Chapter 90: Rapid Progress

The morning sunlight streamed through the bright windows, casting a golden glow on the drawn curtains. Murphy emerged from the bathroom, a toothbrush in his mouth, standing before the dressing mirror. Apart from slightly red eyes, there were no significant signs of yesterday's drunkenness.

He shook his head at the mirror, noticing that his headache had suddenly vanished. Returning to the bathroom to spit out the foam, he stood there dazed for a moment. Maybe yesterday's wild night really helped him relax.

With the experience of shooting "Hard Candy," he gradually discovered some patterns to his headaches. They tended to appear when his work pressure was high and his nerves were tense. When he fully relaxed, the inexplicable pain would disappear as well.

If he could always live in a state of relaxation, Murphy believed the aftereffects of this peculiar experience would heal without medication.

But that was clearly impossible. In a highly competitive society, unless he was without desires and completely indifferent to his future, continuous relaxation was a luxury he couldn't afford.

However, how many people in this world could achieve such a state?

After washing up, Murphy called for a delivery breakfast. He then went downstairs to the living room. Since the entire crew had a day off to rest and recharge for the upcoming shoot, the studio was silent and empty.

Taking a project plan from a file on one of the desks, Murphy found a random chair and sat down, reviewing it once more.

With filming about to begin, he had to meticulously address every aspect of the work, identifying any potential oversight in the plan.

He spent the entire day hiding at home, maintaining a relatively quiet state both audibly and mentally.

Early the next morning, he drove to the small town of Venice and entered the office at the warehouse entrance. The first thing he told Paul Wilson, who was already waiting there, was that the project's code name M2 was officially renamed "Saw."

"Saw?"

The news quickly spread to the set. While getting his makeup done, James Franco asked Seth Rogen beside him, "Why did they choose that name?"

Seth Rogen reminded him, "Isn't the guy in the script nicknamed Jigsaw?"

With Murphy's arrival, the set became busy. By the basement bathroom set, Helena Espola was conducting final checks, inspecting the setup. At the designated camera positions, Philippe Roussel was adjusting the camera, while his assistant was testing a handheld camera. David Roby was using a boom to adjust the main background light, continuously exchanging opinions with Murphy to determine its optimal placement.

Inside the set, Beck Kleiberth was squatting on the ground, inspecting the prop shackles. His large hand repeatedly brushed over the metallic-looking rubber props, ensuring they were smooth enough not to injure the actors' ankles.

Murphy coordinated all the tasks, with information from each department flowing to him.

There were many people around the set's periphery, even though today's shoot would only involve scenes between James Franco and Seth Rogen. Most of the main actors still showed up.

Bill Rosas was also there. Murphy was on his list of super potential clients, and he wouldn't miss the start of a new project. Besides, he had to accompany two other potential clients.

Carey Mulligan, dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans, stood with her arms crossed, her eyes fixed on Murphy.

Beside her, the shorter Lily blinked her curious eyes, also watching the set.

"David, move the main background light three feet to the left, place it at a 45-degree angle to the bathtub and test it," Murphy's shouts echoed through the set, "Don't turn on all the fluorescent lights. I want one flickering when turned on."

"Philippe, use the handheld camera for the first shot, and pay attention to the shake."

"Helen! Have you tested the glass in the set? Will it shatter? OK!"

"Jack! Jack! Are the actors ready? How much longer?"

Watching Murphy methodically command the entire crew, Bill Rosas nodded slightly. Compared to his last shoot as a novice, Murphy had matured rapidly, exuding the confidence of a successful director.

He had participated in much of the pre-production work. Murphy's most notable trait was his rapid progress.

Bill Rosas had signed several directors, but most of them disappeared after their first film, never getting a second chance.

This guy? His first film nearly quintupled its budget at the North American box office. Miramax's distribution capabilities were key, but Murphy's successful integration of commercial elements couldn't be ignored.

As an agent, especially working at CAA, Bill Rosas knew Hollywood well. He understood how a newcomer director could gain attention, realize their value, and elevate the agent's status.

One way was to win prestigious awards. Looking at Murphy's age and considering the resources Bill had, these awards seemed far off in the future.

The other was commercial success, simply put, box office performance.

In Bill Rosas' view, nothing was more practical than box office results. Film art was ultimately metaphysical; no one would invest in purely artistic films. Even if they did, these films couldn't escape the commercial aspects. Films were products of money and power.

In today's world, without the appreciation of powerful figures, starting from low-budget films and slowly evolving into mainstream directors was a path many young filmmakers had to take. If a director's low-budget film could achieve high box office returns, it would undoubtedly accelerate their career.

Bill Rosas had read the script. While a script in Hollywood didn't necessarily represent the final product, it did indicate certain aspects. "Saw" had a storyline and selling points that far exceeded "Hard Candy." Murphy's progress was evident to him, and he believed Murphy would do better than "Hard Candy."

"See that, kid." Carey Mulligan pointed at Murphy, telling Lily beside her, "Murphy will definitely be the best director."

Lily, only twelve, came from a well-off background and had seen much. She shook her head in disagreement, "I live in Beverly Hills and have never heard of him! He's just a small-time director who shoots B-movies!"

"You little brat, what do you know!" Carey Mulligan turned back, glaring at Lily. Unfortunately, her baby face wasn't intimidating at all. She raised a finger and forcefully said, "In ten years, Murphy will be one of Hollywood's top directors!"

"Whatever..." Lily looked disdainful.

On the set, James Franco and Seth Rogen had taken their positions, and filming was about to begin. Carey Mulligan quickly shut her mouth, even lightening her breath, afraid to disturb Murphy's shoot.