Chapter 65: Rejection

"Well done, Murphy," Bill Robbins approached first with a smile. "Better than I expected."

"Thank you," Murphy responded with a polite smile.

Following behind Bill Robbins was Joel Graham. He glanced at Murphy but said nothing. Murphy extended his hand, "Thank you for coming to see my film."

Joel Graham nodded slightly in acknowledgment, gave Murphy's hand a light shake, then turned and walked towards the exit of the theater.

Without the need for words, Murphy could tell that Joel Graham had no interest in "Hard Candy".

Next, Jones Butler, an African-American woman, approached. She greeted Bill Robbins first, then smiled slightly at Murphy. "It's a very good film."

Murphy gave her hand a firm shake. "Thank you. Your praise is greatly appreciated."

Compared to the other two, Beck Larson approached much more casually. He waved to Bill Robbins and Murphy, "Can we talk as we walk?"

"Of course," Murphy gestured, leading the way. Catching up to Joel Graham and Jones Butler, who were being guided by Paul Wilson towards the exit of the theater, he invited, "I've reserved a table at Fiero Restaurant. Would the three of you have time?"

"Sorry," Jones Butler spoke first, "I have another appointment to catch."

Joel Graham also declined.

As the group exited the theater, a car summoned by Bill Robbins was already waiting. After Paul Wilson opened the car door, Jones Butler and Joel Graham quickly got in, seeming to be in a hurry.

After adjusting to the situation, Murphy regained his composure completely. Being rejected was normal. Compared to these professional buyers from distribution companies, he was just a nobody as a new director.

Beck Larson approached from behind at an easy pace, not getting into the car. Instead, he stopped in front of Murphy. "Director Stanton, your film is quite interesting, but the audience is a concern..."

His gaze started on Murphy's face but gradually shifted downward. "I personally think highly of this film, but considering the audience, we must be cautious."

The intensity of his gaze made Murphy uncomfortable, but he couldn't say anything.

Beck Larson's eyes eventually settled on Murphy's robust chest, then he suddenly changed the subject, "Let's skip dinner. I know a bar three blocks away. If you're interested, we can grab a drink."

Raising his eyes to meet Murphy's, he seemed to be waiting for a suitable answer.

If this had happened when Murphy first arrived, he might not have understood the implications. But now, he knew.

Without any hesitation, he shook his head, declining. He fabricated a reason on the spot, "I'm sorry, but I don't drink."

"Too bad..." Beck Larson didn't insist and turned to get into the car. "Goodbye."

Watching the car drive away, Murphy remained calm. Among the three professional viewers, at least two of them would no longer pay attention to "Hard Candy".

He hadn't anticipated inviting unwanted attention like this. He had no issues with LGBTQ individuals, but he had no interest in engaging in such activities himself.

Indeed, following certain unspoken rules in Hollywood might make the journey smoother, but it didn't mean he would sell himself out.

Standing alone, Murphy glanced back. At the steps of the theater entrance, Paul Wilson and Bill Robbins were standing there. They probably hadn't heard Beck Larson's proposition and looked somewhat curious.

Not far behind them, there was another middle-aged man watching them. He had been standing there since they came out of the theater.

The screening of "Hard Candy" had ended, and the desolation exceeded Murphy's expectations. The imagined scenario of multiple distribution companies clamoring to acquire the film did not occur. Only Jones Butler and Beck Larson showed rational interest, and the latter might give up on the film due to his rejection.

Shaking his head forcefully, Murphy sighed. The road in Hollywood was much more difficult than he had imagined.

But no matter how tough the road was, it couldn't scare him off or deter his determination to climb higher. He was determined to carve out his own place in this incredibly complex industry.

This was just the beginning!

Turning around, Murphy strode back towards the theater entrance. As he stepped onto the stairs, the middle-aged man who had been standing there approached him directly.

"Hello..." the middle-aged man said politely, "I wanted to ask, are you the director of 'Hard Candy'?"

"Yes," Murphy looked at him, vaguely recalling seeing him in the theater. He had changed seats a few times, ending up in the same row as him. Murphy asked, "May I ask who you are?"

"I'm Tony Gusman," the middle-aged man extended his right hand, "from Fox Searchlight."

Murphy shook his hand, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Gusman."

It was a genuine sentiment. The fact that Tony Gusman, a professional viewer and buyer, had come to him after watching the film indicated at least some interest in "Hard Candy".

"Hello, Mr. Gusman," Bill Robbins approached from the side, introducing himself, "Bill Robbins, Murphy's agent, from CAA."

Upon hearing the name, Tony Gusman scrutinized Bill Robbins for a moment before shaking his hand in greeting.

It was undeniable that CAA had quite a reputation.

"Gentlemen..." Tony Gusman directly asked the question on his mind, "May I inquire about the producer or investor of the film?"

"The film was produced by my Stanton Studios," Murphy knew his intention in asking such a question, "Funded entirely by my personal investment, and all rights are held by Stanton Studios."

Tony Gusman nodded, "Let me put it this way, Director Stanton, I'm somewhat interested in this film. I may need to bring some colleagues to watch it again."

"No problem," Murphy took out his business card and handed it over, "You're welcome anytime."

Taking the card, Tony Gusman put it away and then handed Murphy one of his own. His purpose had been achieved, so he didn't linger.

"I have to catch another screening," he bid farewell, "I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate."

Murphy shook his hand goodbye, "I also hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with Fox Searchlight."

After seeing off Tony Gusman, Murphy didn't intend to linger. He sealed the film with Paul Wilson and returned to the hotel. The next morning, he received a call from Bill Robbins. Jones Butler wanted to bring a few other people to watch "Hard Candy" again.