Chapter 308: Old Friends Gathering

Chapter 308: Chapter 308: Old Friends Gathering

A few days later, in the Coppola Family’s vineyard, the setting sun plated the vines with a layer of warm gold.

Francis Coppola, wearing a loose wool sweater and holding a glass of freshly brewed Cabernet Sauvignon, sat with several old friends around a long wooden table on the terrace.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of grapes and wine. The distant valley was quiet, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

George Lucas had just poured more wine for Arthur Miller. The 88-year-old playwright appeared slightly hunched, yet he was still hale and hearty. His deep blue shirt was ironed flat, and his sleeves were rolled up, revealing wrists covered in age spots.

This was his first time out in nearly six months. Previously, he had been living in seclusion. If George Lucas hadn’t visited and invited him multiple times, mentioning "old friends gathering, just wine tasting without talking about work," he probably would have declined.

"Honestly, George," Arthur said, picking up the wine glass and swirling it gently, the liquid leaving delicate legs on the glass, "if you hadn’t said that Coppola’s new wine must be tasted, I wouldn’t have stepped a foot out of my house."

"You’ve come to the right place then," Francis added with a smile. "This year’s Cabernet Sauvignon has delicate tannins and more layers than last year’s. I’ve been waiting specifically for you all to come and taste it."

Roger Corman stood up with his glass, his gaze sweeping over the wine bottles on the table, his tone full of praise: "Francis, the quality of your winery is nearly catching up to your films. But honestly, this year’s Oscar competition is much harder than your winemaking. Chicago, Gangs of New York, The Pianist, and *Million Dollar Baby*—every single one is a tough nut to crack. I’ve been pondering for half a month and still haven’t decided who to vote for."

This mentor of Francis had personally helped countless Hollywood newcomers rise to fame. Although he had faded from the front lines, as a veteran filmmaker, he still paid close attention to every Oscar race because he loved the industry so much.

He wasn’t like those filmmakers who could be easily swayed by PR. As long as a film was nominated, he would cast his precious vote only after watching each one seriously.

Sitting nearby, Robert De Niro heard this, put down the soda cracker in his hand, and chimed in with a smile: "If Teacher really can’t decide, then choose Million Dollar Baby. My portrayal of Frankie wasn’t easy. To fit the character, I reignited my passion for boxing and forced myself to lose ten pounds."

"Hahahaha!" Roger laughed heartily, pointing at him teasingly. "I didn’t expect that as you get older, Robert, you’d get thicker-skinned! Back when we were filming The Godfather Part II, you didn’t actively solicit votes like this. Back then, you’d even feel embarrassed if someone praised your outstanding acting."

Everyone burst into laughter. George Lucas took the opportunity to look at Francis, his tone somewhat playful: "Francis, you need to state your position quickly. Your daughter Irene Coppola is a heavy favorite for Best Director this year, leading with seven nominations. This is the glory of the Coppola Family. Aren’t you going to help solicit some votes?"

Francis put down his wine glass, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, his face carrying a calm confidence: "Soliciting votes won’t be necessary. With Arthur sitting here, I have to avoid suspicion even more. Otherwise, people might think I specifically asked you to invite him to pull strings. But heaven knows, I truly invited you all just to taste wine." He looked at Arthur Miller beside him, his eyes full of respect. "Arthur is the Oscar President. Justice lies in the heart of the people. Whether Irene’s work is good or not, the judges will have their own judgment."

Arthur gave a faint smile upon hearing this: "Francis is being modest. I must say, you indeed have a good daughter who inherited all your filmmaking genes. I’ve seen Million Dollar Baby. Irene’s narrative technique is very mature, not at all like a 22-year-old director. Especially the portrayal of the characters’ inner hearts—it’s delicate yet powerful. The character Maggie, and the Frankie you played," he turned to look at Robert De Niro, "both are very impressive."

"Arthur’s eye has always been very accurate," Robert De Niro responded with a smile. "I told you, this movie definitely doesn’t lose to the other nominated films."

The topic gradually shifted to the younger generation, and the old men couldn’t help but start complaining about their own children.

Roger Corman sighed: "My son originally studied directing, but after filming two short films, he complained it was too hard and ran off to do finance. It’s really a waste of my connections."

George Lucas also shook his head: "My eldest daughter has no interest in movies at all. She spends all day studying astronomy and says she wants to work at NASA. I can’t stop her."

"Isn’t that right," another old friend chimed in. "Young people nowadays don’t have their hearts in this anymore. Only you, Coppola, are blessed. Both your daughters are doing exceptionally well in the film industry. Not to mention your younger daughter Irene, who has charged straight to the Oscars and is very likely to break records this year. I heard your eldest daughter’s film is also coming along well. Your family’s genes are truly enviable."

Francis had a proud smile on his face but still kept a low profile: "The children have their own ideas. It’s good as long as they can do what they like. Irene’s ability to reach where she is today is all thanks to her own hard work. I didn’t help much."

Despite saying so, the pride in his eyes couldn’t be hidden. From Irene holding a script not knowing what to do, to now becoming an Oscar favorite, he had watched his daughter grow step by step and knew better than anyone how superior her talent was.

One could say his Irene didn’t lose to any director. It was just that, compared to artistic expression in film, Irene valued the box office more. Even her least commercialized film to date, Million Dollar Baby, wasn’t the kind of very niche, abstract subject matter that only focused on atmosphere and inner emotional expression.

Arthur Miller took a small sip of wine, his tone carrying a bit of emotion: "Hollywood nowadays is too impetuous. There aren’t many young people who can settle down and make a good movie. What’s rare about Irene is that she understands the market but doesn’t pander to it. My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Pirates of the Caribbean were box office hits, and Million Dollar Baby can contend for an Oscar. This sense of balance is very rare."

George Lucas nodded: "That’s right. Back when I was involved in the post-production of Some Like It Hot, I felt that good movies need sincerity. In Irene’s movies, there is that sincerity, and everyone can see it."

He looked at Francis. "When the awards ceremony officially starts, you must stay by the TV. I bet Irene will definitely win."

Francis smiled and didn’t respond directly, just refilling everyone’s wine: "Let’s not talk about that anymore. Let’s continue tasting the wine. No matter the result, Irene being able to film the movie she wanted is already a win."