Chương 164: US and UK nationwide screening
Following the screenings of "Inception" at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, the subsequent days turned out to be a whirlwind of activity for Lucas and his fellow cast members.
In just a few days, Lucas, Ellen Page, and the rest of the team found themselves engaging with multiple media outlets. Presently, Lucas and Ellen Page were in the midst of another interview when the interviewer posed a question that seemed to catch them off guard, reflecting on the intricate puzzle and storyline of "Inception." The interviewer asked, "Could you share with us a moment during the filming or after watching the final cut where even you were left puzzled or intrigued by the complexity and layers of 'Inception's' plot?"
The interviewer then focused on a pivotal topic, adding, "Moreover, the ending of 'Inception' remains a widely debated topic among fans due to its open-ended nature. I'm curious about your perspectives on the final sequence where Cobb spins the totem. What is your interpretation of this scene, and what do you believe it conveys to the viewers?"
Lucas responded with a smile, "Personally, I had a pretty solid grasp on the plot, having been immersed in it from the start. Christopher Nolan had been crafting this story for ten years, so to me, there weren't really any holes in the narrative. Sure, the ending leaves room for ambiguity—Cobb spinning his totem is a deliberate choice by Nolan. He wants the audience to engage, to imagine and interpret their own endings. It's a reflection of how we all perceive things differently, which, in turn, shapes our realities. For Cobb, reuniting with his children is his reality. That's the crux of his journey and, to me, the most important part."
The interviewer shifted focus to Ellen, asking, "Do you share the same view?"
Ellen chuckled, having been watching Lucas articulate his thoughts. She hadn't pondered as deeply as Lucas had, but opted not to reveal this. Pointing to Lucas, she said with a playful smile, "Yeah, I'm on the same page as Lucas. He took the words out of my mouth, but yeah..."
Both Lucas and the interviewer couldn't help but chuckles at Ellen's light-hearted remark. However, Ellen didn't stop there; she proceeded to share her own insights on the plot and the conclusion of "Inception," her views echoing Lucas's despite her modest preamble.
After some time, the interview concluded. Lucas and Ellen then moved on to face a series of other interviewers, including some from abroad. Despite the marathon of questions, they responded with respect and thoughtfulness. Finally, the day's press junket wrapped up, signaling a brief respite for the duo. However, they knew that another round of interviews awaited them the following day.
Warner Bros. invested significantly in marketing and promoting the film, leveraging Christopher Nolan's reputation as a hallmark of quality in commercial cinema to draw audiences. Additionally, the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio as the lead added a considerable layer of anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting the film's release.
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A few days later, the film screened nationwide in both the United Kingdom and the United States. As soon as it hit the screens, many people flocked to theaters to catch this highly anticipated movie, alongside other films debuting on the same day.
Several films were showing alongside "Inception," each with its unique draw and audience. Titles such as "Resident Evil: Afterlife," "The American," "Takers," "Machete," "Going the Distance," "Eat Pray Love," "The Expendables," "The Other Guys," "The Last Exorcism," and "The Switch" were all part of the cinematic lineup. Despite the stiff competition, "Inception" had the potential to distinguish itself and achieve significant box office success, given the high levels of anticipation and the draw of its star-studded cast and acclaimed director.
Meanwhile, in New York, USA, Paul Sterling and his girlfriend, Josephine, made their way into a theater showing "Inception." As they settled into their seats, Josephine turned to Paul and whispered, "Your friend is really carving out a successful career in Hollywood, isn't he?"
Paul couldn't help but smile and responded, "Yeah, it's still a bit surreal to see Lucas thriving so well in his acting career."
Josephine chuckled and leaned closer to Paul, adding, "And it's not just his acting—he's making waves in music too. His album is actually one of my favorites."
Paul looked at Josephine, a hint of conflict in his gaze. His agent had suggested they break up, believing Josephine was a distraction from his career. Yet, facing her now, he couldn't entertain the thought.
Shaking off the negativity, he refocused on the present moment. Together, they turned their attention to "Inception," sharing popcorn as the film unfolded. Both Paul and Josephine, along with the rest of the first-time audience, found themselves thoroughly impressed and engrossed in the movie's complex plot.
As scenes featuring Lucas as Arthur played out on the screen, Paul and Josephine, having personally met Lucas, were once again struck by his incredible acting and impressive stunt work.
Paul noticed that many in the audience were also taken with Lucas's portrayal, whispering to their friends or partner about the character of Arthur. It was clear that Arthur's cool, charming demeanor, particularly his professionalism and calm in crises where even Cobb seemed to falter, captured everyone's admiration.
Paul had to admit, Arthur embodied the kind of poise and assurance that many aspire to—his character was not only what many men wanted to be but also what many women found appealing. Despite being a fictional character, Arthur's traits and demeanor left a significant impression on the audience.
Beside Paul, Lucas's other close friends also made their way to the theater to catch the film—Liza, Samantha, and even Leonard, who brought along his girlfriend of one month. Watching Lucas grace the screen, knowing that potentially thousands of eyes in several theaters were on him each day, felt utterly surreal to them. This experience marked a special moment for them; they could now proudly say they were friends with someone famous, someone they were genuinely close to.
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