From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Sentence after sentence, unhurried, a slightly smiling voice like a spring breeze; yet the content of the words threw one problem after another outward.

Ripley's heart slowly sank—

Everything happened too fast, she still hadn't been able to fully sort out her thoughts. Lacking consideration, the seemingly perfect plan was actually full of loopholes.

So, what to do?

Just give up like this?

Ah, unwilling, really unwilling.

Because of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", and because of thousands upon thousands of other independent and art films, they finally ushered in a ray of dawn, a turning point. The independent film world, hidden in dark corners, slightly revealed its face and entered the mainstream view, but without enough preparation, it couldn't realize the opportunity. That kind of frustration and bitterness crashed heavily against her chest.

“It's just a preview screening, it's still completely possible to change the venue now.”

There was only silence on the other end of the phone, and you could feel their surprise.

Then, Anson's voice came.

“Are you sure, Miss Flore? This would mean the opportunity with the Angelica Film Center would slip away. For those large chain theaters, they don't lack such opportunities, they don't even need them.”

“But the Angelica Film Center is different.”

“We chose the Angelica Film Center because we value the independent film atmosphere here, otherwise we could have held the preview screening in Los Angeles.”

Ripley took a deep breath, clenched her fist and gently patted her thigh:

Calm down, Ripley, calm down.

Ripley also spoke.

“Of course, believe me, I know very well that for you, holding the preview screening anywhere is the same; but for us, such an opportunity is especially rare, and we cherish and thank you for your willingness to give the Angelica Film Center this trust and affirmation. It is our honor.”

“But…”

“Anson, some things are more important than myself, than the Angelica Film Center.”

“This time, the number of online applicants has exploded. Whether they are genuinely interested or just joining in the fun, the fact is that attention is gathering.”

“We need to let people know that there is a vast world of independent and art films outside of the awards season works. Even though they can't win an Oscar nomination, or even gain attention during the awards season, they are still treasures, quietly blooming with their unique charm.”

“Movies are not just in the two categories of popcorn and Oscars, or even just the Big Three European film festivals and Sundance. Outside of them, there are still many, many excellent works. I mean good movies, interesting movies, special movies, not just any random movies.”

“If 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' can open a crack, allowing one thousand—no, one hundred—people out of these three hundred thousand to become curious about independent films, that would be a success. That's more important than the Angelica Film Center's own promotion.”

Thump, thump—

Ripley's heart was pounding, she was panting, but she finally said everything.

No, not yet.

“Anson, I know what I'm asking for, and I know it all sounds incredibly crazy, but I really, really, really hope you can agree.”

“I know you took 'Elephant' just to help a friend, and I know you like Charlie Kaufman, so you took 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'. No matter how others look at you with prejudice and discrimination, you are always you, you have never changed.”

A chuckle came from the other end of the phone.

“Captain, you should look at others, still holding dreams, still believing in hope, still living practically with a passion. This kind of mind is something we can't compare to.”

A calm and composed voice replied next to him, “I'm not envious.”

“Haha.” Anson laughed loudly, “Miss Flore, you don't need to keep putting a high hat on me, I'm not that great, that noble. I purely chose these works for my own benefit. I am an actor, an actor living in the vanity fair of Hollywood. My conscience and dreams have long been buried under that Hollywood sign.”

Frank, confident, humorous.

Clearly, Anson has a clear understanding and positioning of himself, and is not so easily fooled. This is completely different from the lead singer of Thirty Seconds to Mars, who sang at the Grammy Awards that every star is important.

So, which Anson is the real one?

“But.”

“On some level, we are in the same camp. We all hope that 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' can succeed, and we all hope that more people can appreciate this film and see a broader world of cinema outside the mainstream view.”

“Unfortunately, I can't go to New York…”

Ripley was disappointed for a moment.

“However, I can connect to the scene by phone. Kate should also be willing to join, and we can even call Mark, Kristen, and Elijah. Of course, Charlie and Michelle are also no problem.”

“An octopus-like connection will be enough. It's a pity that there's no way to do multi-threaded video live streaming now.”

“But I think, as long as we can communicate with the audience, the method is not the point.”

Ripley's heart suddenly soared high, unable to suppress her excitement and agitation. The kind of happiness and joy that words cannot describe completely erupted, filling her entire chest.

“My suggestion is to keep the screening at the Angelica Film Center. After all, it matches the film's tone. Changing the venue would change the entire nature of the preview screening.”

“However, we need a larger venue. You are right, 300,000 people applied, but only 200 people can attend. This is too wasteful.”

“If this were a premiere, there is no doubt that this would be a good publicity opportunity. Scalper tickets might break the sky, creating a VIP effect that only a small number of viewers can experience. The publicity effect should be very good.”

“But that's not our original intention.”

“We just hope that the audience can enjoy the film and have a good time, to some extent, like the premiere of 'The Butterfly Effect'.”

“So, what do you think about an outdoor screening?”

Ripley was so surprised that she couldn't help but blurt out, “What?”

“I mean, at the Cannes Film Festival, they arranged beach screenings, where hundreds or thousands of people gathered together to watch movies through giant screens. That was an unforgettable experience. Why can't we do that?”

“I remember that outside the Angelica Film Center is a series of steps and a plaza, right?”

“How many people can it accommodate? Two thousand people? What about including the surrounding apartments and office buildings? Everyone can sit by their own window, holding chips and Coke to watch the movie together. It would be a unique experience.”

“'Catch Me If You Can' once had an outdoor screening in Washington Square. I think this is a great idea.”

“Miss Flore, what do you think?”

“Wait, is it too late to apply for a permit from New York City Hall now?”