Chapter 139: Untouchable

"Congratulations, Director Stanton..."

"Murphy, I didn't expect you to be so young."

At the outdoor banquet, since everyone raised their glasses to celebrate, people kept coming over to greet Murphy, including executives from Fox Searchlight, producers from the 20th Century Fox film division, editors of media magazines, and some agents.

Their faces all bore brilliant smiles, and their words were sweeter than honey.

Even Murphy, amidst such flattery, felt somewhat elated, feeling as if he had truly become a big shot.

If it were any other person of his age, they might have lost themselves, but Murphy, despite being intoxicated, maintained enough rationality and clarity.

He knew this was just the beginning, not the peak, and there was still a long way to go. It wasn't time to stop and enjoy yet.

After Gordon-Clyde left Murphy's side to greet the people from 20th Century Fox, he passed by a table laden with food, where a large man suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Hello, Harvey." Gordon-Clyde, of course, recognized Harvey Weinstein's chubby face. "I didn't expect you to come."

Harvey Weinstein smiled, "Congratulations, Gordon, on making a good deal."

"You're too kind." Gordon-Clyde's smile was particularly brilliant. "It's Fox Searchlight's good fortune to offer terms that satisfy Stanton's studio."

Given their competitive relationship, his words naturally weren't polite. "I also have to thank you, Harvey. If not for the harsh terms offered by Miramax, this box office hit..."

Gordon-Clyde emphasized his tone, "This $60 million box office hit wouldn't have been distributed by Fox Searchlight."

Harvey Weinstein's chubby face turned somewhat ugly, but he didn't erupt in anger. Instead, he said, "I admit, I was wrong to underestimate Murphy Stanton's ability."

"We never underestimated Murphy. We have been firmly supporting him," Gordon-Clyde spoke as if stating the truth. "So now, Fox Searchlight is the winner."

He laughed heartily, then exchanged a few more pleasantries before walking away.

Watching Gordon-Clyde's back, Harvey Weinstein downed the drink in his hand and turned to walk towards Murphy.

He knew he had made a mistake, though he would never admit it out loud, but he would correct it privately.

If a director's low-budget production can achieve high returns once, it might be luck. But what about twice? It can't all be explained by luck.

Just like Quentin Tarantino initially did with "Reservoir Dogs," sparking interest, and "Pulp Fiction" thoroughly proved the director's capability!

Although the films produced by Murphy Stanton couldn't compare with "Pulp Fiction," his grasp of the market was clearly stronger than Quentin Tarantino, who had been in a slump in recent years.

Having struggled in Hollywood for so many years, Harvey Weinstein knew well the principle that chasing successful people makes success easier. When a director is successful, they might continue to succeed smoothly; when they fail, they might continue to face failures.

Murphy Stanton was clearly on the rise, which is a director's most valuable phase.

Murphy stood on the balcony of the outdoor banquet hall, having just entertained a group of people. Just as he was about to catch his breath, he noticed a familiar chubby figure approaching from the opposite side.

"Congratulations, Murphy," Harvey Weinstein walked up to him, resting his hands on the balcony railing and looking out at Beverly Hills. "You've brought me so many surprises."

"Thank you!" Murphy also turned to look outside, smiling modestly. "Actually, I'm surprised myself."

His tone was calm, without any arrogance, as if the achievements were insignificant.

Harvey Weinstein turned to look at Murphy. Before coming over, he had prepared himself for a young and proud person who might use the opportunity to humiliate him. However, the scene turned out to be quite different.

Maintaining a calm attitude during success is very rare, especially in the restless place that is Hollywood. Harvey Weinstein regarded him even more highly.

Murphy, after all, wasn't the young Robert Downey Jr. or Tom Cruise. He did have grievances about Harvey Weinstein's previous pressure but wouldn't be foolish enough to show it. Even if he now rebuked Harvey Weinstein, what good would it do besides a momentary satisfaction?

He just looked at the night view of Beverly Hills, overlooking the distant Hollywood sign, pondering how to utilize the power of Miramax.

A director need not make enemies with any film company; that would be the most foolish act.

Think of Spielberg's collaboration with Universal Studios for "Schindler's List" and "Jurassic Park," despite their disagreements. Years later, they still collaborated on "Jurassic Park 2."

In this circle, a wise director doesn't have eternal enemies.

Harvey Weinstein turned his gaze from afar, looking back. "Murphy, as long as I'm at Miramax, a film contract will always be waiting for you."

Murphy was somewhat surprised that Harvey Weinstein came over to say this, but he responded politely, "Thank you."

The other side nodded and walked away.

Watching the chubby figure leave, Murphy pondered. Harvey Weinstein becoming a mogul in Hollywood was no simple feat. A person who could make a unique talent like Quentin Tarantino willingly collaborate for years must have his extraordinary aspects.

"What are you thinking about?" A familiar voice came from the side. "So lost in thought that you didn't even see me coming?"

Murphy turned around to see Kara Firth, dressed in a black evening gown, resting her hand on the railing, looking his way.

"Just thinking how complex this circle is," Murphy sighed.

Kara Firth glanced in the direction Harvey Weinstein left. "It's complex if you say so, but also very simple."

Murphy leaned on the railing. "Seems like I need some guidance from you, my teacher."

"For our friendship's sake, I won't charge you this time," Kara Firth joked for once before getting serious. "All business circles cooperate because of interests and split because of them."

"You're an outright materialist!" Murphy shook his head in mock disdain.

Kara Firth retorted in the same tone, "Don't forget, we're the same kind of people."

Murphy then looked outside, from where he could enjoy the entire Los Angeles night view, giving one the sense of overlooking everything.

The sun had long set, and the late August night breeze carried a hint of coolness. Murphy thought about the time and suddenly asked, "Have you been to Columbia University recently?"

"Didn't I tell you?" Kara Firth stood next to Murphy, also looking outside. "The six-month advanced study is over. I'll be staying in Los Angeles for the next few months, not going anywhere."

She turned to look this way. "Are you planning to treat me to a big meal?"

"A big meal?" Murphy pointed at her tall figure. "Eat more, and you'll turn into a fat woman."

After returning from the prison visit, he had contacted Ross, who is a local big shot in Los Angeles and wouldn't run off to New York; Kara Firth was busy with work, definitely not leaving Los Angeles; James Franco and the other guys were planning a vacation in the Caribbean...

And Carey Mulligan, wherever he went, she would surely follow.

Now, there was nothing to worry about. As for the Twin Towers, sorry, but he was powerless to intervene.

He didn't have a death wish to touch that matter.

Kara Firth didn't respond to Murphy's words but asked, "What about you? What are you planning next? A new film?"

"No..." Murphy raised his finger and shook it. "I'm planning to go on vacation."

He wasn't Superman; after being busy continuously, he naturally felt tired and planned to find a place for a vacation after "Saw" was off the screens in North America.

"Do you want to go on vacation?" Jonah Hill's voice suddenly rang out, as he and a group of people came over from behind. "Why not go to the Caribbean with me?"

He was clearly drunk, his tongue a bit heavy, completely forgetting Carey Mulligan was beside him, and chuckled, "There are a lot of hot Latinas there, easy to hook up with!"

"Jonah! You idiot..."

Seeing Carey Mulligan's already dark face turn darker, Seth Rogen quickly stuffed a glass of wine into Jonah Hill's hand, "Shut your mouth."

Carey Mulligan glanced at the two men and walked up to Murphy, taking his arm. "Why are you hiding here?"

She pointed to the crew members behind. "They all want to have a drink with you."

Kara Firth turned to look at them and said to Murphy, "I'll leave first, not to disturb you."

She nodded to the only familiar James Franco and left.

With the only non-crew member gone, others brought over wine and glasses, toasting with Murphy. The success of a film couldn't be achieved without these collaborators, and Murphy welcomed them all.

As the drinks flowed, the reservations lessened, and James Franco suddenly said, "Murphy, the four of us haven't gathered for a long time. How about we all go on a vacation to the Caribbean?"

He was a bit smarter than Jonah Hill. "Ah... and, and Carey."

Murphy was somewhat tempted. The Caribbean's scenery had always been well-regarded. He turned to look at Carey Mulligan beside him. "Dear, what do you think?"

"I don't want to go." She had always had issues with James Franco, so how could she agree? "The Caribbean is too hot."

She looked towards the crowd, pointing at the lighting technician David Robbie. "We discussed the vacation before, and I think David's hometown is quite nice."

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT