The Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel was the venue for the reception hosted by 20th Century Fox Film Corporation.
Charles was discussing films with Jeffrey Godsick, the president of 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, but Charles did not see Ridley Scott.
"Charles, tell me your thoughts on the film kingdom of heaven!" Jeffrey Godsick said to Charles with a smile.
Charles took a sip of wine, knowing he shouldn't pretend anymore, and said, "kingdom of heaven has grand epic war scenes and an interpretation of medieval chivalry. The three-hour-plus runtime doesn't make one feel bored!"
Jeffrey Godsick glanced at Charles and then smiled, "You noticed too, the film is over three hours long, so cinemas can only schedule three screenings a day! A film's runtime should preferably not exceed two and a half hours."
More screenings mean better box office. The difference between three and four screenings a day is significant. Charles had already guessed why Ridley Scott and Tom Rothman had not yet appeared.
"Cutting 3 hours and 12 minutes down to two and a half hours, even if all sub-plot lines are removed, will lead to a disjointed and dull main plot," Charles kindly reminded Jeffrey Godsick, although director Ridley Scott would certainly say these very words.
"But kingdom of heaven has battle after battle, a grand and spectacular siege scene with great visual appeal;"
"Ridley Scott's masterful technique of describing individual hero perspectives is still skillful, the actors' performances are also excellent, and the film's plot and dialogue design are very profound."
Facing Jeffrey Godsick's confident thoughts and words, Charles could only smile and nod; these were indeed facts.
However, Charles added in his heart: if a two-hour-plus film is filled with battle after battle, and these battles are all mixed together. Besides the actors' tattered old clothes and long dirty hair, audiences shouldn't expect to see anything else in the film.
The 20th Century Fox executives were not wrong. After all, kingdom of heaven is not an adaptation like The Lord of the Rings, which has a strong novel fan base. The runtime is very important for the plot's progression.
The medieval knights of the Crusades, beautified without any embellishment, made most people scoff. How could the desert dust scenes flying in the wind compare to the beautiful mountains and rivers of Middle-earth?
The plot of kingdom of heaven, shaping a medieval knight hero? Charles felt that whether it was the director's cut or the theatrical release, the film's failure was inevitable.
European and American audiences have been familiar with large-scale war scenes for many years. The scenes in king arthur and troy were also grand and spectacular, but what were the results? War blockbusters that only have war but no art currently have little appeal.
kingdom of heaven also did not express much of the deep historical hatred between Christians and Muslims or delve into its causes.
After parting with Jeffrey Godsick, Charles approached the French actress Eva Green and extended a gentlemanly invitation: "Beautiful Lady, may I have this dance?" In kingdom of heaven, she played the sister of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the Princess of the Kingdom.
Wavy hair, smoky makeup, and fair skin presented a sexy, seductive Gothic dark beauty.
"Good evening, Mr. Capet!" Eva Green happily danced with Charles on the dance floor.
The 24-year-old Eva Green's Venus de Milo pose in the dreamers left a deep impression on Charles.
"Call me Charles, and I'll call you Eva! Your portrayal in the film is beautiful, and your performance is also good," Charles did not stint on praise, as she was a beautiful sight in kingdom of heaven.
Eva Green nodded, and somewhat shyly said, "It's nice to meet you, I don't know many people in America."
Charles nodded. To say Eva Green's features were beautiful wasn't entirely accurate, but her perfect figure and seductive charm were captivating.
She was also a french women who never hesitated to show her body in films, unreservedly displaying herself to the audience.
"You are very special, unlike many Hollywood or French actresses; you have a unique charm, like a sexy black swan," Charles's own opinion of Eva Green was good; at least she was very serious about her films.
However, starting from her extensive body display in the dreamers, it seemed the roles she received only required her to show her sexy, seductive side.
"Thank you, I don't mind showing my breasts in films; every part of the body can serve art," Eva Green explained with a smile.
Charles nodded. Many Hollywood actresses are also unconcerned, but they are still somewhat less daring than European actresses.
"I'd like to invite you to dinner tomorrow, do you have Time?" Charles got straight to the point.
Eva Green was stunned for a moment, then nodded and agreed to Charles's request.
"Then, see you tomorrow night!" Charles embraced and kissed the Lady, then walked away.
Eva Green watched Charles walk in the direction from which the great director Ridley Scott was approaching.
After a moment of thought, Eva Green went to find her Agent.
"Charles, I'm sorry, I'm late!" Ridley Scott apologized to Charles.
"It's alright, I know you poured a lot of effort into kingdom of heaven," Charles said he didn't mind.
Ridley Scott nodded and said, "I've long wanted to make a film about medieval knights, especially about the Crusades;"
"The protagonist in my mind is an ordinary person who gets caught up in a great era, a character who can only become a true hero after experiencing hardship, pain, and tragedy, someone who can endure everything and refuse to be swept away or carried off by the tide;"
"Balian in kingdom of heaven is this hero!"
Charles smiled and changed the subject, saying, "Becoming a hero comes at a considerable cost."
Ridley Scott shook his head helplessly, with a bitter smile, "20th Century Fox has already decided to cut at least 40 minutes from the runtime before its theatrical release!"
In Hollywood, few directors have final cut rights for their films. Film companies have to edit according to audience acceptance.
Charles was not at all surprised that kingdom of heaven was cut. Normal film companies would consider the cinema's requirements for film length.
"I've read the script for the departed. Tomorrow I'll bring the prepared plan to Capet Pictures. Tonight, you should just enjoy the party," Ridley Scott suggested with a smile.
Charles also nodded. Perhaps Ridley Scott felt some lingering dissatisfaction because the film was going to be cut for such a long Time.