Chapter 239 – A Little Dessert
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, starring Jim Carrey, was slated for a spring release next year, while The Mask, currently in production, had secured an autumn slot.
Now that New Line Cinema had also signed Carrey for another project, it was very likely that film would be scheduled for the end of next year as well.
"Are you not leaving yet?"
Sophie Marceau stepped into Aaron's office.
"Yeah, I'm ready." Aaron rose and stretched. They had dinner reservations at a restaurant along the Hudson River.
"Let's go," Sophie said, helping him into his coat.
Soon, Aaron was driving a brand-new Lamborghini Diablo VT toward the waterfront restaurant. The place offered fine cuisine with a sweeping view of the river—a perfect blend of indulgence and atmosphere.
Over dinner, their conversation drifted to the Thanksgiving release Mrs. Doubtfire.
"Yes, I know," Aaron said. "The new comedy from 20th Century Fox, Mrs. Doubtfire, opened with $20 million in its first weekend."
"With strong word of mouth and a modest production budget of just $25 million, it's almost guaranteed to be a huge profit-maker."
"Robin Williams," Sophie smiled. "He might be the best comedic actor in Hollywood right now."
At the end of last year, Disney's animated hit Aladdin—featuring voice work by Robin Williams—had become a phenomenon. This year alone, its VHS sales shattered records, moving 24 million copies—roughly $500 million in revenue.
Even more impressively, Aladdin had earned $214 million domestically and over $500 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated feature of all time.
"Robin Williams is excellent," Aaron agreed.
But he knew that starting next year, a new comedy king—Jim Carrey—would explode onto the scene.
"Is Dawnlight developing animated films too?" Sophie asked.
Aaron nodded. "Pixar—the studio I acquired—is currently developing its first full-length 3D computer-animated feature, Toy Story."
"If everything stays on track, it should be released the year after next."
He lifted his glass slightly, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
Live-action blockbusters might dominate today, but animation—especially digital animation—was the future. And Aaron had no intention of missing it.
Aaron had to admit—he was deeply envious of the animated feature The Lion King, which The Walt Disney Company was set to release next year.
It would become the true pinnacle of traditional 2D hand-drawn animation.
---
That night, Aaron and Sophie Marceau headed to a bar on Greenwich Street, immersing themselves in New York's vibrant nightlife.
"Darling, are you going back to France for Christmas?" Aaron asked as he held her close on the dance floor.
Sophie pressed herself against him. "Of course I am. What, are you planning to come back with me?"
Aaron smiled and kissed her. "Not sure yet. There might be other commitments."
"You know how it is—Hollywood's been busy."
"That's true," Sophie murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck. "When you're free, we should escape to the Mediterranean for a few days."
"Deal."
---
At the same time, members of the production team behind Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, financed and produced by Miramax Films, were also at the bar.
Producer Harvey Weinstein lounged on a sofa with actresses Jennifer Jason Leigh and Gwyneth Paltrow, drinks in hand.
Although Miramax had lost some autonomy after being acquired by Disney earlier that year, the financial backing from the studio—combined with a measure of creative independence—worked in the Weinstein brothers' favor. After all, Harvey's aggressive acquisition spree in previous years had left Miramax heavily in debt.
Weinstein draped an arm around each actress.
"The test screenings for Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle have been excellent," he said confidently. "Critics are giving it high marks. Once it's released next year, we'll be in the awards conversation. Maybe even the Oscars."
The film, a biographical drama set against the backdrop of the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s, centered on the legendary writer Dorothy Parker and the intellectual circle around her.
Jennifer Jason Leigh, already 32 and seasoned though only widely noticed after Last Exit to Brooklyn, smiled politely while refilling Weinstein's glass. Compared to the younger Gwyneth Paltrow—who came from a more influential Hollywood family—Leigh had fought harder for recognition.
"We should celebrate, Mr. Weinstein," Leigh said diplomatically.
Paltrow lifted her glass as well. Though she had appeared in several projects, her roles had been relatively small. She had signed a three-picture deal with Miramax, and this was the first.
"Mr. Weinstein, I'm going to step away for a moment," she said lightly before heading toward the restroom.
She understood Weinstein's intentions well enough. But with only one supporting role under her belt, she wasn't about to play along too soon.
---
After finishing a cigarette in the restroom, Paltrow stepped into the hallway—and spotted a familiar face.
"Hi, Mr. Anderson. Good evening."
Aaron had just splashed water on his face and was about to return to Sophie when he heard his name. Turning, he smiled faintly.
"Gwyn. Good evening. Out enjoying yourself too?"
She nodded and slipped her arm through his. "I just wrapped a film and came out with the cast. Come dance with me."
Without waiting for permission, she pulled him toward the dance floor.
Aaron barely had time to react before he found himself surrounded by music, lights, and Gwyneth's soft, deliberate closeness.
Moments later, after a heated kiss, she leaned in, voice low and teasing.
"I've heard Winona praise you more than once," she whispered. "I thought I might see for myself."
Aaron looked down at her hazy gaze, his hand sliding lightly along the opening of her blouse.
"Tonight," he murmured, "you can have a little dessert."