Chapter 379

"Hello, you are …" The person who opened the door was a young woman in her early thirties. She had brown hair and grayish-blue eyes. Although she was dressed simply, she had an aura that could not be ignored. However, after seeing Adriaan carrying the child, she was obviously stunned, and did not continue her sentence.

"Hello, Ms. Thompson, I'm Adrian Kewell. We have an appointment today," said Adriaan with a smile as he switched Emma from his left hand to his right hand.

"Hmm … Yes, Mr. Kewell … Hello …" Ms. Thompson finally snapped out of her trance, and looked at him and the little girl in his arms curiously before saying, "You seem to be late."

"Yes, I'm sorry, there was a small problem." Adriaan shrugged. "This child insisted on following me."

Thompson looked even more curious, but she still gestured for him to enter. "Come in!"

After walking through the traditional British-style corridor, Adriaan followed Ms. Thompson to the living room. The two men sitting in the living room were chatting, and they immediately stood up when they saw someone approaching.

"Let me introduce you, this is Adrian Kewell, the youngest Palme d 'Or winner who has received the most media attention recently." Ms. Thompson first introduced Adriaan to the two men, then turned around and pointed to the man on the left, who had a square face and looked to be about her age. "This is my husband, Kenneth Brynner."

She then pointed to the man on the right, who was very tall but very thin. "This is my agent, Paul Wilkinson. You've spoken to him on the phone."

"I'm sorry I'm late," said Adriaan after shaking hands with the two men. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

"It's okay, I think there must be a reason." Kenneth glanced at the little girl in Adriaan's arms, and said in an understanding tone, "Please take a seat, Mr. Kewell!"

"Thank you, please call me Adriaan or Eide." Adriaan nodded, sat down on the sofa, and placed the little one beside him.

"Remember our agreement, Emma?" He kissed the little girl's cute little nose.

"Got it!" Emma pursed her lips, placed her hands flat, and sat on the sofa obediently.

"Emma?" Mrs. Thompson, who was next to her, was surprised.

"Oh, yes, Ms. Emma Thompson. The little one has the same name as you." Adriaan then smiled as he thought of something. "Even the spelling is the same. Speaking of which, it's such a coincidence."

Today, he was visiting Emma Thompson, the British actress who had won the Academy Award for Best Actress in Howard Manor. Just like how he had worked with Pacino in Scent, Adrian had used the "original cast" to replicate the film almost perfectly to ensure the quality. Then, he would complete his plan.

"She's your … daughter?" Emma Thompson asked tentatively.

"No, she's … the daughter of a friend of mine," Adriaan said as he gestured, and then turned around to pat Emma's head with a smile. The little girl raised her head and gave him a sweet smile. Then she moved closer to him and snuggled closer to him.

The three of them exchanged a thoughtful look, and Thompson coughed dryly. "Alright, Adriaan, let's get down to business. I'm curious, why did you invite me to act in Howard Manor?"

"Because I think you're the most suitable candidate." Adriaan shrugged. "You're very suitable for the role of Margaret, be it in terms of temperament or appearance."

"Hmm … Thank you!" Thompson accepted his compliment with a smile. She then realized that she had asked the wrong question.

Seeing that she was a little embarrassed, her agent, Wilkinson, took over the conversation. "With all due respect, Mr. Adriaan, why do you want to adapt the novel Howard Manor for the big screen?"

If this was translated, it would mean: You're a director known for his cult style. Why would you suddenly have the idea to make a Victorian British-style movie? Are you sure you can make such a movie well? How can you prove that you have the ability to make this movie well?

They couldn't help but think too much about it. If Adrian had produced movies that were more plot-oriented like "The Shawshank Redemption", Thompson might have agreed to it. However, looking at his three — oh, four — movies, most of them were full of vulgarities, violence, and dark humor. The movie that had won the Palme d 'Or not had taken this format to the extreme. If it weren't for The Shawshank Redemption and the fact that he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, Thompson would have thought that it was a joke.

The difference between the two styles was so huge that it was unimaginable. Hence, Thompson still had doubts about his invitation. After all, she was now a very famous actress in the United Kingdom. Only actors who couldn't wait to become famous, or those who were low in popularity, or those who wanted to change careers would throw caution to the wind and throw themselves into such experimental movies.

Of course, even though they had so many doubts, they wouldn't ask him directly. Otherwise, it would be tantamount to falling out with him. In this circle, which focused on connections and image, everyone would try their best to avoid such behavior. However, as long as Adriaan wasn't a fool, he would definitely understand what he meant. If he was really sincere, he would naturally explain.

"Well … how should I put it?" Adriaan smiled. "Sorry, please give me a few minutes to think about it."

After a pause of two or three minutes, he spoke again. "I think you should know something. My grandmother is British, and I spent a lot of time in London when I was a child. The cultural atmosphere of England, both the upper and lower classes, had a great influence on me to a certain extent. That's why I chose to produce my first work in England. Of course, at that time, I didn't understand what it meant, even though I had read a lot of Mr. Foster's novels in high school.

Then, one day, I suddenly woke up. There were a lot of media reports about this, but I won't go into detail. I started to be a director, trying to express the countless images in my head through the camera. Those things kept jumping here and there. Thoughts and feelings that I had never had before just gushed out, and I couldn't wait to try my best to describe them. Among them was Mr. Foster's work. If 'A Room with a View' hadn't been adapted for the screen a few years ago, I would definitely have chosen this novel. Of course, 'Howard Manor' is also an outstanding novel, especially after I woke up and re-read it. I had a deeper understanding of it, so I bought the adaptation rights early on.

But as you all know, as a newcomer, it's not easy to adapt such a well-known novel into a movie. So, I chose to produce some movies with a lower cost, so I could practice my skills and accumulate experience. Fortunately, my efforts didn't go to waste, and I was recognized by many people. So, I think I can start producing 'Howard Manor' now. I can definitely control and control this novel! "

In fact, it's actually very simple to convince an actor. First, praise the actor's proudest and favorite things, such as acting skills or local culture. Then, brag about yourself, such as talking about some experiences, thoughts, and insights. It's like how actors always say that it's their best movie when they promote their movie. Of course, this must be done well, to make the other party feel happy and surprised, but not feel disgusted.

But more importantly, you must have the capital to say so, such as being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director or winning the Palme d 'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. As long as you have these, although the method is very old-fashioned, it will definitely work.

"I have to admit, your speech is very tempting, Adriaan," Thompson said after a moment of silence. As a famous and talented actress in Britain, although she was a little tempted, it didn't mean that she would agree to it. "But I heard that before this, you had already produced a more artistic movie, and it was a collaboration with Al Pacino, but you've been shelving it. Do you know why?"

"It involves publicity for movies, especially the publicity for 'Pulp Fiction.'" Adriaan answered, avoiding the important points. "Although the media speculated that I was not satisfied with the movie and thought it was a failure, I will tell everyone one day in the second half of the year that they were wrong! I dare not say that it will be my best work, but I can guarantee that it will be Al's best performance! "

Thompson fell silent, and so did Brynner and Wilkinson. Adriaan picked up the teacup and sipped the black tea with a smile.

At this moment, Emma, who was sitting beside him obediently but looking around restlessly, tugged at the corner of her shirt. "Eide, I want to go to the washroom."

"Hmm …" Adriaan looked at the little girl awkwardly, and then at Thompson and Brynner.

"I'll take her." Brynner stood up immediately.

Although Emma was a little reluctant, she still followed Brynner under Adriaan's persuasion.

After the little girl left, Thompson suddenly said, "She seems to be very attached to you."

"I'm trying to think of a way to reduce her attachment. It's best if she can return to normal," Adriaan said with a sigh.

"Oh?" Thompson looked at him with interest.

"Do you remember a bus accident in London last year? Emma's parents were killed that day, and I was at the scene … "Adriaan didn't hide it anymore.

He tried to tell the whole story in short sentences before the little girl came back. Even though it was very simple, Thompson still couldn't help but widen her eyes. After looking at little Emma, who had returned to Adriaan's side, and then at Adriaan, who was chatting with Emma gently, and exchanging glances with her manager, she said, "It seems that this should be a good choice."