Chapter 73: Special Screening

So engrossed was Murphy in preparing for his new project that he completely forgot his first film had already been released in theaters. On the way to the cinema, he called Jones Butler to get some updates on the situation.

Miramax had done some initial promotion for "Hard Candy," placing posters and trailers in select theaters and airing TV commercials late at night on two public channels.

Miramax's promotion of "Hard Candy" was restrained and budget-conscious, in line with the film's modest production costs. They couldn't afford to spend too much on marketing without risking a loss.

As the car pulled into the parking lot of a relatively secluded theater in Santa Monica, Carey Mulligan's voice rang out from the passenger seat. "Are you really a director? How could you not know your own film premiered last Friday!"

Watching Murphy park the car, her doll-like face was full of indignation. "I wanted to see it in London, but there were no screenings there."

"Alright, darling," Murphy said, motioning for her to get out of the car. "I've been busy with the new movie."

Carey Mulligan shut the passenger door, turning to glare at Murphy. "A new movie? What's it about?"

"That's a secret." Murphy locked the car and led the way towards the west-side theater. When Carey Mulligan caught up and tugged on his arm, he added, "You'll see the script once it's finished."

Carey Mulligan's face lit up with a wide smile.

As they entered the cinema, Carey Mulligan pointed excitedly to the poster display. "Look, Murphy, our poster."

In a corner at the front, the poster for "Hard Candy" designed by Miramax was displayed. It showed a little girl in a red hood standing in the foreground, while a menacing figure in gray loomed behind her.

"I'll get the tickets."

Murphy went over to buy two tickets, and they entered the screening room. Despite "Hard Candy" being rated R, having Murphy with her made it easy for Carey Mulligan to get in. In North America, it wasn't uncommon for minors to sneak into R-rated films.

"There are so few people here," Carey Mulligan remarked, looking around. "Most of the seats are empty."

It was a small theater that could hold about a hundred people, but including Murphy and Carey Mulligan, there were less than fifteen viewers.

"That's normal," Murphy reminded her. "Don't forget, it's a Monday."

Niche films rarely drew large audiences.

In fact, during his phone call, Jones Butler had mentioned some relevant screening data. "Hard Candy" had opened in North American theaters the previous Friday, with Miramax securing screenings in ten theaters. It grossed $36,538 on Friday, with slightly better numbers on Saturday and Sunday, breaking the $100,000 mark over the opening weekend.

This meant that "Hard Candy" had achieved a per-theater average of over $10,000 in its debut weekend, earning it a chance for wider release.

There was no denying Miramax's skill in distributing independent films. Starting from this Monday, "Hard Candy" expanded to 160 theaters across North America.

As the film began, Carey Mulligan fell silent, completely absorbed in the movie. When Hayley first appeared on screen and turned around, Murphy saw tears in her eyes, her body trembling with emotion.

Achieving one's dream is always an overwhelming experience.

Murphy understood this feeling well. He reached out and gently patted Carey Mulligan's arm. She turned, wiped away her tears, and tried to smile at him, then lowered her head and playfully butted his shoulder.

They shared a smile and turned their attention back to the film.

Soon, Carey Mulligan was grinning from ear to ear.

With so few people, most viewers were clustered in the middle rows, and their murmured comments occasionally reached Murphy and Carey Mulligan.

"That girl is really good."

"She's so pretty, so cute, so cool!"

"I like that girl. I love her red outfit and sneakers too."

People behind them even commented on her performance.

"That little girl's acting is amazing. She's really scary."

Hearing these remarks, Carey Mulligan felt as though she was floating on air. It was even better than the feeling of drinking Chivas with Murphy.

Though there were some voices critical of the film's intensity, most comments about Carey Mulligan's performance were positive.

Murphy also believed Carey Mulligan had done an excellent job. Her nearly natural performance had effectively hidden her flaws, and her looks added significant appeal compared to the original actor, Ellen Page.

Audiences often respond to appearances.

The final scene, where Little Red Riding Hood turned the tables on the Big Bad Wolf, drew gasps of amazement, delighting the women and discomfiting the men...

As the screening ended, the audience trickled out, with Murphy and Carey Mulligan being among the last to leave.

"Did I do well?" Carey Mulligan asked eagerly.

Murphy nodded. "You did very well..."

A hint of disappointment crossed Carey Mulligan's face. She swayed, humming, "Just very well?"

"Darling, you have to let me finish," Murphy shook his head and continued walking. When Carey Mulligan followed eagerly, he added, "You performed better than James Franco."

Carey Mulligan lifted her chin proudly. "I'll do even better next time."

Following Murphy out of the screening room, she glanced back at the promotional poster, admiring the striking image of Little Red Riding Hood.

The only thing that disappointed her was the small audience.

How wonderful it would be if the theater had been packed with people all praising her performance.

Thinking about these things, Carey Mulligan followed Murphy out of the theater, squinting at the bright sunlight. To her right, a voice with a hint of confusion called out.

"Excuse me..." A brunette girl, about twenty years old, looked at her and asked, "Are you... Hayley?"

"Hayley?" Carey Mulligan was momentarily confused.

Murphy also heard the question and turned, reminding her, "Hayley from the movie."

Realization dawned on Carey Mulligan, and her eyes crinkled in a smile. She politely extended a hand. "Hello, I'm Carey Mulligan."

After the brunette shook her hand, Carey Mulligan added, "I played Hayley in 'Hard Candy'."

The brunette looked thrilled. "Really? You were amazing!"