hollywood system: art

The cameras moved from one place to another—June 8 for England, June 10 for the United States, targeting the New York audience. Without a doubt, it would be the romance film of the year, at least for Billy, who longed to see how everything could come together specially.

People gathered; just the act of setting up a red carpet to present the venue carried its own excitement. A Hollywood film, famous stars, security barriers, and the event held at one of the state's most renowned theaters.

-Everything seems to be going perfectly,- commented Winona. The critics had already published some reviews, giving an excellent starting point. They provided the indelible mark of success, fostering a strong sense that they were on the right path. The newspapers proclaimed the following, anticipating the premiere scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 10, in North America.

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Janet Maslin, The New York Times: "An impressive feat of literary adaptation and a true cinematic triumph of the summer season."

Roger Ebert, Chicago Daily News: "This is the kind of movie you can watch twice: the first time for the questions, and the second for the answers (...) Charming in its beginning and its conclusion, it showcases the love between two people."

Peter McCarthy, Variety Magazine: "Long, immersive, and somewhat emotionally dry, 'The English Patient' is a respectable and intelligent adaptation, but unexciting, frigid, and superficial."

Todd Travers, Rolling Stone: "With 'The English Patient,' Minghella proves that a love story can be smart, honest, and provocative while still captivating you. At times, the film manages to leave you moved, sad, anxious, and heartbroken. Love ends up being the primitive trait in certain moments."

Christopher Hemblade, Empire: "It doesn't deserve boundless adoration. Simply discreet and reasonable admiration. You'll find a sensual depth in Winona Ryder that's rarely seen in her films."

Desson Thomson, The Washington Post: "Flooded with sorrowful emotions and beautiful imagery, this is a film to lose yourself in (...) Every gesture between the lovers is elegant, sensual, and textured. It blends drama with romance in a rare way."

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly: "'The English Patient' is an elegant and well-executed modernist film (...) It's most captivating when it's at its most conventional. It delivers that soap-opera fiber that's rarely repeated, with a superb performance from Billy Carson alongside Winona Ryder."

Carlos Boyero, El Mundo: "A film that hypnotizes me. The final sequences (...) are among the most romantic moments in modern cinema. It's not about comparison; it's about appreciating different works that turn out to be enchanting in their way."

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The reviews were largely positive, averaging an excellent 8.2 out of 10. Even the unfavorable weather didn't differ much from what Billy had expected.

-That Oscar is yours,- Billy whispered to Winona. He had orchestrated a zero-margin campaign with several people to secure wins in each category. Of course, he didn't care, but Jim Gianopulos was delighted. Billy's role was to provide funding and make some connections; at least he knew the fight wasn't overly intense.

-I'm not getting my hopes up,- said Winona. She wanted the Oscar, though she denied it. It was every actress's dream.

-The Oscar isn't something that seems within reach. But you have a chance—you're enchanting in the film. Sure, Juli also performed excellently, and in the past, she's had a solid record. We'll focus on supporting actresses. The director only wants me to invest in another film entirely of his ideas,- Billy explained, having already clarified many things.

-You're an absolute fool, doing this for me,- Winona said, her cheeks flushed, her smile bright and radiant like a giant star. The photos began to spark conversation, and the press, after seeing the film, started connecting the dots. It was likely that rumors would circulate by early morning.

-Now we just have to hope for a strong performance. We need the collective consciousness to recognize it as a good film. It will be re-released for the Oscar season. Once we see a nomination, we'll launch an additional campaign. Hopefully, the ideas will gain momentum,- Billy said.

They both entered the theater. The movie was about to begin, and one of the most prominent producers made an appearance—Emma Thompson, as charming as ever and a friend of Winona from various events.

-Darling, it's marvelous. I love your new film. It's fantastic to see you entering a more mature stage alongside this handsome leading man,- Emma remarked, noting the young man's well-defined beard, which was just beginning to grow but looked striking and polished.

-Let's go inside,- said Billy, making room for all the guests and a few others who managed to find seats.

-Thank you for coming,- Winona whispered.

-Don't mention it, dear. Among women, we support each other. I heard this film is destined for the Oscars. The race begins now, darling. Over the coming months, everything will change dramatically. You don't need one to win, but there's always hope. It depends on how far the leading man is willing to go,- said Emma Thompson. -Many times, they fight for their nominations. Men tend to disappoint us at the most unexpected moments.-

-He says he doesn't care about the Oscars, that the greatest success is the profit he's made from animated films. He loves his comics and books more than those indisputable trivialities subjected to democracy,- Winona said, her eyes wide, trying to believe those words and embracing the idea that she was running the Oscar race with more determination than necessary. The seed was planted in her mind.

The audience entered the theater. Billy took a seat next to Emma and the British heartthrob Colin Firth, who was accompanied by an Italian woman he had met sometime later—a charming activist. She was, in less preferential terms, a delight with black hair and long legs, her caramel-brown skin glowing. The two shook hands, sharing a brief comment about the sweetness of love they were about to witness on screen.

-You stole my wife,- Colin joked. Billy simply replied that women preferred darker men, winking, which prompted laughter.

It was a shame the man was such a romantic. The first act follows a man who survives a plane crash caused by British gunmen. His ordeal leaves him with severe burns across his body, his mind lost in pain and grief, utterly abandoned by the circumstances that befell him.

The cinema screen displayed breathtaking desert landscapes, using mia nimal green screen. Instead, it showcased the natural beauty of the locations, transporting the audience from one stunning vista to another. The production was filmed in segments, each narrating a beginning and an end, shot in three locations: Italy, a small Moroccan city, and a nearby desert with an adapted cave.

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