Chapter 229: An Invitation

Chapter 229: Chapter 229: An Invitation

"You’re too modest." Irene Coppola sat down beside him. "I’ve always thought you were incredible, being able to film stories with such a distinct style of your own. Unlike me, I haven’t found my own style even now."

Nolan smiled, looking a bit embarrassed. "No, no, no, it’s you who’s being too modest. It’s not that you haven’t found your style, but rather that you’re an all-rounder. No genre or theme seems to stump you.

Actually, I’m still in the exploration stage myself. This is my first time filming a commercial blockbuster, and I’m always afraid I won’t handle the pacing well, or that the audience won’t like this style."

"Don’t worry, your films have a very unique flavor," Irene Coppola said with certainty.

"Just like *Memento*—that reverse-chronological method was a real brain-burner, but it wasn’t at all random. In fact, the more I watched, the more fascinated I became."

At the mention of his work, Nolan’s eyes lit up. "I actually just wanted to try a different way of filming. I didn’t expect everyone to be so receptive." He changed the subject, looking at Irene Coppola.

"Speaking of which, you’re the one who’s truly impressive! You’ve filmed so many popular movies at such a young age, and your grasp of market trends is spot on. Last week, the box office for My Big Fat Greek Wedding had such an amazing counter-trend climb. I was truly stunned."

Irene Coppola waved her hand. "It was just good luck. It’s mainly because the story itself is very heartwarming, so people were willing to watch it."

"It has nothing to do with luck. It’s because you know how to direct," Nolan said seriously.

"Being able to take such a simple family story and make people both cry and laugh, while also making the box office grow better and better—not just anyone can do that.

I especially admire you. You can handle big spectacles like Pirates of the Caribbean, but you can also settle down to film a low-budget comedy. You do well regardless of the genre."

Irene Coppola felt a warmth in her heart and responded with a smile, "You’re the same! The films you make are full of ideas and are very satisfying to watch. I’ve always felt that a good movie, whether it’s a big production or a small budget, is fine as long as it can move the audience."

"Completely agreed!" Nolan nodded, his eyes full of agreement. "I’m really happy to meet a colleague like you who understands film. If there’s a chance in the future, we should exchange ideas more often."

"Of course!" Irene Coppola’s eyes brightened. "I still have many things I want to ask you for advice on."

The two of them chatted back and forth, from their favorite directors to interesting anecdotes during filming. The more they talked, the more they hit it off, completely failing to notice how fast time was flying.

Just then, the lounge door was pushed open, and Al Pacino walked in with his assistant and Hilary Swank. He had just finished his red carpet interviews, and a slight smile still lingered on his face. His suit was crisp, and he still possessed that steady and commanding presence he had on screen.

Irene Coppola spotted him immediately and stood up to greet him, giving him a big hug. "Al, long time no see! How have you been lately? I heard from Francis the other day that you were diagnosed with a bit of high blood pressure. You must pay more attention to resting and not push yourself too hard."

Al patted her on the back, his eyes full of surprise and affection, though his tone carried a hint of defiance.

"You girl, why did you suddenly show up? You didn’t even give me a heads-up! My health is fine, much sturdier than that old fellow Francis. It must be him grumbling about me behind my back again."

In his heart, Irene Coppola was like a daughter to him. Seeing her make such a huge name for herself in Hollywood made him feel proud from the bottom of his heart.

"I just wanted to give you a surprise!" Irene Coppola laughed and let go of him, her gaze naturally turning to Hilary Swank beside him, showing a perfectly measured curiosity. "By the way, Al, who is this?"

Al quickly stepped aside to introduce them. "Hilary, this is a junior from my family, Irene Coppola. She’s currently the most impressive young director in Hollywood. Irene, this is Hilary Swank, the actress collaborating with me on Insomnia. Her acting is exceptional."

Hilary immediately extended her hand, a polite and sincere smile on her face. "Director Coppola, I’ve heard so much about you. I just watched your My Big Fat Greek Wedding a while ago. It was filmed so warmly. I felt a real warmth in my heart after finishing it."

Irene Coppola shook her hand, her fingertips applying slight pressure, her tone sincere.

"Thank you for the kind words, Hilary. Actually, I came here today not just to support Al, but also because I have something I want to discuss with you. I’m preparing to film a new movie recently, and there’s a character in it that I think you’d be perfect for."

A flash of surprise crossed Hilary’s eyes, followed by a look of interest. "Oh? What kind of character is it?"

"Her name is Maggie. She’s a girl who fought her way up from the bottom," Irene Coppola didn’t beat around the bush and described it simply and directly.

"She has no background and works as a waitress in a restaurant, but she’s always dreamed of boxing. She’s incredibly stubborn. Once she sets her mind on something, she won’t give up. She grows under the guidance of an old coach, going from a novice who knows nothing all the way to the championship.

This character has both the tenacity of someone who refuses to lose and a soft side to her heart. I think you could bring her to life."

She deliberately didn’t mention the matter of the previous email, fearing that if the other party hadn’t seen it, it would make things awkward.

Unexpectedly, after Hilary finished listening, her eyes instantly lit up, and her tone carried obvious excitement.

"This character sounds like she has a lot of potential! I’ve always wanted to challenge a role with power and a strong growth arc. That feeling of struggling to stand up from the mud is truly moving."

Seeing her positive attitude, Irene Coppola secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed the other party really hadn’t seen the email. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have reacted this way.

While the two were deeply engaged in conversation, Irene Coppola suddenly caught a glimpse of Al sitting on the sofa nearby. A flash of inspiration hit her, and she turned to him, her tone carrying a playful invitation.

"Al, why don’t you try for the male lead? He’s Maggie’s coach, an eccentric but kind-hearted old man. You and Hilary just finished working together, so you’ll definitely have chemistry. This role would be absolutely no problem for you!"

Al smiled upon hearing this but gently shook his head. "Girl, thank you for your trust, but after hearing your story, I don’t think this role is suitable for me." He paused, suddenly remembering something.

"However, I can recommend someone to you: Robert De Niro. You should know that back when he filmed Raging Bull, he trained himself into a real boxer for the role. Not only does he understand boxing, but the sense of world-weariness and tenacity he carries is practically that old coach himself. Moreover, you know his relationship with us. He’ll definitely do us this favor."

Irene Coppola’s eyes immediately lit up. Robert De Niro’s acting skills were beyond doubt, and combined with his experience in boxing-themed films, he was indeed the perfect choice for the role of Frankie.

"That would be wonderful!" Irene Coppola’s tone couldn’t hide her excitement. "If we can get him, half the battle for this movie is already won."

Hilary also nodded in agreement. "Mr. De Niro is an actor I admire very much. If I can work with him, I’m truly looking forward to it."

Just then, a staff member knocked on the door again. "Everyone, the movie is about to start. It’s time to head to the theater."

Al stood up and patted Irene Coppola on the shoulder. "We’ll discuss the specifics after the screening. I’ll help you contact Robert. I’ll make sure to get you a satisfactory answer."

Irene Coppola nodded with a smile, her heart full of joy. Afterward, she immediately called Vera Cecil to bring over two physical copies of the script.

She hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly, so she hadn’t brought the scripts with her. Now that there was a preliminary intention to collaborate, these were indispensable.