Chapter 20: Reviews
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“If the film must be described by a word, ‘coincidence’ is undoubtedly the best. Everything happened because of coincidences, especially the surprise ending. Nevertheless, the film that was full of coincidences is not at all hateful at all. The seemingly messy threads were wonderfully pieced together by the director, making it disorderly yet well-ordered at the same time. I must admit that the director has a great technique in linear stories.”⸺ Italy, ‘Corriere Della Sera’
“This is a typical cut film that is full of strong personal style and English humor. Cut film lovers will definitely love this film, and they won’t expect the plot that runs through from the beginning to the end to be so interesting. The strange or rather shocking point is that the director’s an American! It is quite ironic that an American director produced a completely British-styled cut film, but it also increases the comedic effect.”⸺ England’s famous movie critic, Tony Ryan.
“Too many coincidences made this film less appreciable. While the director undeniably knows his way around the narrative, the coincidences made him rather mediocre. This is an interesting film, but interesting is all it is, and it’s suitable to be watched to pass time.”⸺ France, ‘Le Figaro’
“In this year’s Venice Film Festival, apart from Martin Scorsese’s ‘Goodfellas,’ another American film attracted a significant amount of attention. The interesting fact about it is that the director is an American, but the film is a strong British-styled cut film. If you had no idea, you will definitely think that it is a British-produced film.”⸺ America, ‘The Hollywood Reporter’
Basically, the movie critics and reporters who watched ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ at Palazzo del Cinema gave good reviews, except the French. Even so, the French admitted that it was a fun and interesting film. Multi-narrative films would still be praised 20 years later, let alone in 1990.
As a matter of fact, the viewers for the film increased by folds on the next day, such that the theatre and the organizers immediately increased its screening times after an exchange of views. With that, ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ which had already gained a little fame due to the movie critics and the reporters at the film festival attracted even more attention, to the point that some European film companies wanted to secure its distribution rights.
Nevertheless, the first who asked was an American film company—Miramax. The company was established in the ’70s by the brothers, Bob Weinstein and Harvey Weinstein and was famous for producing independent films. Independent producers from Hollywood owed part of their success to the Weinstein brothers.
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This was also exactly the reason Miramax had a good eye for small productions, so their person in charge of the film festival searched for Adrian immediately. Of course, they were destined to return without accomplishing anything. After all, Adrian took part in the festival under the name of an independent film as a pretense.
Nonetheless, Adrian had a few seconds of regret after declining their offer, because they were very sincere. The offer was not generous, but it was good enough for a new director. Besides, he recalled that Miramax, or in fact, the Weinstein brothers, were very good at public relations. A few films that were produced by them won the Academy Award for Best Picture, so if he were to hand his film to them, he could definitely earn the distribution fee back.
Despite that, he quickly got rid of that thought. ‘What will happen to my company if I let them distribute the film? There’s no reason for me to push my profits away. Moreover, if my company grows in the future, I’ll definitely become Weinstein’s opponent in certain aspects, which is even more of a reason I shouldn’t weaken myself to strengthen others. Of course, most importantly, I must be unwavering in my decision. I’ll gain nothing if I’m half-hearted.’
Following that, film companies from other countries sought out Adrian as well, and he needed to face them one by one.
“Alright, I agree with the conditions. Congratulations, Mr. Brook.” After exchanging glances with Laverne, Adrian stood up and put his hand out to the middle-aged man opposite him.
“I’m happy to have secured the distributions rights of this film, and I’m sure that the people will love it.” The middle-aged man, who was a gentleman, smiled as he shook his hand. Gary Brook, one of the people in charge of England’s Tuchnan Film Company, a typical British man.
“May I ask, Mr. Adrian, how did you… How did you produce a film with such a rich British-styled dark humor?” Brook suddenly asked.
Adrian smiled. “My grandmother was British, and I often went to London with my parents, a city that left me with a deep impression, which is why I chose to produce my debut film there.”
“I see.” Brook nodded. Although he maintained a smile on his face, his chin moved up slightly.
While Adrian found it funny, he did not show it. He turned to say to Laverne after Brook left, “British people are always so opinionated. They always delay negotiations, and also…”
He gestured with his hand, then shook his head. There were also a few English film companies who contacted him at the last minute, which showed that they were clearly in a dilemma, because the director of the British-styled dark humor film was an American!
“They’re used to it. They indulge in their glorious past, and can’t seem to withdraw themselves.” Laverne shrugged.
Adrian could not help but laugh as he did not expect him to be so merciless in mocking others.
“He seemed to have figured out something,” Laverne mentioned.
“It’s alright, I’m the one who invested in and produced it, so it won’t be much of a problem. Besides, they’ll find out sooner or later.” Adrian was unbothered, but this was also why he had Laverne to help him deal with the big film companies.
Laverne left after packing his things. Adrian sighed a long breath of relief after he left, then stretched himself before he walked to the balcony.
“Hey, baby, I’m so sorry for making you come here,” Adrian said to Kate, who was reading a book on a recliner.
Kate rolled her eyes at him without saying a word.
“Why? Did anything happen?” Adrian was puzzled.
“Nothing,” Kate intentionally spoke with an exaggerated tone,” I’m just being opinionated.”
Adrian was struck dumb for a moment before he laughed, realizing what was going on.
“Alright, I made a mistake. I forgot a word, I should’ve added ‘some’ in front of ‘British people’.” He reached his hand out to her. “I apologize, alright?”
Kate scoffed, then turned around as if she had not heard him.
Adrian raised his brows, then hugged her by her waist to carry her on his shoulder.
“What are you doing! Put me down!” Kate, who was taken by surprise, instantly struggled to get free by kicking and punching Adrian. She only stopped when her butt was pinched.
Thud. Adrian threw her on the bed, then stared at her with a devilish look. “Clearly, you should be punished, my dear Kate.”
“You… I…” Kate placed her hands in front of her chest subconsciously. “Don’t mess around, Eddy!”
“It’s been a few days, any pain would’ve been gone by now, right?” Adrian giggled as he got closer to her.
“Wait, it’s day time now!” Seeing as he was being serious, Kate immediately moved backward, but there was no way she could get away.
“So what? No law states that it can’t be done during day time.”
“But… But.. I have to…”
“Don’t worry, you’ll agree with it soon.”
“Wait… Save me!”
Although Kate fought a “long and tough” battle, she was not a match for Adrian who had endless experience, thus she began losing herself due to his touch. Following that was naturally an amorous activity, and the afternoon sunlight that shone through the balcony made the view in the room look extra captivating.
“You’re a b*stard, Eddy,” Kate commented. She shut her eyes as she curled up in Adrian’s arms, out of energy.
“Why do you say so?” Adrian hugged her from behind, then kissed the back of her neck.
“I can’t move now.” Though Kate sounded like she was complaining, she was more so satisfied.
Adrian smiled without commenting and continued savoring her tenderness. From his past experiences from both lives, he knew the female body very well, and since he had a strong capital in his present life too, he could easily make Kate feel ecstatic.
“Oh right, Kate,” He mentioned after some time, “What about your consideration? Don’t forget, I still want you to play the female supporting role in my next film.”
Kate shivered a little upon hearing him, then turned around after she sighed. She looked at Adrian with a complicated look. “I don’t know, Eddy. I… I love you, and I want to go, but…”
“But you still have your studies, and your mom might disapprove, right?” Adrian smiled gently. “I think that a student who’s determined to make it to Oxford must graduate from high school; Similarly, a student who aspires to be in Oxford can’t go to Stanford University. If you’re willing to, I can convince Madam Judy for you.”
“Stanford University? But I want to go to Oxford for literature studies.” Kate poked his chest.
“Stanford’s quite known for humanities and natural sciences too,” Adrian persuaded. “Besides, if you want to venture into Hollywood, I think that you should go to Southern California’s film academy or California’s art academy—Kate, I want you to be by my side.”
Tender words always worked. Kate hugged Adrian a moment later. “Eddy, can we talk about this after I graduate from high school? I’ll definitely consider, and I want you to be with me too.”
“Of course.” Adrian nodded, then planted a kiss on her collarbone. “But let me take some interest first.”
“Wait! No… You can’t… Ah!”
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