Director in Hollywood

Chapter 114: Moving into a New Home

Tom Cruise's charm is not just for show, and with Brad Pitt gradually making a name for himself, the two heartthrobs together are enough to drive fans wild. When they walked the red carpet for the premiere with Kirsten Dunst, a few female fans almost fainted from happiness.

Later, a fan interviewed by a reporter said, "After seeing Tom Cruise's eyes, nothing else matters. To you, he's your entire world."

Similarly, fans had nothing but praise for Brad Pitt: "To stand on the same stage as Tom Cruise without losing any charm—Brad Pitt is also incredibly handsome."

The original novel Interview with the Vampire had a broad fan base, and with both Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt starring, it became the most anticipated film of August.

Gilbert thought that Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman had a kind of "frenemy" relationship, so when attending the premiere, he brought Naomi Watts along. The two were warmly welcomed by fans on both sides of the red carpet. Naturally, Gilbert and Naomi Watts responded to the fans, signing autographs, posing for photos, and staying composed.

Compared to Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were seen as Hollywood's golden couple, it seemed that Gilbert and Naomi Watts weren't far behind. After a photographer took their picture, a journalist remarked, "Hollywood has gained another golden couple!"

Another reporter disagreed, "I recall that Gilbert admitted to having a thing for Cameron Diaz, and recently, his relationship with Charlize Theron doesn't seem simple either."

Another journalist added, "Gilbert isn't a super popular actor, so he doesn't have to worry about fans' opinions; he relies solely on his work."

This was true; the fanbase that Tom Cruise relied on wasn't necessary for Gilbert. As a result, people didn't react much when they saw him linked to two or three well-known actresses at the same time. For the actresses rumored to be dating Gilbert, it didn't seem to be a loss. They didn't lose popularity; instead, it increased. And there was always the chance to act in one of Gilbert's major projects, which was quite lucrative...

After interacting with fans, Gilbert accepted a brief interview. "I've always admired Tom Cruise; he's one of the best actors in Hollywood. I'm also looking forward to this movie and believe it won't disappoint fans."

A reporter asked, "Do you want to work with Tom Cruise?" Gilbert sidestepped the question without directly answering: "Who in Hollywood wouldn't want to work with the famous Tom Cruise?" This response made Tom Cruise's fans imagine the two of them working together.

After handling the interview, Gilbert and Naomi Watts entered the theater, where Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman had been waiting for a while. The four of them first posed for photos at the theater entrance for the press, chatted a little, and then went into the screening room.

During the screening, Gilbert couldn't help but yawn; he found the film slightly dull. Naomi Watts noticed and whispered, "What's wrong? Don't you find it good?"

Gilbert replied, "It's fine, an above-average movie. The handsome actors are nice to look at, but unfortunately, I'm a man."

Naomi Watts commented, "I think it's good; that little girl, Kirsten Dunst, did a great job."

Although Gilbert found it ordinary, the occasional screams from the back rows proved that the movie was well-received by female fans. Indeed, the pairing of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt held a deadly appeal for female viewers.

After the premiere, Tom Cruise brought Nicole Kidman over to talk to Gilbert. "Gilbert, I heard from Pat that your new project has a role. Would you consider me for it?" Tom Cruise looked hopeful.

The role had already been decided, so saying it required an audition wasn't suitable. Asking a superstar like Tom Cruise to audition and then rejecting him might feel insulting to him. Though offending Tom Cruise wasn't a big deal, Gilbert didn't want to create unnecessary tension.

So Gilbert directly said, "Sorry, Tom, this role is already cast. But if you're interested in a cameo, I can arrange one for you."

Tom Cruise, visibly disappointed, asked, "Who did you choose?"

Gilbert replied, "Francis Ford Coppola's nephew, Nicolas Cage. You should know him."

Tom Cruise immediately dropped any thoughts of competing for the role. Although he was bold, he wasn't foolish, and he knew not to cross the powerful Italian families. So, Tom Cruise could only express regret, "Looks like we'll have to wait for another chance to work together."

Gilbert patted him on the shoulder, "Tom, we'll work together someday." In fact, Gilbert did have a project in mind for a collaboration with Tom Cruise, but it would have to wait. The original actor for the role wasn't great, and if Tom was willing to lower his fee, he'd be perfect.

On the way home, Naomi Watts asked Gilbert, "What movie do you plan to do with Tom Cruise?" "How about a musical?" Gilbert replied. "A musical?" Naomi Watts frowned, "Isn't that genre outdated?"

"Ha!" Gilbert clapped his hands with a laugh. "I think the Academy folks would love to relive the golden era of musicals. So, I plan to shoot a musical to aim for the Oscars." As Gilbert's close friend, Naomi Watts knew a bit about his film plans, and her eyes lit up, "Is it the Chicago you mentioned last time? After talking with you, I even started practicing dance."

"Yes, that's the one. Keep practicing, Naomi; this could be your chance at an Oscar." Gilbert placed his hand on Naomi Watts' head, stroking her hair. Naomi purred softly, enjoying the attention. She didn't expect Gilbert to remember his promise to help her pursue an Oscar. In this sense, she received more care than Cameron Diaz and Charlize Theron.

Through Scarlett Johansson, Gilbert had also visited Melanie Sloan's home, and under Sloan's guidance, he secured the rights to adapt the Broadway classic Chicago. Everything went smoothly, with no obstacles. The news didn't attract much attention since the public was focused on summer movies.

After attending the Interview with the Vampire premiere and receiving his share from the director's cut through the help of Jeff Robinov, Gilbert purchased a mansion in Malibu, Los Angeles County. North American real estate was still expensive, and the mansion was located in a wealthy area with excellent amenities.

The mansion had a gate that connected to the road, allowing direct car access. On either side of the road were trees and grass, growing well and providing privacy. Passing through the trees, you'd arrive at a fountain garden square, where the main mansion stood.

Built with a European style, the mansion resembled a castle with a tower. The four-story building included two living rooms, a gym, and a private theater. Apart from the master and guest bedrooms on the third floor, there were eight guest rooms, each with its own bathroom.

The fourth floor was semi-open, with most of it being a large balcony. It could be used to grow flowers or even as a bar for hosting parties. In the back, there was a garden, a swimming pool, and a small basketball court. A stone path on the left led to the beach, ideal for swimming or jogging. A small gate on the right led to a cliff, with stairs to climb up.

From the top of the cliff, there was a lighthouse offering a full view of the bay. The mansion was the type to be in high demand, with an excellent location. The real estate agent even said, "If possible, a small dock could be built on the beach for a yacht, perfect for fishing or sailing."

Additionally, the property was close to a small airport that could accommodate helicopters or small planes. In those days, it was trendy for North American billionaires to own private helicopters or planes.

Alongside Gilbert was Charlize Theron, who went around the mansion deciding which room she'd like to stay in, clearly enjoying the place. Gilbert was pleased, and told the agent, "I'll take it!"

The agent smiled, "I'll take care of the paperwork." He then walked off to make some calls.

Charlize Theron, as light as a feather, bounded over to Gilbert and hugged his arm, "Honey, this place is great; I love it." "Glad you like it!" Gilbert replied.

"Shari, why don't you name the estate?" Charlize thought for a moment, then suggested, "How about Melon Manor?"

Gilbert was speechless, finally saying, "That name isn't very creative." Clearly, Charlize wasn't great at naming things either.

The mansion wasn't cheap; it cost Gilbert $2.8 million. While suburban homes could cost between $200,000 and $300,000, properties in wealthy neighborhoods with good environments, large areas, and excellent security cost much more. The $2.8 million price tag was a discounted rate, thanks to Jeff Robinov.

With a new house, Gilbert could no longer stand his old Toyota and replaced it with a Cadillac SUV for daily use, as well as a Rolls-Royce Phantom 6 for formal events.

Gilbert also arranged for staff to maintain the estate, including a British butler named Martha, gardeners, housekeepers, a chef team, and security guards, with help from Robert Iger.

He made some modifications, converting one room into a tea room with traditional Chinese decor. To furnish it, Gilbert went shopping in San Francisco's Chinatown. As rumors circulated about his fascination with Chinese culture, he decided to embrace them

In North America, there's a similar tradition to housewarming celebrations, so Gilbert invited friends to celebrate on his first day in the new estate.

He even hired a Chinatown chef to prepare a Chinese meal for the guests, and he himself made some classic red-braised pork and spicy boiled fish, dishes he loved in his previous life.

After a satisfying meal, the group gathered on the fourth-floor balcony, enjoying drinks and watching the sunset.

"What have you been working on lately?" Gilbert asked Matt Damon.

Matt took a sip of his drink. "I've been working on a script—the one I told you about."

Gilbert perked up, but smiled and asked, "Want me to recommend it to a studio? Or I can invest."

"Thanks," Matt said, clinking his glass with Gilbert's. "But actually, I'm looking for the right director. Think you could do it?"

"Sorry, Matt, I have my own projects," Gilbert replied, gesturing toward Sofia Coppola, who was chatting nearby. "But I think Sofia could handle it."

"Sofia?" Matt hesitated. "You think she's ready?"

"Absolutely. She's talented and has learned a lot working with me. Once your script is ready, you should talk to her." Gilbert's suggestion intrigued Matt.

Hearing her name, Sofia came over, "Are you talking about me?"

"About your future as a director," Gilbert replied, smiling. "Matt has a script and wants you to direct it."

"Really?" Sofia was surprised. She'd always wanted to direct.

"Absolutely," Matt said, inviting her to discuss it further sometime.

Sofia agreed enthusiastically, happy to have a real opportunity.

The party ended on a high note, and Charlize Theron stayed overnight with Gilbert to "test out" the new home.

Cameron Diaz and Naomi Watts hadn't moved in, as their celebrity status meant it would be risky to be seen living with Gilbert, although they didn't mind appearing with him in public or at events.

Of course, they didn't intend to let Charlize have the place all to herself; they each picked a room and left some belongings there.

....

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