Chapter 153: Actors and Stars

"Is this the one?"

Sitting on the sofa in the living room, Murphy whispered to Carey Mulligan, who pondered for a moment, "Let's first look at the price. This place is so big; it must be expensive."

The house covered an area of 350 square meters, including the front and back yards and two garages, totaling nearly 800 square meters. Located on the edge of the Santa Monica Valley, whether buying or renting, it was incomparable to the Stanton Studio's house.

Carey Mulligan was still looking around, seemingly hesitant. "Saw" had only brought in a share of two million dollars, a significant portion of which had been paid out. Plus, the costs of auditioning for other productions recently, along with daily expenses, meant there likely wasn't much money left.

She was also troubled. Since the beginning of their relationship, the earnings from two films had gone towards paying for acting school fees. Throughout this time, Murphy had been covering their various expenses alone.

While this wasn't uncommon among couples in Hollywood, Carey Mulligan knew it wasn't ideal.

Murphy glanced at Carey Mulligan and gestured for the real estate agent standing near the door. It was clear, of all the houses they had seen, this was Carey's favorite.

The agent, recommended by Murphy's CAA agent Grace, got straight to the point when Murphy asked, "This house is still available?"

"Murphy…" Carey Mulligan suddenly spoke up, but Murphy patted her arm, reassuringly saying, "Let me handle it."

After a moment of hesitation, Carey Mulligan nodded, deciding not to say more.

"Harvey," Murphy turned to the agent, "how much if we're buying?"

Knowing Murphy was a director who had just hit big, Kevin Hart, the agent, offered a warm smile, "The original price is 2.78 million dollars, but I can negotiate down to 2.6 million for you."

Hearing the price, Murphy frowned slightly and then shook his head.

Considering both sale and rental options, buying it outright would be a financial stretch. Murphy then asked, "What about renting?"

"The rent is 15,000 dollars per month, with a discount for long-term leases," the agent quickly responded.

"Hmm," Murphy nodded, inquiring further, "What about for a year?"

"For a year-long contract," the agent offered some discount, "the total would be 150,000 dollars."

After some negotiation, they settled on a year's rent for 135,000 dollars.

Once the formal lease was signed, he and Carey Mulligan could move out of Stanton Studios.

Leaving the courtyard, Murphy got into the driver's seat of his Cadillac, waiting for Carey Mulligan to buckle up before driving away from the valley.

"Something on your mind?" He glanced at Carey Mulligan's doll-like face.

Her mood had been noticeably off these past few days.

Carey Mulligan forced a smile, "Not really."

"Your mood…" Murphy pointed at her face, "is written all over it."

"Is it that obvious?" Carey Mulligan rubbed her cheeks, "Am I that bad at hiding it?"

She knew she was an open book when it came to her emotions.

Murphy shook his head, asking, "Are you homesick?"

"Homesick?" Carey Mulligan snorted, "I wouldn't miss them!"

She was determined to overcome any obstacle for her dream.

She then sighed slightly, "Bill got me several auditions, but none were successful."

Murphy was aware that Carey Mulligan's auditions hadn't gone as smoothly as hoped.

"My dear," Murphy reached over to stroke her blonde hair, "hardships are temporary. Failing auditions for those productions doesn't matter; we can continue making movies together."

Carey Mulligan shook her head, murmuring, "I can't always rely on you, can I?"

"Who else would you rely on?" Murphy feigned concern, "Do I already have a rival?"

"Of course not!" Carey Mulligan lifted her head, huffing, "I just feel like I can't only star in your films forever, and besides…"

"Yes?" Murphy looked at her curiously.

"And besides, apart from 'Hard Candy'," Carey Mulligan, never good at hiding her feelings, admitted, "I'm never the lead actress."

Murphy could sense a hint of dissatisfaction in her words.

"For the new project we're planning," Murphy reassured without concern, "you'll have the second most screen time…"

Carey Mulligan pouted.

"Do you want to be the one-legged protagonist on screen?" Murphy shook his head, his voice softening, "Dear, that would ruin your image and not help your future."

Remembering the one-legged protagonist role, Carey Mulligan shivered and quickly said, "I don't like that character."

"So…" Murphy continued, "the role with the second most screen time is perfect for you."

Carey Mulligan lowered her head again, "But that requires physical and action training…"

After a slight complaint, she added, "Liz told me, to gain recognition for acting and to win awards as soon as possible, it's best to star in independent art films."

"She's not wrong," Murphy slowed the car, "Starting with independent and art films to hone your acting, becoming a character actor, gaining some fame, then transitioning to mainstream cinema while still doing art films, aiming for both box office success and awards?"

Carey Mulligan nodded eagerly, "Yes, Liz said…"

Murphy interrupted, "Dear, if it were someone else, I'd say it's a very traditional Hollywood actor's path. But Carey, you're my girlfriend. I want to see you happy and fulfilled every day, with your dreams coming true sooner."

"I know!" Carey Mulligan remembered all Murphy had done for her, touched, "I know you're always thinking of me."

"Do you understand, Carey?" Murphy looked at her, "That's also a misleading path."

Months ago, when considering new projects, Bill Roscis had warned him not to waste time on art value but to focus on the market and box office if he didn't want to take detours.

Murphy, reflecting on what he knew and his independent thoughts, found much of the promoted advice unreliable.

"I'm not good at art films."

Thinking back, Murphy, who wasn't traditionally academy-trained and leaned towards noir films out of personal interest, knew one's passion for film was crucial for success. Not enjoying a particular genre meant one couldn't truly invest in studying it.

Films shouldn't be divided into art and commercial categories, but society has made this distinction very real.

Even if Murphy didn't acknowledge it, the gap between them remained.

He chose films he liked, though he wasn't a walking Box.Office.Mojo, remembering every film's box office numbers. But those he did remember had certainly performed well.

First loves are always special, and Murphy was no exception. He wanted to help the girl beside him achieve her dreams sooner.

"If you choose this path, I can't help you."

From a normal man's perspective, he didn't want Carey Mulligan to take this path. Everyone knew the independent art film circle was Hollywood's messiest, rivaling the rock scene, but Murphy wouldn't mention this, "It seems official, but it's a waste of time with slim success chances."

Carey Mulligan trusted Murphy, waiting for a reasonable explanation.

"Let's put it this way, Carey."

Parking the car by Stanton Studios, Murphy didn't get out, "How many actors in Hollywood do you think are like you, talented and appealing? Or, how many beautiful actresses?"

Carey Mulligan thought for a moment, "Thousands?"

Having spent so much time in acting school, she wasn't entirely naive.

"I'd say not less than ten thousand," Murphy conservatively estimated, "How many movies does Hollywood make each year? How many find roles with lines? Most art films don't make it to cinemas, and those that do often have limited release, hardly catching attention."

He gently stroked her hair, "Those art films that do gain attention are often due to aggressive promotion by the studios. And about awards, there's a whole Pacific Ocean between starring in an art film, having a standout role, and winning awards. You must've heard from Bill, award season is a PR feast."

Some truths didn't need to be fully spelled out.

Carey Mulligan nodded, understanding Murphy wouldn't deceive her.

Murphy pointed between them, "We're not yet qualified to join that game."

He continued, "Think about it, dear. Every year, countless independent art films are made, but only a handful gain significant attention. How low are those odds? Can we encounter them? The best art film projects are often used by big stars as award bait. How can we compete?"

"Focusing on emotional roles in art films can indeed refine acting skills," Murphy shook his head, "But how long does that take? The shelf life of actresses is short, and once you age..."

"Dear," Murphy turned to Carey Mulligan, "Do you want to be an actor, or do you want to be a star?"

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