In need of hype

Winter, the coldest months of the year, is the perfect time to stay at home. During this season, many people tend to gain some extra fat in their bodies.

For the North American film market, the importance of the Christmas season is extraordinary. Since its inception, this period has played a significant role in Hollywood's commercial strategy, second only to the summer blockbuster season in terms of impact, accounting for about 70-80% of the total annual box office revenue.

Naturally, the Christmas season has become a battleground for various interests and careers, and it witnesses the rise and fall of many in the market.

Beverly Hills, a renowned area in North America where wealthy celebrities reside.

At this moment, in an estate occupying half a hill, the morning sun had just climbed up the sky when Halle Berry was already active in her gym.

For female celebrities, maintaining their figures is always harder than others. They not only need to pay attention to their diet but also undergo daily body sculpting exercises.

After half an hour of jogging and a few sets of yoga postures, Halle wiped the sweat off her forehead with a towel and prepared to take a break.

She walked downstairs and saw the female housekeeper sorting and organizing the delivered newspapers. Halle picked up the entertainment section casually and walked to a lounge chair.

"Do you want to have breakfast now?" The housekeeper asked as soon as she sat down.

"A piece of whole wheat bread and a cup of hot milk."

"Alright, right away."

In a short while, the housekeeper brought the milk and the plate with bread, placing them on the small table in front of her.

Halle took a sip of milk and a bite of bread, then opened the newspaper.

However, her brow furrowed slightly after glancing through it.

What's this? Film critics are at it again?

The entertainment headline in the newspaper was a column review about "Fury", written by a film critic named Bella.

The title read: "Ideals are Always Peaceful, History is Always Cruel."

"In the enduring theme of war, there have been many outstanding works, and of course, there have been flops as well. Looking at these films, good or bad, there's always one contradiction: how to balance the story with the grandeur of war scenes. "Saving Private Ryan" emphasized the story, and it succeeded; "Black Hawk Down" focused on the battlefield, and it also succeeded. What's most challenging is when a film tries to explore both aspects, yet fails to excel in either. As for "Fury", in my opinion, it leans towards the story, depicting the war through the perspective of a tank crew.

After watching it, besides being impressed by the fleshed-out characters crafted by the director, the most significant feeling I had was authenticity.

Bodies scattered everywhere, bloodshed, the tanks rolling over them.

Some say this film's authenticity lies in the detailed costumes and props, but I disagree.

That could only mean that the production team put effort into the filming, but what's truly authentic is the war itself.

What's truly heartbreaking is not the sacrifice of a few characters, but the film's portrayal of a stark reality.

War always claims lives, so why can't it be yours?

That statement is not wrong at all.

Writing these words and expressing my feelings, at this moment, I can't truly experience the grandeur of the battlefield; I can only feel its cruelty and fear.

Just like the newcomer Norman in the film, when he aimed his gun at the enemy for the first time, his trembling hands were terrifying. Perhaps he couldn't understand why he had to kill that person. He is a soldier, and the other side is a soldier too, but once they step onto the battlefield, they become enemies.

Is this absurd? I don't think so.

One must always consider their position, it's about national affairs, global matters, not personal issues.

From the moment you step onto the battlefield, your eyes must only see two kinds of people: comrades and enemies.

I am grateful to live in this era, to have them, our ancestors who endured all this for us, and thank them for fighting for our right to make choices...

In the end, I want to say that "Fury" is well-made. It doesn't discuss right or wrong, it simply tells the story of a few soldiers, hoping it will suit your taste."

Halle Berry felt a bit annoyed. Why did they write like this? Why didn't they review "Die Another Day"?

With a bad mood, she continued to read several praises for "Fury" until she turned the page. Gradually, the corners of her mouth began to lift.

"The story is clichéd, and the plot lacks originality. It's just rehashing elements from previous war movies. Does changing the tank type make it worthy of praise?"

Obviously, MGM Family Entertainment had already begun its public relations campaign against "Fury". Everyone was a competitor, and such smear tactics were common.

"The tanks are cool, and the scenes are impressive, but the plot is predictable. It's a typical brainless commercial entertainment film. After watching it, I don't remember anything it said."

Even though she knew that most of these negative reviews were orchestrated by their own side, Halle still enjoyed browsing through them. It was as if seeing these reviews allowed her to imagine "Die Another Day" crushing "Fury" at the box office.

No one in the entertainment industry is naive; you can't survive being naive.

Halle naturally understood that her competitor was gaining momentum, and she was seeking some psychological comfort.

She had already seen the news coverage of her own film, even with the premise of public relations, "Fury" had surpassed it in terms of reputation.

In fact, this was within her expectations. After all, the "007" series had generated so many films; how could it maintain the initial grandeur?

Besides, Paramount Pictures wasn't foolish. They weren't just sitting idly. Their publicity department was also actively promoting their film while unhesitatingly striking their competitors.

Feeling a bit frustrated after finishing breakfast, the phone in the living room suddenly rang.

Halle stood up, and the female housekeeper already spoke, "It's a call from your agent."

She picked up the phone, "Jones, what's the matter?"

...

As she listened to her agent's message, Halle's face gradually darkened.

"So, you're at home, right? Wait for me; I'll be there shortly."

Soon after, Halle's agent, Jones, arrived.

Her expression was also grim, and she said with a slight frown, "We need to figure out a way, or else we might suffer some losses."

Halle naturally knew that her current status was not solely due to her Oscar-winning accolades, but also because she had established herself in the realm of commercial films. She proved her market appeal, which earned her numerous opportunities to play leading female roles. If "Die Another Day" received poor feedback, she would undoubtedly be the first scapegoat.

Would anyone blame "Bond"? He had appeared in so many films; how could changing the leading lady affect its success?

The media wouldn't bother to consider the multitude of factors that contribute to a film's reception. They would seize one topic and sensationalize it.

"Halle Berry is the worst Bond girl in history..."

"Her appearance is a complete mistake..."

No need to wonder; when Halle received that phone call, she knew that if she continued to be overshadowed, the media would definitely mock her.

In recent years, she had been too successful and blocked the path for many others. After all, there were only so many leading female roles available, and everyone was a competitor. How could they let go of the opportunity to take advantage of her misfortune? To make fun of her and step on her, isn't that the essence of the entertainment industry?

"What should we do?" Halle asked anxiously.

The box office statistics for the second day were already out, and apart from being overshadowed by "Fury" in terms of reputation, the box office of both films was now nearly equal.

One earned $12.36M, and the other $13.16M.

In comparison, although there was still a slight advantage, don't forget that the box office growth of "Fury" was higher than that of "Die Another Day". This was not a good sign.

"I just consulted with MGM, and their plan is to generate publicity by creating a romantic relationship between you and Bond. They will work on this aspect to attract attention and generate buzz," agent Jones hesitated for a moment but eventually brought up the proposal. She came over today mainly for this matter.

"Why?" Halle was very puzzled. Although film promotions often involve creating rumors about actors' romantic relationships, she, with a certain level of fame, rarely engaged in such activities. After all, once this kind of thing is not handled well, it could easily lead to a loss of favorability among her fellow countrymen.

The film industry has many chaotic private lives, but no one wants to leave a bad impression on their fans or the public because of such matters. People saying things like "slut" is truly offensive.

It's not good, not good at all, this is very strange. In the past, her agent rarely agreed to use such tactics, so what happened today?

"MGM's idea is to create buzz around your romantic relationship during the film's release, and when the screening ends, find an opportunity to end it. As for the loss, if handled well, the attention you receive will be much more direct than just an impression. Halle, your name is not loud enough; you need this," Jones explained.

Halle pondered for a long time before saying, "You guys handle it."

After speaking, she returned to the gym for her workout.

She didn't care about whether her romantic relationship would be promoted or not. What she cared about was whether the gains and losses in this entire situation were worth it.

Obviously, Jones had a point. The rumors about Bond and his Bond girl would definitely benefit her. Since they didn't mind, she had nothing to say.

In any case, isn't a female celebrity's love life a carnival of increasing her value? Those who understand, understand.