From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

The concept of holiday seasons exists not only in North America but also in overseas markets. The difference lies only in the level of excitement and the potential of the market.

Naturally, the head-to-head competition between "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" and "The Butterfly Effect" extended to overseas markets. Relying on the appeal of the two main actors, Russell and Ashton, the overseas distribution of both films did not encounter too many obstacles.

In fact, in 2003, the overseas distribution capabilities of 20th Century Fox and New Line Cinema were almost the same, and the difference was not as obvious as in North America. They mainly relied on cooperation with local distribution companies to promote the films, and the final effect depended on the negotiation skills of the distribution department.

Therefore, although the release times in some countries and regions varied, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" and "The Butterfly Effect" were still released simultaneously in six countries and regions, extending the tense atmosphere from North America outwards.

These included several important overseas markets such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

For the two films, the fierce head-to-head battle continued to heat up, and the life-and-death competition was not limited to North America.

According to Karl's idea, "The Butterfly Effect" was lighter and less burdensome. After watching one, he should still have the energy to watch "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World"; but if it were reversed, it might be more difficult.

However, Karl was now beginning to doubt his own idea.

After sitting in the cinema seat for a long time, Karl finally stood up and left with slightly hesitant steps, his mind churning—

The ending of the screening just now was slightly different from what he had imagined.

At the end of the story, Evan did return to Andrea's womb through the home video. He was successfully born and started a new life.

When Evan was seven years old, he saw Keller coming towards him on the street, and he was slightly stunned; but in the end, he said nothing and brushed past him.

Keller also noticed Evan, his expression slightly hesitant, but unfortunately, he didn't remember anything, and finally continued forward without stopping.

This time, they never knew each other, and their lives had no intersection.

So, Evan finally gave up his obsession, the obsession of trying to save Keller, the obsession of trying to find perfection and happiness.

This was cruel.

Because Karl understood what this meant, the suffering that Keller and Tommy would endure would still continue to happen, which was undoubtedly a torment for Evan.

Was this the ending they wanted?

Evan finally realized that his father was right, that he shouldn't play God, that he shouldn't try to pursue perfection, that he shouldn't think he could save everyone.

But, was this the truth?

Evan didn't save Keller and Tommy from their suffering, and at the same time, he gave up his own possibility of pursuing happiness. Was this kind of life "correct"?

Karl didn't know and didn't understand, countless thoughts filling his head.

Standing in the lobby of the cinema, Karl felt a little lost.

According to the plan, he should have gone to the next screening room to watch "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World", but now he was standing there like a fool.

"... I heard that there's a different version there, a happy ending."

"What do you mean? Evan and Keller are together? How did he do it?"

From the side, there was a rustling conversation. As they were leaving the cinema in a hurry, Karl reflexively stepped forward, his body even acting one step ahead of his brain, stopping the two young men.

"Is it 'The Butterfly Effect'?"

The two movie fans were not surprised.

"Yes, at 'Medici Cinema'. My friend said that the ending shown there is different."

"That cinema is at..."

Karl nodded repeatedly, "I know, I know, we must hurry up."

Without time to explain, Karl had already taken the lead and jogged all the way out.

"Cinema", how could Karl not know?

This cinema was famous for specializing in overseas films and niche films, including not only award-winning films from film festivals but also independent films that mainstream cinemas didn't like to schedule, and it was very famous among film lovers.

At the same time, "Cinema" was also praised for its private viewing experience.

Simply put, seating was limited, ensuring that there would be no noisy, photography, sleeping, or other miscellaneous things in the screening room.

This was a niche private space specifically for movie lovers.

He never expected that "Cinema" would also show "The Butterfly Effect."

So, they had to hurry, or they might not have any seats.

Fortunately, "Cinema" was not far from their location, only two blocks away.

Karl ran all the way, panting, and arrived breathlessly. The other two also arrived one after the other, patting their chests and panting, their faces full of confusion.

"Why did we run?"

Karl was stunned. He didn't know either:

In theory, "The Butterfly Effect" was still a genre film, neither niche nor artistic, and all the large chain cinemas in Paris would show it; coupled with the head-to-head battle with "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" today, the occupancy rate was worrying.

At "Cinema", they didn't need to worry about the movie tickets being sold out at all.

Moreover, hadn't he already planned to watch "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" after watching "The Butterfly Effect", and he still had two blog posts to complete tonight?

So, why did they run?

However, before Karl could explain, a crowd of people quickly gathered and piled up at the entrance of "Cinema", like a crowd of zebras on the African savanna.

The three of them were stunned, looking at each other, and were taken aback.

Karl's first reaction was, "Buy tickets."

Turning around, without hesitation, Karl immediately went to the ticket window and said loudly, "The next Ashton Kutcher movie."

Three seconds later, a movie ticket was in hand.

Karl stared blankly at the movie ticket in his hand, somewhat lost in thought for a moment—

Wasn't he going to watch "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World"? So what was he doing here?

Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?

The three questions of the soul.

But soon, Karl should be glad, because all the movie tickets were sold out within five minutes.

Unbelievable!

Moreover, this was not all.

From the ticket seller, he learned that all three consecutive screenings of "The Butterfly Effect" this morning at "Cinema" were sold out. They were a small cinema with only one screening room and had not scheduled "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" at all. They originally thought that "The Butterfly Effect" might be squeezed out, disliked, and unattended, so they scheduled three screenings on Friday morning, but the actual situation was completely unexpected.

In addition, the ticket seller confirmed that they only received one copy for the premiere weekend—

That is to say, one ending.

If the audience was interested and wanted to see more endings, they could go to different cinemas.

The version at "Cinema" was marked with the number "2", which seemed to be the second version of the ending.

However, in the second week of release, cinemas could submit applications based on their occupancy rate and number of screenings to get more versions of the ending.

As for how many versions, it was entirely up to the cinemas to decide based on their own situation; how to arrange the screenings was also up to the cinemas themselves.

Such a screening strategy was really bold.

It could even be called crazy!