Chapter 88: The Angel for Female Directors

Chapter 88: Chapter 88: The Angel for Female Directors

Joyce settled into her seat and took out her notebook.

Since joining the Chicago Sun-Times, she had used Roger Ebert as her standard, studying his reviews every day to learn how he captured camera work and story pacing with precision.

She had specifically asked the paper to let her cover tonight’s screening.

Based on what she knew of Irene Coppola’s previous work, she had a feeling this new film would be just as strong as Legally Blonde.

The lights in the theater dimmed, and the screen lit up.

The opening was quick and clear, introducing the main characters through a conversation between students in the cafeteria that immediately showed each person’s personality.

Joyce wrote in her notebook, "Clean opening. Characters are well-defined."

As the story moved forward, she noticed that Irene kept the fast pace of her last film, but handled the subtle relationships between the girls with more care.

The camerawork was more confident than before, and several close-ups caught the quick flashes of jealousy and ambition in the girls’ eyes.

Even though the film was still a campus comedy, the director brought a sharp understanding of teenage psychology into the genre.

Joyce nodded slightly and underlined the words "feels real."

In the middle of the film, the scene in the department store fitting room made Joyce smile.

The director used mirror reflections to show how the characters’ relationships were shifting, a technique that felt fresh but never forced.

She quickly wrote, "Smart use of mirrors. Shows the characters’ two sides."

As the plot continued, Joyce noticed the dialogue was sharper and funnier than in Irene’s previous film, and several lines about high school social rules got big laughs from the audience.

When dealing with the clique culture among girls, the film kept its comedic timing while still capturing what high school life actually feels like.

She added in her notebook, "Excellent dialogue. More mature than her last film."

When the lights in the theater came back on, Joyce closed her notebook. She had already made up her mind.

This film not only kept the directing skill Irene Coppola showed in Legally Blonde, but also took a clear step forward in story depth and visual style.

As Irene’s second campus comedy, it showed her growth and hinted at what else she could do.

After the premiere, Irene went home.

She thought she would be too wired from all the excitement to sleep, but by the time she got out of the shower, she could barely keep her eyes open.

She stopped fighting it and fell straight into bed.

While she slept, midnight screenings were just starting in theaters across the city.

Midnight shows are usually for dedicated fans, and for a director like Irene Coppola, who had only made two films, the numbers wouldn’t mean much.

But for Reese Witherspoon, it was different. Most of the people there were her fans, and the midnight screening was a direct measure of her star power.

So early the next morning, she sat on her living room sofa, her fingertips tapping the armrest without thinking, waiting for the results from last night.

"Relax, Reese," her agent Sally said, calmly sipping black tea.

"Your performance in the film is strong. You completely broke out of your usual image."

"Fox has high hopes for this film, and I heard they’re considering it for awards."

Reese immediately leaned forward and grabbed Sally’s arm.

"Awards? Could it be the Oscars?"

Sally glanced at her, amused.

"You sure dream big. It’s the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy."

Hearing it was "just" the Golden Globes, Reese slumped back into the sofa like all the energy had left her.

"Your reaction is a bit ungrateful," Sally said, setting down her teacup.

"For a film like Mean Girls, getting a Golden Globe nomination is already impressive.

The Oscars? That will have to wait until you get a more serious script."

Reese pursed her lips, feeling disappointed.

She knew that was true, but Sally’s earlier comment had made her imagine more.

"Speaking of which," Sally said suddenly, her expression turning serious, "Irene secretly shot an independent film in March. Did you know about it?"

"I didn’t. What’s the story? Who’s the lead?" Reese looked confused.

"It seems she really didn’t tell you," Sally said, thinking it over.

"It must be a small-budget project, but even for a big film like The Italian Job, she didn’t give you a heads-up."

"As a CAA agent, shouldn’t you know more than I do?" Reese shot back.

"Besides, my personal relationship with Irene is actually pretty casual.

Whether it’s Rachel McAdams or Lucy Liu, both of them are closer to her than I am."

Hearing that, Sally set her teacup down and spoke seriously.

"You should hold on to this relationship.

In Hollywood, a director like Irene who delivers consistent, high-quality work is rare.

You know how many newcomers would love to have starred in two of her films in a row.

Plus, she’s a female director!

Compared to what actresses might deal with from some male directors, Irene is an angel."

Reese wanted to argue but stopped herself.

In her mind, Irene was still the young, somewhat green director who had just picked up a camera. She had never really thought of her as someone important enough to impress.

Now, listening to her agent, she suddenly realized that the newcomer director who once needed patience from her actors had already become someone many people wanted to work with.

"In any case, you need to keep your working relationship with Irene strong," Sally said, her tone firm.

"Even though there wasn’t a role for you in The Italian Job, you have to take the next chance.

Since Irene is moving into action films, she’ll definitely do more big commercial projects in the future.

You can’t lose this connection."

Reese nodded reluctantly. "I know, I know."

Just as they were talking, the phone in the living room rang.

Reese and Sally looked at each other, both with hope in their eyes.

Sally quickly picked up the phone.

An excited voice came through immediately. "The midnight screening numbers are in! In 2,213 theaters, Mean Girls made 2.89 million dollars!

And the audience scores are very high. According to a CAA survey of 3,120 viewers, 82 percent gave it an A+, 90 percent gave it an A, and less than 1 percent rated it below a C!"

Sally barely heard the rest of the call. Ratings like that basically guaranteed strong word of mouth.

The percentages were slightly lower than Legally Blonde, but the number of viewers was more than triple.

With that many people, a small dip in the scores was normal.

After hanging up, Sally took a deep breath.

Under Reese’s expectant gaze, she calmly picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and then said slowly, "Congratulations. You’ve starred in another hit."