Chapter 256: Because of Suspense
Chapter 256: Because of Suspense
But everything was far from over.
After the second week began, according to box office statistics, The Others showed absolutely no signs of declining. In fact, during the first few weekdays, its box office even experienced a slight increase.
“It’s very simple. Because of suspense!” Eric said this in the ballroom of the Sunset Tower Hotel while responding to Jonathan Demme’s curious question. “In The Others, I planted enough suspense points. For example, the fog around Grace’s house. Or the dream Grace had right at the beginning. And also the hidden implications within many lines of dialogue. Most importantly, there’s the unexpected reversal at the end where the living and the dead switch places. All of these things attract audiences who want to get to the bottom of everything and repeatedly return to theaters. You know, humans are the most curious animals. And on top of that, I deliberately gave Disney the idea of guiding discussions through newspapers and television programs, maximizing the audience’s curiosity. That’s how the current situation came about.”
“Then if enough analyses of the plot eventually appear in newspapers,” Jonathan Demme asked again, “gradually unraveling all the mysteries, wouldn’t that mean the movie’s box office potential would come to an end?”
Eric shook his head and revealed a sly smile. “It’s unavoidable that this kind of analysis will appear in reviews. But don’t worry, the situation you’re talking about won’t happen. Because many of the questions will ultimately become controversial.”
“For example, why Grace killed her two children. Even in the three-hour cut shown at Venice, there was never a clear answer. There were only vague hints hidden in the dialogue.”
“Based on those hints, some people may think Nazi soldiers occupied the island, and in order to avoid being discovered by enemy troops, Grace covered the mouths of her children to stop them from making noise. Then by accident, she ended up killing them.”
“Others may say that according to the clues, Grace probably killed the children after the war ended. In that case, she may have gone insane, or perhaps there was some other reason entirely.”
“In short, there’ll never be one unified answer. And in order to find more evidence to convince the opposing side, people will go watch it again.”
Jonathan Demme seemed to realize something and nodded thoughtfully. Then he asked again, “Eric, during filming, I practically memorized the entire script. But honestly, I still never figured out why Grace killed her children. You definitely know the answer, right? What exactly happened?”
“This…” Eric shrugged. “I don’t know either.”
Jonathan Demme stared at Eric in disbelief and raised his voice in surprise. “You also… you also don’t know?”
“Yeah. Because I never thought about it in the first place. From the very beginning, I never came up with any reason for why Grace killed her two children. I simply wrote the story. In the story, Grace killed her children, and then everything in the mansion happened afterward.”
Jonathan Demme burst out laughing in sudden understanding. “No wonder you weren’t worried at all just now. I’m guessing it’s not only this matter. Probably a lot of the mysteries in the movie don’t even have definitive answers in your own mind either, right?”
“Bingo!” Eric smiled and snapped his fingers.
The two laughed mischievously together for a moment before Jonathan Demme said, “Oh right, Eric. Miss Murdoch contacted me about the script for The Silence of the Lambs. I heard you personally recommended it, so I agreed to direct it.”
Eric froze briefly, instinctively sensing Jonathan Demme would not bring up the matter without reason. “Is there a problem?”
“Yes.” Jonathan Demme nodded. “Here’s the thing. Miss Murdoch said you recommended Jodie Foster for the female lead. But after reading the script several times, I feel Michelle Pfeiffer might actually be more suitable.”
Eric thought for a moment and quickly recalled information about the actress.
Although Michelle Pfeiffer had solid acting skills and even received several Academy Award nominations in his previous life, she never truly had a defining masterpiece. Furthermore, the blonde beauty’s temperament was very different from the Clarice portrayed by Jodie Foster in Eric’s memories of The Silence of the Lambs.
Deep down, Eric very much hoped Jodie Foster would play the female lead. However, if Jonathan Demme insisted, he would not interfere too much. After all, Eric still felt this film had little to do with him.
Because of Drew’s deliberate concealment, Eric had only vaguely noticed last time he saw the little girl’s credit card records that a bit too much money had been spent acquiring the adaptation rights. But he never imagined Drew would secretly embezzle three million dollars behind his back. And even if he discovered it, he would probably only pin her down and spank her a few times before letting the matter go.
Therefore, he still did not know that Drew held thirty percent ownership in TG Pictures.
“Why do you think Michelle Pfeiffer is suitable?” After thinking for a while without understanding, Eric simply pushed the question back onto Jonathan Demme.
“I’ve watched several of Michelle Pfeiffer’s films,” Jonathan Demme explained. “Especially Dangerous Liaisons, which earned her an Oscar nomination last year, and The Witches of Eastwick, where she starred alongside Jack Nicholson, Cher, and Susan Sarandon. Michelle Pfeiffer’s acting skills are more than sufficient, and the personalities of the characters she portrays are extremely varied. She’s a highly versatile actress. I think she can shape Clarice into an even more perfect character.”
Eric nodded along.
Because of the success of The Others, Jonathan Demme had already become a first-line director. Although Eric knew Jonathan would compromise if he insisted—after all, Jonathan still appreciated the opportunity Eric had given him—Eric was not the producer of this film. Interfering too much would only annoy people.
Besides, perhaps it would also be interesting to see whether replacing the female lead of The Silence of the Lambs with Michelle Pfeiffer could produce the same effect.
Thinking about it, wasn’t that actually quite fascinating?
Given Jonathan Demme’s directing style, this version of the film would definitely end up very similar to the original from Eric’s previous life. Swapping the female lead could also once again test whether roles created actors—or actors created roles.
“Then just follow your own instincts,” Eric finally said. “I believe you’ll definitely make this movie well. As long as you can convince Liz, it doesn’t matter who plays the female lead.”
Jonathan Demme nodded confidently. After chatting a little longer, the two separated.
Eric continued weaving through the party socializing with guests. As he passed a dining table, he accidentally overheard several people gathered together discussing something that seemed related to The Others. Curious, he walked closer.