Chapter 58: Nightmare

Park City, Utah, is renowned across America for its skiing, but come mid-January, film becomes the city's sole theme. Filmmakers like Murphy, desperately seeking opportunities, converge here from all over the world, like sharks drawn to the scent of blood, hoping for a breakthrough that would elevate them from obscurity to fame and fortune.

Simply put, countless filmmakers regard the Sundance Film Festival as a springboard for their careers.

This festival is also teeming with various film evaluators and buyers, who might come from distribution companies or videotape publishers.

They all share a common trait: they have the power to present a personal film to a wide audience.

Bundled up in thick clothes, walking the streets of Park City, Murphy saw movie-related content everywhere. The streets were filled with professional viewers in suits, rushing around. These professionals not only focused on the officially screened films in theaters but sometimes whispered with those promoting their works on the street, doing everything possible to find profitable films.

While passing a square, Murphy stopped Paul Wilson to take a look. Although it was only mid-afternoon, a considerable number of people had already gathered, equipped with simple projection devices, ready to screen their works once night fell.

This was another way to market their films. They might have shot their works with a camcorder, hoping to be the next "The Blair Witch Project."

Without an invitation, Murphy might have been among them. But having one only meant a slightly higher entry ticket.

And this ticket came with a price.

Crossing the square and turning a corner, Murphy reached the film festival committee office. After some inquiries at the door, he quickly found the corresponding office. He took out his invitation and relevant materials to complete the screening procedures.

"Mr. Stanton,"

A middle-aged woman with glasses behind the desk spoke formally, "According to the schedule, your film will be screened at Morris Theater on the 20th in the afternoon. You need to pay an entry fee of $3,000, a printing materials fee of $200, theater screening fee of $300, staff wages of $300..."

Listening to the series of fees, Murphy felt overwhelmed but had no choice. Any film wanting to participate in a festival requires the producer to pay an entry fee, often substantial, and other expenses such as printing promotional materials, transportation, staff wages, screening costs, and PR activities.

Fortunately, this was the Sundance Film Festival, where the fees were relatively low. Murphy ultimately paid $5,000 to complete all procedures.

Murphy could only sigh. Film is an art, but realizing this art requires money as the most basic condition.

Anyone who's been to a film festival knows that hosting an event requires lots of space and manpower, which costs a lot. Although festivals have sponsors, they still charge basic fees. Major festivals, including Sundance and the three major European film festivals, also take a cut from films sold during the festival.

Leaving the committee office, Murphy had no interest in wandering around. Park City was full of people just like him.

Under the night sky, back in his hotel room, Murphy ordered a simple dinner. Sitting by the window, he ate while watching outside. Park City was brightly lit, with people bustling on the streets. From his high vantage point, he could see larger open spaces illuminated by the unique glow of screens. This place had become a city that never slept, dedicated to film.

After dinner, he first called Bill Rosseys. With many clients under him, Rosseys couldn't focus solely on Murphy. He would come to Park City only on the day "Hard Candy" was screened. Murphy had also contacted several distribution company viewers who would be in the theater.

Perhaps because he was away from Los Angeles, or maybe because he had been busy for months, always working with others, or perhaps this wait before dawn was the most torturous. After hanging up, Murphy felt a sense of loneliness.

In Bill Rosseys' eyes, Murphy was a diligent, promising individual.

In Paul Wilson's eyes, he was incredibly lucky to direct a real feature film in his early twenties.

In James Franco's eyes, he was despicable and deceitful.

In Carey Mulligan's eyes, he was understanding and the best person in the world.

Murphy roughly understood their views of him but knew deep down that he wasn't who they thought he was.

For some reason, Murphy thought of Kara Faith, now in New York. They were truly kindred spirits, but Kara Faith, supported by Fox Television, had returned to her alma mater for further studies. Her career would surely rise again, but what about him?

Though he had obtained a key, Murphy knew his future path was still unclear.

Instinctively, he picked up his phone and input Kara Faith's number. Just as he was about to press call, his phone rang. The screen displayed an unfamiliar number.

He answered, "Hello, this is Murphy Stanton."

"Hi, Murphy."

A clear voice came through the receiver. "It's Carey."

"I recognize your voice."

Hearing the familiar voice, Murphy's mood lifted a bit. "Why are you calling now?"

"I just snuck out of the house and am using a payphone to call you," Carey Mulligan answered, avoiding the question. "Murphy, has the film screening time been set?"

Murphy stood up, "The 20th of this month."

"So exciting." Carey Mulligan's voice gradually turned low. "I... I miss you, Murphy."

Switching the phone to his other hand, Murphy frowned slightly. He hadn't had a chance to say anything when Carey Mulligan continued, "I dreamed about you. Okay, I have to go. My mom's looking for me. If she finds out I'm calling you, it'll be bad."

The call ended quickly. The image of her adorable doll-like face suddenly popped into Murphy's mind, and he couldn't help but smile. He wasn't James Franco, after all.

Maybe it was because you dream about what you think about during the day, but that night Murphy dreamed of Carey Mulligan. In the dream, the blonde girl wielded a sharp knife, walking towards him, tied to a chair. Her cute, innocent doll-like face bore a smile, but the knife aimed cruelly at his vital parts...

For two consecutive nights, Murphy woke up from such nightmares. Fortunately, with "Hard Candy" about to be screened, he could finally focus his energy elsewhere.