Chapter 141 – Just Another Starlet
With the opening of the 64th Academy Awards in 1992, The Silence of the Lambs swept the ceremony—
winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, taking home five major awards in total and becoming the biggest winner of the night.
It also made history as the first horror film ever to win Best Picture.
Director Jonathan Demme and lead actors Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster were suddenly the center of the industry's attention, basking in unprecedented acclaim.
After returning from his vacation in Miami, Aaron Anderson also attended the celebration party for The Silence of the Lambs.
---
Sunset Marquis Hotel, West Hollywood
The entire cast and crew gathered on the hotel terrace to celebrate this record-breaking victory.
On the balcony, Aaron stood beside Jack Wells, both of them smoking quietly as the party buzzed behind them.
"Jack," Aaron asked casually, "have you been following the election?"
"You think someone from Arkansas can really challenge Bush?"
Jack laughed lightly. "Bush's foreign policy alone makes him unbeatable. America is the undisputed superpower right now."
Aaron shook his head.
"But the economy hasn't recovered these past few years. Even now, unemployment is still high," he said calmly.
"Clinton's campaign slogan is on point. Right now, America's real problem is the economy—nothing else."
Jack took another drag.
"So you're thinking of backing the Democrats?"
He exhaled slowly.
"Don't forget, California is still Republican territory. Reagan came out of Hollywood himself. This city has always leaned red."
"Why not?" Aaron replied.
"Bush hasn't exactly been friendly toward Hollywood."
Aaron knew something Jack didn't—Hollywood would soon turn blue.
From the Clinton era onward, the Democrats would only grow stronger, with Hollywood and Silicon Valley driving that shift from behind the scenes.
"California may still be red," Aaron continued,
"but that won't last forever."
Then he added,
"Use Angel Security—or any shell you need—and donate a sizeable sum to Clinton's campaign."
"No matter the outcome," he said calmly,
"it'll benefit us."
Jack nodded.
Angel International—a recently established security firm—had grown quickly, offering executive protection and private security services.
The name made sense. After all, it was born from the networks established around the Angel Theatre.
Jack's company, Angel Security, already had business ties with fixers, private investigators, and arms brokers.
If things developed well, even government contracts might be within reach.
"And one more thing," Aaron added. "Start building relationships with California state legislators—pull in the ones worth pulling in. Investments should be made early, not late."
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a check, and handed it over.
"Two million dollars. Spend what needs to be spent."
Jack accepted it without hesitation.
"By the way," he said quietly, "with the Soviet Union collapsing, there are a lot of… interesting goods over there. Flip them once, and it's pure profit."
"What they're short on," he added meaningfully, "are basic consumer supplies."
Aaron paused.
"Don't tell me you're thinking about dealing weapons in Eastern Europe?"
Jack coughed awkwardly.
"Well… we do have people with that skill set.
If not Africa, then even Iraq wouldn't be beyond reach."
He shrugged.
"Guns are ridiculously cheap right now."
Aaron gave him a sharp look.
"You planning on getting yourself shot?"
"Relax," Jack laughed. "I'm just going over to take a look. No danger in that."
Then he added,
"Didn't you once say we might build an international private force someday? I'm just… getting familiar with the field."
Aaron nodded slowly.
"Eventually, places like Iraq might become opportunities—private armed contracts, government outsourcing."
"Sometimes governments can't move openly. And there's no shortage of desperate people in America. War zones… pay well."
He then patted Jack on the shoulder.
"Chasing thrills is fine—just don't get yourself killed.
Even if Angel Security only handles celebrity bodyguard work, you'd still live comfortably for life."
Jack smiled and stubbed out his cigarette.
"I get it. I'm not some nobody scraping by anymore.
I make hundreds of thousands a year—why wouldn't I value my life?"
He chuckled.
"Besides, what country on Earth is more dangerous than the U.S. anyway?"
---
Back Inside the Ballroom
Aaron spotted Brad Grey and pulled him aside to ask about the film Farewell My Concubine.
"It's still in production," Brad replied.
"I spoke with the director of Raise the Red Lantern. I got a few details."
"If Dawnlight wants distribution rights, you can contact them directly."
Raise the Red Lantern had been nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, so Brad had specifically asked director Zhang Yimou about Farewell My Concubine.
"Good," Aaron said.
"That's exactly what our new imprint, Crescent Pictures, is for."
Though Aaron focused on commercial films, he knew art cinema was essential for prestige.
Damage, Reality Bites, and Farewell My Concubine—
all were films of artistic weight.
---
After Brad left, Nicole Kidman walked over gracefully.
"Well, if it isn't the legendary Aaron Anderson," she teased.
"You finally decided to return to Los Angeles."
Catching the faint resentment in her tone, Aaron wrapped an arm around her waist.
"What's wrong? You were glowing on the red carpet."
"I even saw you deep in conversation with Jodie Foster. Planning to compete with a two-time Oscar winner?"
Nicole pursed her lips.
"Of course I'm jealous.
All I ever get offered now are romantic comedies."
No dramas. No biopics.
No Oscar path in sight.
"You just finished Sleepless in Seattle and you're already lining up another film?"
She nodded.
"Yes. I'm working with Michael Keaton."
Batman himself?
Then Aaron's gaze shifted across the room.
"…That's Sharon Stone."
Nicole followed his eyes.
"Yep. Basic Instinct just opened in the U.S.
A mix of thriller, sex, and mystery—people can't stop talking about it."
She glanced at him.
"Don't like her?"
Aaron snorted.
"A sex symbol is all she is.
Why would I care?"
With an $15 million opening and $34.7 million in just ten days, Basic Instinct had indeed made Sharon Stone a star overnight.
Aaron shook his head.
"Let's go. I'm not in the mood for this crowd anymore."