Ever since the movie was released, the number of American media outlets praising the movie had increased from 80% to 90%. As for the reason, they had already analyzed it before. However, it was worth mentioning that Laffern seized the opportunity. He asked Fox, which was in charge of distribution, to quickly contact more theaters. That was how the movie earned 30 million dollars in less than three weeks.
Basically, the cost was recouped. Apart from the UK, the movie hadn't been released in other countries yet. Perhaps "Understanding Women by Scent" wouldn't make as much money as "Pulp Fiction", which had just been released. "Pulp Fiction" had taken 110 million dollars in North America before Thanksgiving. Although it was still being released overseas, it wouldn't lose to North America. The popularity brought by Adriaan allowed the movie to reap more profits. Therefore, people couldn't help but remember Adriaan in their hearts.
Although there were other reasons why such a movie could recoup its cost in less than three weeks, Laffern's foresight and decisiveness were still very commendable. Even though he had lamented many times, Adriaan couldn't help but sigh in his heart when he heard the news. It was really lucky to be able to find such a talent.
Compared to the unanimous praise from the critics, the opinions of the fans were much more varied. Pacino's fans undoubtedly liked the movie very much. Many of them repeatedly went to the cinema to watch it. Adriaan's fans, on the other hand, were evenly divided. Those who liked the movie felt that it told a good story, and that it was moving and inspiring. Those who didn't like it thought that Adriaan had lost his proudest style and started to compromise with the mainstream. However, except for some of the more extreme ones — such as those who were so obsessed with "Pulp Fiction" that they wanted to imitate the characters' every move and life — most people didn't hate the movie.
Adrian had heard about all of this. Because the movie was unanimously praised, the media would inevitably circle around him. Comparing the various things that had happened in the past and the current situation, it was really news everywhere, so it was hard for him not to know about it. However, Adriaan did not give a direct response. He only casually said a few words through his spokesperson, such as "Thank you for everyone's support" and "Al's outstanding performance was the key."
As a result, Al Pacino, who had already become the focus of the entertainment reporters because of the release of "How to Know a Woman by Scent," received even more "enthusiastic" treatment because of his words. A few days before Thanksgiving, he was dazzled by countless camera flashes as soon as he went out. Even so, Pacino was still full of praise for Adriaan.
"He's an excellent director. He's always good at setting the mood. I'm very happy to work with him. Just like the Hollywood Reporter said, this is the best role I've had in the past two years!" Pacino said.
Pacino had said the same thing at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, no one took it to heart back then. Now, if someone thought back to it, they would have mixed feelings. Unfortunately, the reporters would not feel this way. All they wanted was the news.
However, after Thanksgiving, the number of such reporters decreased by more than half, and the media that had been praising "How to Know a Woman by Scent" began to calm down. It was a strange and eerie calm, as if a storm was coming...
"Thank you for your hospitality, Godfather. It's been a happy night." Standing in front of the villa, Adriaan held his girlfriend's arm and said goodbye to his godfather's family.
"I'm glad you can come over and spend this wonderful holiday with us, son." Benny Dickett laughed and hugged his godson. "It would be great if this could happen every year."
"That's a good suggestion." Adriaan looked at Claude, who was next to his godfather, and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "But I have a better idea. Krau's new villa is on Beverly Hills. It's not far from me, so we can come back every year for this important holiday."
Claude looked surprised, but before he could speak, Benedict said with a smile, "Of course, Beth and I won't object. What do you think, Krau?"
"No problem, Dad, as long as —" Claude secretly glared at Adriaan and made a throat-squeezing gesture. "Eide, remember to call me."
"I don't think Eide will forget." Beth interrupted and then looked at Kate, who was holding Adriaan's arm, with a smile. "Of course, remember to bring Kate too. We'll be happier that way."
"Would you like to come with us, Kate?" Adriaan then looked at his girlfriend.
"It would be my honor!" Kate replied immediately. Although she had a reserved smile on her face, she had been absent-minded for a few minutes, so her smile looked a little nervous.
Adriaan squeezed her hand and said goodbye to his godfather. "Then, let's go back."
"Let father's driver take you back. You drank a lot earlier," Claude said.
"No, I know what I'm doing." Adriaan waved his hand. "Just drive a little slower. Don't worry."
The car soon reached the street and drove in the direction of Beverly Hills in the night. Just as he said, the speed was well maintained. It was neither too fast nor as slow as a snail.
"What's on your mind, Kate?" Enjoying the cool breeze blowing from the car window, Adriaan glanced at the girl beside him and asked.
"Nothing." Kate, who had come back to her senses, smiled apologetically. "I'm just in a daze."
"Really?" Adriaan asked. "Is it because the godfather and Beth left a bad impression on you?"
"How could that be? They're both very good people." Kate's tone had a hint of coquettishness. "It should be me who left a bad impression. I was absent-minded several times all night."
Speaking of this, she suddenly sighed and looked ahead without saying anything.
"I know. In fact, this is not the first time you've been absent-minded. That's why I'm asking you this." Adriaan slowed down the car and turned his head. "Kate, can you tell me what's going on? You know, I've always been your best listener, and I'm willing to do anything for you. "
Kate looked at him and opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Adriaan then gave her an understanding smile. "It's okay. Everyone has something they don't want to say. But if you want to say it, I want to be your first listener."
After she smiled and nodded, the car returned to silence. After dozens of minutes, the two returned to Adriaan's villa. As soon as they got out of the car, a cool breeze blew over. Kate, who was wearing a slim-shoulder dress, could not help but rub her arms. Next to her, Adriaan immediately took off his coat and put it on her.
"Thank you!" Kate smiled. After hesitating for two seconds, she suddenly asked, "By the way, Eide, some time ago … When I called London, you didn't seem to be there."
"Yes, I secretly went back to Los Angeles for a few days." Adriaan answered directly without thinking.
"Secretly went back to Los Angeles?" Kate's eyes widened. "Why? Why … didn't you tell me? "
"Oh, dear, you have to know that I was closely watched by the reporters during that time." Adriaan explained, "And my work in London was not over. If it weren't for something important to deal with in Los Angeles, I'm afraid I wouldn't have come back until 'Scenting Women' was released. Only Krau and Laffer knew that I was in Los Angeles for a few days."
"But … but …" Kate hesitated and did not know what to say.
"Well, if you are angry because of this, I apologize, okay?" Adriaan put his arm around Kate's shoulder, grabbed her hand, and looked into her eyes sincerely.
"No, I just …" Kate held his hand. Before she finished speaking, she felt a warm feeling on her cheek. Adriaan leaned over and gave her a kiss. Then the hand on her shoulder slid to her waist, and he took her in a circle in the front yard.
Kate subconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck, and as she was being lifted up, she shrank her neck and narrowed her eyes. It was not until they stopped that she punched him on the shoulder. "Eide!"
"Are you happier now?" Adriaan looked at her with a smile.
"I really want to know, if you accidentally threw me out just now, and a reporter happened to be waiting outside and filmed the scene, what would the newspaper headline be tomorrow?" Kate stared at him angrily.
"First of all, I would never throw you out." Adriaan shook his head and smiled. "Second, there are no reporters outside the villa now."
"No? So sure? " Kate looked at the door in disbelief. "A few days ago, you said that the reporters who surrounded you on the street were as annoying as flies."
"Of course I'm sure. They have been quiet for the past few days, waiting for the final moment to come." Adriaan also looked at the door with a faint smile. "Haven't you noticed that the media has begun to talk about something else these days?"
"It seems so …" Kate tilted her head and thought for a moment, then looked at Adriaan in confusion. "Why is that?"
"Because the movie in which you play a supporting role is about to be released." Adriaan was still beating around the bush.
"You mean 'Howard Manor'?" Kate blinked her eyes and finally reacted. She was not a fool, and she was on the set when the British media attacked them for filming "Howard Manor," so she knew the whole thing better than anyone else.
"So, someone is worried that you will make a fool of yourself, and someone has been wanting to see you make a fool of yourself for a long time." She looked at Adriaan with a mischievous smile.
"Unfortunately, a lot of people are destined to be disappointed. I don't do things that I'm not sure of." Adriaan shrugged, looking very free and easy. "You know, Kate, your performance is excellent. At least in my opinion, you are second only to Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins. "
"Hearing you say that, I suddenly want to see this movie right away." Kate's eyes twinkled.
"It will be soon. Let's go into the house first." Adriaan smiled and put his arm around her waist again as they walked into the house.
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