Chapter Summaries

Aaron planned to acquire Pixar and asked Jennifer Connelly to keep an eye on the company. He later learned that Jack Wells had arranged a burglary at Warren Beatty’s villa, which left Beatty facing a police investigation.

• Aaron explained that he wanted to acquire Pixar and asked Jennifer Connelly to monitor the company near Stanford.
• Aaron and Jack Wells discussed Warren Beatty’s visit to a private room arranged by Heidi Fleiss, and Jack decided to arrange a small lesson for him.
• Aaron met Brad Pitt at the Rainbow Bar and predicted that his role in “Thelma & Louise” would raise his profile.
• Aaron read that Warren Beatty’s Brentwood villa had been burglarized and confronted Jack Wells about the incident.
• Jack Wells admitted that he had his people study Beatty’s villa before burglars stole valuables and the police found drugs at the scene.

At a Hollywood cocktail party, Aaron learned that Francis Ford Coppola was developing Dracula with Winona Ryder and invited her to appear in his planned Scent of a Woman adaptation. He later went with Salma Hayek to a Mexican bar, where a woman performed with a python and Salma claimed she could do the same.

• Aaron joked with Al Pacino about the party being a mob convention and discussed Sofia Coppola leaving acting after criticism of her performance.
• Winona Ryder told Aaron that Francis Ford Coppola was interested in directing Dracula and had chosen her for its female lead.
• Aaron told Winona Ryder that he was adapting Scent of a Woman with Al Pacino and invited her to play a tango-dancing cameo role.
• Aaron visited Salma Hayek in Sun Valley and went with her to a Mexican bar.
• Aaron watched a dancer perform with a Golden Python, and Salma Hayek said she could do the same before Aaron kissed her.

Aaron supported Salma Hayek and attended the premiere of The Silence of the Lambs, where he discussed backing Steven Spielberg's planned Holocaust film, Schindler's List. The Silence of the Lambs opened strongly and won widespread critical praise.

• Aaron woke beside Salma Hayek and offered to help her get a supporting role in Dawn's upcoming romance film.
• Aaron and Nicole Kidman attended The Silence of the Lambs premiere, where Jack slipped backstage to meet Jodie Foster.
• Aaron spoke with Mike Medavoy about Spielberg's interest in making Schindler's List and said he wanted to support the project.
• Mike Medavoy explained that Spielberg had exchanged Martin Scorsese's Cape Fear for the directing rights to Schindler's List.
• The Silence of the Lambs opened in 1,496 theaters and earned $13.76 million in its first three days, while Out for Justice earned $10.52 million.

Warner Bros. executives discussed Batman Returns and the success of Sony-distributed films produced by Aaron Anderson, prompting Terry Semel to seek an exclusive partnership with him. At Columbia’s celebration for Boyz n the Hood, Aaron discussed Ghost’s marketing and future projects, while Sony’s growing interest in Dawn left him weighing his options.

• Mark Canton reported that Tim Burton, Michael Keaton, and Michelle Pfeiffer were set for Batman Returns, and that the sequel had an $80 million budget.
• Terry Semel compared Sony-distributed hits The Silence of the Lambs and Boyz n the Hood with Warner Bros. releases, then asked Mark Canton to pursue an exclusive deal with Aaron Anderson.
• The Silence of the Lambs earned another $10.6 million in its third week, while Out for Justice made $4 million.
• At Columbia’s Boyz n the Hood celebration, Peter Guber praised Aaron’s growing prospects in Hollywood.
• Sidney Ganis told Aaron that Sony had approved a $15 million publicity and distribution budget for Ghost and offered Columbia’s film library and script vault for future projects.
• Aaron agreed to discuss new projects after Ghost’s release and kept Dawn’s options open while monitoring Sony’s marketing spending.

After Jack Wells and Aaron Anderson fought two Black men who disrupted a pizza restaurant, they returned to the Angel Theater and discussed the rising unrest and the need for security. Jack agreed to prepare the security company.

• Jack Wells and Aaron Anderson went to a nearby pizza place after leaving the Angel Theater and discussed the theater's business.
• Two Black men complained about the lack of Black celebrity photos on the walls and argued with the owner.
• Jack Wells and Aaron Anderson beat the two men and dragged them into an alley, then sent them away.
• The pizza shop owner gave Jack Wells and Aaron Anderson two pizzas for free, and Jack paid him before they left.
• Back at the Angel Theater, Jack Wells voiced concern about rising unrest, and Aaron urged him to prepare the security company.

Aaron Anderson met Steve Jobs to offer $40 million for Pixar, arguing that Dawn Pictures could finance animated feature films while Jobs could not. Jobs challenged Aaron’s confidence, and the chapter ended with Aaron insisting his films had never lost money.

• Aaron told Thomas Gray and Brad Grey that Dawn Pictures could handle domestic distribution itself and discussed Orion Pictures’ regret over selling The Silence of the Lambs.
• Aaron visited Jennifer Connelly in San Francisco, and she warned him that Pixar was losing money and would require continued investment.
• Aaron took Jennifer Connelly to meet Steve Jobs in Oakland and proposed acquiring Pixar for $30 million.
• Jobs countered at $35 million, and Aaron raised his final offer to $40 million while threatening to hire Pixar’s staff and build another studio.
• Jobs questioned whether Aaron could keep winning, and Aaron claimed that every film he had handled since becoming an agent had made a profit.

Aaron pursued Pixar and Legacy Entertainment as acquisitions, moving to negotiate with Guy Martin while Jessica Parker handled Pixar. He and Guy Martin remained divided over Legacy Entertainment’s price and Landmark Theatres ownership.

• Jennifer Connelly questioned Aaron about acquiring Pixar, and Aaron said Steve Jobs wanted a higher price and would eventually have to consider selling.
• Aaron learned that Samuel Goldwyn Films wanted to acquire Legacy Entertainment and hurried back to Los Angeles to investigate.
• Jessica Parker told Aaron that Guy Martin was divorcing and needed cash, and Aaron sent her to continue negotiations for Pixar while he went to meet Martin.
• Aaron offered to acquire Legacy Entertainment’s assets while letting Guy Martin keep running Landmark Theatres and retain some equity.
• Guy Martin demanded 60 million US dollars for Legacy Entertainment and Landmark Theatres, but Aaron rejected the price and offered 45 million while allowing Martin to keep 40% of Landmark Theatres.
• Guy Martin countered by asking for 50 million US dollars and 50% of Landmark Theatres, leaving the negotiations unresolved.

At the Met Gala, Aaron Anderson discussed Dawn Pictures’ expansion and Ghost’s promotion before using the company’s new cash reserves to pursue Legacy Entertainment and Pixar. Jessica Parker secured a stake in Pixar and rallied its employees against Steve Jobs, leaving Aaron preparing to negotiate Jobs’s removal.

• At the Met Gala, Aaron Anderson told Nicole Kidman he was acquiring Legacy Entertainment and said Ghost would be promoted at Cannes without him.
• Dawn Pictures received box-office and rights revenue from Boyz n the Hood and The Silence of the Lambs, bringing its cash reserves above 80 million dollars.
• Aaron agreed to Guy Martin’s terms for Legacy Entertainment, including his retained stake in Landmark Theatres, and sent Jessica Parker to handle Pixar.
• Jessica Parker bought a 25% stake in Pixar from veterans including Ed Catmull and John Lasseter, then promised Dawn Pictures would fund and distribute animated films.
• Ed Catmull told Steve Jobs that Pixar had chosen to rely on Dawn Pictures, and Aaron prepared to settle the matter by pushing Jobs out.

After acquiring Pixar and Legacy Entertainment, Aaron laid out plans to build Dawn’s animation and distribution businesses and discussed the independent film market with industry figures. He then sought Roger Corman’s advice as Dawn considered producing and distributing its own low-budget genre films.

• Steve Jobs sold Pixar to Dawn, which retained Ed Catmull as president and John Lasseter as chief creative officer.
• Aaron told Ed Catmull and John Lasseter that Dawn would support Pixar’s computer-animated feature films and transfer its special effects business to them.
• At a reception celebrating the acquisitions of Pixar and Legacy Entertainment, Aaron assigned Jack Wells to help manage Landmark Theatres while he prepared to start a security company.
• Aaron and Michael Kuhn discussed Hollywood independent films after PolyGram’s Barton Fink won the Cannes Palme d’Or.
• Michael Lynne and Tom Rothman discussed Aaron’s unusually large film investments and the possibility that Dawn would soon compete with the major studios.
• Aaron asked Roger Corman for production advice as Dawn considered making and distributing low-budget genre films.

Aaron advanced preparations for Sleepless in Seattle, discussed Ghost’s promotion with Nicole Kidman, and shared Boyz n the Hood’s profits with its filmmakers and cast. The chapter ended with Nicole joining Aaron in the bath as he anticipated the remaining box-office payment for The Silence of the Lambs.

• Jeffrey Katzenberg learned Dawn had acquired Pixar and speculated that Aaron Anderson planned to develop animated films.
• Aaron, Gary Foster, and Nora Ephron discussed casting Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle and began preparations for the film.
• Nicole Kidman returned from a Ghost promotional event, and Aaron advised her to adjust her performance for Sleepless in Seattle’s romantic-comedy style.
• Aaron and Nicole watched New York’s Gulf War victory parade before Aaron criticized the crowds’ celebrations amid the economic slump.
• Columbia Pictures paid the remaining Boyz n the Hood proceeds, and Aaron distributed $1.8 million in bonus shares to John Singleton, Quentin Tarantino, Jack Wells, Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, and others.
• Aaron anticipated The Silence of the Lambs’ final box-office payment before Nicole joined him in the bathtub.

Aaron rejected Jeffrey Katzenberg’s offer to acquire Dawn Pictures and confirmed he wanted to try entering animation by acquiring Pixar. As Ghost continued its strong box-office run and The Silence of the Lambs celebrated a record-setting North American gross, Dawn received its final payment and drew increasing attention from Hollywood.

• Ghost opened in North America with $17 million in its first three days and spread strong word of mouth.
• At The Rocketeer premiere, Jeffrey Katzenberg offered to buy Dawn Pictures, but Aaron refused, arguing that Dawn gave him greater freedom and control.
• Aaron told Jeffrey Katzenberg he wanted to try entering animation by acquiring Pixar.
• The Rocketeer opened below expectations as Ghost continued to lead the box office, reaching $65 million after three weeks.
• At The Silence of the Lambs celebration, Aaron learned the film had grossed $130 million in North America and that TriStar had wired Dawn the remaining $11.7 million.

Aaron discussed upcoming film projects with Paula Wagner and Michael Ovitz, then approved an investment in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler's List. After Terminator 2: Judgment Day opened to a huge debut, Aaron funded Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and arranged to review a script Steven Reuther was discussing with Adrian Lyne.

• Aaron met Paula Wagner, who told him Tom was filming Far and Away and negotiating A Few Good Men, while Aaron confirmed Sleepless in Seattle would star Nicole Kidman.
• Aaron told Michael Ovitz he wanted to invest in Schindler's List and agreed that Steven Spielberg could make the film without studio interference.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day opened in 2,274 North American theaters and earned 31.7 million US Dollars in its first three days.
• Aaron instructed Ethelind Beckett to give Quentin Tarantino 1.5 million US Dollars to finish Reservoir Dogs, then joked with Jack Wells about Tarantino’s unusual tastes and directing style.
• Jack Wells told Aaron that producer Steven Reuther had a promising script he was discussing with Adrian Lyne, and Aaron asked to meet with Reuther.

Aaron finalized Dawn Pictures’ first CAA packaged film, Indecent Proposal, with a $25 million budget and a planned release in the second half of next year. Michael Ovitz then secured Steven Spielberg’s agreement to make Schindler’s List with Dawn’s support, while Spielberg planned to prepare Jurassic Park as well.

• Aaron and Steven Reuther negotiated Dawn’s $25 million budget for Indecent Proposal after Aaron rejected CAA’s $35 million demand and 15% profit share.
• Aaron required CAA to schedule Indecent Proposal for release in the second half of the next year, and Steven agreed.
• Michael Ovitz told Steven Spielberg that Aaron would finance Schindler’s List and would not interfere with Spielberg’s filmmaking process.
• Spielberg agreed to meet Aaron, prepare the crew, and begin filming Schindler’s List by the end of the year.
• Spielberg told Ovitz he would prepare Jurassic Park alongside Schindler’s List and start it after finishing the latter.

Aaron Anderson arranged funding and distribution support for Steven Spielberg’s Schindler's List, then discussed CAA’s packaged Indecent Proposal and buying completed films with Jack Wells. The chapter ended with Aaron planning to meet Quentin Tarantino and talk about Reservoir Dogs.

• Jennifer Connelly worried about The Rocketeer's poor performance, and Aaron told her about a future action project based on Speed.
• Aaron approved Dawn’s funding for Schindler's List, and Steven Spielberg agreed to prepare the crew and locations.
• Aaron visited Jack Wells, who had caught two men causing trouble at the Angel Theater and had them thrown out.
• Aaron told Jack that CAA would package Indecent Proposal and submit it to Dawn for development.
• Jack suggested Aaron buy completed films at festivals, and Aaron said he would consider scouting the Venice Film Festival.
• Jack said Quentin Tarantino was back and planned to invite him to discuss Reservoir Dogs with Aaron.

Aaron celebrated Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming Reservoir Dogs with Jennifer Connelly, then reviewed Dawn’s finances and checked on the progress of Indecent Proposal and Basic Instinct. Basic Instinct was still filming in San Francisco despite protests, while Aaron faced tight funds for several upcoming productions.

• Aaron learned that Quentin Tarantino had secured actors for Reservoir Dogs and expected filming to begin within two months, but told Jennifer Connelly the film had no suitable roles for her.
• Jennifer Connelly accepted Aaron’s suggestion to wait for the Speed project, then left the nightclub with him before saying she would soon return to school.
• Aaron reviewed the box-office earnings of Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Ghost and calculated that Dawn had only a limited amount remaining after film investments and expenses.
• Aaron asked Steven Reuther about Indecent Proposal’s casting and learned that Demi Moore was favored for the wife while Robert Redford would play the tycoon before directing A River Runs Through It.
• Ethelind Beckett told Aaron that gay protesters were demonstrating outside the Basic Instinct set in San Francisco, where police had been stationed.

Aaron celebrated Nicole Kidman's growing success as she prepared to film Sleepless in Seattle, then confronted Harvey Weinstein after noticing his lustful attention toward her. Aaron beat and threatened Harvey, and Nicole later learned what had happened.

• Nicole Kidman celebrated the Sleepless in Seattle press conference with Aaron at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel.
• Harvey Weinstein approached Aaron and proposed that they work together, so Aaron led him to a private conference room.
• Aaron slapped and kneed Harvey, then threatened to destroy the Weinstein Brothers and expose Harvey's mistreatment of newcomers.
• Harvey apologized and begged Aaron to stop, and Aaron left him on the floor.
• Nicole asked Aaron about Harvey that night, and Aaron admitted he had punished him for lusting after her.

Aaron attended the Venice Film Festival, promoted My Own Private Idaho, and pursued a relationship with Sophie Marceau while urging her to build her career in Hollywood. My Own Private Idaho won River Phoenix the Best Actor award, while Raise the Red Lantern shared the Silver Lion for Best Picture.

• Aaron told Jack Wells to monitor Miramax and the Weinstein brothers, especially the women working with them.
• Aaron traveled to Venice as My Own Private Idaho competed in the festival and met Sophie Marceau at his hotel.
• Aaron urged Sophie Marceau to leave France for Hollywood, and she agreed to think about his proposal.
• Aaron and Sophie Marceau watched Raise the Red Lantern, while Dawn and Orion Classics competed to acquire its North American distribution rights.
• Urga: Territory of Love won the Golden Lion, River Phoenix won Best Actor for My Own Private Idaho, and Raise the Red Lantern shared the Silver Lion for Best Picture.

Aaron returned to Paris with Sophie Marceau, pursued film deals, and encouraged her to build a career in Hollywood. After meeting Ridley Scott and discussing his Columbus film, Aaron encountered Sophie’s boyfriend Andrzej Żuławski and left them alone.

• Aaron learned that My Own Private Idaho and Raise the Red Lantern would be released domestically in November and December.
• Aaron encouraged Sophie Marceau to move to Hollywood, improve her English, and let him help her find opportunities.
• Aaron asked Sophie to arrange a dinner meeting with Luc Besson, then visited Gaumont to seek the rights to The Lovers on the Bridge but learned Miramax had already acquired North American distribution.
• Aaron met Ridley Scott on the set of 1492: Conquest of Paradise and questioned the film’s commercial prospects.
• Andrzej Żuławski approached Sophie, and Aaron returned to the hotel, leaving them together.

Aaron’s dinner with Luc Besson led to talk of Besson making films in Hollywood, while Sophie Marceau agreed to join Aaron in the United States later. Back in Los Angeles, Aaron used the success of “Ghost” to buy homes, fund “Indecent Proposal,” and approve Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List.”

• Aaron discussed French cinema and Hollywood with Luc Besson, who said Hollywood suited his ideas.
• Sophie Marceau told Aaron that her relationship with Andrzej Żuławski had ended and agreed to consider moving to the United States later.
• After Aaron returned to Los Angeles, “Ghost” passed $200 million at the North American box office, and Dawn sold its North American videocassette and television rights for $45 million.
• Aaron bought villas in Bel Air and Pacific Palisades, and Nicole Kidman toured the Pacific Palisades home and planned renovations.
• Dawn put $25 million into “Indecent Proposal,” while Aaron approved Liam Neeson for “Schindler’s List” and its $20 million budget.

Aaron agreed to invest $10 million in Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula and serve as its producer, joining Columbia Pictures and American Zoetrope. Dawn Pictures signed the investment agreement, and Aaron returned to the My Own Private Idaho premiere with Winona Ryder.

• Aaron met Francis Ford Coppola at Winona Ryder’s invitation, and Coppola asked Dawn Pictures to help finance Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Aaron to produce it.
• Aaron agreed to cover the film’s remaining $10 million budget and defended Keanu Reeves’s casting as the female lead’s fiancé.
• Aaron returned to the premiere party with Winona Ryder, who discussed the film’s locations, sets, costumes, and props with him.
• Two days later, Dawn Pictures signed an investment agreement with Columbia Pictures and American Zoetrope, becoming a co-producer of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.