Chapter 127: Mister Record-Breaker

As the sun descended in the west, a few rays of light shone through the gaps between the two buildings, casting onto Murphy. Standing in front of his black Ford, the reflection of the car window seemed to form a peculiar halo around him, appearing both dazzling and surreal, much like how Tony Guzman saw Murphy from across the street.

Both Tony Guzman and Fox Searchlight had high hopes for the market potential of "Saw" and had expected a weekend per-screen average of $10,000 for the limited release. Achieving this target would inevitably lead to an expansion of the release, coupled with appropriate marketing efforts, potentially resulting in a North American box office surpassing $10 million. However, the final results far exceeded their expectations, nearly doubling the projected numbers.

With a limited release in thirty theaters, achieving a weekend per-screen average of $17,000 was simply astonishing. When was the last time a small-scale horror film achieved such success? Tony Guzman now realized that both he and Fox Searchlight had underestimated this new director and his film.

Respect was due to those who achieved results, so when Murphy was about to leave Fox Searchlight, Tony Guzman specially accompanied him out—a gesture unprecedented in their previous interactions.

"Murphy, don't forget about our promotional plan," Tony reminded, then added with a smile, "If you have time, let's grab coffee together."

"You can call me anytime," Murphy replied as he opened the car door.

Just as Murphy was about to get into his car, Tony unexpectedly walked over and closed the door...

Looking through the car window, Murphy glanced at Tony, nodded slightly, then started the car and drove off. Glancing in the rearview mirror, he saw Tony still standing there, seemingly bidding farewell to him and his car with his gaze.

"This is Hollywood," Murphy murmured softly.

Tony Guzman was the epitome of Fox Searchlight's attitude. Today, Murphy spent the whole day at Fox Searchlight and felt the most significant change in attitude, reminiscent of Tony Guzman's, coming from Fox Searchlight. Now that the film had expanded its release, Fox Searchlight had once again increased its promotional budget. With the film screening simultaneously in hundreds of theaters across North America and additional copies being printed and distributed, further expansion was inevitable.

Though distributing over a thousand copies to several hundred theaters didn't seem like much, Fox Searchlight had just received news that, as of four o'clock this afternoon, "Saw" had grossed approximately $1.5 million on 1,030 screens across 650 theaters in North America.

Achieving over $1,000 in box office revenue per screen on a weekday Monday was already remarkable.

Everything indicated that "Saw" was steadily advancing.

Since he had to pick up Kerry Murray, Murphy drove into the Santa Monica Valley area. He was a bit late, and when he arrived, Kerry was already waiting under a large palm tree near the wrought iron gate.

Beside her, Murphy also noticed another familiar figure.

As the Ford slowly pulled up near the palm tree, Murphy stepped out of the car. Kerry rushed over and planted a kiss on his cheek before taking his arm and gesturing towards the palm tree, saying, "guess who I ran into today."

Seeing the distinctive red hair, Murphy recognized Jessica Chastain. Stepping forward, he greeted, "Hey, Jessie."

"Hey, Murphy," Jessica greeted back with a smile.

Kerry leaned in to whisper to Murphy, "She's also joined the acting class."

Ignoring these matters, Murphy said, "Where are you headed? I can give you a ride if it's on the way."

Glancing at Murphy, then at Jessica, Kerry suddenly furrowed her brows, but remained silent. She believed Murphy's invitation was merely a courtesy.

"It's alright," Jessica declined with a shake of her head. "I've already called a taxi."

"Yeah," Kerry quickly interjected, "Jessica just called a taxi. It should be here soon."

Murphy nodded and didn't insist. "Goodbye, Jessica."

"Goodbye, Murphy."

Watching Kerry and Murphy walk towards the car, Jessica Chastain bit her lip hard. Was this guy, who used to struggle to make ends meet, really about to become famous?

As the black Ford drove away, Jessica couldn't describe the feelings in her heart. A ruffian, someone without higher education, someone without formal training, someone who had to rely on his own efforts, was about to succeed?

And what about herself? A talented graduate from the Juilliard School, yet achieving nothing significant and having to study acting alongside someone like Kerry Murray...

This world was truly unfair. Why were people with talent often unappreciated?

Thinking this, Jessica suddenly laughed—a self-deprecating laugh. Wasn't this how the world worked? She had spent a few months in Hollywood and had seen many talented individuals struggle.

"Is opportunity really more important than talent?" she recalled Murphy's words.

But where could one find opportunities? Jessica looked at the spot where the Ford had disappeared, feeling a newfound admiration stirring within her—a feeling she had previously overlooked.

Murphy Stanton's starting point was much lower than hers. He hadn't had opportunities in the beginning, right? But he didn't wait idly or complain about the world's unfairness; instead, he created opportunities for himself!

Having been his assistant, Jessica knew some of his past and understood the efforts he had put in to reach this point!

From a ruffian in the slums, relying on dubious means to complete his first film, to now being mentioned in magazines like "Premiere" as a director, how long had it taken him?

Jessica recalled the review of "Saw" and Murphy Stanton in the latest issue of "Premiere" magazine.

"Murphy Stanton, serving as both writer and director, does not seem like a newcomer at all. His mastery, meticulousness, and rich imagination are admirable. His careful plot construction, coupled with a profound exploration of human nature and philosophical inquiries behind the blood and gore, make 'Saw' a truly exceptional horror film."

"Though lacking A-list actors and dazzling special effects, 'Saw' breaks free from the mundane clichés, engaging audiences visually, intellectually, and emotionally. Murphy Stanton has elevated the art of horror films to a new level!"

Such high praise from "Premiere" magazine—when was the last time a newcomer director received such recognition?

Returning her gaze, Jessica lowered her head. Only she knew the regret in her heart. She deeply regretted leaving Stanton Studios. That decision had been incredibly foolish!

"You're as stupid as a goldfish!" She tugged at her own clothes forcefully.

If she had a chance to start over, she would never leave Stanton Studios. Then she would have had a prestigious career, and wouldn't be struggling like she was now.

But was regret useful now?

"Has it already reached $1.5 million today?"

Back at Stanton Studios, Kerry pulled up a chair and sat down, counting on her fingers. "Last weekend was $510,000. Adding today's, 'Saw' has grossed over $2 million in North America!"

The two employees in the studio had already left for the day. Murphy walked over to the water cooler, poured two glasses of water, handed one to Kerry, and took a sip from the

other, saying, "It's just $2 million."

Kerry also took a sip and leaned closer, her eyes widening, deliberately adopting an exaggerated tone, "But it breaks your box office record!"

Indeed, that was the case. Murphy shrugged, self-deprecatingly saying, "There will be new records every day from now on."

Standing on tiptoes, Kerry kissed him, then spun around him. "You should rename yourself Mr. Record Breaker."

Murphy naturally caught the teasing tone in her words, and raised his hand as if to flick her forehead. Kerry quickly covered her head and stepped back, pointing at him with a pout, "Hey,!"

Retracting his hand, Murphy pulled a chair and sat down at the desk, beckoning Kerry with his finger, "Bring over the briefcase."

Although pouting, Kerry walked to the coat rack and fetched Murphy's briefcase, handing it to him. As she did, she grumbled, "More work to do?"

"Yep," Murphy nodded, opening the briefcase and taking out a plan. "Fox Searchlight might arrange an interview for the cast, but it'll have to wait until the box office really takes off."

With the current box office numbers, seeking media interviews would be more trouble than it's worth.

At the mention of an interview, Kerry's eyes immediately lit up. Hurrying over, she asked eagerly, "Am I included? Can I join?"

Murphy nodded, turning the chair to face her, "I've talked to Fox Searchlight, and they'll include you."

"Wow, I knew it," Kerry exclaimed, spreading her arms and pouncing on Murphy, burying her face in his chest. She seemed like someone starving who had just found the most delicious food in the world...