Chapter 137: The Undisputed Protagonist

The sun moved westward as a long black car basked in the Southern California sunshine, cruising down Rodeo Drive like it was a red carpet. It passed through a stylish commercial district before arriving slowly in front of the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel.

This place had become the center of attention, surrounded by flashing lights.

Reporters from Fox-affiliated media flocked to the car, cameras ready at the door. 

A film with a production cost of only $800,000 managing to gross over $60 million in North America was enough to astonish many media outlets.

There were also non-Fox entertainment reporters present, equally intrigued by this crew, especially the young director.

On a recent Fox TV show, it was revealed that he was in his early twenties. Such an age coupled with a $60 million box office draw could captivate many readers.

The fact that he had been to prison hardly mattered—Hollywood was full of people with such histories.

As the car in front drove off, the limo started again, stopping at the hotel's red carpet.

At the back of a group of behind-the-scenes personnel, Paul Wilson turned his head, eyes filled with excitement and disbelief.

He never imagined that in his first year after graduating, not only would he be involved in a film, but he would also become the assistant director of a film grossing $60 million in North America!

Such a prestigious credential would make all his peers envious.

Back when he worked as an unpaid intern, many laughed at him for being brainless, duped by a con artist. But he had seen effort and persistence in that young man's eyes and took a gamble, which paid off handsomely!

"I'm really lucky!"

Paul Wilson thought, looking at the car surrounded by reporters, "I must have been blessed by the goddess of luck to encounter someone like Murphy Stanton."

Makeup artist Jack Watson, cinematographer Philippe LaChelle, lighting technician David Robbie, and art director Helena also glanced back.

Though all the reporters' attention focused on the stars and the director in the limo, none of them felt any resentment. Instead, it felt surreal.

Had they really worked on a film that grossed $60 million in North America?

They all understood that from this moment on, their reputations and resumes would no longer be obscure in their respective professional circles.

"We're here," Murphy said, looking at James Franco and Seth Rogen across from him. "Are you ready to become stars?"

Seth Rogen scratched the back of his head with a goofy smile.

James Franco adjusted his bow tie with a small mirror, "I've been ready for ten years."

Murphy nodded at them and then looked beside him.

Carey Mulligan wore a short, moon-white dress, her golden short hair neatly styled with a headband, adding a touch of maturity to her innocent charm.

But unlike the calm exterior of James Franco and Seth Rogen, Carey's face was tense, showing clear signs of nervousness.

Murphy gently patted her hand and whispered, "Dear, this is your moment. Isn't this your dream?"

Carey turned to look at Murphy. His deep, calm eyes had a soothing effect. She took two deep breaths, and her tense face gradually relaxed, bringing back the lively Carey Mulligan from before.

Seeing her change, Murphy gestured to the three of them, "Let's get out. This is your moment."

Seth Rogen pushed open the car door from inside. He and James Franco got out first. Carey Mulligan, encouraged by Murphy's eyes, followed into the spotlight.

The appearance of the three main actors instantly grabbed the media's attention, especially James Franco and Carey Mulligan. The former was handsome with a charmingly roguish smile, and the latter's youthful beauty and unique doll-like face were full of vitality.

Even the unassuming Seth Rogen garnered some attention.

In contrast, Murphy, who got out last, didn't attract much focus. Directors behind the scenes rarely did.

Flashbulbs popped continuously. Though the number of reporters here wasn't as large as at some mainstream commercial film events, for first-timers like them, the experience was exhilarating. Even the composed Murphy felt a rush of excitement.

"Mr. Franco, do you think this film will change your previously unknown acting career?"

"Seth! Seth! How do you feel about your first Hollywood film being so successful?"

"Miss Mulligan, from 'Hard Candy' to 'Saw,' your performances have been outstanding. How did you hone your acting skills?"

"Director Stanton, it's said you're under twenty-five years old. Is that true?"

Questions were tossed at them. They answered politely before staff guided them along the red carpet to the hotel's main entrance.

Reporters split into two groups, walking along the red carpet's edges, capturing their every move with their cameras.

Is this what fame feels like?

Carey Mulligan's eyes darted around. Relaxed now, she displayed her most beautiful smile, one she had practiced countless times. The reporters enjoyed photographing her, making her feel like the center of the world.

This feeling is amazing! Carey Mulligan was a bit intoxicated.

Yes, she wanted to be an actress! She wanted to be a star! She wanted to be Hollywood's top actress!

Carey Mulligan's resolve strengthened.

Like all hit movies, this was both a celebration party and a promotional event. Though "Saw's" North American box office wouldn't rise much more, there were still overseas releases, TV broadcasts, DVD, and VHS sales to come.

As they approached the hotel, a few Fox TV reporters intercepted them. According to the plan, Murphy and the others would do some routine interviews.

Bill Rossis appeared there.

He nodded at Murphy, then moved to Carey's side. Without a professional PR person, he, as her agent, had to handle these duties temporarily.

Compared to the steady Murphy, Bill Rossis was worried Carey might inadvertently say something she shouldn't.

The interview was simple. The questions and answers had been pre-drafted, very formulaic, like Hollywood assembly-line productions. After answering a few questions, James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Carey Mulligan entered the hotel first, while Murphy, accompanied by Bill Rossis, walked last.

As they entered the elevator to the rooftop terrace, Bill Rossis said, "Fox Searchlight arranged this specially. They believe you deserve this treatment."

Exiting the elevator, Murphy turned to Bill Rossis, "Looks like my standing at Fox Searchlight has risen significantly."

"Yes, and by a large margin," Bill Rossis looked at Murphy with undisguised excitement. "Let's just say, you're no longer an unknown director. You've caught the attention of many companies in Hollywood."

He had believed Murphy would succeed and that "Saw" could be a hit, but he never imagined such terrifying success.

Sixty million dollars! How many Hollywood directors could boast such box office numbers?

It wasn't just Fox Searchlight. His agency, CAA, had specifically requested Murphy's information from him half a month ago to establish a complete archive.

Bill Rossis' expression darkened. "Saw's" success had surprised everyone. CAA's attention was natural, but for him, it might not be good. It could attract other agents within the company, demanding shared management rights.

Though it hadn't happened yet, it already troubled Bill Rossis.

Murphy's rise was so fast that his agent could barely keep up.

Nearing the entrance to the rooftop terrace, Bill Rossis deliberately slowed, letting Murphy lead. Watching the young director's resolute back, he knew this was the best opportunity of his career. To seize it, he had to work hard.

An agent growing slower than their client would be eliminated, and he didn't want to be cast aside.

As Murphy reached the terrace entrance, Gordon Clyde, Fox Searchlight's distribution director, came out to greet him.

From a distance, Gordon Clyde beamed and extended his right hand. "Murphy, you're finally here!"

Murphy smiled and shook his hand firmly. Gordon Clyde gestured invitingly, "Everyone's waiting for you."

Unlike the media outside the hotel, within the film industry's higher-ups, the director was the star tonight!

They were industry insiders who understood the importance of a talented director and the potential benefits such a director could bring.

An $800,000 production cost and a $60 million North American box office were enough to change many things.

After all, Hollywood never strayed from its commercial roots.

Murphy entered the terrace, and applause erupted like a storm. Everyone present watched him, clapping.

He was the undisputed protagonist here!

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