Chapter 255: The Exquisite Blonde
On the bed in the Bel Air mansion, Monica Bellucci lay draped over Aaron, breathing softly as she caught her breath.
"So," she murmured, "is Dawnlight shifting its focus toward Asia now?"
Aaron ran his hand lightly along her smooth back.
"Oh? What makes you say that?"
"You seemed to have quite a good conversation tonight… with that Chinese director."
Aaron smiled faintly.
"Dawnlight is open to working with talented filmmakers from all over the world."
---
As February arrived, Dawnlight's absurd comedy Ace Ventura: Pet Detective hit theaters.
Opening in 1,700 cinemas across North America, the film pulled in $12.1 million over its first weekend. In its second weekend, it added another $9.6 million, bringing its 10-day total to $24 million.
The film's biggest surprise was its lead actor, Jim Carrey. His over-the-top, eccentric performance immediately grabbed audiences' attention.
While critical reception was mixed, one thing was undeniable—the movie made people laugh.
---
Renowned critic Roger Ebert commented:
"The film feels like a chaotic farce, filled with clownish antics and ridiculous dialogue. But it undeniably makes audiences laugh—and children, in particular, love it. By that measure alone, it's a success."
San Francisco Chronicle wrote:
"The plot is illogical, existing purely for the sake of humor. Jim Carrey's performance relies heavily on exaggerated facial expressions, manic energy, and physical comedy—but it unmistakably showcases his comedic talent."
Los Angeles Times noted:
"Jim Carrey brings Ace Ventura vividly to life. His expressive face and remarkable physicality are the film's greatest strengths."
And The New York Times concluded:
"Ace Ventura establishes Jim Carrey as a breakout comedic force. His performance is the foundation of the film's success."
No matter how critics and newspapers judged it, for both Dawnlight and Jim Carrey, the success of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective was almost inevitable.
After all, the film had a modest production budget of just $15 million.
At the same time, the film's female lead, Salma Hayek, made a striking impression. Her fiery charm and captivating beauty gave audiences their first real glimpse of this Mexican-born Latina star.
What pleased her even more was that Aaron had arranged for her to join another action film, Bad Boys. Like Ace Ventura, it would also be shot in Miami.
With back-to-back opportunities like these, Salma Hayek had every reason to be grateful to Aaron Anderson.
---
As evening fell, the warm Pacific breeze swept across the Los Angeles coastline. A BMW Z1 sped along the Pacific Coast Highway through Santa Monica, eventually pulling up in front of a villa in Pacific Palisades.
Inside the car, a young couple was locked in a passionate kiss.
"Alright… let's head inside," Aaron said after they finally parted, gently patting Nicole Kidman.
"Mm," she replied softly.
---
In the living room, Nicole poured him a glass of wine.
"It's such a shame about the earthquake in Los Angeles," she said.
Aaron smiled lightly.
"It's fine. The city will rebuild—just give it time."
Then he shifted the topic.
"Your film The Pelican Brief is doing very well. It's been out for about a month and a half now, and the North American box office has already passed $90 million."
At this point, Nicole Kidman had firmly established herself as one of Hollywood's hottest international stars.
Still, she sighed faintly.
"It's a pity the reviews are only average. There's been no real awards recognition."
She moved closer, settling onto Aaron's lap.
"If I want to make a mark in more artistic films… do you have any advice?"
Aaron set his glass aside, his hand resting around her waist as he smiled.
"Are these commercial films not good enough?"
"They are—but you can't rely on them forever," she said seriously.
"I need awards. I need recognition from critics and the media."
She understood the industry well—purely commercial success wasn't enough for long-term standing.
Aaron leaned in and kissed her lightly.
"What about Batman Forever? Did you take it?"
She nodded.
"I've signed with Warner Bros. Filming starts in July."
"For now, I'll keep an eye out for strong scripts," Aaron said. Dawnlight received countless scripts and ideas every year—but only a dozen or so projects made the cut. Selection had to be precise.
Nicole smiled, nestling closer into him.
"You know, any script you personally take an interest in… every actor in Hollywood would fight for it."
Aaron looked down at her, brushing a strand of her golden hair aside.
"You're beautiful," he murmured.
Nicole didn't respond, but she understood her position clearly.
As a foreign actress in Hollywood, she needed support—connections, resources, and someone with vision. Without that, even major stars could falter.
Take Julia Roberts, for example. After the massive success of Pretty Woman, her follow-up films—Sleeping with the Enemy, Hook, and Dying Young—had failed to achieve the same level of acclaim.
"Hey…" Nicole leaned closer, her lips near his ear.
"You promised you'd take me to Australia sometime. When will that happen?"
Aaron smiled.
"It's still summer there, isn't it? December to February—perfect weather."
He paused briefly.
"How about late this month? I'll make some arrangements. We can spend a few days there—and you can visit home."
Nicole nodded, pleased.
The Pelican Brief would also be releasing in Australia soon, and she was expected to attend promotional events there.
---
As February progressed, the Oscars drew closer. Hollywood studios, agencies, and PR firms pulled out all the stops, while stars moved endlessly between parties, galas, and receptions.
At the same time, Peter Guber stepped down as CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Following Jon Peters' departure in 1991, Guber now exited as well—and soon rejoined the Batman Forever project.
---
Meanwhile, at Dawnlight Studios in Burbank, filming on The Mask officially wrapped.
With production complete, Jim Carrey signed on for Ace Ventura 2.
However, before returning to that role, he would first film New Line Cinema's Dumb and Dumber. As for Ace Ventura 2, it was still in the script development stage.