Chapter 73: Sneak Preview

Amidst his full focus on preparing for his new project, Murphy had somehow forgotten that his first film was already screening in theaters. As he drove to the cinema, he made a quick phone call to Jones-Butler to get some relevant updates.

Miramax had previously done some promotion for "Hard Candy." Apart from posters and trailers in select theaters, they also aired TV commercials during late-night slots on two public television stations.

Miramax had been conservative in promoting "Hard Candy," carefully managing their investment, considering the film's budget. They couldn't afford to overspend on promotions and risk losses.

As Murphy parked near a relatively remote cinema in Santa Monica, he was met with Carey Mulligan's complaints from the passenger seat, "Are you even the director? How could you not know your film premiered last Friday!"

Glancing at Murphy, her doll-like face filled with indignation, Carey Mulligan continued, "I wanted to see it in London, but there was no chance."

"Alright, dear," Murphy gestured for her to get out of the car, "I've been busy with the new film project."

Carey Mulligan shut the passenger door and turned to Murphy, "New film? What's it about?"

"It's a secret," Murphy replied, locking the car and leading the way towards the cinema to buy tickets. "You'll find out when the script's ready."

Carey Mulligan's face lit up with excitement.

As they entered the cinema, Carey Mulligan pointed to the poster board ahead, exclaiming, "Look, Murphy, it's our poster!"

The poster for "Hard Candy," designed by Miramax, featured a girl wearing a red hood standing in front, with a photographer in gray clothing looming behind her.

"I'll get the tickets."

Murphy purchased two tickets, and they entered the screening room. Despite "Hard Candy" being rated R, with Murphy present, Carey Mulligan had no trouble getting in. Besides, it wasn't uncommon for minors to sneak into R-rated films in North American cinemas.

"It's not very crowded," Carey Mulligan observed, glancing around the spacious theater, "Lots of empty seats."

Murphy reminded her, "It's Monday today. It's normal for a niche film like this."

In fact, during their phone call, Jones-Butler had mentioned some screening data. "Hard Candy" had entered North American theaters the previous Friday, with Miramax organizing sneak previews in ten cinemas. The film grossed $36,538 on Friday alone, with slightly better numbers on Saturday and Sunday. The cumulative box office for the first weekend exceeded $100,000.

With single-screen box office for "Hard Candy" exceeding $10,000, it earned the opportunity for wider release.

Miramax indeed had a knack for distributing indie films. Starting from this Monday, "Hard Candy" expanded to 160 theaters across North America.

As the film began, Carey Mulligan fell silent, fully engrossed. When Haley made her first appearance, tears welled up in Carey Mulligan's eyes, and she trembled with emotion.

Murphy understood the feeling of realizing a dream, knowing it could be overwhelming.

Reaching out, Murphy gently patted Carey Mulligan's arm. She turned to him, wiping away tears and managing a smile before focusing back on the screen.

Soon, Carey Mulligan was laughing heartily, her mouth nearly splitting with joy.

With fewer viewers present, most concentrated in the middle rows, some whispered comments carried over to Murphy and Carey Mulligan.

"That girl's acting is amazing."

"She's so pretty, cute, and cool!"

"I love her, and her red dress and canvas shoes!"

There were even discussions about Carey Mulligan's performance.

"The little girl's acting is fantastic, almost scary."

Listening to these comments, Carey Mulligan felt elated, even more so than sipping whisky with Murphy.

Though there were some who found the film too extreme, the overall praise for Carey Mulligan's performance echoed throughout the theater.

Murphy also acknowledged Carey Mulligan's excellent performance. Her nearly natural portrayal effectively overshadowed any shortcomings, and her appearance alone garnered much favor compared to Ellen Page's.

Audiences often judged based on appearances.

The climax, where Little Red Hood triumphed over the Big Bad Wolf, sparked another round of applause. Women secretly thrilled, men slightly envious...

As the screening ended and the few remaining viewers filed out, Murphy and Carey Mulligan lingered behind.

"Was my performance good?" Carey Mulligan asked eagerly.

Murphy nodded, "Very impressive..."

A hint of disappointment flickered across Carey Mulligan's face. Swaying her body, she pouted, "Just impressive?"

"let me finish," Murphy shook his head, continuing ahead. Carey Mulligan followed, eagerly awaiting his words. "Your performance was even better than James Franco's."

Carey Mulligan vigorously nodded her pointed chin, "I'll do even better in the future."

Following Murphy out of the theater, Carey Mulligan glanced back at the somewhat glaring sunlight, her right side suddenly met with a curious inquiry.

"Excuse me..." A brunette girl in her twenties looked at her and asked, "Are you... are you Haley?"

"Haley?" Carey Mulligan was momentarily taken aback.

Murphy also heard the question, turning to remind her, "Haley from the movie."

Realization dawned on Carey Mulligan, her eyes crinkling with a smile. Politely extending her hand, she replied, "Hello, I'm Carey Mulligan."

After the brunette girl shook her hand, Carey Mulligan added, "I played Haley in 'Hard Candy.'"

The brunette girl's face lit up with delight, "Really? You were amazing!"