Chasing Stars in Hollywood

Burbank, Universal Studios.

Two cars, one following the other, stopped outside the studio dedicated to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

A driver got out of the luxury Cadillac SUV in front and opened the door, allowing Madonna to step out. A man in his thirties who had just exited a BMW convertible also walked over.

As Madonna and the man greeted each other and walked towards the studio, she said, "David, no matter what happens, you owe me a favor. If I hadn't called Simon, he might not have agreed to see you. A lot of people have their eyes on this project. 'Alien 3' might have flopped, but if you can do a good job on this fashion show and make an impression on Simon, it will be easy to establish yourself in Hollywood."

The man beside Madonna was named David Fincher.

Like many famous Hollywood directors, David Fincher had been passionate about movies since childhood. With some family connections, Fincher found a job at Lucasfilm at the age of 19 and even participated in the behind-the-scenes production of "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" in 1983.

However, breaking into Hollywood was never easy.

Throughout the 1980s, Fincher mostly worked on music videos and commercials, quickly making a name for himself in the industry. He not only created commercials for Nike running shoes but also directed music videos for top artists like Aerosmith and Madonna.

Just last year, Fincher finally got his first opportunity to direct a film, and it was none other than the high-profile "Alien 3," a sequel in the "Alien" series produced by Fox.

However, this directing experience turned into a nightmare for Fincher.

During the filming process, the script was completely overhauled, Fox rushed the schedule, there were creative differences with the producers, and the film went over budget. These common issues in Hollywood film production were all encountered by David Fincher.

Although the film was eventually completed, the results were not good.

"Alien 3," which premiered on June 19, leveraged the popularity of the "Alien" series and Fox's relentless marketing to open with $26.84 million in its first week, which seemed decent.

However, due to poor word-of-mouth, the second-week box office of "Alien 3" dropped by a staggering 58%, making it the movie with the biggest drop in the summer season.

By its fourth week, "Alien 3" had a weekly gross of only $4.09 million, with a cumulative gross of just $47.96 million. Considering its $50 million production budget, Fox was unlikely to recoup its costs through box office earnings alone.

After this experience, David Fincher thought he would have to continue working in the music video and commercial circles for several more years. However, a fantastic opportunity suddenly arose in Hollywood.

Simon Westeros was planning a high-profile fashion lingerie show and was looking for a director.

Moreover, they needed someone skilled in commercials and music videos.

For someone like Fincher, who was eager to break into Hollywood, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Even though he already had one foot in the door, David Fincher immediately reached out to the Victoria's Secret project team and tried to leverage his industry connections to help.

Hollywood is all about connections, and having someone vouch for you can often make a significant difference.

David Fincher was able to work at Lucasfilm at the age of 19 because his family had a neighbor who happened to be a producer at Lucasfilm.

To get this opportunity, Fincher thought about reaching out to David Giler, the producer of the "Alien" series, who was one of the producers on Simon Westeros's breakout film "Run Lola Run" and had mentored Simon. Moreover, Giler, while producing the "Alien" series for Fox, was also a contracted producer for Daenerys Entertainment.

However, despite their "familiarity" from working together on "Alien 3," Fincher and Giler had a very strained relationship, making it impossible for Giler to help him.

Fortunately, besides David Giler, Fincher knew another person who was said to have a good relationship with Westeros—Madonna.

Simon Westeros had made a cameo at one of Madonna's concerts, and she appeared in Westeros's "Pulp Fiction." It was said they were very good friends privately, and whether there was more to their relationship was not Fincher's concern.

David Fincher had directed several of Madonna's music videos in the past few years, and they had kept in touch.

When Fincher reached out to Madonna, she quickly responded and arranged for him to meet Westeros today.

As the two chatted and walked into the studio, a staff member greeted them and informed them that Mr. Westeros was already waiting for them.

Passing through hallways divided into different work areas, bustling with activity, Madonna was momentarily distracted by the dazzling angel wings in one section. If Simon hadn't been waiting, she might have tried them on.

Thinking the hallways were busy enough, they reached the far end of the studio where a long runway was being set up, and the open space was even more crowded.

Scanning the surroundings, they quickly realized that equipment, lighting, and other shooting tools were being arranged.

Madonna spotted the young man in the crowd, Simon, who was standing with another tall, long-haired man, gesturing and discussing something.

The staff led them to a waiting area and asked them to wait a moment before heading towards Simon.

As coffee was brought to them, Madonna thanked the server and continued to watch Simon before turning to Fincher, noticing his strange expression. "What's wrong?" she asked.

David Fincher hesitated for a moment before pointing to the man beside Simon. "That's Michael Bay."

Madonna was still puzzled.

Fincher explained, "Bay and I both interned at Lucasfilm. I remember clearly; in 1980, he was only 15. Recently, he's been one of the most prominent directors in music videos and commercials. He directed a Coca-Cola commercial two years ago."

He added, "Bay's style is clearly more suited for a fashion show."

Despite his words, Fincher's expression didn't show much disappointment.

Simon Westeros had apparently already chosen the director for the Victoria's Secret show, and Fincher had to admit that Michael Bay's style was more suitable for a fashion show than his own.

However, since Westeros had invited him over, there might be another opportunity in store.

Madonna, quick on the uptake, smiled and said, "It seems you owe me an even bigger favor now."

They waited patiently for a while until Simon finally approached, accompanied by Michael Bay.

Simon was dressed casually in a T-shirt and slacks, while Michael Bay was in a neat shirt and trousers, looking very formal.

Madonna, noticing the contrast, couldn't help but think of the saying that the boss dresses more casually the more powerful they are. She stood up with a bright smile and unceremoniously extended her arms for a hug from Simon.

Simon, seeing Madonna approaching, gave her a hug, playfully squeezing and remarking, "Too small, no feeling at all."

Madonna, not satisfied with Simon's quick release, defiantly puffed out her chest. "Men are so greedy. Mine are just right. Do you prefer silicone?"

Simon shook hands with Fincher and introduced him to Michael Bay before turning back to Madonna. "I meant your whole size is too small."

Madonna glanced at the tall, curvaceous models not far away and understood. At just over five feet tall, she indeed had little chance against those leggy beauties.

However, Madonna, never lacking in confidence, retorted, "Actually, being small has its advantages." She provocatively licked her lips and gave Simon a smoldering look. "Maybe, Simon, we should discuss this privately sometime."

With Madonna, Simon always felt like he was the one being hunted. 

Not enjoying this feeling, he ignored her suggestion and gestured for the slightly awkward Fincher and Bay to sit down.

Madonna unabashedly took a seat next to Simon. As he didn't respond to her previous comment, she dropped the topic and said, "David just told me he knows Mr. Bay."

Simon wasn't surprised by the connection, though he didn't know the specifics of Lucasfilm. He acknowledged, "It's not unusual for people in the same circle to know each other."

Seeing that they were familiar, Simon got straight to the point with Fincher. "I've seen your music video samples. The overall style is dark and somber, which, although artistically strong, isn't suitable for this fashion show. That's why I chose Michael."

David Fincher showed no sign of disappointment and nodded. "I agree that Michael is more suitable."

Simon studied Fincher for a moment and smiled. "You probably guessed it. I had you come here for another reason: a film. I'd like you to try directing it."

Fincher immediately perked up.

While Michael Bay initially felt a sense of superiority from securing the Victoria's Secret project, he couldn't help but feel a bit envious now. However, recalling Simon's previous words, he felt reassured. Successfully directing this show could also give him a foothold in Hollywood.

Without dragging it out, Simon continued, "This is a crime thriller about a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins from Catholic doctrine as his modus operandi. You'll receive the script soon. For now, let's talk about 'Alien 3.' What do you think went wrong on your part?"

Fincher would rather not discuss "Alien 3." 

However, considering Simon's connection with David Giler, it was clear he could easily find out anything he wanted.

There were many reasons for the failure of "Alien 3." Fincher had often blamed the studio and the producers, reluctant to admit his own faults.

After a moment of hesitation, Fincher said, "I think the main issue was my lack of experience in directing a feature film."

Simon smiled and shook his head. "That's not the problem. I know your background, and your fundamental skills are solid."

Facing Simon's gaze, Fincher hesitated again before saying, "Perhaps I focused too much on the details."

Simon nodded this time.

David Fincher's films, apart from his dark and gritty style, are characterized by meticulous attention to detail. This trait, which he shared with James Cameron, often resulted in higher production costs due to his perfectionism.

However, being a detail-oriented perfectionist also had the potential to create classics.

David Fincher wasn't a prolific filmmaker, but in the original timeline, his films like "Se7en," "Fight Club," and "Gone Girl" were considered classics.

"Focusing on details isn't a flaw," Simon continued. "The key is to do so with moderation, a balance only you can find. I appreciate the personal style and techniques you've shown in your music videos and 'Alien 3.' Despite its low box office, 'Alien 3' demonstrated a lot of your unique vision. While its North American box office isn't high, it performed well internationally, and Fox should be able to recoup its costs."

Ultimately, a film director's success is measured by box office results, regardless of critical acclaim or awards.

Hearing this, Fincher felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

If "Alien 3" could recoup its costs globally, it wouldn't be a significant obstacle to his Hollywood career.

"For 'Se7en,' I hope you can bring out the style you've shown in your music videos and 'Alien 3.' As for the budget, review the script carefully and come up with an estimate. My only requirement is that you stick to your budget." Simon added with a hint of humor, "Of course, if you come up with a $100 million budget, this project won't proceed."

In the original timeline, "Se7en" was released in 1995. The script, written by Hollywood screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, was acquired by Daenerys Entertainment last year.

Simon had been considering this project and noticed David Fincher after his work on "Alien 3."

After reviewing next year's film schedule, Simon decided to move forward with "Se7en." If all went well, the film would be slated for release next Halloween.

The original cast was ideal.

David Fincher and one of the lead actors, Morgan Freeman, would remain unchanged. However, Simon didn't plan to use the original other lead, Brad Pitt.

"Superman" was already in production, scheduled for release next summer.

According to the production plan, Brad Pitt's schedule was open.

However, once "Superman" was released, Brad Pitt would become synonymous with Clark Kent.

This typecasting is a double-edged sword.

On one hand, Brad Pitt would be easily associated with Clark Kent for many years. On the other, while playing Superman, other films he appeared in might struggle to gain attention.

If Brad Pitt continued in "Se7en," the iconic "Clark Kent" image might overshadow this classic crime thriller.

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