Chapter 142: Hollywood's Moral Model

Die Hard 3 finally made a comeback. Sandwiched between The Rock and Braveheart, it surprisingly secured a summer box office win.

This was largely thanks to Braveheart's lukewarm market reception, which gave Die Hard 3 the opportunity to shine.

Sophia was curious about why Braveheart underperformed at the box office. After all, even Gilbert had gone to support it, so logically, it should have done well!

With this question in mind, Sophia went to ask Gilbert.

"Gilbert, why isn't this movie doing well? I watched it, and the quality is quite good!" Sophia asked with curiosity.

Gilbert, enjoying the California sunshine in the backyard, responded, "Dear Sophia, you're looking at this from the so-called perspective of film artistry.

But this is the summer season. Artistry doesn't work here.

And don't forget, the North American market is notoriously xenophobic. People here aren't particularly interested in stories from that little island across the Atlantic, even if it shares historical and cultural ties with America."

Sophia pondered his words. "Yes, I should've thought of that. No wonder I noticed there weren't many interested viewers in the theater when I watched it."

While the North American market isn't always exclusionary, films that succeed here must either genuinely captivate audiences or rely on sheer quality to win them over.

Braveheart might conquer the Oscars' judges, but in the summer season, it failed to capture viewers' hearts.

Audiences simply didn't care about Scotland's independence or the British monarchy's entanglements.

Of course, exceptions exist. If the medieval warfare scenes were well-executed, they might have drawn some viewers.

Unfortunately, Mel Gibson sacrificed many battle scenes in favor of Oscars-friendly content. The extended dramatic sequences left audiences dozing off in the theater.

In the summer, the most popular films are those with fast-paced, exhilarating, popcorn-friendly plots. Philosophical ideals and humanistic themes take a backseat.

In this regard, Gilbert's next project, Saving Private Ryan, struck the perfect balance. Spielberg understood the market well and seamlessly blended commercial appeal with artistic merit.

As a result, Saving Private Ryan achieved commercial success and made a splash at the Oscars.

But Braveheart was different. Mel Gibson failed to strike a good balance and chose the summer season for its release, resulting in a film dismissed by audiences as a snoozefest.

Film critics, however, showered the movie with praise. Kenneth Turan, who had previously criticized Gilbert's films, gave it glowing reviews:

"Braveheart is a film brimming with passion, politics, romance, and morality. Creating such an epic historical drama is a challenge for any director.

But Mel Gibson demonstrated extraordinary ability in delivering this film, filled with profound nationalism and political depth."

Epic films are a genre unto themselves. The legendary Ben-Hur is a prime example.

Coincidentally, Ben-Hur also struggled at the box office, causing financial losses for the studio.

However, it swept the Oscars in 1960, claiming Best Picture, Best Director, and other major awards.

Decades later, Braveheart seemed destined to follow a similar path.

If it performed well at the Oscars, Mel Gibson could maintain his standing and even rise further.

But Gilbert had no intention of giving him that chance. While Braveheart was enjoying its theatrical run, audiences remained indifferent.

Mel Gibson, clearly agitated, found himself unable to confront Gilbert directly—he lacked any leverage against him.

Left with no choice, Gibson began sending signals of goodwill toward Gilbert, hoping to mend fences.

But it was too late for that.

After Gilbert didn't respond, Gibson scrambled to hide incriminating photos and negatives while trying to rally support.

He confided partially in his agent, Martin Bob, pushing the blame onto Gilbert.

Martin quickly pieced together why Gilbert had attended Braveheart's premiere: it was anything but good intentions.

The two discussed strategies for hours, yet still couldn't predict Gilbert's next move.

"Mel, are you sure there's nothing else you haven't told me? Who did you get involved at the celebration party?" Martin asked.

Gibson hesitated, remaining silent.

"Come on, Mel. If you want me to help you, I need the full story!"

Reluctantly, Gibson revealed, "I involved Sophie Marceau."

Martin was stunned. "You trusted an outsider with such a risky task? You should've chosen someone more reliable!"

Gibson faltered, prompting Martin to ask, "What else are you hiding from me?"

"I… I took photos of Sophie Marceau. I thought she'd comply, but she…"

Before he could finish, Martin slapped his forehead in exasperation.

Martin was well aware of the peculiar habits of Hollywood stars and directors under his management.

It baffled him how these celebrities, who had wealth, fame, and power beyond an ordinary person's wildest dreams, insisted on indulging in such bizarre hobbies.

Why couldn't they live straightforward lives and stay out of trouble?

While Martin couldn't understand, he knew he had to come up with a plan to save Gibson, an important client.

"Are those photos safely hidden?" Martin asked.

"They're hidden well, in separate locations. Only my closest confidants know where they are," Gibson replied.

"Okay." Martin felt slightly relieved. "As long as the photos remain hidden, they have no evidence.

Also, pay hush money to anyone else involved. Make sure they stay silent."

In situations like this, a permanent solution would be ensuring silence forever—but that was a last resort.

Martin also advised Gibson to increase his security detail, warning him of potential private investigators hired by Gilbert.

While Gilbert wasn't physically in North America, Martin couldn't shake the feeling that he was still orchestrating events.

Indeed, Gilbert had foreseen this and taken precautions. After attending Braveheart's premiere, he whisked Sophie Marceau away for a vacation in China.

Killing Gilbert on foreign soil would be a diplomatic disaster, a risk no local would dare take.

Meanwhile, Gibson's erratic behavior worsened. His outbursts grew more violent, alienating his assistants and hangers-on.

Among these hangers-on, one decided enough was enough.

Seeing no way out of the spiraling situation, the individual resolved to betray Gibson, exchanging information for a fresh start.

They contacted Gilbert's company, demanding $1 million for vital information.

The receptionist, initially skeptical, escalated the matter after three persistent calls.

Gilbert's trusted associate, Sheena Boone, took over and instructed a discreet operative to handle the situation.

From there, the web tightened around Gibson. Each of his attempts to escape only ensnared him further, leaving him with no way out.