Chapter 209: Purpose

Suddenly, Murphy found a topic to continue the conversation. Two people who have just met can find it awkward to stand together without a common topic, and it's difficult to stay together for long without one.

Following Gal Gadot's words, he asked, "Why do you think so? I think 'Chicago' is quite good, whether it's the choreography or the dark humor, it's all done extremely well. It could even be said to be the pinnacle of musical films in the past twenty years."

"Do you think it's better than 'The Pianist'?" Gal Gadot obviously disagreed with Murphy, "Do you think 'Chicago' deserves the award more? Roman Polanski's meticulously crafted artistic masterpiece, isn't it better than a Broadway musical adaptation?"

Clearly, she had some understanding of the film industry, but it was only superficial.

"Yes!" Murphy shrugged slightly, "I think 'Chicago' deserves the Best Picture Oscar more than 'The Pianist'!"

Gal Gadot seemed surprised by Murphy's answer, and suddenly blurted out something in Hebrew, her mother tongue, which Murphy didn't understand.

Realizing she had misspoken, she switched back to accented English, "Why?"

Before Murphy could answer, she continued, "The Pianist' reflects a real historical period! It's a reenactment of the tragic past of a nation! It's also a lash at Nazi extremists! Isn't such a film excellent enough? Or do you, as an American director, have a bias towards American films?"

"Of course not!" Murphy immediately denied.

Gal Gadot turned to look at him, seemingly waiting for a reasonable explanation.

Murphy pointed to an empty table nearby, "Let's sit there and talk."

Gal Gadot, wearing high heels, felt a bit tired in her legs and hesitated slightly before nodding.

The two walked to the table, and Murphy pulled out a chair for her. After Gal Gadot sat down, he waved to a waiter not far away and called him over.

"Two glasses of water," Murphy specifically requested, "no other beverages, thank you."

Gal Gadot glanced at him, the young director who seemed tall and strong also appeared to be very considerate.

The waiter quickly brought the glasses of water. Gal Gadot took a sip and continued the topic, urging, "Why do you say 'Chicago' should win Best Picture over 'The Pianist'? There must be a reason, right?"

Her face still had the naive freshness of a young girl, but she was full of interest in the film industry.

Murphy didn't answer right away but asked, "Gal, why do you think 'The Pianist' should win the award?"

Unknowingly, he was drawing their relationship closer.

Gal Gadot's focus was entirely on the topic and didn't mind these details. Hearing Murphy's question, she immediately said, "Didn't I just say? 'The Pianist' reflects the most realistic part of a history that should never be forgotten. It also nails the Nazis permanently to the pillar of shame. It's also a testimony to the resilience of a nation!"

When talking about the Nazis, she clenched her teeth, a typical reaction of someone who grew up with Israeli education.

At this point, Murphy understood that Gal Gadot was just mixing personal emotions and preferences into her views.

"Gal, your view is biased," Murphy didn't agree with her so-called reasons, "A film that reflects a history that should never be forgotten deserves an award? A film that nails the Nazis to the pillar of shame deserves the Oscar? A testimony to the resilience of a nation is the choice of the Oscar judges?"

He shook his head, just about to continue, when Gal Gadot suddenly asked, "What do you mean?"

Suspicion appeared in her bright eyes, "Do you think the suffering of the Jewish people is not worth acknowledging?"

"Of course not!" Murphy hadn't expected the girl, despite her young age, to be as sensitive as some traditional Jews, and quickly said, "Gal, I'm just discussing the issue."

In Hollywood, although better than the fragility of black people, the Jewish persecution complex...

Murphy subtly shook his head and continued, "Who can deny that history, right? We are discussing the 75th Oscar Best Picture, not that past history."

Perhaps because of history, some Jews are overly sensitive, and the girl across from him seemed to be the same.

Gal Gadot retracted her sudden sharpness and nodded, "Director Stanton..."

"Murphy," he emphasized, "call me Murphy."

"Murphy," Gal Gadot didn't insist and continued, "Stop beating around the bush, tell me your reasons."

Her somewhat naive face was facing Murphy, full of urgency.

"The success of a film is not only related to the film itself but also closely related to the social context," Murphy didn't let her wait any longer and gave his reason, "From a broader social perspective, 9/11 happened less than two years ago, the war in Afghanistan is still raging, and America has experienced too much cruelty and pain. A similarly cruel movie easily brings back these painful memories. On the other hand, 'Chicago'? "

He smiled and said, "Musical, comedy, satire, joy... and it's an adaptation of a famous traditional play, quality guaranteed. It appeals more to the current Oscar judges than cruelty."

"But 'The Pianist' still got Best Director!" Gal Gadot objected.

"Just like you said," Murphy reminded, "Roman Polanski is Jewish, and 'The Pianist' reflects Jewish history."

He spread his hands, "The next part might be unpleasant for you, but it's a fact recognized by all of Hollywood."

Gal Gadot seemed not to mind, "Go ahead, I don't mind."

"As everyone knows, Jewish power in Hollywood is quite substantial," Murphy said calmly, "With the support of many Jewish judges, ensuring Roman Polanski gets the Oscar for Best Director isn't too difficult."

"But it's the Oscars..." Gal Gadot didn't quite believe Murphy's words, "Oscar judging..."

"Should be fair and just, right?" Murphy smiled and shook his head, "Oscar judges are human, and humans can be influenced. The Oscars are not only a competition of the films themselves but also a competition of a movie company's overall capabilities from promotion to distribution to public relations. Otherwise, how could Harvey's company win so many Oscars in recent years? He is recognized in Hollywood as a PR master!"

He looked at Gal Gadot, who was deep in thought, and continued, "Best Director and Best Actor can go to Roman Polanski and Adrien Brody, but 'The Pianist' didn't do well in PR. Even if the judges are biased, they can't give all the awards to this film. They have to share some with others, right?"

"Among others, 'Chicago' is the most favored by the judges," Gal Gadot gradually understood Murphy's point, "and had the best PR?"

"That's right." Murphy nodded lightly, "This is my personal understanding."

Gal Gadot thought for a while and said, "Makes sense."

Murphy shrugged. Ever since Harvey Weinstein and Miramax joined the Oscar race, the battle for the Oscars' heavyweight awards had become a PR feast. It's almost a given that without PR, winning is impossible.

"Do you have a lot of interest in the film industry?" Murphy suddenly asked.

Gal Gadot didn't deny it, "I am somewhat interested, but right now, I'm more focused on finishing this competition."

Murphy took a sip of water, "If you want to enter Hollywood, you'll have many natural advantages."

"Because I'm Jewish?" Gal Gadot was smart enough to infer this from Murphy's previous words, "Will I receive a lot of care?"

"Care is an overstatement," Murphy shook his head, "but under the same conditions, many crews and companies will prefer you."

This is almost an open secret in Hollywood, Jewish actors get more opportunities.

Of course, for non-Jewish people like Murphy, this was not a likable fact.

"Are you interested in entering Hollywood?" Murphy asked again.

Hearing this, Gal Gadot showed wariness, "Do you think I have talent?"

At tonight's party, a few people claiming to be directors approached her, saying they thought she had acting talent, suitable for some roles in their crews...

Gal Gadot wasn't naive. With reminders from people like Avi Nir, she knew they were feigning interest in her "talent" and were actually interested in her body.

From the previous discussion, she had some good feelings for this young director. Avi Nir said Hollywood was full of lies, but at least the other party was speaking truthfully, not just agreeing with her against their will.

Now, it seemed, he wasn't much different from those others...

Murphy was interested in this girl, otherwise, he wouldn't have approached her directly. The words he had just said were his true opinions. When Gal Gadot asked about talent, his answer was naturally no exception.

"We've only talked for a bit, and I haven't seen your performance," Murphy shook his head again, "I can't be sure of your acting talent, but..."

He looked at Gal Gadot's face that matched his aesthetic, "I'm sure of one thing, if you become an actress, because of this pretty face, you will be categorized by most people as a talentless 'vase,' and it will be very difficult to shake off this label, especially since you've participated in beauty pageants."

No one likes to be described as a 'vase,' and Gal Gadot was no exception. However, the overt and covert compliments about her looks made her mood unconsciously improve.

She looked deeply at Murphy, seemingly trying to see through his intentions.

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