Page 1 of Cinematic Destinies
PROLOGUE
May 25
Entertainment News Report
French filmmaker Jean Mercier’s impending retirement has sent shock waves through the film industry. Known for tackling daring subjects with his avant-garde approach to cinema, the controversial filmmaker has long been considered one of the few true artists of contemporary film. Although retirement seems inevitable at the age of 89, many in the industry thought he’d die with a director’s clapboard in his hands, a joke the eccentric artist has often made himself. The announcement comes one week before shooting is scheduled to begin on what we now know will be his final film. Mercier famously films in remote locations, living in seclusion with his lead actors in rented homes and inns. The award winner is known for curating unexpected casts, and his choices this time are sure to create a buzz.
Leading the cast is American actor Michael Hennesey, 69, who became widely known for his Emmy-winning role onDesperation and Despairbefore becoming a formidable presence on the silver screen. Hennesey previously appeared in Mercier’s acclaimed filmCelebrationthirty years ago. This is the first time the pair has reunited professionally.
British actor of stage and screen Rupert Reed, 29, is also set to star in the project. Reed is the son of playwright George Reed and actress Charlotte Reed. Charlotte Reed also starred in Mercier’s filmCelebration.
Finally, up-and-coming American actress Georgia Sinclair Forrester, 25, will appear in the unnamed film. Forrester is the middle child of Hollywood movie star Finn Forrester and provocative philosopher Gabriella Sinclair Forrester. Georgia is the only of the pair’s children to follow in her father’s footsteps. Eldest daughter Betty, 28, is in a medical residency program in New York, and their son Albert, 22, recently graduated from Boston University with an art degree. Fans will recall that Forrester and Sinclair met on the set ofCelebration, for which Forrester won the Oscar. One of the most enduring marriages in Hollywood, the world has been captivated by their fairy-tale romance since Forrester proposed to Sinclair on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
So, it appears that Mercier is creating a family affair of sorts for his final picture. Is it nostalgia? Genius casting? Publicity? An attempt to reclaim the magic of his glory days? The world will be waiting to see.
CHAPTER 1
“Ella, where are you?” Finn called.
“Georgia’s room.”
Finn bounded upstairs and found Ella standing in a flowing yellow sundress, arranging a bouquet of colorful wildflowers. He came up behind her, slipped one hand around her waist, and moved her long spiral curls over before planting a delicate kiss on her shoulder. “Hi, love,” he whispered. “Those are pretty.”
“Wildflowers for Georgia, white roses for Betty, and daisies for our sweet Albert,” she said. “I know it’s only a long weekend, but I’m so excited they’re all coming. We’re hardly together as a family anymore. They’ll all be busy over the summer, and who knows when we’ll be together again. So, I wanted to make things special.”
“Come here,” he said, turning her to face him. “You always make everything special.” He ran his finger along her hairline and kissed her softly.
“I worry about them, you know,” she said.
“Why, love? They’re all fine.”
“Betty works such long hours. Seems she’s always at the hospital and she only ever mentions one friend. I don’t think she dates at all. Must be lonely in New York City onher own.” Ella stopped and shook her head. “When she was little, she always looked out for her siblings and other younger children. Now she spends all her time taking care of others, and I worry about who will take care of her.”
“She used to be such a romantic at heart. Don’t you remember how obsessed she was with fairy-tale movies and stories? She’d refuse to leave the house without her wand and tiara.”
“And the princess dresses. Heavens, she would throw a fit if I wouldn’t let her wear one. And now . . .”
“Now?” Finn asked.
“It’s like she’s lost that part of herself, her romantic nature. She’s become so serious. All work and no play.”
“Medical school was a huge undertaking. Now she’s dealing with the demands of her residency, but eventually she’ll make time for other things,” he assured her.
