Chapter 40: Praises

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Praises

In the cafeteria, students were chasing each other and talking loudly, but Katie was alone.

Boys who liked pranks bullied her, and she didn’t know how to respond, until a beautiful girl scolded them for her.

"CUT!"

Watching Rachel’s expression on the monitor, Irene called a stop and walked to Rachel McAdams.

"Rachel, right now, Regina hasn’t shown her bad side to Katie. She’s the only one who speaks up for Katie, so to Katie, she seems like a savior. Your expression just now looked like you were planning something."

"So should I make it sweeter?" Rachel asked, unsure.

"Yes and no. Smile, but not with your eyes." Irene tried to demonstrate, but she wasn’t great at controlling her own expressions.

"Anyway, Regina helps Katie to maintain her friendly image, not because she genuinely wants to help. You need to smile, but not a real one."

"Like this?" Rachel opened her eyes slightly wider, her mouth forming a practiced arc.

"Good, let’s try it."

Rachel tried several expressions, her face almost tired from smiling, before finding the right one.

After all, this was a campus comedy, not high drama, so the acting requirements weren’t extreme.

Also, most of the cast were young, many in their first film, so mistakes were common.

But Irene had the full movie in her head, so her direction was clear. As long as actors followed her guidance, things moved smoothly.

September passed during filming.

October arrived, and the shoot was halfway done, while her first film, Legally Blonde, had ended its theatrical run.

The final North American gross of $136 million surprised many, becoming another case of a low-budget film succeeding this year.

It hadn’t opened overseas yet, and this kind of youth comedy usually did well internationally. Estimates put the global total at $250 million.

News reached the set, and everyone’s looks toward Irene turned enthusiastic. Being in a hit was the goal for people in film.

"Irene, congratulations!" Assistant director Jack Harris came over with two coffees and handed her one.

"I saw the numbers this morning. The crew’s talking about it. 136 million. That’s impressive."

Irene took the coffee and smiled slightly. "Thank you, Jack. This was the whole team’s effort."

"But you made it happen," Jack said sincerely.

"Honestly, I feel fortunate Francis picked me for your first film, and now I’m on your second. You have a strong sense of what audiences want."

The head of set design passed by and joined in. "My daughter and her friends saw Legally Blonde three times. Now they all want to be lawyers. Irene, you made a good movie and inspired young girls."

At lunch, the costume designer sat by Irene.

"I heard Fox is discussing your next project? If there’s a chance, take me with you. Working with you feels like being part of something significant."

During an afternoon break, the senior lighting technician adjusted equipment and told his assistant quietly,

"See that girl at the monitor? Remember this. We’re working with someone who could be major."

Even Vera Cecil whispered during a break: "Boss, the whole crew, no, all of Hollywood is talking about you. First film, results like this, it’s remarkable."

Irene heard the praise and kept a modest smile. She knew success in this industry came and went fast.

But standing on set, feeling the crew’s respect and expectation, she felt satisfied.

"Everyone," she clapped to get attention,

"Thank you for the kind words, but let’s focus on the work. I believe the film we’re making now will be better than Legally Blonde!"

Cheers and applause followed. Irene looked at the eager faces, knowing this was only the start. In Hollywood, success opened doors, and she had the key.

Not only her crew discussed her, but Francis, in another circle, also received praise when with old friends.

At Francis’s Malibu home, a casual gathering was underway.

On the terrace, the grill glowed, a chef cooking. Several industry veterans, including Irene’s godfather George Lucas, held glasses and watched the California sunset.

Talk turned to current projects and industry news. Soon, Legally Blonde’s box office became the topic.

"Francis, seriously," a veteran producer patted Francis’s shoulder,

"When you said you’d step back and let Irene handle it, I worried. Now, we overthought it. 136 million. That’s a great result."

Francis held his whiskey, pride evident, but smiled subtly.

"That was her project. Script to casting, she handled it. I only offered advice when she asked."

"Come on, Francis!" George Lucas’s voice was loud.

He pointed his glass at his old friend.

"Why so modest now? We know first successes often have help behind them. But this time, everyone sees Legally Blonde carries Irene Coppola’s name, not Francis Coppola." He stressed the surname, countering rumors.

He continued,

"I saw the film. It’s energetic and sharp, capturing the younger generation’s mindset. That’s not something we can teach. Francis, your best move was letting her go. Irene proved she has talent and her own vision."

Others agreed.

Another director nodded.

"George is right. Irene’s results silenced the rumors. 136 million domestic, maybe 250 million global? It’s a phenomenon.

Francis, you didn’t just raise a daughter; you’ve ’introduced’ a strong competitor to Hollywood."

Laughter followed.

Francis listened to his friends’ praise, feeling mixed emotions.

He was proud of his daughter, more than when The Godfather succeeded. He also felt relief.

He’d resisted pressure and stayed out of Irene’s second film, pulling the Coppola team, leaving only Jack Harris as assistant director, to show Irene wasn’t dependent on him, and could succeed on her own.

If Mean Girls did as well as Legally Blonde, Irene’s position would be secure.