[Chapter 451: Release of Saving Private Ryan]
"Cut!"
"Ben, what are you doing? You're playing AJ, a lively oil rig worker, not a brooding Batman. Don't keep that grim face. Be cheerful, add some humor."
Link shouted from behind the camera.
"Got it, got it. I'll fix it right away," Ben Affleck quickly replied, not wanting another scolding.
"Okay, take it again!"
"Scene 83, shot 6, take 2, action!"
---
While Link was shooting Armageddon in Texas and Florida, it was November in the North American box office calendar. Guess Pictures' annual blockbuster Saving Private Ryan premiered on the first Friday of November.
It earned $92.8 million in its opening weekend across 3,014 theaters in North America, nearly breaking the opening weekend record set by Jurassic Park II.
...
Saving Private Ryan also received outstanding reviews. Many filmmakers called it "the most realistic war movie," "the best World War II film," "one of the most classic war films in cinema history," and "the pinnacle of war movies."
Renowned film critic Roger Ebert praised Link as the most outstanding young director. After multiple films refining his craft, his directing skills had reached a new height. No one in Hollywood could match his balance of artistic vision and commercial appeal.
Famous director Clint Eastwood, after watching the film, said Saving Private Ryan was a stunning war movie and his favorite World War II film.
Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage enthusiastically said in an interview that Saving Private Ryan was amazing -- the best war film he had ever seen. Perhaps no film would surpass it for years. He regretted not having a role in it. He absolutely loved the movie.
Many other movie stars also highly praised Saving Private Ryan after watching it, calling it the most recommendable war film.
...
"Is it really that good? Or are you just afraid of Link, and dare not tell the truth in interviews?" Quentin Tarantino asked at a party, hearing Robert Rodriguez continuously praising the film.
"Quentin, haven't you seen it yet? I suggest you watch it soon. It's truly awesome. After watching, you'll be shocked to realize war movies can be filmed like this, and you'll be amazed at Link's directing skills. We need to look up to him," Rodriguez said.
"Absolutely amazing. As a director, we can learn a lot of new techniques. I plan to watch it again this weekend," said Richard Linklater while sipping a cold beer.
"Link is incredible. He's the director I admire most, no contest. I bet next year's Oscar for Best Director will be his," Steven Soderbergh said.
"Link for Best Director? You guys are exaggerating," Tarantino was reluctant to believe.
In the past two years, after speeding up his filmmaking, Link's films had been mixed. There were high-quality art films like The English Patient and popcorn flicks like The Rock and Batman Forever.
As a director, he preferred art films.
Before Saving Private Ryan's release, hearing it was a WWII war film, Tarantino worried it would be another popcorn movie. To avoid disappointment, he didn't see it the first week.
Now hearing the praise from Steven and the others, he thought it necessary to check it out.
After the party, Quentin invited Steven and Rodriguez for a second viewing.
...
After watching Saving Private Ryan personally, Quentin had to admit the press hype was true. It was indeed a fantastic war film.
The camera work was remarkably real. Whether it was explosion scenes or machine gun battles, the visual impact was powerful, like Link had been transported to the beaches of Normandy, filming alongside WWII soldiers.
The film's theme was profound, exploring war and humanity, the value of life, and an anti-war message. The issues it addressed were grander and more meaningful than many other films.
...
Applause! Applause!
At the screening's end, hundreds of audience members cheered and applauded enthusiastically, making Quentin seriously envious.
"The film's great, but making such movies must cost a lot," Quentin said as he left the theater.
"Money? Link's net worth is over ten billion. Does he care about costs?" Rodriguez laughed.
"Exactly. Link can make such great films because he has the capital to shoot however he wants. If I had ten billion, I'm sure I'd make a film that's as good if not better than Saving Private Ryan."
"Quentin, is it so hard to admit Link's amazing?" Rodriguez rolled his eyes.
"I'm not denying his talent. But it's true that Link's wealth makes it easier for him to take risks. That mindset is very important for making films," Quentin stubbornly insisted.
Seeing Quentin still resistant, Rodriguez didn't argue. He started discussing the film's plot with Soderbergh.
From a director's perspective, Soderbergh analyzed and praised Saving Private Ryan as a milestone in war cinema. In the coming years, many directors would adopt this 'documentary-style' filming for war movies.
"Link is remarkable, innovating while filming. Few directors can match him. Next year's Best Director Oscar is basically his already," Rodriguez admired and envied.
Quentin wanted to argue but couldn't find a point, so he reluctantly stayed silent.
...
After Saving Private Ryan's release, not only Quentin but many others acknowledged Link's brilliance. Hollywood -- from top executives at the Big Seven studios to ordinary actors -- praised Link as a film master on par with Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and George Lucas.
Link's fame skyrocketed with all the acclaim, making him Hollywood's hottest director.
"Looks like next year's Best Director Oscar is going to Link," said Ron Meyer at a cafe, flipping through the newspaper.
"From current releases, nothing matches Saving Private Ryan. Even compared to films from other years, it stands out. Link's chances of winning are very high," Barry Diller sighed.
"Saving Private Ryan is great, but unfortunately, it's not from our studio," Michael Ovitz said with regret.
Ron Meyer sighed softly, "Before September, Guess Pictures already had four films crossing $100 million domestically, plus dark horse films like Boogie Nights and Chasing Amy. Adding Saving Private Ryan, this year's total box office is probably higher than last year."
Barry Diller and Michael Ovitz looked grim and displeased.
Hollywood's annual profits are nearly fixed. Every dollar Guess Pictures gains is a dollar others lose.
Since Guess Pictures rose, the Big Seven studios lost significant market share, never enjoying the same success as before. They often scrape leftovers behind Guess Pictures.
More frustratingly, three to four years ago, they tried to counter Guess Pictures and Link. But after all this time, Guess Pictures hadn't collapsed and only grew stronger.
This was disheartening.
"Michael, you shouldn't have fired Harvey. You should have let him continue managing Miramax. He's ambitious and bold. With him around, he could create problems for Guess Pictures, which benefits us all," Barry Diller said.
Ron Meyer nodded in agreement.
Ovitz stirred his coffee, "Harvey's a wild wolf, I know that. But his recent scandals were too big. Letting him continue with Miramax would hurt film revenues. Moving him aside to focus on producing was also protecting him."
"Those scandals aren't a big deal in showbiz. For example, Link's female co-stars all became his girlfriends and had kids with him -- reportedly over a dozen children. His scandals are the worst," Barry Diller sneered.
"That's true. Michael, remember to speak up for Harvey at Disney. Being targeted by Link is part of the fight against Guess Pictures. We can't let him fail without helping. Without Harvey, we lose a key weapon in this battle," Ron Meyer pleaded.
"Alright, alright, I'll find a chance to help Harvey," Ovitz said, sipping his coffee.
At that moment, Ovitz overheard nearby patrons passionately discussing Saving Private Ryan. He couldn't help but sigh. That bastard Link was going to make another fortune with his new film.
*****
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