บท 30: Analysis and Theories
(Vivienne Westwood's POV)
It's been a few days since "The Demonfather" premiered, and I still can't wrap my head around the buzz it's creating. A film made by that exiled prince, of all people, has the entire capital of the Morningstar Kingdom talking.
As the actress who played Apollonia, I'm suddenly finding myself recognized everywhere I go. It's... strange, to say the least.
Just this morning, my neighbors in the Center District apartment complex were practically falling over themselves to talk to me. And don't even get me started on my trip to the market.
"Apollonia! You're alive!" a group of teenagers shouted, their eyes wide with excitement.
Some idiot even yelled, "Please go see Michael!"
I appreciate the attention, really. It's gratifying to see my work recognized, to be part of something so well-received. But dealing with these people? It's exhausting.
Who would have thought a film by an exiled prince could generate this much admiration? It's almost unbelievable.
As I think about the film's success, I can't help but remember that scene... the kiss with Arthur. I quickly shake my head, trying to dislodge the memory.
I've found myself buying newspapers every day lately, something I never used to do. But "The Demonfather" is always featured, and I can't resist reading what they're saying about the film... and, if I'm honest, about my performance.
Though I've been a bit disappointed to find little mention of myself in the articles. Not that I mind too much. It's enough to be part of such a successful film.
Back in my apartment, I settle on my bed with my stack of newspapers. As I read through the articles, I can't help but chuckle at the praise for the baptism scene. I wonder how the Solarus church is reacting to that.
It's funny, really. When I first took this role, I never imagined it would lead to all this. Fame, controversy, endless newspaper articles... it's a whole new world.
Of course, not all the reviews are glowing. I can't help but smirk as I read some of the more critical pieces, especially those from newspapers clearly aligned with the Solarus faith. Most of these are from human countries, their outrage practically leaping off the page:
"A barbaric film. Uncivilized, and so violent. We must condemn this kind of cinema that disrespects faith so blatantly."
I roll my eyes. As if their 'civilized' world is free from violence.
Another paper takes a different tack: "How can this film receive such praise? It clearly romanticizes criminal families. These are real problems in many countries, and they certainly don't adhere to any moral code like the Corleones."
I snort. Clearly, they missed the point entirely.
But the one that really gets me is from BM News, owned by Arthur's brother, Bobby Morningstar. Their 'review' is laughably brief: "This film is nothing but trash. Anyone liking it is equally trashy."
"Real professional journalism there, Bobby," I mutter, shaking my head. It's painfully obvious that Arthur and his brother aren't on the best terms.
Thankfully, not all the coverage is so negative. I eagerly turn to the Ferland Daily, which has been singing "The Demonfather's" praises for days now.
But what really catches my eye is a series of articles by a journalist named Donald Freezon.
This guy... he's something else. He's been watching the film consecutively for days, analyzing every detail. His dedication is impressive, to say the least.
I lean in, engrossed in his latest piece: "I've watched The Demonfather 10 times now. Each day, I've tried to buy tickets for all three screenings, though sometimes I've been unlucky. After all this viewing, here's what I've discovered..."
I dive into Donald's latest analysis, my eyes widening with each paragraph:
"In the scene where Michael meets Sollozzo, pay attention to the painting in the background. It's a subtle nod to the fall of the demon family, foreshadowing Michael's own journey. And did you notice the way the light shifts during Don Corleone's office scenes? It's a brilliant representation of his waning power..."
"Unbelievable," I mutter, shaking my head in amazement. It's become my mantra while reading Donald's pieces. Every single time, he uncovers something new, something I never noticed despite being right there on set.
I find myself wondering: is the film really this deep, or is Donald reading too much into it? But then again, does it matter? The analysis is fascinating either way, and it's making people engage with the film on a whole new level.
As I reach the end of the article, Donald's conclusion hits me like a ton of bricks:
"The Demonfather isn't just the best film I've ever seen - it's also the most intricate and complex. It's a film that reveals new secrets with each viewing. The details, whether hidden in the background or subtly conveyed through the actors' performances, create a rich tapestry that rewards close attention and repeated watching."
I lean back, my mind reeling. I knew we were making something special, but this... this is beyond anything I could have imagined.
A part of me wants to laugh. If only Donald knew how many of those 'brilliant details' were happy accidents or last-minute improvisations. But another part of me is in awe. Did Arthur really plan all of this? Was there more to our exiled prince director than any of us realized?
I find myself itching to watch the film again, to see if I can spot some of these details Donald's talking about. It's strange, being both insider and outsider - I was there when we filmed these scenes, but now I'm discovering them anew through the eyes of our audience.
I shake my head, setting aside Donald's analysis, and reach for another newspaper. This one's from a human publisher, featuring a theory article by Jordan Lamb. As I start reading, I can feel my eyebrows climbing higher and higher:
"The Demonfather Theory today: I believe Arthur named Apollonia in the film after his sister, Princess Apollonia. From what I've uncovered, Arthur has a good relationship with his sister. Could the Corleone family be a mirror of the Morningstar family?"
I lean in closer, my interest piqued. This is getting into some dangerous territory.
"It seems Arthur specifically named Michael's love interest Apollonia... Michael is the youngest of the Corleones, just as Arthur is the youngest Morningstar. What could this mean? Is it possible that Arthur is secretly the king's chosen heir, but this is being kept under wraps to protect Arthur from political conflict? And could Apollonia, his sister, be in danger? Is the film Arthur's way of warning her about a threat to her life?"
I pause, a chill running down my spine. Of course, I'm curious - Apollonia was my role, after all. But this theory... it's treading into murky waters.
"Hellfire," I mutter. "What have we gotten myself into?"
I'd always assumed Arthur chose the name Apollonia simply because it sounded exotic, mysterious. But if there's any truth to this theory...
My mind races back to our time on set. Did Arthur ever give any hints about this? Was there anything in his direction that might support this wild theory?
I shake my head, trying to clear it. This is crazy. It's just a film, right? I'm not actually caught up in some royal intrigue... am I?
But a nagging voice in the back of my mind won't let it go. The intensity Arthur brought to certain scenes, the way he insisted on specific details that seemed arbitrary at the time...
"Damn it, Arthur," I mutter. "What kind of mess have you dragged me into?"
I let out a frustrated sigh and flop back onto my bed. This is not what I signed up for when I took this role. I wanted to be an actress, not a pawn in some elaborate political chess game.
บท 31: Pure Flame Award goes to...
(Arthur's POV)
A few days after "The Demonfather" premiered, I've started narrowing down the distribution offers. Today, I'm scheduled to meet with Ray Lava of the Lava Brothers. Their offer has caught my eye, and I'm curious to hear more.
Ten minutes after our appointed time, Ray arrives at my studio. He's an imposing figure - tail aflame, red hair, red eyes - but he's dressed in a sharp suit that screams professionalism.
As he looks around, he says, "Your Highness, this place looks comfy. You have a great setup here."
I have to stifle a laugh. Ray's clearly trying to be polite, but this place is far from luxurious. It's a workspace, office, and until recently, my bedroom all rolled into one. But hey, at least the bed in the corner is gone now that I can afford a nearby apartment.
"Have a seat, Mr. Lava," I say, gesturing to a chair. "And please, drop the 'Your Highness'. I'm not exactly on the royal family's card list anymore."
Ray nods, seeming relieved at the informality. "Understood, Mr. Morningstar."
I lean forward, getting down to business. "Now, I can see the Lava Brothers are quite eager to acquire the rights for 'The Demonfather'. Your offer of 72% box office share and 330,000 dollars upfront is... well, it's raised a few eyebrows. I'm wondering if you're even looking to make a profit here."
Ray shifts in his seat, and I press on. "Let me ask you straight out - why are the Lava Brothers willing to risk so much on my film?"
Ray takes a deep breath before answering. "If I'm being honest with you, Mr. Morningstar, it's because my brothers and I believe your film is the key to breaking the curse of mediocrity that's plagued demon cinema for far too long. We see 'The Demonfather' as a turning point, a chance to prove that demons can create art that rivals - or even surpasses - what humans and other races are producing."
I can't help but smile at his words. Sure, I'm not naive enough to think profit isn't a factor - this is still a business, after all. But their vision, their belief in the potential of demon cinema... it's refreshing. It's rare to find that kind of passion in this industry.
"That's quite a vision, Mr. Lava," I say, leaning back in my chair. "And I have to say, it's an appealing one. But let's talk specifics. How do you plan to market and distribute 'The Demonfather' to achieve this lofty goal?"
***
(Rupert Darkflame's POV)
Two weeks have passed since the Ferland Demon Film Festival kicked off, and today's the moment of truth. The air in the Crimson Theatre is thick with anticipation as we await the announcement of the "Pure Flame Award" winner.
The place is crawling with industry bigwigs - writers, actors, producers, filmmakers - all here to see which film takes home the top prize. But my eyes are fixed on one person: Arthur Morningstar, the exiled prince, sitting in the middle rows.
It's like looking at a different demon. Gone is the hesitant, oft-mocked prince. In his place sits a man radiating confidence. I've been itching to approach him, but he's constantly surrounded by others, no doubt discussing his groundbreaking colored camera tech and "The Demonfather".
"Which film do you think will win the 'Pure Flame Award'?" The whispered question from the demon next to me pulls me from my thoughts.
His companion scoffs. "Is that even a question? It's got to be 'The Demonfather'. Nothing else comes close."
I nod in silent agreement. It's not just the best film in the competition - it might be the best film I've ever seen, period. Human and elven "masterpieces" included.
The festival director, a diminutive imp demon, takes the stage. We sit through the announcements for short films and other minor categories. "Pure Succubus" snags the Audience Choice Award, which isn't surprising given its popularity.
Finally, it's time for the main event. The imp clears his throat, his voice echoing through the suddenly silent theater. "And the Pure Flame Award goes to..."
He opens the envelope, and I swear I see his face fall for a split second. His voice loses its bombastic tone, becoming almost meek. "Rising Demon: Bobby."
The theater erupts in chaos. Shouts of disbelief and anger fill the air.
"What?" I hear myself say, my voice lost in the cacophony of outrage.
The confusion in the theater is palpable. Voices rise in a cacophony of disbelief and anger.
"Rising Demon: Bobby? Are they serious?" someone near me sputters.
Another voice chimes in, incredulous, "I don't remember anyone even watching that film! Did it even screen?"
I'm still trying to process what's happening when the director of the winning film steps onto the stage. As he accepts the award, the audience falls into a stunned silence.
It's Bobby Morningstar. Arthur's brother.
"Thank you for this prestigious award," Bobby says, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. He launches into a speech, acting as if the award was destined for him all along.
I look around, trying to make sense of what just happened. Most of the audience is on their feet, gesticulating wildly. Some are heading for the exits, disgust clear on their faces.
I can't help but turn my attention to Arthur, and I'm not alone. Half the theater seems to be watching for his reaction.
Looking at Arthur, he's the spitting image of Michael Corleone from "The Demonfather" - calm, yet cold. Of course, Arthur played Michael, but this... this isn't acting. This is Arthur channeling that same terrifying composure that made Michael such a chilling character.
The resemblance is uncanny, and it sends a shiver down my spine.
***
(Arthur's POV)
As the announcement sinks in, I'm fighting the urge to punch someone. The anger bubbles up inside me, but I force it down. It's not worth it.
It's just a damn award from a demon film festival. It doesn't prove anything.
So I sit there, calm as a frozen lake, watching Bobby's smug speech. The bastard even has the audacity to look at me challengingly as he wraps up.
Fucking bastard, I curse inwardly. But outwardly? I'm the picture of composure.
Let him have his fake award. He can clutch his little trophy all he wants, but the real prize - the attention, the buzz, the future of demon cinema - that's all mine. And it's real.
I clap politely as he steps off the stage, my face a mask of indifference.
As I stand to leave, something odd happens. The demons in the seats part like the Red Sea, fear evident in their eyes as I pass.
I'm momentarily confused. Did they misunderstand something?
But then I shrug it off. Who cares? It makes it easier for me to get the hell out of this farce of an awards ceremony.
As I stride towards the exit, my mind is already racing ahead. This setback? It's nothing. Just a bump in the road. The real game is just beginning.
Bobby can have his little moment of glory. But I've got a revolution to lead, and I'm just getting started.
The award may not have gone my way, but I've got something far better: my reward from the Entertainment System - computer technologies.
A grin spreads across my face as I consider the possibilities. I'm going to create my own electronics company, develop computers, maybe even launch a video game console and start selling games.
After all, my system isn't called the "Entertainment System" for nothing.
I've recently unlocked something called Entertainment Points. The concept is simple but powerful: I gain points based on how much I entertain people. The more impressed they are, the more points I rack up.
It's like a game, really. A game I intend to win.
As I step out into the cool night air, I can almost see the future unfolding before me. Movies were just the beginning. With computers and video games, I can revolutionize entertainment in this world. I can bring joy, excitement, and wonder to people on a scale never before seen.
And the best part? The more I entertain, the more I impress, the more points I'll gain. It's a beautiful, self-perpetuating cycle of creativity and reward.
I chuckle to myself, earning a few strange looks from passing demons.
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