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"That's not it." Janet shook off Simon's hand in dissatisfaction, snatched the investigation report and flipped through a few pages, then handed it over: "Look, it's actually here, that businessman recently wanted to take back those two Custody of a little guy. He suffered an accident on a yacht trip two years ago, so he should have lost his fertility. Look at Sofia Fishy, ​​it’s no coincidence that she agreed to work for you, she wants A strong enough support to protect her from losing custody."

Simon browsed through the pages in front of him, just smiled, and said: "The boss should protect his employees. Since you are so interested in this matter, you should come forward when you need it."

Janet really looked very interested, and nodded and hummed a few times with a wicked expression on her face.

Seeing that the woman was about to become a sperm, Simon quickly stretched out his hand to suppress it.The ribs were attacked, and Janet immediately softened with a smile.

The preview began at seven o'clock, and Simon and Janet arrived at a theater in Century City's AMC theaters 10 minutes early.

In order to create as much publicity as possible, Fox made the test screening quite grand, and specially arranged a section of the red carpet. A large number of media reporters and enthusiastic movie fans holding various posters gathered outside the theater.

Simon and Janet got out of the car, and the originally orderly crowd suddenly became agitated. If it wasn't for the security guards to stop them, the crowd would almost rush to the two of them.

Seeing this situation, Simon did not accept an interview, but simply cooperated with taking pictures and hurried into the theater with Janet.

The two were led by the staff to a lounge first. Barry Diller, chairman of Fox Corporation, and Ronald Goldberg, president of Fox Pictures, had arrived ahead of schedule. Brian De Palma, Michael In addition to Douglas and other main creators of "Instinct", there are also some big-name film critics in the lounge.

The trial screening was about to start, and everyone didn't exchange too many greetings, and quickly entered the screening hall to sit down.

Simon took Janet, Barry Diller and others to sit in a slightly forward position, and looked around. The medium-sized screening hall with more than 200 people was almost full, all of them were media reporters and film critics from all over North America.This also shows that Fox Films spared no effort for this test screening, and most of the people's food, lodging and travel expenses were borne by Fox.

After everyone was seated, there was nothing special about it.The lights dimmed and the film screening began soon.

After the short and psychedelic opening title, a naked and passionate scene appeared in front of everyone, which caught many film critics off guard.

Although Simon's previous "Pulp Fiction" seemed very bloody and violent, it did not use Lulu as a selling point.

However, this passionate scene was just the beginning. When the woman suddenly pulled out the ice pick and mercilessly stabbed the man below her, blood splashed everywhere, and some media reporters and film critics in the screening hall were almost stunned.

Is this a script by Simon Westeros?

Is this the script of Simon Westeros, the creator of Run Lola Run, The Butterfly Effect, The Coming Death and, most recently, the equally astonishing Pulp Fiction?

In the screening hall not far from the main creator, Terrence Rafferty, a famous film critic from "The New Yorker", waited for the opening plot to end. In the dimness, he glanced at the young man not far away, and asked sideways The frowning "Time" chief film critic Richard Schickel said: "Is it possible that someone else's script has Westeros' name on it?"

Richard Schickel also glanced in a certain direction, shook his head and said: "I think, if it weren't for the contract with Fox Films, Westeros would never agree to hang his name on this film." name."

Terrence Rafferty thought for a while, and couldn't help but nodded.

However, he quickly felt that maybe other well-known directors or screenwriters try not to associate themselves with the controversial film as much as possible, but a young man like Westeros who does not play cards according to common sense may not care about it. "Pulp Fiction" also caused great controversy during this period. A youth protection organization in New York State even protested to the state government because of the straightforward description of drug injection in "Pulp Fiction", demanding that the film be banned.

Now, Westeros has just squandered violence unscrupulously, and has begun to show sexuality naked again.

I really don't know what he will do next.

Terrence Rafferty is considered a fan of "Batman" comics, looking at some hints that can be seen everywhere on the big screen in less than half an hour after the opening, he is even a little worried that Simon Westeros will take "Batman" into consideration. "Heroes" was also made into an R-rated film that is not suitable for children.

God was so kind to that young man.

Perhaps, this time he should suffer some setbacks.

Having made up his mind, Terrence Rafferty turned his attention to the big screen again. Even if he wants to criticize this film, he must watch it carefully.

Putting energy into it, Terrence Rafferty quickly noticed the performance of the heroine Linda Fiorentino. He didn't actually know the name of the actress, but remembered that she was in Martin Scorsese In "After Hours", he played a quirky image of a sculpture artist.

Although very disgusted with some elements of this film, Terence Rafferty has to admit that, like Sandra Bullock in "Run Lola Run" and "When Harry Met Sally" Like Meg Ryan and Nicole Kidman in Pulp Fiction, Simon Westeros has picked the right heroine once again.

However, for the same reason, it may be difficult for this actress to get rid of her position as a pornographic actress in "Basic Instinct".

In addition, the performance of the newly promoted actor Michael Douglas is also remarkable, and Brian De Palma fully expresses his preference for Hitchcock in the film.Moreover, in addition to the ubiquitous sexual elements, the core of this film is just like its title "Instinct". In the final analysis, it shows the drive of a person's behavior by the deep-rooted desire in human instinct.

The femme fatale is also using human instincts to manipulate the men around her. However, her behavior may also come from the dark instincts in human nature.

At the end of the screening, Terrence Rafferty unconsciously found that if the part about sex in this film was removed, it would still be a film worth tasting.But think about it again, if those elements are really removed, this movie dubbed "Basic Instinct" will definitely lose its color too much.

This is a contradictory proposition that cannot be both.

More than two hours passed quickly, and when the ending credits came up, Terrence Rafferty was still reminiscing about the plot of the movie just now, Richard Schickel beside him suddenly came over and whispered: "Roger Leaving early."

Terence Rafferty froze for a moment before remembering.

There may not be only one person named Roger in this screening hall, but the person who can be named by Richard Schickel without a surname can only be the well-known Chicago film critic Roger Allen. Burt.Because of the preconceived notions brought by the opening chapter, Terrence Rafferty still has some prejudice against the film he just watched, but after watching the whole film, he is actually not so disgusted in his heart.

Terrence Rafferty smiled a bit jokingly out of some literati's disparagement, and said: "It's normal, Roger Ebert has never liked this suspenseful thriller genre very much. video."

Terence Rafferty said it very euphemistically, but Richard Schickel laughed knowingly.

As one of the few top film critics in North America, Roger Ebert's film criticism style has always been known for his gentleness, except for certain types of films, that is, the thriller and suspense genre.

There is actually a certain allusion in this. Many years ago, a high-spirited young man planned to become a screenwriter and liked thriller and suspense films.However, the scripts he created were rejected again and again, and the young man had no choice but to switch careers and become a film critic.

Because of the "tragic experience" when he was a screenwriter, this film critic who became a celebrity halfway through the family is particularly harsh on thriller and suspense films.

After chatting and joking, Richard Schickel saw that the subtitles on the big screen were about to end, so he couldn't help asking Terrence Rafferty next to him: "Are you going to Fox's reception next?"

Terrence Rafferty hesitated, he was still very interested in Simon Westeros, and originally planned to take this opportunity to chat with him.

However, Fox's reception is obviously of a public relations nature, and the previous air tickets and hotel receptions are still taken with peace of mind, after all, they are for work.But in this situation, if he goes to the reception and is lobbied again, Terrence Rafferty feels that it will be difficult for him to make too harsh comments on "Basic Instinct".

Although after watching the entire film, Terrence Rafferty's perception of "Instinct" is not too bad, but after all, he does not want his views to be influenced by others.

Turning his head and looking around, besides Roger Ebert, there were obviously other people in the auditorium who had left early.Obviously, although they received all kinds of entertainment from Fox Films, a large number of people still express their attitudes in this way. Perhaps those people will not accept Fox's return ticket in the future.

Looking back, Terrence Rafferty thought for a while, and said, "Forget it, I'll go back to the hotel early, and I have to fly back to New York tomorrow, Charlie, how about you?"

Richard Schickel also nodded and said, "I'll go back to the hotel too."

Before the movie screening was over, Ronald Goldberg kept hearing reports from his assistant that someone had left early.

It is true that Fox intends to adopt the publicity strategy of controversial marketing.But now, Ronald Goldberg is a little worried. If the word-of-mouth of "Basic Instinct" completely collapses, there will be no 'controversy' at all.

The reception was held at the nearby Century City InterContinental Hotel.

More than 200% of the more than [-] film critics who attended the preview did not show up after the screening, which once again cast a shadow over Ronald Goldberg's heart.

Last year's "Butterfly Effect" started, and Fox's performance suddenly improved. This year's summer file even saw the unexpected success of "Flying Through the Future".

The company originally had high hopes for "Basic Instinct", and Ronald Goldberg also looked forward to accumulating a qualification with "Basic Instinct" before officially leaving the company this fall and getting a bonus for him to start after leaving. New firms accumulate more capital.

But now, things suddenly became uncertain again.

After enthusiastically walking through the crowd, Ronald Goldberg also roughly figured out the attitude of the film critics.In short, intense polarization.At the same time, due to the high expectations for Simon Westeros, this kind of polarized reputation is actually more on the side of criticism.

Obviously, "Basic Instinct" will definitely be controversial in the future, but word of mouth may become very bad.

Ronald Goldberg was utterly unsure whether audiences would pay for a controversial film with poor reviews.Even if it's a Simon Westeros movie, or, especially because it's a Simon Westeros movie.

With such a worried mood, Ronald Goldberg walked up to Simon and Barry Diller who were chatting, looked at the expressions of the two talking and laughing, and couldn't help saying: "You don't seem to be worried at all? "

Chapter 177 Controversy (Revised)

When Simon heard Ronald Goldberg's question, he felt that Barry Diller looked over in the same way, and explained with a smile: "Ronald, I reminded everyone before the filming started that the word-of-mouth of "Instinct" Probably not as good as last year's Butterfly Effect."

Ronald Goldberg was still a little worried, and he signaled to the surrounding crowd without any trace, and said, "Simon, no one left early during the test screening last year."

"This film doesn't have the delicate plot setting of "The Butterfly Effect". Its selling point is actually the controversy," Simon noticed that no one else approached, lowered his voice slightly and said to Ronald Goldberg: "Ronald, the next thing Fox needs to do is to control this controversial trend of public opinion and stick to it until the film is released next month, and we will win."

After many internal discussions on the announcement strategy of "Basic Instinct", these words from Simon did not bring much peace of mind to Ronald Goldberg: "Of course I understand, Simon, I am just worried that we may not be able to do so at all." Control the media wind.”

"If it really messed up, then I can only say sorry," Simon spread his hands, feeling helpless at Goldberg's indecisive character, and said, "Ronald, we all know that the movie business has never It’s all fraught with risk.”

Ronald Goldberg also felt Simon's emotions to some extent, looked around, and said: "Okay, let's talk, I'll go say hello to Garrett from "Variety Show", hoping to fight for a little more Good review."

Simon watched Goldberg leave and asked Barry Diller, "Barry, has Fox found someone to replace Ronald?"

Barry Diller nodded and said, "I plan to make Joe Ross the president, and Rupert is satisfied with him. Simon, do you know Ross?"

"I've heard of it, but I haven't had any contact with it."

Simon answered with his mouth, and said in his heart that it was still Joe Ross.

In the original time and space, the president of Fox during this period was Joe Ross. The biggest achievement of this well-known producer who started in the 70s when he was in charge of Fox was the discovery of the most popular comedy movie "Home Alone" series in Hollywood history.

Joe Ross has just turned 40 this year. He is currently running a production company with several partners. He has participated in the production of films such as the blockbuster "Bachelor Party" starring Tom Hanks in the early days. He is well-known in the industry, but Not top notch.

Therefore, Joe Rose does not qualify to join the Hollywood Seven chair grabbing game after careful calculation.However, neither Rupert Murdoch, a Hollywood outsider, nor Barry Diller, who is only 46 years old this year but wants to strengthen his control of Fox Films, wants to find another Ronald Goldberg In this way, executives with deep experience in Hollywood will run the company.

Joe Ross has been in the industry for more than ten years. He has good experience in both participating in the production and running the company, but at the same time he does not have a deep foundation in Hollywood. It seems appropriate to hire him to be in charge of Fox Pictures.

"Next time, I'll introduce you guys," Barry Diller said, and then said, "Simon, after "Basic Instinct", I still hope that we can continue to cooperate. You also said before that you hope to cooperate with Fox TV." Net to carry out some cooperation, but Daenerys Pictures doesn’t seem to have much interest in cooperating with us for the few reality shows this time?”

Simon said calmly, "Barry, it's because the conditions offered by Fox are not ahead of other TV networks."

Although it is already the fourth largest national TV network, the Fox TV network still has a big gap in strength compared with the traditional three major TV networks of ABC, NBC and CBS.

It is just the most basic number of affiliated TV stations. The three traditional TV networks have more than 100 affiliated TV stations in North America, but the number of affiliated TV stations of Fox TV Network is only more than [-].Moreover, in order to save money, the Fox TV network currently only operates a two-hour prime-time program, while the three major TV networks run three hours from eight o'clock to eleven o'clock.

These factors have limited the Fox network's audience base.

In fact, Daenerys Films has also promoted several reality show plans to the Fox TV network. However, the conditions offered by the Fox TV network are not enough for Simon to ignore its disadvantages in all aspects.

Barry Diller is definitely a very shrewd and far-sighted business manager. It was Barry Diller who persuaded the hesitant Ronald Goldberg in the original "Death Comes" project, which led to Fox Fox also benefited a lot from the unprecedented contract between the film industry and Daenerys Films.

Out of the emphasis on Simon's continuous box office miracles, Barry Diller has carefully studied several reality show proposals of Daenerys Films. In his opinion, "Survivor" has the greatest possibility of causing a sensation, followed by It was the "Big Brother" plan. In fact, there is no shortage of answering variety shows in North America, so "Who Will Be a Millionaire" was ranked third by him. As for the last "Beverly Housewives", Barry Diller thought it was entirely the 'personal interest' of the young man, who seemed to have just messed up the marriage of the gorgeous actress named Natasha Kinski.

Barry Diller also knew that Daenerys Films came up with four program proposals at one time, targeting the current four major TV networks in North America, and Fox obviously only had one chance to bet.

After thinking for a moment, Barry Diller said, "Simon, let's be honest. I want to get "Survivor". What kind of cooperation plan do you want?"

"Barry, the most important thing for Fox Network at present is to expand the audience. As for profit, this is obviously secondary, right?" Simon looked at Barry Diller, and continued without waiting for him to answer: "So, If Fox wants to get "Survivor," the deal is simple, you get the audience and Daenerys gets the profit."

Barry Diller shook his head and said, "Simon, this is too harsh. The cost of running a TV network is very high. It is impossible for me to allow my platform to become someone else's money-making tool, and Rupert will not agree."

"Barry, we regard the Fox Network as a farm that is being developed. The program in the hands of Daenerys Films happens to be the farmer in charge of pioneering. If you want this farmer to give up other farm work that is already on the right track and transfer to you On the other hand, it must be paid more. Only when the area of ​​the Fox TV network farm expands rapidly, you will be able to make more profits in the future."

"Of course I understand this truth," Barry Diller said: "But, Simon, I don't know the working ability of the 'farmer' you recommended to me."

Simon also shook his head and said with a smile, "Actually, I don't know either."

Barry Diller recalled the trial broadcast of "Who Will Be a Millionaire" next Monday. This program has been intensively prepared for a while, and he even went to the trial filming scene in New York to watch the recording effect in a low-key manner. "Who Will Be a Millionaire" does give him some special feelings that are completely different from traditional quiz shows.

However, this show is already owned by ABC, and it is obviously impossible for Fox to get involved again.

The bleak TV autumn season caused by the screenwriter's strike is an opportunity for Daenerys Films. Similarly, it is also an opportunity for the Fox TV network, which is still very weak compared to the other three.A blockbuster show or two this fall could immediately boost the network's popularity with North American viewers.

Just like the later Internet companies wantonly burned money to expand their user base, the Fox TV network is currently in the same stage of burning money.Barry Diller doesn't mind giving up ratings profits if Simon's reality shows are a hit, but he also doesn't want to sign a deal with Daenerys Films that could prove to be a huge hit. Big joke contract.

There are only three days left before the broadcast of "Who Will Be a Millionaire". After a moment of hesitation, Barry Diller decided to wait another three days. At the same time, he couldn't help laughing at himself. "'s cooperation plan, but when it was his turn, he inevitably hesitated.

However, Barry Diller is also determined that if "Who Will Be a Millionaire" has a good response, he will definitely win at least one of his two favorite reality shows.

Although there is still the idea of ​​using several reality shows in his hands as chips in exchange for New World Entertainment from General Electric, for Simon, in addition to "Who Will Be a Millionaire" that has been handed over to ABC, "Survivor" It is undoubtedly the most valuable of the remaining three projects, but others must not know this, and Simon has no intention of handing "Survivor" to NBC.

On the contrary, if the ratings situation of NBC's fall show is even more bleak, GE may be more cooperative with itself.After all, no one would think that Daenerys Pictures will only have these four reality TV proposals.

The official recording of the first issue of "Who Will Be a Millionaire" will be held this weekend, and Simon has to go to the East Coast early tomorrow morning, so he didn't stay too much at the reception. At ten o'clock, he brought Jenny Special return to Malibu.

Early the next morning, because it was Saturday, all major newspapers generally withdrew from the most informative issue of the week, and "Instinct", which had just undergone a test screening, quickly became the focus of media discussion, and as expected sparked intense controversy.

In terms of the most basic word-of-mouth film reviews, "Instinct" is actually better than last year's "Butterfly Effect", which was also a collaboration between Simon and Brian De Palma. Overall, it is about 5 points. collapse.

"Variety" gave a very positive review: "A erotic thriller with a sleek style, a tense cast, and alternative thinking, with a strangely strong appeal."

Rolling Stone praised the film as 'a scarlet dream created by Simon Westero, with an impressive performance by Linda Fiorentino'.

In addition, important media such as "New York Times" and "Seattle Times" also gave positive comments.

However, negative reviews for the film were even more violent.

Roger Ebert in the "Chicago Sun-Times" relentlessly criticized the film as "aside from a simple plot that is as completely predictable as a crossword puzzle, all other elements are just useless garbage".Simon doesn't know whether he should be honored to have such a master film critic bluntly and utterly use the word 'garbage'.

"The New Yorker" film critic Terence Rafferty also criticized "Instinct" as "a boring story that uses sex and violence to distract the audience's attention".

Other newspapers such as "Time Magazine" and "Chicago Tribune" also published critical remarks.

Moreover, because of the subject matter of "Basic Instinct", this kind of polarized media word of mouth quickly broke away from the scope of film reviews and quickly spread to the content of the film itself.

A film critic who claimed to be a loyal fan of Simon published a critical article in the "Los Angeles Times" the next day, vehemently accusing Simon of selling violence through "Pulp Fiction" and pornography through "Instinct" , and then publicly announced defanning.

Although Mark Hollington, the independent writer on the East Coast who publicly questioned Simon during the "Run Lola Run" period, was not invited to participate in the test screening, he jumped out again this time, and is still in the same relationship with the "New York Post" " published an article in the rival "Daily News" attacking "Instinct" for its excessive depiction of sex, and accused Simon of lacking a sense of social responsibility.

In the next few days, the media controversy that gradually began to rage became more and more intense, even reaching the level of personal attacks.

A film critic for the "San Francisco Chronicle" published an open letter, questioning the possibility that Simon, who produced two extremely uncomfortable films in a row "Pulp Fiction" and "Basic Instinct", may have become insane again and should be returned to a mental institution After receiving treatment, the film critic also claimed in the open letter that "Instinct" should definitely be classified as NC 17, and asked MP to re-rate "Instinct".

After the publication of the open letter, many film critics who criticized the film also spoke out again, calling on MP to re-rate "Basic Instinct".

"Instinct" received an R rating from MP before the test screening.

The rating committee of MP is actually in the hands of the Big Seven. Everyone checks and balances each other, and occasionally uses it to suppress second- and third-tier film companies.Generally speaking, a film company will appeal or re-edit and submit a rating if it believes that the ratings of its films are too strict. There has never been a case where a film with a confirmed rating has been re-confirmed with a stricter rating.

There was a lot of noise in the media, but inside Hollywood, many people actually understood that the rating of "Basic Instinct" would not change unless it was completely influenced by one-sided public opinion or other powerful factors.But if you want "Basic Instinct" to have a greater social impact, you can only wait for the film to be released.

Obviously, once the film is released, the rating is even more irreversible.