Chapter 78: The Scam

After speaking, Simon Westeros waited for Amy Pascal to nod slightly before turning and walking away.

The party was organized by Orion at Simon's request after he heard Ron McMillan's message. Everyone who had helped with "Run Lola Run" was invited, and Simon was diligent in his social duties.

The party went on until late into the night, and Simon was still up early the next day.

Because he was moving.

The new residence he chose was in the Palisades district of northern Santa Monica, a mansion spanning about an acre, more than twice the size of Janet's place in Malibu. Located on a cliff, it offered an exceptional view, allowing one to easily overlook the entire downtown Los Angeles and the spectacular seascape below.

Of course, the monthly rent was also steep at $15,000.

Although not particularly fond of mansions, Simon found that to ensure privacy, he basically had to opt for this type of dwelling.

Simon could afford to buy a mansion with his current wealth and fundamentally preferred living in his own house. However, it was the peak of the 1980s bubble in the American stock and real estate markets.

If he couldn't see the future, Simon might have chosen to buy a house in such a hot market. But he vividly remembered that with the stock market crash later this year, the U.S. real estate market would also plummet, making it a better time to buy at significantly lower prices and with more options available.

After a busy weekend, the new week arrived quickly.

However, early Monday morning, Simon was awakened from sleep by the ring of the telephone, followed by the anxious voice of Mike Medavoy asking him to receive a fax.

After some fuss, Simon saw an article in the "New York Times" from the East Coast titled "The Scam," written by a journalist named Mark Hollington.

"At first viewing of 'Run Lola Run,' I was deeply enchanted by the film. Its cinematography, color, soundtrack, and editing—all the details—gave me a sense of refreshment."

"Cinema can still be like this."

"However, when I heard that this movie came from an 18-year-old, I immediately fell into a sort of indescribable confusion, then, as described in an article from my colleagues on the West Coast, began to recall my own 18th year and everyone I knew at that age."

"I grew up in a decent family, received a decent education, and was surrounded by many intelligent people. But I eventually realized that among all the people I knew, none had the 'potential' to produce such an excellent movie at the age of 18. Yes, I mean 'potential.' Even if they had begun learning about directing, cinematography, music composition, and lighting from a young age, I don't think any of them could have independently created a film as stunning as 'Run Lola Run' at that age."

"Now, someone has done it."

"He wrote the script himself, directed it, operated the camera, did the editing, and managed the soundtrack... and all of this was impeccably done."

"Is this really possible?"

"So, as I re-watched the movie, I started to pay close attention to everything about this young director named Simon Westeros. When the information in the newspapers was no longer sufficient to quench my curiosity, I even personally went to San Francisco, staying there for a whole week."

"Simon Westeros, perhaps he now prefers others to call him that."

"This boy grew up in a children's welfare home in San Jose, Santa Clara County. He had no relatives and never had a foster family, which is indeed pitiful. Afterwards, Simon Westeros silently completed his education from elementary through high school with federal welfare support, and then astoundingly got admitted to Stanford University. I interviewed many people around Simon Westeros, who indeed said he was a hardworking boy. However, they also confirmed that they never noticed any cinematic talent in Simon Westeros; many even couldn't recall him ever watching a movie."

"So, I can almost assert that Simon Westeros's cinematic talent did not stem from his teenage years."

"Next, Simon Westeros entered Stanford University. However, less than two months in, the poor young man was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for nine months of treatment for a sudden mental illness."

"Clearly, the two months at Stanford were not enough for Simon Westeros to acquire any cinematic skills."

"I also visited the psychiatric hospital. The chief physician in charge of Simon Westeros was very cautious in response to my inquiries and did not reveal much. I even tried to access Simon Westeros's medical records, only to be told they were 'lost.'"

"Very conveniently 'lost.'"

"Although I can't determine what exactly happened during those nine months in the psychiatric hospital, it's very unlikely that a violent schizophrenic could leave the psychiatric hospital in just nine months, nor is it likely he received any film training during that period."

"Then,

 a miracle happened."

"When Simon Westeros appeared in Los Angeles, he immediately became a movie genius proficient in various professional skills."

"Yes, definitely a 'genius.'"

"Every detail of 'Run Lola Run' justifies this word."

"But is it really possible?"

"A person with no prior connection to cinema suddenly became a director; a person who had never touched a camera suddenly mastered cinematography; a person who couldn't possibly have received any music training suddenly excelled in creating soundtracks? And editing, and lighting, and other aspects?"

"As a film critic, a seasoned movie fan, and someone who has barely entered the film industry by writing a couple of scripts—though I have never been involved in film production—I am very aware that any job involved in the film production process requires long and focused dedication to reach the pinnacle. No one reaches the top without climbing."

"Now, seeing 'Run Lola Run's soaring box office, the media's heated discussions, the audiences queuing in front of theaters, and Simon Westeros being chased by paparazzi like a handsome rock star, my heart cannot shake off one thought."

"Scam!"

"All of this is just a scam."

"First, I must reiterate, I do not doubt the excellence of 'Run Lola Run,' a film worthy of Hollywood's history books."

"But,"

"I cannot believe that so many jobs listed in the film's credits were personally completed by such a young person as Simon Westeros. I am more inclined to believe that all of this is merely a drama orchestrated by a behind-the-scenes mastermind for huge profits."

"So, Simon Westeros, if I am wrong, prove it to me! If you can prove it, I am willing to apologize to you in any form, on any occasion. But if I am right, then tell the truth to everyone, to all the movie fans who love this film yet have been deeply deceived."