Chapter 154: Shock

The answer to this question was obvious.

"Kerry, if you choose an art film..." Murphy tried to analyze the pros and cons for her, "it means that for many years, no one will pay attention to you. For the next five to ten years, you can only be an actor, and even after the prime age of thirty-five, you will still be just an actor."

Hollywood now is not what it used to be. How many female actors have truly made a name for themselves from the independent film circuit? Even fewer have reached superstar status.

The new generation of acting talents are taking a different path from their predecessors. They become famous through blockbuster hits, becoming household names across America with strong drawing power, and then they move on to art-house productions with hopes of award nominations, meticulously crafting their roles to vie for professional awards.

This is Hollywood, where even if the academy looks down on commercial films, the fame and commercial success they bring can also be considered a merit.

And after becoming famous, they have the leverage to negotiate with producers and distributors, fighting for more resources for award campaigns.

Compared to struggling in art films and waiting for a slim chance, this is the true path to both fame and fortune.

Of course, if one only wishes to be an actor, none of this matters.

"I understand," Kerry Mulligan nodded, "With enough box office success, even if I don't win any awards, I can still become famous, right, Murphy?"

"You're getting smarter." Murphy pinched her nose, hoping to protect his girlfriend in this chaotic industry, "My projects are market-oriented, I can't guarantee every film will be a hit, but getting them into cinemas for a wide release won't be a problem."

This is much better than films that can only enter the video market.

"Stop it!" Kerry Mulligan swatted Murphy's hand away and leaned in to give him a gentle kiss on the cheek, "Then I'll wait for you to make me famous."

Murphy chuckled, but sighed internally. The dark-themed movies he excelled in were not really suitable for female roles.

But he could make some changes, such as in his new project, where he modified a role specifically for Kerry Mulligan, making her role only second to the lead actors.

"I'll head back first." Kerry Mulligan got out of the car and before closing the door, she reminded him, "Drive slowly."

Murphy nodded and started the car again.

There was a time when people studied the Oscar winners and were surprised to find that all Oscar-winning actors had appeared in art films, leading to a strange conclusion: without acting in art films, one could not win an Oscar.

Is this really the case?

If an actor, who wants to become famous, is presented with the choice between the lead role in a pure blockbuster or an art film, which should they choose?

If it's Kerry, Murphy would do everything possible to have her choose the former.

A successful blockbuster can make the lead actor instantly famous, elevating them to a second-tier star or even higher. Success in the latter, unless it really secures an Oscar nomination, still lacks attention.

But how many films compete for the Oscars each year?

Even if a blockbuster fails, it still creates a buzz and sparks discussions; an art film would just fade into obscurity, and as for its leads, who would care about them?

Stars need attention! Tina Brown, the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, said it best for stars — it's better to be talked about than not talked about at all.

After all, Hollywood is a commercial circle. All officially produced feature films here aim for one goal — profit!

In the end, those who can bring profit will always have support, and those who can't will gradually disappear from this circle.

Murphy was driving to meet someone who once brought huge profits to the industry, but now, with his involvement, their future was uncertain, only time would tell.

The heavy iron gate opened and closed, and looking up at the dazzling sunlight, Robert Downey Jr. picked up a hat, placed it on his short-cropped head, picked up his slightly worn luggage, and walked forward. Not far ahead, on the side of the road, was parked a black Cadillac, with a man wearing sunglasses standing in front of the driver's door.

Despite the blinding sunlight, Robert Downey Jr. recognized him immediately.

He quickened his pace, striding towards him, "Hey!"

Murphy took off his glasses and raised his right hand to wave at Robert Downey Jr., "Downey, over here!"

"It's really you who cares, not like that guy Robert," Downey Jr. complained as he approached, "He actually refused to pick me up, acting as if he never did drugs. I'll report him when I get back; I want him to taste what it's like to be in jail."

He didn't hold back, opened the back door, tossed his backpack onto the seat, and then took the passenger seat. Seeing Murphy opening the car door, he urged, "Can you hurry up, Murphy? Do you know how many years I've been away from the glitz of Los Angeles? I can't wait to get back, ah..."

He stretched his arms wide, as if basking in his own dream, "How many beauties are welcoming my return!"

Ignoring Downey Jr., Murphy started the car and drove out of the prison area, onto the freeway leading to Los Angeles.

"This is a new car, huh." Robert Downey Jr. snapped out of his trance, curiously examining the car's interior, "Where did you borrow it from? Is it Ross's?"

Murphy still didn't respond.

Downey Jr. widened his eyes at him, "Don't tell me this is yours!"

Murphy shrugged, effectively confirming.

"You could afford a car like this?" Robert Downey Jr. couldn't believe Murphy's claim, "Stop joking, buddy. Look outside, there's a pig flying."

The two had spent a lot of time together in jail, so their conversation was straightforward, "Go on, look! Pigs are flying!"

"You forgot?" Murphy kept his eyes on the road, "I told you during my last visit, I'm now a director."

"Oh.my.god!" Robert Downey Jr. pointed at the empty sky in disbelief, "There, look over there, a cow is flying too!"

This guy! Murphy felt a sense of defeat.

Robert Downey Jr. was undoubtedly someone who loved to show off. In jail, he often bragged about his celebrity status, and when he heard Murphy wanted to become a director, he was incredibly sarcastic.

Murphy also wanted to show off and regain some dignity, but now...

"Didn't you ask Robert?" Murphy couldn't help but glance at him, now that Downey Jr. was out of jail, he was like a monkey back in the jungle, "Didn't you follow the news in this area?"

"Do you think I would still believe what you say? How many people did you lie to in jail?" Robert Downey Jr. scoffed, "With all those beauties in Los Angeles waiting for me, I was planning dates every day. Who has time for your lies?"

He adjusted his seat back, lifted his feet, and placed them on the windshield, "Tell me, Murphy. It's not embarrassing. Who are you a lackey for now?"

In jail, he needed Murphy's protection, but once out, Robert Downey Jr. saw things differently.

"Your feet!"

Just as Murphy's hand was about to lift, Robert Downey Jr. reflexively pulled his feet down, realizing he might still be a bit afraid of Murphy...

Robert Downey Jr. patted his chest; this wasn't jail, and Murphy couldn't use those underhanded methods on him.

"There's a copy of 'Premiere' here," Murphy pointed to the glove compartment, "You can see for yourself."

"Making it all mysterious..." Robert Downey Jr. muttered as he opened the glove compartment. Indeed, there was a magazine inside, a familiar one.

He took it out, flipping through quickly, and by the fourth page, he was showing an incredulous expression.

"How is this possible?" He exclaimed, "Murphy Stanton's $800,000 investment in 'Saw' ultimately exited cinemas with $61.89 million in North American box office revenue!"

"Someone has the same name as you?" That was Robert Downey Jr.'s first thought.

Murphy shook his head.

Robert Downey Jr. closed the magazine, looked at the cover, then the back, flipping it several times before shouting, "You paid to have this printed, right?"

"Do I look that bored?" Murphy smirked sarcastically, "Would I do something so dumb that you could debunk in a few hours? Or do you think I'm that stupid?"

"But..." Robert Downey Jr.'s words were stuck in his throat.

He knew Murphy as cunning and ruthless, feared even by Ross, loyal to friends, but not someone who would do such foolish things.

Could all of this be true? He slowly turned his head, the skepticism in his eyes gradually turning into shock!

Robert Downey Jr. pointed a finger at Murphy, "That director... no... it can't really be you, can it?"

"Do I need to lie to you?" Murphy sped up, "I've told you many times I wanted to be a director. You just didn't believe it."

"But you were a paparazzi!" he shouted again.

"A freelance journalist!" Murphy corrected.

His biggest annoyance was Robert Downey Jr.'s mouth; arguing with him could drive anyone crazy.

"Alright, alright, alright..." Robert Downey Jr. spread his hands, "Even if all this is true, what does it have to do with me?"

He tilted his head, sizing Murphy up, "I get it! Murphy, you just want to show off in front of me, right? Well, you succeeded!"

Robert Downey Jr. made an exaggerated expression, "I am shocked by you now!"

Saying so, he leaned his head closer.

Murphy pushed his head back, "Downey, I'm telling you all this because there's something serious."

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