From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

“'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World',” “'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”… The “Los Angeles Times” entertainment section also led with “'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”. It was all “'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”.

Karl Rivette, a film review blogger, was neither in New York nor Los Angeles, but in Paris, where he lived.

His previous trips to the Cannes Film Festival and subsequent travels to North America were all due to invitations; otherwise, he wouldn't have enough funds to fly around the world and watch premieres in theaters.

However, in France, he was slowly building his stable readership.

Since his close encounter with Anson at Cannes, Karl had begun to see Anson in a different light, and unconsciously, he habitually looked for news about Anson.

For example, this time—

“The Butterfly Effect” was released.

Karl was also very curious about Anson's aesthetic taste as a first-time producer; unfortunately, the film directly clashed with “'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”, a heavyweight opponent, and the consequences were obvious—a complete tragedy.

The news media overwhelmingly focused on “'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”.

Including the “Los Angeles Times”.

The reason was very simple: Twentieth Century Fox's public relations department did an excellent job, ensuring that the headlines of major media outlets were all focused on “'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”, leaving New Line Cinema with no chance—

Insufficient budget.

This was reality. The era of 'good wine needs no bush' was over. Now it was the era of whoever shouts the loudest gets the attention, and the importance of publicity was further magnified.

Even Anson couldn't reverse this situation.

Hollywood was, after all, ruled by capital.

Finally, with a glimmer of hope, Karl opened the “New York Times” website, trying to find some differences in the entertainment section.

However—

“'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”.

Karl was ultimately disappointed, the last authoritative media outlet had fallen.

The “New York Times” had always favored Anson, writing many special reports in the past two years, which was remarkable, showcasing a different Anson; but unfortunately, in the face of Twentieth Century Fox's all-encompassing publicity, they were no exception, leaving the entertainment section headline to Russell Crowe.

“Oh, wait a minute.”

Karl was about to close the page. He had no interest in “'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”, but he accidentally caught a glimpse of a photo, and his finger stopped involuntarily—

Anson.

This photo was particularly special, completely different from the premieres in his memory.

Anson stood in the bustling crowd, faces radiating bright and brilliant smiles, clearly enjoying themselves, densely surrounding Anson, and then Anson seemed to hear a call, looked up diagonally, looking directly at the camera.

Click.

The moment was frozen into eternity.

In the crowd, in the noise, but Anson still easily stood out.

That face slowed down time and easily caught the eye.

“Anson Wood: A Night for Friends—

‘The Butterfly Effect’, a movie about life, but much more than that.”

Of course, not only the “New York Times”, other media also reported on “The Butterfly Effect”, after all, it was Anson, and no one wanted to miss the news; but because of “'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'”, the reports were all brief, without stealing the show.

Naturally, those reports were relatively simple—

Nevertheless, one could still feel the journalists' surprise and astonishment between the lines. “The Butterfly Effect” premiere took a different approach, blazing a new trail and firmly grabbing attention.

Now, finally, a detailed and in-depth report could be seen in the “New York Times”.

Amazement and praise uncontrollably rushed out of his throat, unstoppable.

Karl was both envious and sighed. Just relying on imagination, it was really hard to imagine how “The Butterfly Effect” conceived such a premiere?

Interaction. Merchandise. Party. Breaking boundaries, enjoying the night together.

The whole concept was exciting, and the atmosphere of the scene was vividly portrayed on paper. Just reading it, Karl couldn't help but be curious about those merchandise items—

Moreover, Anson himself drew and made them.

Unbelievable!

If they could buy related merchandise when the movie was released in Paris, that would be great.

“…Multiple endings? Are they crazy?”

“No, no, no, they're not, he's just Anson.”

“But, why? So many endings, how do I know if I'll like it?”

“That's the meaning of Anson, he just wants us to think.”

“Even for Anson, this is still too crazy…”

Nearby, the rustling discussions suddenly caught Karl's ears.

This was a coffee shop, not a large chain coffee shop, just a coffee shop in a residential area, but residents from nearby blocks all gathered here, of all ages, even on weekdays.

Turning his head, Karl saw two girls who had just prepared to sit down next to him, discussing animatedly, their cheerful expressions revealing their current mood.

Without hesitation, Karl stepped forward.

“Excuse me, please forgive my intrusion, but I accidentally overheard your conversation, Anson?”

“So, are you discussing ‘The Butterfly Effect’? What's with the multiple endings?”

Karl seemed a little anxious and quickly turned the computer screen to the two girls next to him to prove his innocence.

They leaned forward to take a look, suddenly realized, exchanged a knowing look, and both laughed.

After the two people explained, Karl learned that the forum had become lively, and it was a different look compared to media reports.

Rumors from last night's Los Angeles premiere said that the theatrical release version of “The Butterfly Effect” would have multiple versions of the ending; the focus was that these endings were not shown in the form of easter eggs after the movie ended, but were randomly released, playing different endings in different theaters.

The news came out, causing a huge uproar, instantly sparking countless discussions.

Obviously, voices of protest and opposition took the lead and spread across the board—

In the form of attacks and complaints.

Imagine, a movie has five endings, so should the audience watch the movie five times?

Moreover, the movie ending is also randomly presented, which means that unless you are extremely lucky, you definitely won't see all versions of the ending five times.

So, what is this, blatantly robbing money?

Although everyone knows that movie companies want to make money, this is the first time they have blatantly reached into the audience's pockets to rob money in this way.

Too ugly.

Criticism, curses, ridicule, mockery, abuse.

Instantly erupting with amazing energy, it quickly became the focus topic of major forums in a short period of time, and the spread speed exceeded expectations.