Capítulo 289: Chapter 289: All Themes are Dark
Since the new millennium, investments in Hollywood blockbusters have soared, increasing the pressure to break even. This has led to continuous criticism from European media and others against Hollywood. If one were to judge based on the investment-to-box office return ratio, these criticisms seem not entirely unfounded.
A movie with a production cost of $50 million reaching a box office of $100 million could still end up with a loss of $20 to $30 million.
This has almost become a norm in Hollywood.
Yet, Hollywood hasn't collapsed under this pressure nor has investor enthusiasm waned. Instead, there are even more high-budget productions.
This is because a film can generate additional revenue beyond the box office.
Just as VCRs and videotapes saved Hollywood studios in the 1980s, the industry is now fully enjoying the benefits brought by the widespread adoption of DVDs.
Stanton Studios is also enjoying these benefits.
Of the revenue shares paid by Twentieth Century Fox, less than $9 million was from the North American box office, while the first share from North American DVD sales was a whopping $20 million! There were also shares from television rights and merchandise...
This was the first settlement between Twentieth Century Fox and Stanton Studios, with Stanton Studios receiving a total of $35 million!
Doubling the investment of $15 million in a year is a feat that would make many individuals and companies green with envy.
"This money isn't even enough to buy a luxury yacht."
In a brand-new mansion in Beverly Hills, Robert Downey Jr.'s voice was loud and clear, "Without a yacht, you can't hook up with top-notch chicks."
He paced around the spacious living room, telling Murphy, "Only a dumb chick like Gal Gadot would stick with you. If I were in your shoes, with such good conditions, I would have kicked you to the curb a long time ago!"
Murphy couldn't be bothered to respond, simply raising his left hand and flipping Robert Downey Jr. the bird.
Unfazed, Robert Downey Jr. continued, "I don't care, you're throwing a party, a grand celebration party!"
Murphy was already prepared, "Gal will be back from Israel in a week, let's wait for her."
"Absolutely not…" Jonah Hill jumped up from the sofa urgently, "Susan went to England, Gal is back in Israel, Lily went to see her dad, we finally got some freedom, how can we schedule the wild party after they return?"
He nudged Seth Rogen, who was whispering with James Franco, "I'm right, aren't I?"
"Right," Seth Rogen adjusted his glasses, having no clue what was being discussed, but nodded in agreement, "It's best to do as you said."
Jonah Hill walked over to Robert Downey Jr., looking at Murphy, "Fifty women, blondes, long legs, models or TV commercial actresses, actresses from the San Fernando Valley are fine too, my demands aren't too high, right?"
"Aren't you afraid of getting AIDS?" Murphy sarcastically replied, "I heard many women in the industry aren't very clean."
"This…" Jonah Hill scratched his head, "Then what do you suggest?"
"Find a girlfriend," Murphy gave a dubious suggestion, "Victoria's Secret models would suit you well, change them up if you're not satisfied, three in a year, safer than messing around at parties."
He clearly remembered that not only are some individuals in Hollywood unclean, but there was also a famous male actor diagnosed with AIDS, who had relations with many actresses in the industry.
Some lines shouldn't be crossed.
"In ten days, there'll be a party at my place," Murphy added, "A few executives from Twentieth Century Fox will be attending, come over."
James Franco understood Murphy's intent, "You guys, all come."
"I'll be there on time," Robert Downey Jr. also caught on, realizing Murphy was creating an opportunity for them to get closer to the Twentieth Century Fox executives, "Bringing Susan along."
Some parties aren't suitable for girlfriends or family, but others can help build trust more easily when attended with loved ones.
"What about the yacht?" Seth Rogen, always a step behind, asked Murphy, "Are you still buying it?"
"Buying what?" Murphy stood up, "I'm planning a new movie."
He looked at James Franco, "Is your comedy done?"
James Franco shook his head, "It won't be finished until September."
Murphy calculated, "There's time. I'll give you a script in a while, take a look. It's another dark film, the theme this time is all dark. If you're interested, let me know."
"Not like 'Deadpool,' dark on the outside but warm inside?" Robert Downey Jr. showed interest, "Even the theme is dark?"
"Uh-huh…" Murphy nodded, "Hollywood always likes to promote so-called mainstream values, wrapping America in a beautiful shell, where family and love always overcome obstacles in movies."
He spread his hands, "But in reality? We all know many families in North America are problematic, nowhere near as perfect as depicted in movies."
James Franco got Murphy's point, "So you want to peel off this beautiful exterior?"
"Not exactly," Murphy shook his head, "It's just a gimmick, a topic, a tool to attract attention."
Unique themes create sufficient discussion.
"Typical Murphy Stanton style," Jonah Hill stepped forward, saying, "Always using distinct content to attract audiences tired of commercial films."
Some seemingly non-mainstream films can spark significant discussions.
Glancing at his watch, Murphy told Robert Downey Jr., "I have an appointment tonight, gotta go."
After saying goodbye, he left Beverly Hills and headed downtown. Ross had called him last night for a meeting today at the same old bar.
Parking his car, Murphy entered the bar and found Ross sitting alone at the familiar spot at the bar.
"Hey, Murphy."
As he approached, a familiar bald black man nearby greeted him. Murphy nodded, "Long time no see."
Sitting next to Ross at the bar, Murphy snapped his fingers at the bartender, "A dark beer, please."
"Something up?" Ross wouldn't have contacted him otherwise.
After the bartender brought the beer, Ross took a big sip and then revealed, "The person investigating you is named Mike Snord from CAA."
"I know," Murphy nodded.
Jessica Chastain had already informed him and Bill Rossis, and they had set a trap for Mike.
"There's more…" Ross took out a photo and slid it across to Murphy, "My guys overheard their plot."
Murphy looked at the photo, recognizing both men – Mike from CAA and Martin Miller from William Morris.
Interesting.
He couldn't help but smile. Was Mike planning to switch agencies, or was Martin Miller trying to join CAA?
The latter seemed unlikely, but the former was possible, assuming Mike had significant clients to bring over. Otherwise, why would William Morris bother with him?
"Their target is you," Ross glanced at Murphy, "My guys overheard their conversation. That Mike guy wants to be your agent, and the other wants to poach you to his company."
"Uh…" Murphy was momentarily taken aback.
When did he become such a hot commodity?
He coughed lightly, saying, "They're digging up dirt on me, probably to blackmail me, right?"
Ross nodded,
"Seems like it."
Taking a big gulp of his beer, Murphy said, "What can they find? Even if they find you, it's useless."
He didn't care about what they might uncover. Not only had the Los Angeles Police Department chosen to keep silent about past events, but his connection to Ross was also not a concern. Directors' reputations aren't as critical as those of stars, and he was unaware of Ross's activities. Even if someone wanted to make a move, there was no solid evidence.
Besides, he and Bill Rossis weren't just sitting ducks.
"Be careful out there," Ross finished his beer and stood up, "The outside world can be more complicated than prison."
"Don't worry," Murphy joked, "I know how to keep my nose clean."
Ross gave him a look, a smile briefly crossing his face before vanishing as if he remembered something, "Murphy…"
"Hm?" Murphy looked puzzled, "What's up?"
"Nothing…" Ross ultimately didn't reveal his thoughts, patting Murphy's shoulder lightly, "Take care of yourself."
"You too," Murphy also stood up.
Ross nodded, gave a signal to the bald black man, and left the bar with his men.
Murphy was already aware of these developments and didn't need to take any specific countermeasures. He simply informed Bill Rossis the next day, who also didn't take it too seriously.
Like Murphy, being in a different position meant trivial schemes from irrelevant people only became a source of amusement.
Over the next few days, with the help of his accountant, David, Murphy continued to deal with various accounting tasks with Twentieth Century Fox until the weekend, when he finally sorted things out temporarily.
That weekend, Gal Gadot returned to Los Angeles from Israel.
"You have no idea, my mom was so angry."
After some intimacy, Gal Gadot emerged from the bathroom, drying her hair and speaking towards the walk-in closet, "I almost couldn't come back."
Glancing at the time, she pointed to the large handbag at the closet door, "Honey, could you get my phone for me?"
Changing into sports shorts, Murphy walked over and opened the handbag, first noticing a book. He set the book aside, found Gal Gadot's phone, and was about to bring it to her when the title of the book caught his eye.
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