june 6.

  Billy made his appearan London’s capital on Juh, early in the m, long after the whispers of the premiere had spread across the city. Hiring Winona had been a brilliant move. Billy had uimated her impa the film for several reasons. First, he hadn’t fully grasped her success during the 1990s. Despite the rumors, she was arguably one of the most beloved figures of the decade, with performahat single-handedly drove her films to massive success. Sed, her triumphs in movies that some sider cult cssics had left a sting impression on audiences, embedding themselves deeply in their hearts.

  Antony Minghel whispered to his dear colleague Michael Ondaatje, "We'll have to attend a few interviews." The tent siderable time trying to finalize the film's runtime.

  Billy sat nearby, eating breakfast, his eyes visibly tired from the journey and the jet g. With days of work ahead, he focused oing key people within the UK work who could help resolve any issues. For instance, Billy knew a certaileman at the BBC due to es with Discovery el, but he wasn’t fully aware of his significe to the British division.

  A sudden thud oable jolted him.

  -You need some coffee. A bit of caffeine will help,- Winona said.

  -Thanks. I think today will be lohan I expected,- Billy replied.

  -I’m surprised you don’t have a pencil and notebook in hand,- she teased.

  It was true. Billy usually carried a notebook everywhere, using it to sketd refine designs that he would ter submit to a pany.

  .I’m afraid I’m taking a break from any drawing pns for now. We’ll see how things go in June. gratutions on being France’s new ‘charmante muse.’ The press has been singing praises about the enting Ryder winnis once again,- Billy remarked with a sigh, aowledging that this was undoubtedly her moment to shine.

  -It’s been good. That month off was exactly what I needed. I caught up with Monica a bit—they ed filming st week. We might take a trip once I’m doh this parade of images,- Winona replied, looking noticeably calmer. Her pale, fwless skin showed no signs of cigarettes or alcohol, a stark trast to when Billy had first met her.

  -I suppose our British prince has been quite charming,- Billy quipped, alluding to her rumored romah Firth, who at the time was the epitome of what women admired in a gentleman.

  She sat down, insisting they were just friends, though photos of them dining and spending time together suggested otherwise. Ironically, in the film, pyed the role of a betrayed husband. Winoioned how delightful London was in the summer as the lovely Juliette joiheir versation. Juliette was another dream figure—her strikiy, youth, and talent as a professional dancer bined with a touch of French sophistiade her captivating.

  Winoo get ready; she was still in her pajamas.

  -You like older women,- Juliette remarked, brushing her foot against Billy’s leg.

  Billy’s eyes met Juliette’s provocative gaze. She was French—charming, seductive, and direct. Very direct. Italian women, by trast, teo be more fiery and fleeting, their passions s uably. Frenen, oher hand, were more poised and deliberate.

  -It’s true. I find older women enting… full of vitality, a kind that’s hard to find in people my age, - Billy admitted as she pyfully traced her foot up to his knee and then back down in quick motions.

  -And so…-

  -Nothing,- Billy said firmly.

  Her foot withdrew with a knowing smile, and with a sway of her hips, she pced something oable and walked away. The moment was fleeting as preparations for the day’s interviews and filming resumed. The premiere was tomorrow night, and the loomi stirred ay, especially for the director and , both named Michael, who had ied years into the project.

  Billy had his opportunity while iating the film rights to The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit’s rights were already his, and he was w toward acquiring others, all with the vision of uniting Middle-earth under Lux Animation.

  …

  The scheduling shift made a signifit difference. inally set for a November 15 release, the date was moved to June 8, aligning with the blockbuster season. This wasn’t just a grand story; it was also a daring and passionate film about a character with no English roots. Almasy erhaps the epitome of a man ed by passion, vulnerable to the allure of a woman who became his greatest weakness.

  -That’s right. I made this film because Saul Zaentz ered me, insisting I i in his movie. The catch? He promised me the Lord of the Rings rights if I did. I didn’t hesitate,- Billy expined.

  -The irony is that he forced me to participate, g it was my duty, - Winona added, recalling how she had been coerced into ag in the film.

  -I simply did what I had to do—assemble the best cast avaible, - Billy said. He had spent tless hours colborating with Michael Mio craft a film ri character and plex themes, capturing a rhythm that seamlessly blended youth and maturity.

  With just five months left before the release of Billy’s sed film of the year—an adaptation of A Time to Kill, a novel by John Grisham—the buzz was already building.

  -It sounds utterly captivating. I ’t wait to see it, - said the interviewer, maintaining a steady pace with his questions.

  -What was it like w with Juliette? - he asked.

  -Challenging in some ways. I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I would’ve liked, - Billy admitted.

  The cameras turo Juliette, whed, her expression revealing nothing. Her gesture was a silent refusal to disore, leaving the spotlight to shift to the round of questions, mostly tered on what made The English Patient so remarkable.

  -I say the film is made up of distinct parts, and each is vital. I’m part of a segment that stands apart, - Juliette responded.

  ...