Chapter 65: Rejection

"Well done, Murphy."

Bill Rossis was the first to approach, smiling. "Better than I expected."

"Thank you." Murphy returned a polite smile.

Following Bill Rossis was Joel Graham, who merely glanced at Murphy without saying anything. Murphy extended his hand courteously, "Thank you for coming to see my film."

Joel Graham nodded at him, lightly shook his hand, and then turned to walk towards the theater exit.

It was clear that Joel Graham wasn't interested in "Hard Candy."

Next came Jones Butler, a black woman who greeted Bill Rossis before giving Murphy a slight smile. "A very good film."

Murphy shook her hand firmly. "Thank you, your praise is an honor."

Compared to these two, the last to approach, Beck Larson, was more casual. He waved at Bill Rossis and Murphy. "Can we talk while we walk?"

"Of course." Murphy gestured for him to lead the way, catching up with Joel Graham and Jones Butler, who were being guided by Paul Wilson towards the theater exit. He invited them, "I have reservations at Fiero Restaurant. Do you have time to join me?"

"Sorry," Jones Butler was the first to speak, "I have to catch another screening."

Joel Graham also shook his head in refusal.

The group exited the theater, and the car Bill Rossis had called for was already waiting. Paul Wilson opened the door, and Jones Butler and Joel Graham quickly got in, clearly in a hurry.

Murphy had calmed down after the initial adjustments. Being rejected was normal. Compared to these distributors' buyers, he was just an insignificant newcomer.

Beck Larson walked over slowly from behind, but instead of getting in the car, he stopped in front of Murphy. "Director Stanton, your film is very interesting, but the audience is an issue..."

Initially looking at Murphy's face, his gaze gradually moved downwards. "Personally, I have high hopes for this film, but considering the audience, we must be cautious."

His gaze was somewhat intense, making Murphy uncomfortable, but he couldn't say anything.

Beck Larson's eyes finally rested on his muscular chest, then suddenly changed the subject. "Let's skip dinner. I know a bar three blocks away. If you're interested, we could go for a drink."

He lifted his eyes to look at Murphy, seemingly waiting for an appropriate answer.

In the past, Murphy might not have understood, but now he knew exactly what was meant.

Without hesitation, he shook his head and made up an excuse, "Sorry, I quit drinking."

"What a pity..." Beck Larson didn't insist, turning to get in the car. "Goodbye."

Watching the car drive away, Murphy remained calm. It was clear that at least two of the professional viewers wouldn't be following up on "Hard Candy."

He had never expected to attract the attention of a gay person. He had no issues with homosexuality but had no interest in it himself.

Indeed, following some implicit rules in Hollywood would make things smoother, but that didn't mean he was going to sell himself out.

Standing alone, Murphy turned to look back. On the theater steps, Paul Wilson and Bill Rossis stood there, looking somewhat curious, probably not having heard Beck Larson's words.

Behind them, not far away, another middle-aged man was watching. He had been there when they came out.

The screening of "Hard Candy" had ended, quieter than Murphy expected. There were no eager distributors fighting over it, just Jones Butler and Beck Larson showing rational interest. The latter might even lose interest due to his refusal.

Murphy shook his head hard and sighed. The path in Hollywood was far more challenging than he had imagined.

But no matter how difficult the road, it wouldn't scare him or stop his determination to climb. He would carve out his place in this complex and realistic industry.

This was just the beginning!

Turning around, Murphy walked back to the theater entrance. As he stepped onto the steps, the middle-aged man from earlier suddenly approached him.

"Hello..." The man said politely, "May I ask, are you the director of 'Hard Candy'?"

"Yes," Murphy looked at him, recognizing him vaguely from the theater. He remembered the man changing seats a few times, ending up in his row. He asked, "And you are?"

"My name is Tony Guzman," the middle-aged man extended his right hand. "I'm from Fox Searchlight."

Murphy shook his hand. "Hello, Mr. Guzman, nice to meet you."

This was sincere. The man was obviously a professional viewer and buyer, not invited but coming on his own. Seeking him out after watching the film indicated interest in "Hard Candy."

"Hello, Mr. Guzman." Bill Rossis came over and introduced himself, "Bill Rossis, Murphy's agent, from CAA."

Hearing this name, Tony Guzman seriously examined Bill Rossis before shaking his hand.

There was no denying CAA's impressive reputation.

"Gentlemen..." Tony Guzman asked directly, "Who is the producer or investor of this film?"

"The film was produced by my Stanton Studio," Murphy answered, knowing Guzman's intent. "All of the investment is personal, and the rights are fully owned by Stanton Studio."

Tony Guzman nodded. "Let me put it this way, Director Stanton, I'm interested in your film. I might need to bring colleagues to watch it later."

"No problem." Murphy handed him a business card. "You're always welcome."

Taking the card, Tony Guzman gave Murphy his own. Having achieved his purpose, he didn't stay long.

"I have to catch another screening," he said as he left. "I hope we have the opportunity to work together."

Murphy shook hands with him. "I also hope to work with Fox Searchlight."

After sending off Tony Guzman, Murphy didn't intend to linger. He and Paul Wilson stored the film reel and returned to the hotel. Early the next morning, he received a call from Bill Rossis. Jones Butler wanted to bring others to watch "Hard Candy" again.