hollywood system: art

After some time, they joined the party, mingling with multiple personalities, all eager to share their thoughts and perspectives, no matter how minute the details. The atmosphere was charged with this exchange, filling the room with a vibrant energy.

-Love should be something that endures through time. Doubtfully, I believe it only thrives when people stay committed, always presenting the best version of themselves. A woman cannot afford to let herself go… because there's always someone else waiting to take her place, turning it into a loss. – replied Barbra Streisand. Her film was still in production, leaving her with limited free time, but as an avid industry member, she had started promoting her movie months before its yet-undetermined release date.

The room was filled with intellectuals, sharp thinkers, and a few single women who, even after years, had maintained their charm effortlessly.

-How curious that, more often than not, people say the opposite. Amen to that. – Diane Keaton remarked, another guest who was leaving her mark with her brilliant writing.

-Is love such a liquid concept for men that it requires endless pleasure to trigger a yes or no? It makes me reflect on surrendering to love, and calming ourselves in its embrace—be it familial, complementary, or filled with affection. – Goldie Hawn chimed in, her witty comment eliciting laughter from both Winona and Monica, who were attentively listening. Their conversation, full of feminine strength, also carried a blend of biting humor and sharp observations, cutting through rigid mindsets with ease.

-A society where love is governed by women's rules seems like such a distant reality, – Winona mused.

-Oh darling, a woman as stunning as you should only think about the men lining up for you! – Diane Keaton responded with a playful smile.

Billy excused himself, stepping away from the fevered conversation. It was better to let the group continue their discussion while he found his rhythm. He wasn't fond of aimlessly wandering around, but he did so, grabbing a glass of what appeared to be champagne. Sipping calmly, he gazed out the window and found himself amidst a group whose perspective sharply contrasted with the typical Hollywood mindset. The group's discontent with the industry's treatment of LGBTQ+ communities and certain corporate behaviors didn't make their discussions any less impactful.

He seemed slightly tipsy.

-The new American star who turns everything he touches into gold, – Gibson commented, his words tinged with suggestion. Billy could smell the alcohol, perhaps something more, but it didn't matter. The party had shifted gears, though not in any predictable way.

-Do you truly believe that? – Billy asked.

-Oh, I do. You're the hard edge of Hollywood. They say even studios that cross paths with you fear facing you directly… Your American image surpasses the boundaries of polished decency. My curiosity lies in how they've failed to rope you in using traditional methods. – Gibson said, slurring slightly but still comprehensible.

-Because they'd lose. It's better to negotiate and make money than to burn bridges and start meaningless wars. Likewise, avoiding the press works wonders. – Billy replied, meeting the conversation head-on.

-Avoiding the press? -

-Yes, I don't need them to validate me for me to know my worth. The press sensationalizes everything, and it's better to steer clear. If they pay me, maybe I'll show up, but nothing more. -

It-Quite rebellious of you to shun interviews so bluntly. – Gibson chuckled. –-But, of course, everyone does as they see fit. Tell me, what brings you here to break the rules? Have you already hooked up with Winona? I must say, she's every man's dream. I adore her ears.–

Billy was momentarily stunned by the crude remark.

-There's been nothing of the sort. But is that your introduction? Do you want me to set you up with her? – Billy asked, amused by the audacity.

-Sure thing, once she ditches all that baggage. Those women around her are worse than piranhas. Each one of them would strip a man down to nothing. Be careful, son; they'll demonize your woman. That hot European you're with—those are bad influences for any relationship. –

-Oh my God! Stop pestering the boy. – Danny Glover interjected, much more composed and respectable.

-Danny, I thought I'd never see you again. – Gibson said, wobbling slightly.

-You're meeting Billy here. He's a tough one, who'll take us by the horns. I'm off for a drink. – Gibson added as he staggered away.

-Danny Glover. You might know me from some roles, but I'm often mistaken within my community. What about you, pretty boy? – Danny said with a chuckle.

It was official. – Everyone here is too drunk for diplomacy, Billy thought.

-I came by chance, but now I'm just getting to know the many personalities around me. Of course, I know you; I've seen some of your films. Then again, everyone here seems to know everyone else. –

-You're right, though they only admit to knowing you when they can't ridicule you. Rumor has it you're working on a major project. –

-I am. It'll be one of the best films upon release. – Billy said, flashing a genuine, pleasant smile. He admired Danny's tenacity, knowing the actor would go on to build a massive filmography in the years to come.

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud, resounding slap that made some laugh and others gasp. Mel Gibson was spinning around on skates, and Winona had landed the blow, leaving the man visibly nervous and slightly sobered by the drinks he'd consumed.

-I think our conversation will have to pause here. – Danny remarked.

-No problem, it's been a pleasure. See you around. – Billy replied, heading toward Monica, who was now discussing her movie with Barbra Streisand while Winona joined a group of friends, furiously chatting away.

-I think it's time we leave, darling. – Billy said, gently brushing Monica's shoulder.

-Arnon has spoken highly of you. – Barbra interjected, mentioning Arnon Milchan, one of her film's producers. Billy raised an eyebrow at the mention of the prolific man, widely regarded as one of the industry's best.

-I wasn't aware of that, – Billy admitted.

-Oh, there's nothing Arnon doesn't do. He's constantly traveling and seems indispensable, though he isn't… He has an incredible eye for scripts and details. But I think we'll have more time to discuss interesting things later.– Barbra said, bidding him farewell with a kiss.

Monica shared that they had indeed spoken about Billy, mentioning how he had become almost like a production house through his bold investments in certain films and his ventures in other fields. His success with Star Wars had been a game-changer for some, even though many doubted the franchise could fail, given George Lucas's popularity.

-I see! Then I suppose they'll continue to be surprised, one after another, especially with the upcoming release of The English Patient on June 9. – Billy said, noting how the campaign was ramping up. Perhaps I should market my film more, he mused. It didn't matter; the cast was on another level.

-Wait, I need to know what caused that.– Monica said.

-What happened with Winona? – Billy asked.

-No idea, – Monica whispered, holding Billy's hand as they prepared to leave.