Cinema Sins: Volume 1

By Xlibris US

Battlefield Hollywood.

In the near future, a film director went to congress and got a law passed that allowed film companies to own their actors for life. One of his actors, Jacob, decides to speak ill of him and nearly cause his own early death. On the brink of self destruction, he learns that a legendary film maker named Soren Kane wants him to join his film company and army as a way of getting revenge and payback for Jacobs former boss. The first part in The Cinema Sins Trilogy, be ready to enter an actors nightmare.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499057331

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The total darkness of the night was all that could be seen. The hospital lights blinked red and white, letting the ambulances know where it is that they should be going. A gentle breeze went by in the air. Ryan stood behind the stop sign on the other side of the road.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out one of his cigarettes. He took a long drag, allowing the nicotine to enter his lungs and creating a buzz in his head. No matter how many times he had smoked, it never failed to create that sensation within him.

The feeling he loved.

The cost of the habit he could deal with.

Once the filter’s very top was burnt, he tossed the butt onto the ground and walked right into the hospital.

Completely blank walls was all that he could see. A few people were sitting in chairs, the silence was deafening. No one was at the receptionist’s desk, so he walked through the door to where the patients would be at. Usually there would be security at this time of night, but given the status he had and the man that he was going to see, no one decided that it would even be worth trying to stop him.

The haunting echo of his feet hitting the floor was all that could be heard, harmonizing with the full body leather jacket that rustled about his legs. He looked at the sign that said no smoking, and mentally he told the sign to fuck off.

After some time, he found the room that he was looking for.

Gesudio, V.

Ryan and the others of the group that he was associated with decided that it would be in their best interest to not include the paitent’s real name. Inside of the room was a gorgeous black girl with huge, curvy, dark hair. She was staring at the man lying on the bed, in comatose. The monitors were recording his steady pulse.

Ryan placed both hands on the girl’s shoulders, gently squeezing them.

The latest? He asked, looking at the man.

Nothing that we don’t already know. She said, standing up and walking over to the opposite side of the room. They said that it would be an act of God if all he loses will be his mentality.

But it won’t be good for us. He said, leaning back on one of the counters.

You think I already don’t know that? She asked, taking out an electric cigarette and started puffing away on it.

I just need to make sure that Master Kane will be somewhat better once he awakens. For the love of God, Benita. I am not trying to play Devil’s advocate.

Yes, but it sure as hell seems like it. Benita said, taking another puff. She handed the cigarette to Ryan who took a drag himself.

Should he lose his memory, she said. it will be our job to help make sure that he still gets his revenge. About Grafton, he deserves Kane’s wrath and we all know that wrath will be administered. We owe Kane that much.

As for Jacob? he asked.

When the time is right, we will get him. Until then, we need to focus on Kane. She stopped talking and turned to look at him. Tomorrow, the doctor’s will be looking into helping wake him up again. They have a few more experiemental tests that they want to seee if that might work. Already we were able to show a few signs of him wakening from this curse, but nothing solid. If he doesn’t have his memory anymore, then we wait till he regains it. After that, we will be in discussion to have him transported to Terra Estates.

Until the end of time. Ryan said.

If need be, damn straight. Benita responded.

She took another puff of her electronic cigarette. Looking outside in the hallway, she waved for a doctor to enter the room. About three hours later, the body was taken to it’s home: Terra Estates.

CHAPTER ONE

One of the down falls in cinema is when you have a film that is so terrible that the major film critics bash it to death. On the television was a film review program that featured two critics who were talking about the latest film Thackory Grafton had made.

While the money it earned was impressive, the critical aspect was the polar opposite. On review websites, it was rare to see someone rate the film above that of terrible.

Grafton sat on his couch, his legs crossed, and looked into his cup of brandy. He heard the words that were being said. He understood everything. He understood that people had a right to an opinion.

But he also wanted the right to silence them.

On the opposite couch was Meyer. She had a laptop on her lap, typing away at some e-mail interviews and signing as Grafton himself. She looked up on the television and changed the channel to some soap opera.

You know how pissed off they make you. She said, grabbing a mug of coffee and took a sip from it. Grafton looked up at her.

I still need to be aware of how critics view my films. Grafton said. Meyer just shook her head.

They treat your films like that of Michael Bay: pure crap! They keep expecting film makers to make films like The Godfather or Casablanca, films that are high class art. They don’t seem to understand that we are just making fun films that are aimed at being entertainment.

It’s something they need to understand. Grafton said, standing up and walking to the kitchen. Fixing himself a screw driver, he glared at her. You don’t think that film was too bad, did you?

I have been your film editor from the time you went and made that web series. If I hated your work, I wouldn’t be continuing this. Grafton took a sip of his drink.

You can hate something while thinking it is good. Like with Kane’s work - Grafton started to say until Meyer shot him a glare.

I thought we agreed to never mention his name again. She said, closing the laptop and standing up. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a cigarillo and started to smoke it, using a near-by cup as an ashtray.

I’m just saying: you can hate something while thinking that it is wonderful. So, do you think my work is good or not. Meyer looked at him once he asked his question.

I like what we make. It’s entertaining, doesn’t require people to analyze every scene, great for our target audience.

There was a silence in the air as Grafton fell into one of his chairs, throwing back his drink. He thoughtfully looked at Meyer.

Has Kidman contacted us today?

Meyer checked her schedule, looking at all that should be contacting him.

He said that he will stop by soon. If you want to wait here for him, you do that. I need to get going. She walked over and quickly hugged Grafton. With that, she grabbed her keys and left the house.

Alone, he groaned as he sank into his seat. He was glad that people liked his cheap romances enough to keep him in business, but he knew that things were going to have to change. One thing had to go.

Jacob.

Hopefully Kidman will help out with that.

CHAPTER TWO

Modern pop music was blaring from her car as the wind blew through her thin, dark hair. The sun was reflecting off of her ebony skin with the hood of her car lowered, allowing her to feel the complete summer heat.

Summer in Hollywood wasn’t too bad, if you can stand the heat. Looking around, she saw sights of various people lining up outside of different clubs and agencies, all of which were trying to get their big break here.

Like Las Vegas, your entire life can be decided in this town alone. All it depended on was how you play the game. Sadly, most of the people she knew failed at this game. To fail was to be destroyed.

It took some time, but she finally arrived at a house that was some miles to half an hour away from Grafton. The typical plain vehicle was all that remained in the drive way that she was going towards. Walking up to the front door, she rang the door bell and rested on her heels. Opening the door was a tall, lean girl.

She looked at Meyer and gave her a half smile.

Get your black ass in here. Hill said, allowing her in.

The inside air conditioner sent a shiver down Meyer’s back. She looked around at the awards (mostly television awards) and went straight into the kitchen. Sitting at her table, she saw Talia Hill bringing over a pot of coffee and two cups.

Pouring some for both of them, she sat down opposite and crossed her legs.

How has he been taking the news? Hill asked.

If you mean Grafton, as well as he ever has taken such news. Hill nodded her head.

Honestly, his work is pure shit. Hill said, watching Meyer roll her eyes. Think about it, Meyer. He recycles the same plot all of the time, is constantly thinking that this cheap romance will sell, and while it puts people’s asses into seats and sells Pepsi Colas, it is not improving his credibility.

You want to be the one that tells him that? Meyer asked. Hill leaned back in her seat.

I know this is his pleasure. Hill said. I know that it is not wise to be like the last poor son of a bitch that spoke to him face to face about how bad his films are. But, you are his editor. Can you try talking some common sense into him? Meyer shook her head.

I have tried once. But, he is too opinionated to listen to anyone else. In his mind, his work is gold and everything else is pathetic. Hell, I doubt that anyone can alter his mind. I sure as hell know that I can’t. There was another silence as they thought about her words.

After some time and a cup or two more of coffee, Hill asked the one thing that Meyer was dreading.

What about Jacob? Meyer sighed as she placed down her cup.

Once Kidman and Grafton have their time together, Jacob will be called in. From the way things look, I doubt that Grafton will be nice to him. Hill nodded in understanding.

The critics really don’t care for him, do they?

It’s not really a point of that. Jacob is a fantastic actor. Hell, look at his Oscar nominations and the award he won last year. But it is just how he is under Grafton’s employment that is causing problems. Meyer sighed as she laid back.

Grafton is just that bad of a director? Hill asked, raising one eyebrow. She never had an issue before with how Grafton was as a director. In her mind, he was a damn good one.

Meyer sighed.

I’m not saying that. Jacob built his film acting career from Grafton’s productions. But, what Grafton is looking for now is an actor that can play the roles the way that he wants them played. Jacob is better left with more serious roles and not that of a typical chick flick guy. It is just terrible that he will never be able to leave Grafton, even if he fires him. Plus, given his most recent interview, we all know that Grafton is hallowing for his blood.

The silence between the two ladies lasted for a bit. They slowly sipped their coffee, not needing to say any more.

CHAPTER THREE

Thomas Kidman got out of bed, stretching his arms. Looking behind him, he saw the now tired-body of Grafton. Kidman knew that whenever they were alone and in the moment, he could make Grafton not only feel lustful pains and pleasures that few were able to unleash, but also make him beyond tired.

Standing up, he walked over to one of the corners in the room and grabbed his pants. He heard Grafton moan a bit, walked over, and kissed Grafton on the mouth.

Must we always be this rough with each other? Grafton asked, his eyes still closed in satisfaction.

If it isn’t rough, then it isn’t fun. Kidman said, smiling as he stood up. He walked over to where his shirt was and quickly slipped it on.

Now, if I were you, Kidman said, looking at the still naked body of Grafton. I would cover your boney ass up. You know Jacob will be here any moment.

Grafton groaned in protest.

Why must you ruin the end to a good fucking by mentioning his name? He said, standing up and walking towards a window. Like with how most gay actors and directors are, they tend to keep their sexuality a complete secret. Looking past the shutters, he saw how empty the streets are.

I have to remind you before you walk outside with just your dick flapping back and forth for the world to see. Kidman said, walking out of the room. Grafton grabbed his boxers, slipped them on, and left their bedroom. Sitting at the table, he found the screw driver he didn’t drink before he had his moment with Kidman and chugged it down.

Kidman grabbed a bottle of water and sat opposite of him.

Do you think that what I am doing is for the best? Grafton said, looking at Kidman. He placed down his water bottle and thought for a few moments.

This is your film that we are talking about, your life. If you think that Jacob is a issue, then put the problem out of the equation. That simple. Grafton sighed and shook his head.

I know that. He said. But is this the right thing to do?

Kidman slouched in the back of his seat and thought for a few moments. He loved Grafton and would do anything for him. However, he also knew that to say the wrong thing to him would mean the end of their relationship. Talking to Grafton was like trying to have ice survive Hell.

With him now going off and saying shit about you, it would be best for him to disappear. But at the same time, you also have to consider what all will happen if you go too far with him and trying to silence him. If it gets leaked that, say, you were to kill him, then it would destroy you. Kidman said.

Grafton thought about it, thinking silently.

I see where you are coming from He said. I know that I am a power hungry man and someone that wants the world to bow down to my films and praise me like the great masters from the past. As such, I can’t have my actors saying that kind of shit behind my back and in front of the entire goddamn world. Grafton, in frustration, slammed his head down onto the table.

Thomas just looked at him, not really clear as to what he meant or even what he is talking about.

Do you even know the reason for all of this? Why I am getting rid of him?

Thomas shook his head no. One thing one must always remember about Thomas: he never really watches news shows or reads entertainment magazines, thinking that they are all full of lies and garbage.

A while back, he was having this massive interview with some T.V. talk show host. It went fine, him talking about the most recent film he did with me. Then, out of the blue, he starts saying shit about me. I go onto the internet and people are starting to believe every single piece of shit that flew out of his fucking mouth. Everything! Now, a man in my power can’t allow such filth about myself to be spread over the entire fucking world!

Grafton slammed his head to the back of his chair, and breathed out a sigh. Standing up, Kidman walked over and placed his hands on Grafton’s shoulders, gently squeezing them.

Thackory, He said. if this is what you must do, then so be it. Just be aware that I hope to God above that you know what the hell it is that you will be doing. With that, he grabbed his car keys and left Grafton’s turf.

Thackory Grafton just sat there, glaring off into space. He knew that this would make heavy news, and he had no problem with that. What he did have a problem is when someone decides to insult him to this level.

CHAPTER FOUR

A slight breeze was in the air, moving Jacob’s black hair all over his face. Typically, he would be annoyed at his hair being messed up, but on this day he didn’t really care. His first paycheck for the film came in that day and the figures pleased him greatly. He wasn’t too pleased with the quality of the film,