Chapter 155: The Leading Lady

"Serious business?" Robert Downey Jr. buckled his seatbelt and adjusted to a more comfortable position, "Are you inviting me to act in a movie?"

Murphy didn't turn his head, "Is there a problem with that?"

Robert Downey Jr. showed a disdainful smile, "You're making a low-budget indie film, aren't you?"

"What's wrong with indie films?" Murphy's tone turned cold, sparing no mercy, "Having a film to shoot these days is pretty good already!"

The current Robert Downey Jr. is not the Robert Downey Jr. of the future. His capital has been squandered away in the past few years. Even with the senior Robert Downey Jr.'s influence, landing a role in a major project is just wishful thinking.

The once skyrocketing superstar Robert Downey Jr., who had disparaged indie films as worthless, had ironically acted in numerous low-budget indie films before becoming Iron Man.

While overseas, Murphy was quite fond of Robert Downey Jr. and knew a bit about his background. The situation he faced after leaving prison was indescribably tough. Senior Robert Downey Jr. did indeed have a wide network accumulated over years, but when it came to investing in big movie projects, no one dared to cast a drug addict in a significant role.

It wasn't Hollywood discriminating against drug users; it was the uncertainty of whether someone like Robert Downey Jr. could genuinely complete the job.

The risks involved and Senior Robert Downey Jr.'s connections were simply incomparable.

After his release, Robert Downey Jr. couldn't find any significant roles, at one point only managing to get minor roles in TV shows, until Mel Gibson stepped in, which changed his circumstances.

"What are you trying to say, Downey?" Murphy turned to look at him, scoffing, "Or did you receive movie offers while in jail?"

These words immediately reminded Robert Downey Jr. of his situation, causing an uncomfortable cough.

Though somewhat arrogant, he wasn't delusional about the difficulties ahead.

"Everyone at the top of the film industry pyramid started from the bottom, initially making mostly low-budget films," Murphy said calmly. "No film company or major investor would be foolish enough to hire someone in our situation for big-budget movies."

He snorted, "So, you have no reason not to love low-budget films. Your best way out is to prove yourself with indie films and then return to the mainstream film circle."

Robert Downey Jr.'s carefree smile vanished, perhaps realizing from his tough prison experiences that climbing to a prominent position in this world isn't easy and some things require thought rather than impulsive action.

If he continued being impulsive, he might soon find himself back in jail.

One thing was clear to him: as time passed, the reputation Murphy and Ross had in prison was fading. If he went back, could he protect himself as before?

Many are still interested in movie stars, even has-beens.

Realizing this, Robert Downey Jr.'s face darkened, acknowledging his faded status.

"Downey, my last film made over 60 million dollars in North America from an 800,000 dollar budget," Murphy boasted shamelessly. "My new project is fully backed by CAA, and already five film companies have shown strong interest."

Robert Downey Jr. scratched his head, finally saying, "I suppose I should read the script, right?"

"No problem," Murphy smiled slightly, "You'll see it when we get back."

He glanced at Robert Downey Jr. again. The guy wasn't stubborn. If he couldn't understand his situation and wasn't interested in cooperation, Murphy wouldn't insist.

After returning to Los Angeles, Murphy found Robert Downey Jr.'s situation worse than expected. His house, bought on a loan, had been foreclosed by the bank, he was fined heavily upon imprisonment, and after waiting a year, his agency didn't renew their contract when it expired.

In essence, Robert Downey Jr. was now a homeless, penniless, and agentless ghost.

His best option after release was to return to Senior Robert Downey Jr.'s home.

But at nearly forty, returning home would become a joke in Hollywood.

So, after arriving at Stanton Studios, Robert Downey Jr. chose to stay there temporarily, waiting to negotiate with the bank to activate his account before moving to a hotel.

Handing the script to Robert Downey Jr., Murphy asked Rosa Rodriguez to look after him and continued with his busy schedule.

CAA brought good news: Bill Rosesis successfully poached James Franco, signing an official agency contract with him, along with Murphy, Kerry Mulligan, Jonah Hill, and Seth Rogen, making the project's key personnel all CAA clients.

This was part of CAA's one-stop package service policy.

After Murphy made a call from the business card he had, Bill Rosesis visited the San Fernando Valley to talk to Jenna Jameson. Perhaps intrigued by the success of "Saw" or CAA's reputation, or maybe wanting to break into Hollywood, Jameson didn't refuse the invitation, agreeing in principle to play the lead female role, pending her new agent's arrival and project approval.

She changed agencies, waiting for her new agent before discussing specifics.

The most important news was that several film companies were interested in Murphy's new project.

Harbor Entertainment, DreamWorks, Morris Entertainment, and others had contacted CAA, with Murphy leaving the negotiations to Bill Rosesis, who had more experience in handling such packaged projects.

Murphy personally dealt with Miramax. Despite a previous unpleasant experience, Harvey Weinstein called him personally. The negotiations for "Saw" were purely business, not personal, and in the face of sufficient commercial interests, these were insignificant.

Initially, Murphy thought he would continue working with Fox Searchlight, but they focused more on "Saw's" overseas distribution and sequels, showing less interest in the new project. After several contacts with CAA, there was no substantial progress.

After being personally invited by Harvey Weinstein, Murphy visited Miramax's Burbank office.

"Last time we couldn't work together,"

In a large reception room, Weinstein's face was full of genuine smiles, "I really regretted that."

Murphy thanked a female assistant for the coffee and looked at Weinstein, "Mr. Weinstein..."

"Harvey!" Weinstein insisted, "Murphy, call me Harvey."

Getting straight to the point, Weinstein took Murphy's script and proposal, expressing strong interest in the new project.

Murphy humbly smiled, "It's my honor."

"However, there are a few concerns in the project," Weinstein flipped through the proposal, marking certain points, "I need reasonable explanations."

"Please go ahead," Murphy said.

This was a typical situation before officially establishing a project. Film company executives wouldn't decide on a significant investment based on someone's pitch or just a proposal.

No one's money comes easy, and everyone knows investment comes with risks.

"Your first two films were typical noir, quite brutal and realistic," Weinstein pointed at the script, "This project is also noir CULT, but it has more comedic elements."

Hearing this, Murphy carefully formulated his response, "I believe films are always influenced by the social environment. The events of September had a profound impact on America. Films that are too brutal and realistic aren't a good choice for audiences who have just suffered psychological trauma. A touch of comedy can dilute the film's bloodiness and violence."

In reality, the planned film's gore wouldn't be as exaggerated as before.

Weinstein nodded slightly, seeing Murphy as even smarter than expected.

The young director's understanding that films are influenced by social contexts, a simple yet often ignored truth by some who blindly make films without considering whether their content aligns with the societal mood, which can doom even high-quality films to failure.

This level of awareness in someone so young was rare.

"Also, about the film's budget,"

Though appreciating the young man, Weinstein didn't relax his stance on the budget, "Your proposed 12 million dollars is too high."

Murphy didn't argue; the 12 million was meant to leave room for negotiation.

"If the filming location is in Australia, taking advantage of tax rebates," Weinstein offered a figure, "6 million dollars should be enough."

This was slightly more than Murphy's expectation, but he deferred to his agency, "Harvey, it's best to discuss these details with CAA."

Weinstein nodded, understanding CAA was packaging the project.

Changing the topic, Weinstein asked about Murphy's choices, "I don't understand your thoughts on the leading lady.

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