From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

From any perspective, "Murder by Numbers" was far from a success, and Richard Cristos's career as a producer officially came to an end.

This was a mainstream film produced by Warner Bros., with an investment of 50 million US dollars, and released on a large scale in North America. The film company naturally expected the film to be profitable.

However, the film actually only grossed 56 million US dollars at the box office. After deducting distribution and publicity costs, the film company, distribution company, and theaters divided the box office revenue, and Warner Bros. ultimately lost nearly 30 million US dollars.

Although a loss of 30 million US dollars is a drop in the bucket for a company of Warner Bros.'s scale, don't forget that Richard Cristos has always produced independent films and TV series. His first attempt at producing a mainstream film was a complete failure, and his prospects in Hollywood were immediately cut off.

However, for the audience, the recognition of "Murder by Numbers" is on another level. Sandra Bullock, Ryan Gosling, and Michael Pitt are treasures.

Turning our attention back to the present.

Richard Cristos, Sandra Bullock, Ryan Gosling—one name after another fits together, pointing in every way to the work "Murder by Numbers."

Does this mean that Brad Renfro has really encountered a once-in-a-lifetime project?

From a timeline perspective, "Murder by Numbers" should be the work Sandra chose before "Miss Congeniality" became a box office hit, demonstrating her ambition to transform. The success of "Miss Congeniality" later led Sandra to postpone her transformation plan, but "Murder by Numbers" is still a possibility, proving Sandra's potential.

Therefore, after "Murder by Numbers," Sandra continued to try slowly, step by step, from "Crash" to "Infamous" to "The Blind Side," three steps in ten years, achieving Sandra's major achievement of winning the Oscar for Best Actress, and then becoming the highest-paid actress in Hollywood at the age of thirty-eight.

The importance of this step of "Murder by Numbers" is evident.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that this film successfully connected Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling, who fell in love. This couple, with an age difference of sixteen years, really attracted a lot of attention. Although the two did not end up together, this work has always had special significance for Ryan.

Anson learned about the work "Murder by Numbers" in this way.

Now, Brad Renfro has entered Richard Cristos's field of vision?

If Brad stars in this work, even though the film was not successful, it can allow him to enter the public's view, and then reopen the doors of Hollywood. Does this mean that Brad's career will also usher in a second spring, completely casting the shadows of the past behind him?

So, which role does Richard think Brad is suitable for, Ryan Gosling's or Michael Pitt's? If Brad stars in this work, will it be able to change the fate of the film? And will it change the fate of the actors, and then enter a world-shattering parallel universe?

Is the influence of Anson, this little butterfly, finally beginning to radiate to his friends around him?

Of course, everything is still too early.

Not to mention that Brad hasn't landed the role yet, he has even been "abandoned" by Richard, hanging in mid-air, caught in confusion and panic—

In Hollywood, this is the norm, waiting and waiting, and then... there is no then.

Even if Brad has successfully landed the role, it does not mean that he can become the second Ryan Gosling, or the second Michael Pitt.

They need to be calm and take one step at a time.

So, what should be done now?

Thoughts surged briefly in his mind. Anson looked at Brad again, "Take a deep breath, Brad, take a deep breath, the opportunity hasn't slipped away yet."

"You just said that the producer needs to visit another actor?"

Brad nodded.

Anson revealed a smile, "Then let's go find them together."

Brad was stunned, "And then what?"

Anson shrugged lightly, "Then compete fairly and openly. No, this isn't competition, it's just socializing, ordinary conversation. Everyone has the opportunity to talk to the producer and director, and everyone has the opportunity to leave an impression, proving that they are the best choice."

Brad blurted out, "But, in front of other actors?"

Auditions for independent films are often one-on-one with the director or producer. They don't hire audition companies, nor do they invite a group of actors to audition together.

There isn't even an audition. If the director likes an actor, they will pass the project plan or script to the actor through their agent. If they are interested, the two parties can sit down and talk.

Brad has always been accustomed to this model. Suddenly, he has to actively promote himself, and he seems a little flustered.

Anson, however, doesn't think things are that complicated. Just switch the angle, "You should think this way: other actors are not necessarily competitors, maybe they are your partners, standing in front of the producer or director, showing the chemistry between you and other actors, and sparking inspiration."

Jeff Robinov's villa is very large, very, very large. They haven't had time to visit it all, but they have already felt the vastness of the area. But it doesn't matter, the places where people gather are just those places. Leaving aside private spaces, it is always possible to find clues.

First return to the starting point, and then search in the direction Richard left. In addition, with Anson's social skills, and simple conversations with guests and waiters to search for clues and details, in less than fifteen minutes, Brad saw Richard under a palm tree, with an expression of focus and intoxication.

Another bald head.

This is the second one tonight, but unlike Jeff, Richard appears very short and thin. Even among the women coming and going, he is completely swallowed up, inconspicuous in the crowd, a bit like a hobbit entering the elven world. You might miss him if you don't pay attention.

It is that bald head that plays the role of a light bulb, making it easy to locate him in the crowd.

From Richard's gestures, it can be seen that he is a comedic figure. Because his appearance is not an advantage, he needs other skills to survive in Hollywood, like a jester.

However, even if you miss Richard, you won't miss Ryan Gosling standing opposite him.

The fourth update.