For a movie to succeed it need a good story, captivating rhythm, good acting etc. But for the movie to be a blockbuster it needs a star, though there are some exceptions like STAR WARS, E.T. They are the movies where the visuals are the star.
In 1980s and 1990s even a mediocre movie becomes a hit if there was a big star in it. In 1980s, if a movie made $100 million domestically it would be called a great hit and a movie if made $200 million worldwide it would be the biggest hit of the year.
In 80s Hollywood still had to fully invade the international market and there wasn’t a big international star as opposed to North America. But every film Alex starred in grossed almost $400 million worldwide making the box office analysts searching for an answer. The answer they came to was that Alex was a bona fide international superstar.
His age, his innocent good looking face, his backstory of rags-to-riches made him an motivational figure. “The Sixth Sense” grossed $401.2 million worldwide crossing $200 million mark domestically and in overseas simultaneously. “Home Alone 2” grossed $242.3 worldwide with $101 million from North America.
The Studios are ready to pay $5 million paycheck for Alex to star in a film. $5 million is the amount the top of the actor crop gets in the early 1980s which is equivalent to $15 million club in 1990s and $20 million club in 2000s.
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“Come on Alex, it’s not that big of a thing, every actor have this problem in one point of their career.”
“Yeah, yeah, save it Robert. I don’t want your sympathy, I want solution.” Alex grumbled.
The young man comforting Alex was Robert Downey Jr. They became friends on the set of LUCAS and Robert didn’t hit rock bottom yet.
The problem they were discussing was about Alex having the problems to portray the character of Lucas. Lucas was an intelligent, shy, nerdy 14-year-old social outcast with inferiority complex. Alex was also very intelligent in his previous life, his master sent him to high school at 13 year-old as Alex skipped middle school. But Alex was not a social outcast as he was popular though he didn’t care, he didn’t have inferiority complex as the life he led gave him enormous self-confidence. The roles he Alex played until now are the roles he can relate to somehow.
“We couldn’t relate to every role we portray. So, you have to deduct the role to a single point where you have the common ground and imagine it from there.” Robert replied smoking joint.
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Alex didn’t tell him to stop smoking because although they are friends they are not best friends.
Alex tried to find the common ground between Lucas and him. Lucas was a social outcast but Alex didn’t care about the society’s approval.
“By the way, your sister Kim was hot.” Robert suddenly said.
“She’s not my sister and you will feel fire on your ass for your comment.” Alex replied with a smile knowing that Robert made that comment to lighten his mood.
At that moment Alex suddenly figured out the common ground between Lucas and him. LOVE. Yes. Lucas’s love for Maggie though it’s more of a puppy love. But still it was an intense love that made Lucas to come out of his shell. Alex’s love for Kim was the fuel for his desire to be at the top, so nothing can hurt her.
Love is the greatest common ground between Alex and Lucas.
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From the next day the film shooting was smooth as Alex deduced the character of Lucas perfectly.
On February 22nd Alex made a call to Los Angeles. ”Happy Birthday Little Imp, how are you?”
“Oh Alex, thank you for remembering my birthday, but why don’t you come and say it directly ?” Drew complained.
Alex kept in touch with Drew Barrymore to keep an eye on her. She was seven this year and he sent a gift to be delivered to her. Drew was the only one other than Kim he was close to.
“Stop complaining, do you like my gift?”
“Yes, it’s a painting of me and I like it. Alex, was it you who painted it?”
“Yes, anything for my little sister.” Alex as a digital media student in his previous life had some experience in painting, so that he can show what he want on paper.
“Ok, I got work to do, and I am hanging up the phone. Bye, bye birthday girl?” Alex completed his phone call and went on to complete the rest of his scenes.
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On March 3rd, the filming of Lucas was finished. Kim and Lucas took a break from their busy lives and were enjoying a quiet day in the home.
Kim’s new film was Mr. Mom which was handpicked by Alex and even invested in it. Fox Studios welcomed his investment as they have confidence in his judgment and if the movie fails Alex would owe them one.
As he was reading the scripts, one script caught his eye Never Say Never Again, James Bond film. In his previous life, the role Domino Petachi was Kim’s big breakthrough role and she was beautiful in it.
“My agent said to reject that film?” Kim said from behind.
Alex turned with a smile and asked “Because of the superstition?”
Kim nodded with a smile. The superstition was that most actresses’ career dooomed after playing the bond girls.
“Take the role, Kim.” Alex told her without any explanation.
“I’ll make my manager contact them.” Kim agreed without any hesitation. She had complete confidence in him more than in herself.
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