hollywood system: art

june 6.

Billy made his appearance in London's capital on June 5th, early in the morning, long after the whispers of the premiere had spread across the city. Hiring Winona had been a brilliant move. Billy had underestimated her impact on the film for several reasons. First, he hadn't fully grasped her success during the 1990s. Despite the rumors, she was arguably one of the most beloved figures of the decade, with performances that single-handedly drove her films to massive success. Second, her triumphs in movies that some consider cult classics had left a lasting impression on audiences, embedding themselves deeply in their hearts.

Antony Minghella whispered to his dear colleague Michael Ondaatje, "We'll have to attend a few interviews." The two had spent considerable time trying to finalize the film's runtime.

Billy sat nearby, eating breakfast, his eyes visibly tired from the journey and the jet lag. With days of work ahead, he focused on meeting key people within the UK network who could help resolve any issues. For instance, Billy knew a certain gentleman at the BBC due to connections with Discovery Channel, but he wasn't fully aware of his significance to the British division.

A sudden thud on the table jolted him.

-You need some coffee. A bit of caffeine will help,- Winona said.

-Thanks. I think today will be longer than I expected,- Billy replied.

-I'm surprised you don't have a pencil and notebook in hand,- she teased.

It was true. Billy usually carried a notebook everywhere, using it to sketch and refine designs that he would later submit to a company.

.I'm afraid I'm taking a break from any drawing plans for now. We'll see how things go in June. Congratulations on becoming France's new 'charmante muse.' The press has been singing praises about the enchanting Ryder winning hearts once again,- Billy remarked with a sigh, acknowledging that this was undoubtedly her moment to shine.

-It's been good. That month off was exactly what I needed. I caught up with Monica a bit—they wrapped filming last week. We might take a trip once I'm done with this parade of images,- Winona replied, looking noticeably calmer. Her pale, flawless skin showed no signs of cigarettes or alcohol, a stark contrast to when Billy had first met her.

-I suppose our British prince has been quite charming,- Billy quipped, alluding to her rumored romance with Colin Firth, who at the time was the epitome of what women admired in a gentleman.

She sat down, insisting they were just friends, though photos of them dining and spending time together suggested otherwise. Ironically, in the film, Colin played the role of a betrayed husband. Winona mentioned how delightful London was in the summer as the lovely Juliette joined their conversation. Juliette was another dream figure—her striking beauty, youth, and talent as a professional dancer combined with a touch of French sophistication made her captivating.

Winona left to get ready; she was still in her pajamas.

-You like older women,- Juliette remarked, brushing her foot against Billy's leg.

Billy's eyes met Juliette's provocative gaze. She was French—charming, seductive, and direct. Very direct. Italian women, by contrast, tended to be more fiery and fleeting, their passions soaring unpredictably. French women, on the other hand, were more poised and deliberate.

-It's true. I find older women enchanting… full of vitality, a kind that's hard to find in people my age, - Billy admitted as she playfully traced her foot up to his knee and then back down in quick motions.

-And so…-

-Nothing,- Billy said firmly.

Her foot withdrew with a knowing smile, and with a sway of her hips, she placed something on the table and walked away. The moment was fleeting as preparations for the day's interviews and filming resumed. The premiere was tomorrow night, and the looming event stirred anxiety, especially for the director and novelist, both named Michael, who had invested years into the project.

Billy had landed this opportunity while negotiating the film rights to The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit's rights were already his, and he was working toward acquiring others, all with the vision of uniting Middle-earth under Lux Animation.

…

The scheduling shift made a significant difference. Originally set for a November 15 release, the date was moved to June 8, aligning with the blockbuster season. This wasn't just a grand story; it was also a daring and passionate film about a character with no English roots. Almasy was perhaps the epitome of a man consumed by passion, vulnerable to the allure of a woman who became his greatest weakness.

-That's right. I made this film because Saul Zaentz cornered me, insisting I invest in his movie. The catch? He promised me the Lord of the Rings rights if I did. I didn't hesitate,- Billy explained.

-The irony is that he forced me to participate, claiming it was my duty, - Winona added, recalling how she had been coerced into acting in the film.

-I simply did what I had to do—assemble the best cast available, - Billy said. He had spent countless hours collaborating with Michael Minghella to craft a film rich in character and complex themes, capturing a rhythm that seamlessly blended youth and maturity.

With just five months left before the release of Billy's second film of the year—an adaptation of A Time to Kill, a novel by John Grisham—the buzz was already building.

-It sounds utterly captivating. I can't wait to see it, - said the interviewer, maintaining a steady pace with his questions.

-What was it like working with Juliette? - he asked.

-Challenging in some ways. I couldn't enjoy it as much as I would've liked, - Billy admitted.

The cameras turned to Juliette, who shrugged, her expression revealing nothing. Her gesture was a silent refusal to disclose more, leaving the spotlight to shift to the next round of questions, mostly centered on what made The English Patient so remarkable.

-I can say the film is made up of distinct parts, and each is vital. I'm part of a segment that stands apart, - Juliette responded.

...