"Adrian is crazy!" That was the phrase most circulated within the major film studios in late August, and all the executives, managers, and bosses mentioned it, either proactively or in passing, at meetings, luncheons, and parties.
In an era when a 100-million-dollar investment in film was considered huge, someone was making a movie with a 200-million-dollar budget, and it was the well-known story of the Titanic, at that. If the person wasn't stupid, then they must certainly be insane. Adrian's talent and vision were equally well-known, so he could only be the latter.
"Adrian obviously thinks he's so wealthy that he can afford to squander money without worrying about the consequences," Michael Eisner said with a face full of scorn and sarcasm, not hiding his attitude.
"But you have to admit, Mike, he's got guts. Not just anyone can pull off such a grand gesture," chuckled Summer Redstone, chairman of Viacom, clearly amused. How could he not guess what his old rival was thinking?
