Chapter 44 – Reputation in Freefall
The next day at noon, West Hollywood.
Aaron Anderson lounged on the sofa, flipping through the morning papers. Eastern Europe had erupted in upheaval—Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu had been executed yesterday on Christmas! Aaron tapped the armrest thoughtfully. Eastern Europe in turmoil, German reunification, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Gulf War… all looming international events.
Nicole Kidman settled beside him, a puzzled look on her face, casually dropping her newspaper on the coffee table. "My God… these headlines… have anything to do with what you did last night?"
The entertainment sections of The National Inquirer, New York Post, Vanity Fair, and Hollywood Reporter were explosive.
"Warren Beatty Caught with Isabelle Adjani in Scandalous Tryst!"
Aaron glanced down at the photos: the scandalous snapshots of Warren Beatty and Isabelle Adjani from last night were splashed across the page. Reporters had even tracked down Daniel Day-Lewis, Isabelle's boyfriend, for his reaction.
"Hollywood stars really know how to stir things up," Aaron murmured.
Isabelle Adjani had flown back to France immediately. Even her past indiscretions on the set of Over the Edge with Beatty had been dug up.
Seeing Aaron's expression, Nicole leaned closer. "Do you think we're in trouble?"
Aaron smiled. "Trouble? We went home after the Christmas party, that's it. Just stayed up a little late."
Nicole playfully tapped him. "No wonder you were so excited last night… keeping things interesting."
Aaron chuckled, holding her close. "Hey, you were wild too—perfectly cooperative."
Sitting on Aaron's lap, Nicole wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered into his ear, giving him a playful bite. "Just making sure you don't have any energy left for other women when you head to Italy."
"I'm thinking about the film…and European investors," Aaron replied with a grin.
---
At CAA Headquarters
Jack Wells stepped outside the building and called Aaron.
"This was a huge success," he reported. "Warren Beatty's agent is scrambling to salvage his image, but it's too late. The photos are crystal clear, and the story is everywhere."
"Mr. Owitz is furious. Sean Penn sat down for a Vanity Fair interview today, mocking Beatty, calling him a desperate old dog."
"Beatty's reputation is at rock bottom. It's going to hurt the summer release of Dick Tracy."
Back in West Hollywood, Aaron leaned back, caressing Nicole as he listened to the call, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Perfect. Let's have the press revisit the bet over Pretty Woman and Dick Tracy."
"I'm sure Richard Lovett will add fuel to the fire, forcing Julia Roberts to respond publicly. Not only does he get his revenge, but it also boosts publicity for Pretty Woman. Julia is the star, after all!"
Indeed, Richard Lovett had left CAA after being pushed around by the agency. As for Dick Tracy, whether the release date changed or not, the key now was how Disney would manage Beatty's tarnished image to salvage the film.
"By the way, make sure you switch Kevin Costner to a new assistant manager. Don't forget."
"Got it. No problem—who I assist doesn't matter. If you trust Costner, I trust your judgment."
After hanging up, Aaron remembered another project in the works: the infamous The Silence of the Lambs, featuring Hannibal Lecter—a thriller with a notoriously dark lead.
Nicole, noticing him putting down the phone, asked, "Will you be back for the Sundance Film Festival?"
Earlier this year, Sex, Lies, and Videotape had significantly boosted the festival's profile.
"Depends. Phone Booth is a thriller, and Sundance isn't particularly friendly to that genre."
Aaron planned a quick trip to Italy first, waiting for Phone Booth to finish editing. After all, he had promised Jennifer Connelly he'd be involved—and he'd never been to Italy, so why not treat it as a vacation?
Milan, one of Europe's four major economic centers and a city rich in history and culture, became their destination.
A few days before the new year, Aaron arrived with Jennifer Connelly. Director Giuseppe Tornatore hosted them for dinner.
"Filming starts right after New Year," Tornatore said. "Your role is small—two weeks at most."
"No problem. I've prepared for this at school," Jennifer replied. She was cast as the daughter, a struggling young model trying to make her mark.
Aaron clinked glasses with Giuseppe Tornatore. "Cinema Paradiso has a strong chance for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes. Once filming in Milan wraps, we should make a trip for the awards."
"Of course, I'll go," Tornatore replied. He knew Cinema Paradiso had been nominated, but he was busy with his upcoming shoot for A Journey Home.
Aaron smiled. "If the Golden Globes don't count for much, the Oscars in March definitely will. Cinema Paradiso's nomination for Best Foreign Language Film is a sure thing."
"And it'll have its official release in February," he added.
Tornatore sipped his wine. "I heard you left CAA and started your own production company to develop films?"
"Yeah. Once I have the funds, if you ever want to develop a project, come to me. I really enjoy your films."
"Thanks, Aaron. I'll definitely reach out if needed," Tornatore said with a grin. "By the way, Ms. Connelly has been to Italy before for filming, but this is your first time, isn't it?"
"Yeah, first time. And it's actually my first trip abroad. I've always stayed in the States."
"This time, you'll experience Italy's New Year festivities," Tornatore continued. "Next summer, Italy will host the World Cup. Milan is a city with a rich football culture—something that might give you a different perspective."
America, after all, was a football desert. A few years ago, the North American Soccer League, which had attracted Brazilian star Pelé, Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, and German icon Franz Beckenbauer, had already folded. Tornatore wanted Aaron—a true American—to feel the passion of Italian football firsthand.
"I'll soak it all in, haha!" Aaron laughed. But he was a different man now—more experienced, more confident, and ready to take everything in stride.