Made In Hollywood

"Mel Gibson accused me of working with you! Who does he think he is?" Tom Cruise's eyes were full of anger, revealing the tension when two egotistical personalities clashed. "I have the freedom to work with any actor, any director, any producer, and any film company. It doesn't matter if he's Mel Gibson or even if his agent, Martin Bob, tries to stop me!"

"You do have that right," Duke lifted his wine glass toward him.

Tom Cruise took a big sip of champagne, still fuming, "Does Mel Gibson think that just because his agent controls CAA, he can dictate my choices?"

"Tom, there's no need to get so worked up over this, is there?"

Although it sounded like Duke was trying to calm him down, his words only fueled Tom's anger further. Tom finished the rest of his champagne, "It's not just that. He also said I shouldn't be working with a 'Jewish pig'..."

He quickly apologized, "Sorry, Duke, that was his exact quote."

"It's fine," Duke smiled nonchalantly.

"We're partners, and we're friends, Duke," Tom Cruise seemed quite loyal, though how much of that was believable was something only Mel Gibson knew. "I got into an argument with him over this."

Duke was sure things were more complicated than Tom let on.

Sure enough, Tom continued, "He... that uncouth Australian savage, even said I only sell my looks on screen! That I have no real acting ability! That I've succeeded only because of my appearance!"

These words had clearly hit a sore spot for Tom Cruise, and his face turned so dark it seemed like water could drip from it. "Who does he think he is? Duke, he's just someone you beat! Just a pathetic loser!"

Tom, seemingly imagining the champagne glass was Mel Gibson, slammed it down on the small table in front of him, producing a crisp sound.

Propping his chin on his hand, Duke looked straight at Tom Cruise with an unusually sincere expression. "Tom, the person I admire most in this world is my mother."

Tom Cruise looked confused, not understanding why Duke was bringing up his mother.

Duke smiled again, adding, "She always told me that words are the weakest form of retaliation."

"Show your best in 'Chicago,' and I'm confident we will succeed. When you win that Oscar, will he still be able to laugh? When you walk up to Gibson with that golden statue in your hand, you can enjoy the moment fully..."

Tom nodded at first, then frowned, "But 'Braveheart' is in the running for awards. What if he wins?"

"Action is the best revenge," Duke said calmly.

"We'll wait for the right moment," Tom Cruise stood up. "The insult Gibson hurled at me, I'll return it tenfold!"

As Duke watched Tom walk away, he felt that attending this party tonight was definitely worth it. He had just gained an enemy's enemy.

How to make use of Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson's deteriorating relationship? That was something Duke would have to think about carefully.

Tom Cruise didn't look any happier as he left. The conflict with Mel Gibson wasn't just about being mocked for his looks and acting ability. He had heard rumors from elsewhere. A year ago, when Nicole Kidman returned to Sydney, she and Mel Gibson had been seen at the same hotel, staying together for over three hours...

That had been one of the triggers for his argument with Nicole Kidman that night.

Meanwhile, walking with Mel Gibson into a palm grove in the garden, Martin Bob's face also looked grim. CAA had first seen Tom Hanks collaborate with Duke, and now Tom Cruise had joined forces with Duke as well. This not only highlighted internal conflicts within CAA but also signaled to all of Hollywood that Martin didn't have full control of the agency.

This would definitely affect his standing and reputation within CAA. He knew very well that behind this was Enno Martin, his most powerful rival, constantly plotting to take his place. If others, like partner Pat Kingsley, aligned with Enno, Martin would be in serious trouble.

In recent years, criticisms of him had only increased, largely due to the failure of packaged projects under his leadership. For instance, no matter how he tried to spin it, the box office failure of "Braveheart" couldn't be denied.

The film's North American box office hadn't even reached $25 million, and the global box office was barely over $73 million. There was no profit, and the studio was far from recouping its costs.

The film's last hope for redemption was the Oscars. If it could win Best Actor, Best Director, or Best Picture, it might, like "The Shawshank Redemption" last year, make a comeback in the video and television rights markets.

The Oscars were "Braveheart's" last chance. Even if it couldn't succeed in later markets, winning major awards would still count as a victory for CAA.

Under the bright lights, Martin Bob and Mel Gibson walked in silence, slowly moving forward. Perhaps it was the late hour, but the sea breeze rustling through the palm trees seemed louder now.

A few actresses approached, attempting to strike up a conversation, but the two men weren't in the mood and veered off onto a quiet path, eventually sitting on a bench, pondering what special methods they might still use to curry favor with the Academy voters.

It would be easier if those old folks were interested in Mel Gibson.

Martin glanced at the Australian beside him. He was sure Mel Gibson would bend over backward if it meant winning.

Footsteps approached from a distance, stopping about a few dozen feet away. Large palm trees blocked the view, so Martin and Mel couldn't see who it was, but they could hear the conversation.

"Levy..."

It was an elderly voice. "Of the films already released, who do you lean towards?"

"Old friend, have you forgotten our rules?"

At these words, Martin and Mel Gibson's ears perked up. They had seen the speaker earlier in the evening—it was Academy President Levy Lausman!

"We've known each other for over fifty years," a second voice responded. "Levy, this is just a private conversation, it doesn't break any rules."

Martin and Mel exchanged glances, focusing intently on the conversation, knowing it was likely related to the Oscars.

Levy Lausman spoke again, "If no standout film emerges in the coming season, I believe 'Saving Private Ryan' and Duke are the most fitting choices."

"Don't you think he's a bit young? Plus, his reputation with critics isn't great."

"I'm aware of that." Levy's tone remained calm. "But we're always criticized for lacking the courage to change. Sooner or later, we'll have to do something real. The record for youngest Best Director will be broken someday..."

His voice suddenly turned serious. "And why shouldn't it be by a Jewish filmmaker?"

"You have a point. Duke is one of our own, after all."

The discussion continued, but Martin and Mel's expressions turned sour. They knew how powerful the Jewish community was in Hollywood.

"Damn Jewish pigs!" Mel Gibson muttered under his breath. Why hadn't the Nazis wiped them all out?

Minutes later, the voices faded, footsteps echoed, and the wind was all that remained.

"Is this the result of Warner and Fox's lobbying?" Mel Gibson asked.

Martin nodded, "It's possible."

He added, "Duke's ethnic advantage could introduce unpredictable elements."

Mel Gibson couldn't deny that. He drummed his left hand against his right, deep in thought.

After half a minute, he suddenly said, "Martin, remember Sophie Marceau?"

"Sophie Marceau?" Martin hesitated, "We need to be careful about this."

"The Oscars are 'Braveheart's' last chance. Duke and his film are our biggest competitors!"

That name seemed like a curse in Mel Gibson's mind. The trouble Duke had caused and the losses in their competition haunted him. And now, winning the top awards seemed within reach...

"Martin, though there's no concrete evidence, CAA must have used some underhanded tactics in past Oscar races, right?"

Martin's silence seemed like confirmation.

"Have you forgotten the damage Duke's caused to your projects?" Mel Gibson, reminiscent of his battle cry as William Wallace, shouted, "Or have you lost your ambition?"

"I'm just considering specific strategies," Martin's eyes gleamed. "Thinking about how to win over Sophie Marceau."

"Have you figured it out?" Mel asked.

"Jodie Foster spent the night with a producer to land her role in 'The Accused.' Julia Roberts slept with every producer involved in 'Pretty Woman.' Demi Moore partied with producers to secure her role in 'Ghost.' As long as the rewards are big enough, these fame-chasing actresses will strip down and walk the red carpet!"

Martin stood up, "I've made up my mind. Let's go see Sophie Marceau."

.....

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