, and continued: "So, Bob, through "Pulp Fiction", what I want to build is such a world, where Butch, Vincent, Jules, Mia, Marsha, Jimmy, Waugh The husband and even the female taxi driver who you may think are very awkward. They are just living their lives seriously. This life is meaningless, but they are there. You think the plot is too messy, too much dialogue, and the characters are too abrupt. But it’s not like that. If you look at it as a real world, you will feel that all people exist very reasonably. Even, in the future shooting process, I will add more and richer details to perfect The world, make it more real and believable.”

Robert De Niro subconsciously nodded his head following Simon's explanation, but finally asked: "What about the audience, Simon, do you think the audience will be interested in such a story?"

"That's the other side, Bob. Will the audience be interested? I don't know. I just need them to go into the movie theater and watch two impromptu robbers discuss the robbery in the restaurant, and the female robber asks like a little girl." My boyfriend acted like a baby, and then suddenly turned into a crazy female rabbit; watching Vincent and Jules discussing burgers on the road like ordinary office workers, it would be polite to see the time too early after arriving at the destination Wait for a moment, then break into other people's houses, read the "Bible", draw a gun to kill; watch Butch silently accept the instructions of the gang boss Marsha like a useless boxer, and then suddenly beat him to death in the ring My opponent, who took his girlfriend to the end of the world; look at the arrogant and lonely Mia; look at Lance who dresses up like Jesus but sells drugs; look at Jimmy who is more worried about his wife than the police in the face of murder. Wait until they finish watching this group Absurd, bizarre, people on the verge of madness and collapse, if they start thinking about Butch and his little girlfriend can get away with it? Will Jules or Mia avenge Vincent? Someone with a soft accent Will Taxi Driver go crazy like a bunny? Will Simon Westeros make a sequel? Then, with open arms in my heart, I'll say to them: welcome to Pulp Fiction, friends postmodern world."

After Simon's contagious words like a speech, Robert De Niro has clearly shown a somewhat moved expression.Even Robert Redford couldn't help saying: "Simon, listen to you, if I can't play a cameo role in such a movie, I will definitely regret it in the future."

Simon had given the script to Robert Redford before, and he had such an idea.

However, although the achievements in awards cannot be compared with De Niro, in recent years, the box office performance of Robert Redford's films has far exceeded that of the other party.

For example, "Out of Africa" ​​two years ago ranked No.5 in the annual North American box office rankings.In comparison, since Robert De Niro entered the 80s until now, although the films he participated in are basically big productions, none of them has a North American box office of more than 2000 million US dollars.

In Hollywood, box office performance means coffee.

Robert Redford's current salary is obviously higher than that of Robert De Niro.

Such a star joining "Pulp Fiction" is definitely a dream.Simon isn't cocky enough to turn audiences on his head by fully employing a new group of people.

But on the other hand, Simon only has a budget of 800 million US dollars. If Robert Redford participates in the role, he can only lower his salary, or even give a cabbage price.Friendship is friendship, Simon knew that if he took the initiative, it would be too abrupt, this matter can only be opened by Robert Redford himself.

Now, hearing what Robert Redford said, Simon nodded without hesitation and said, "Bob, if you can participate, I would certainly welcome it. But I have to be honest, the budget Orion gave me is not much. .”

Robert Redford didn't know about the contract between Simon and Orion, so he said relaxedly: "It's just a cameo, Simon, let's not mention the salary, which role do you think I'm more suitable for?"

Simon didn't hesitate any longer, and said with a smile, "Of course it's Mr. Wolf. The former 'Tiger and Leopard Little Overlord' lived in seclusion in Los Angeles and became Mr. Wolf, who was regarded as a legend by all the low-level gangsters. This is very interesting, isn't it?"

"Tiger and Leopard Cub" was Robert Redford's famous work that year, and the name of the Sundance Film Festival came from this film.

"Then Mr. Wolf," Robert Redford nodded bluntly, looked at Robert De Niro again, got up and said, "I have to go out to entertain guests, Bob, Simon, you two go ahead Let's talk."

Robert Redford saw that Robert De Niro was already moved, and he would definitely have to talk about the salary issue next, so he took the initiative to avoid it.

Among the four talented actors in Hollywood in the 70s, Robert De Niro is definitely the most unique one.In recent years, Robert De Niro has never had an agent, and he communicated with the producer himself about the salary contract.

Chapter 095 Variables

After Simon's narration, Robert De Niro had already had a feeling of enlightenment at this time.

Compared with those memorable films or characters in film history, the young people in front of them seem more ambitious.

He wants to create a complete fictional world, and he wants the audience to believe that everyone in this world is alive. Unknowingly, the audience's attention is drawn into this world.

It is conceivable that if this goal is achieved, who would dare to say that this movie will not become a classic recorded in film history.

Robert De Niro has already had his most glorious years. Films such as "The Godfather", "Taxi Driver", "Deer Hunter", "Raging Bull" and other films have brought him too many honors. In this world, it is hard to find any films that can interest him too much.

But at this time, the ambitious work of the young man in front of him once again aroused his desire to perform.

Moreover, as a standard experiential actor, Robert De Niro also realized that the role of Butch Coolidge was definitely an interesting challenge for him.

Butch Coolidge is a completely fictional character from an absurd world, and trying to construct this character, he couldn't drive a taxi like he did in "Taxi Driver" or fight like he did in "Raging Bull" .Even, not only does he have to construct such a character out of thin air, but he also needs to fully believe that he lives in such an absurd world as "Pulp Fiction".

Thinking about this in his mind, when Robert Redford disappeared, Robert De Niro no longer hesitated, and said directly: "Simon, let's talk about the salary."

Simon quickly replied: "A basic salary of $200 million, plus 15% of the North American box office net profit sharing. Bob, the budget of "Pulp Fiction" is only $800 million, so this is the highest offer I can give."

Robert De Niro didn't hide his emotions, shook his head and said, "It's a little low."

Over the years, although the box office performance ranked last among the original four major male actors, De Niro's salary started at least 300 million US dollars due to his strong coffee position, and his budget for participating in films was rarely less than 1000 US dollars. Ten thousand U.S. dollars.

For example, "Angel Heart", which was released at the same time as Warner's "Lethal Weapon", had a production cost of up to 1700 million US dollars.

As for profit sharing, due to the special accounting system that has never been profitable on the books of Hollywood movies, current stars usually regard this kind of promise as a blank check.

Starting from "Run Lola Run", until now "Death Comes" and "Pulp Fiction", Simon has insisted on asking for a direct share of the box office, just to avoid the "Hollywood account book" as much as possible.

Hearing De Niro's answer, Simon seriously explained: "Bob, this time the net profit share is calculated as follows. Orion and the theaters share it on a 15-35 basis. They will only take 800% of the publicity fee. 15% of the total box office in North America, minus the production budget of 5000 million US dollars, the rest is used as the base for net profit sharing, and you can get 350% from it. According to this sharing formula, the box office of "Pulp Fiction" reached 2 million US dollars, and your total film remuneration It can reach $5000 million. "Run Lola Run" is expected to exceed $[-] million in the North American box office. I can't guarantee that my next film will be so successful, but I think it will definitely be no problem at $[-] million."

Robert De Niro still shook his head slightly, and said: "Simon, according to this formula, "Pulp Fiction" has a North American box office of 1 million U.S. dollars, and I can only get 600 million U.S. dollars."

Simon said seriously: "It may be presumptuous to say this, but, Bob, you really need a blockbuster movie right now. So, if "Pulp Fiction" is really lucky to reach $1 million at the North American box office, you will actually get $600 million at the North American box office. much more than a $[-] million paycheck."

Robert De Niro finally fell silent.

The few films he has starred in recently, this year's "Angel Heart", with a production cost of 1700 million U.S. dollars, is now approaching the next stage, and the North American box office is only more than 1400 million U.S. dollars; last year's "Fighting War", with a production budget of 2500 million U.S. dollars, the North American box office $1721 million.The earlier "Once Upon a Time in America" ​​had a production cost of 3000 million U.S. dollars, and the North American box office was only 532 million U.S. dollars.

It can be said that in the 80s, none of the films he starred in had a North American box office of more than 2000 million US dollars, but the production budgets of these films all reached the level of blockbusters worth tens of millions of dollars.

Hollywood is very realistic. No matter how high the celebrity status is, no matter how many Oscars, if it cannot bring profits to the studio, it is destined to be abandoned in the end.

In fact, before this meeting, Robert De Niro had already encountered a setback.

He took a fancy to a project that Fox was preparing, called "Leap to the Future".

Director Penny Marshall also hoped that he could play the leading role and offered to recommend it to the studio.However, due to his increasingly tepid box office performance over the years, although Fox also intends to let him play, the remuneration is even more stingy than Simon's conditions just now.

Now, that role has fallen to a rising star named Tom Hanks.

There is no doubt that Robert understands that he is indeed in the embarrassing situation that he urgently needs a blockbuster movie to prove his box office appeal.

After thinking about it for a while, Robert De Niro finally made a decision, stood up and extended his hand to Simon, saying, "So, Simon, I hope we can have a good cooperation."

Simon also got up, shook hands with Robert De Niro, and said with a smile: "Have a nice cooperation."

With Robert De Niro done, the two heavyweight actors in the "Pulp Fiction" project are all in place.

Prior to this, Amy had already talked about John Travolta.

After the North American box office champion "Grease" in 1978, John Travolta really enjoyed a few years.However, the disadvantage of teenage stars who are too shallow and easy to pass the time also quickly appeared.The 2000-year-old Travolta even starred in a TV movie last year in order to make a transition after the $33 million "Fine Goodness" failed again at the box office two years ago.

Therefore, after some contact between the two parties, Travolta quickly accepted the terms of US$100 million plus 5% of the net profit of the North American box office.

Similar to "Death Comes", "Pulp Fiction" is still fully controlled by Daenerys Pictures, and Orion is only responsible for investment and distribution. In addition to the $800 million budget, Orion also gave Simon a total of 20% of the net profit for recruiting roles.

After getting Travolta and De Niro done, Simon has already paid $300 million in remuneration and all of the net profit share.

According to the preliminary budget sheet, the offline expenses for venue equipment rental and behind-the-scenes staff salaries need at least US$300 million, and Simon only has US$200 million left for other roles in the film.

Although there are many roles, the money is actually enough after careful calculation.

Robert Redford agreed to play a cameo role as Mr. Wolf, but this made the matter once again a little bit more variable.

Unlike Travolta and De Niro, who are in a state of decline in their careers, Robert Redford is definitely a first-line actor who can earn a salary of more than 500 million US dollars. Even if it is a cameo, it is impossible for Simon too stingy.

This matter must only be communicated with Orion next week.

Simon continued to discuss some details with De Niro, and the two left the villa and came to the party scene in the courtyard.

PS: There are still before 12 o'clock.

Chapter 096 The Second Time

Robert De Niro is also not the kind of person who likes to hang out at the party, and then only stays for a while before saying goodbye.

Simon continued to socialize with everyone until ten o'clock, and was about to leave, but Meg Ryan flashed out from nowhere, blocked him by the buffet table, and said, "Simon, we have to talk."

Simon looked at the woman in front of him with a slightly dizzy figure and blurred eyes, took the wine glass in her hand and put it on the dining table, and then walked a little to the secluded place beside her.

Meg Ryan followed step by step, and didn't stop until she bumped into the man who suddenly stood still.

Floating backwards, Meg Ryan looked at the man in front of her, curled her tongue a little, and said, "Si, Simon, you don't like me, do you?"

Simon said truthfully: "I was expecting some, but your state disappointed me."

"But this is me, this is what I am," Meg Ryan pressed her chest, stared at him with wide eyes, and said with a bit of grievance in her voice, "Mr. Westeros, since you don't If you like me, let me go, okay? You are already a big shot, and just one word made me lose a promising role, this punishment is enough, isn't it?"

Simon frowned, looked at the precarious woman in front of him, and said, "Miss Ryan, you haven't reached the point where I like or hate you, because you're not familiar with me. So, I don't even have the mood to punish you. If you treat yourself now The state is very satisfactory, then, you can do whatever you want in the future."

After saying this, Simon turned around and planned to leave.

Meg Ryan obviously wanted to say something more, she reached out her hand a little bit reluctantly, grabbed the hem of Simon's coat, was then snapped off, and fell directly to the ground.

It's the second time I touch porcelain.

Simon stopped helplessly, helped Meg Ryan who had fallen to the ground, and sat down at a table and chair next to her.Fortunately, there was a lawn under her feet. Although she was a little embarrassed, the woman was not injured.

The movement here naturally attracted the attention of others.

However, seeing that Simon Westeros was flirting with a woman, although everyone was curious, they restrained themselves from coming over, and some even pretended not to see it.

In Hollywood, this sort of thing is all too common.

Simon didn't care about other people's thoughts, and beckoned the waiter to fetch some tissues and stuffed them into the woman's hands.Seeing that she seemed to be in a daze, she had no choice but to wipe her face with her own hands, and then asked the waiter who else would come with her tonight.

Robert Redford quickly noticed the movement here, and also walked over.After some inquiries, I learned that Meg Ryan came here alone tonight, so Simon simply called CAA to pick her up.

Such a toss.

Meg Ryan herself gradually came to her senses, and apologized embarrassingly to her master, Robert Redford.

Half an hour later, Meg Ryan's agent, Josh Lieberman, came to pick her up in person.

Meg Ryan shrank back into the carriage, looked at Simon, Robert and others standing outside, the more sober woman apologized again, and then looked at Simon pitifully, and asked in a low voice: "I'm so sorry, Wes Mr. Tello, I just lost my composure. Tomorrow, tomorrow, can I still go to Daenerys Films?"

Feeling several pairs of eyes looking over at the same time, Simon could only nod helplessly.

After sending Meg Ryan away, Neil Bennett had already driven to pick him up, and Simon also left directly.

Leaving the mountainside and returning to the Century Building in Century City, the Chevrolet SUV parked under the building, Simon got out of the car, and Neil Bennett also got out of the driver's seat.

Originally intending to enter the building directly, Simon stopped when he saw the other party following him, looked at the middle-aged man in his 40s, and asked, "Neil, what's the matter?"

Neil Bennett looked at the young man in front of him, thinking of recent events.