Chapter 869: Chapter 275: More Smoke
As the second eldest of the Phoenix family, playing the leading role in the work directed by the Miracle Director, and this film is clearly aiming for the Oscars, how could River and Silver possibly not come to support? Even though River will surely be Joaquin’s rival. They even brought their girlfriends along, without caring about Joaquin’s feelings at all.
River is needless to say, he has been developing very smoothly with Kristen Bell. As for Silver, just after July, Lindsay impatiently moved into his house, even though they had a big fight a week earlier. Yet Joaquin still doesn’t have a steady girlfriend. He’s not as disciplined as River, and in Hollywood, countless women want to sleep with stars every day. But for some reason, he still hasn’t found someone suitable.
That’s right, this is exactly what Joaquin said; he hasn’t found someone suitable, but what he truly thinks deep down is anyone’s guess.
Of course, despite this, it hasn’t affected the feelings between the three brothers, though jesting and teasing are unavoidable. Furthermore, the premiere of “Walk the Line” was held in Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, which was also the last place Johnny Cash stayed, and Joaquin originally thought Cash’s music was quite good. In playing this movie, he tried his best to experience and sing it, so he was wholeheartedly supportive of this decision, as for the teasing from the brothers… it doesn’t matter.
“Just wait and see, River, I’ll beat you.” Joaquin declared confidently as their conversation shifted from “Walk the Line” to “Brokeback Mountain.”
“Then just wait and see.” River was indifferent, but Adrian found it amusing, so he decided to just watch the show this time, letting them engage in PR and campaign themselves. Anyway, the production of these two films had other purposes.
Thus, after chatting briefly with the Phoenix brothers, Adrian left soon after. Even though the premiere was held at the Gailord Art Center in Nashville, many celebrities from various places attended. After all, Johnny Cash left a significant mark on the history of music in the United States. Before talking with his targets, Adrian had to deal with them first, like—
“I really don’t know how to thank you, Ed,” Rachel McAdams said, blinking with the signature dimples on her cheeks, wearing a simple yet elegant one-shoulder evening gown. Her auburn long hair made her look very charming.
“It’s not necessary,” Adrian said with a smile, looking at her. “I just provided an opportunity. If you didn’t have outstanding acting skills, you wouldn’t have your current achievements, right?”
“Yes, but you also taught me many things, many… skills. I really hope you can teach me more.” Her smile deepened, and she ran her fingers through the hair behind her ear, looking charmingly alluring. Coupled with her slightly swaying body, and mentioning ‘skills,’ her meaning was quite clear.
With the popularity of “Lost,” Rachel, who played the leading role, gained fame. But clearly, this didn’t satisfy her appetite. How could TV actors compare to the glamour of movie actors? Therefore, to move further forward, she didn’t mind holding onto Adrian’s thigh tighter. At least she personally experienced the reputation of this most powerful man in Hollywood.
“I see,” Adrian caressed his chin, “Well, if there’s a chance, maybe we can talk more often.”
Rachel couldn’t help but show a disappointed look. Upon hearing his answer, she knew there’d be no luck today. But Adrian’s voice immediately rang again: “If you don’t mind, how about inviting Vera for a talk as well? Both of you initially left a good impression on me, and you’ve developed well individually.”
After being stunned for two seconds, Rachel’s smile quickly became sweeter: “No problem.”
Seeing how perceptive she was, Adrian couldn’t help but secretly praise her. There are many perceptive women, but few who can agree to such requests without hesitation, like Rachel. Of course, it also relates to her initial encounter with Vera and Adrian being a threesome. If it were another woman… it’s hard to say. Rachel McAdams is obviously an ambitious woman, always seizing every opportunity to flirt with Adrian, accepting all of his tricks without rejection, having been explored fully.
However, Vera Farmiga, who was initially in bed together, is different. Apart from the initial threesome, and a few occasions of passion afterward, she hasn’t had deeper contact with Adrian. That’s also why Adrian wanted to include her; he has always been interested in women with a particular temperament. By the way, although Vera’s performance in “The Bourne Identity” wasn’t as powerful as the original version, her capable image still won some people’s applause. Adding her decent image in “Dr. House,” so…
Temporarily put aside, because Adrian had too many people to deal with, and since he arrived at the Art Center late, he couldn’t catch up with his targets before the start. But it doesn’t matter, the created phenomenon continues, and after the premiere, could the other party run away?
“I like this feeling, do you?” Soaked in the bath, kissing a woman’s smooth back covered in water droplets, Adrian said with a tone of admiration.
Leaning against the pool wall, face flushed, Natalie turned her head to look at him powerlessly, her lips tight and saying nothing. What they did earlier requires no elaboration. Having grown accustomed to her appearance, Adrian chuckled again, embracing the young girl from behind, starting to tease her in multiple ways.
“Wai… wait…” Natalie, just recovered, wanted to pause, but in this situation, she was unable to stop.
“Remember the applause after the movie ended? Everyone loved Joaquin and your performance. Of course, those songs too; nostalgia always evokes people’s most beautiful memories.” Adrian said with a laugh as his hands moved up and down her body, “So, come and sing a song. Sing the one you sang in the movie; it’s the best way to the throne of honor.”
Upon hearing these words, Natalie’s body immediately started a mild tremor. Even though these were her most desired notions at the moment, rarely had it been laid bare between them like this. Even if revealed, it would usually be more subtle. This level of directness was the first. But over the years, she had lost the ground to resist; no matter how much her heart resisted, she could only begin to sing in the trembling.
“Very good, just like that, Nata.” Adrian said contentedly, then once again entered her body amidst her singing.
There’s really no need to elaborate on the entire premiere process. “Walk the Line,” labeled with inspirational, love, nostalgia, and biographical tags, easily won the applause of the audience present. After all, it is Nashville, the birthplace of American country music, Johnny Cash’s final resting place.
No matter what conflicts Cash and his ex-wife or Joan with her ex-husband had, their love is commendable. Supporting each other and walking together after marriage until now, when one passed, the other, who was initially quite spirited, quickly collapsed and also passed. Although such married couples are not uncommon worldwide, the overall proportion isn’t large, especially in the entertainment industry. Even Adrian, such a Playboy, couldn’t help but give them a thumbs-up for their relationship. Moreover, most of those attending the premiere were residents of Nashville.
Then, nostalgia is an evergreen topic. As people grow older, they start to reminisce about past times, discarding the unpleasant memories and keeping those that are joyful and moving. For Americans who lived in the 1960s and 70s, there are plenty of such memories: hippies, sexual liberation, anti-Vietnam war protests, and, of course, the moon landing. For ordinary people, these are memories worth cherishing for a lifetime. Therefore, films, TV shows, music, and books related to these themes are eagerly embraced as long as they are of high quality.
This is why Adrian meticulously crafted the film to recreate the style and atmosphere of decades ago, even using some vintage cameras and specifically inviting seasoned country musicians to coach Joaquin and Natalie on their singing techniques.
The effect was quite impressive, at least at the premiere; the applause after the movie ended is evidence of that. The movie doesn’t have many twists or climaxes. Although it employs a flashback narrative, there aren’t many fancy filming techniques, and the overall pace is rather calm, with three significant dramatic highlights.
The first is when Cash returns from Mexico with drugs and gets caught, threatening his newly established fame. Joaquin perfectly showcases his acting skills here, portraying the inner turmoil beneath a facade of forced calmness through his body language, a feeling that resonates easily with the audience.
Next is the intense argument between Cash and his wife, where they vent their dissatisfaction with each other while their children watch timidly. This scene is Rachel’s best performance in the entire film. Generally, her performance is decent, neither outstanding nor terrible, but here she vividly depicts the cries, tears, and screams of a wife who doesn’t understand her husband. Perhaps this is the kind of emotion actresses excel at portraying?
The third is Cash’s comeback, celebrating a successful concert where he publicly lifts Joan into his arms amid the enthusiastic applause. It’s a touching scene, like a fairy-tale prince finally embracing the princess he’s been waiting for after overcoming numerous obstacles, complemented by warm tones that bring the film to a perfect conclusion.
Of course, this final scene isn’t particularly intense; instead, it’s very heartwarming and moving, yet the emotions it conveys are incredibly strong. That fairy-tale feeling elevates the entire film.
In fact, the scene where Joan drives away those who try to offer Cash drugs again, using a shotgun, while taking care of Cash can also be considered one of the intense moments. However, there are many shots of driving the intruders away, emphasizing how Joan helps Cash quit drugs. As mentioned earlier, Adrian borrowed a segment from a previous life’s sci-fi drama here; under warm, dim lighting, Joan places Cash’s head on her lap, and repeatedly wipes the cold sweat off his forehead from withdrawal with a towel.
This scene has minimal music and dialogue, very calm yet imbued with an indescribable warmth. This is, in fact, the focus of the entire film: nurturing excitement within calmness. Although there are only a few intense parts, as long as the actors sing those familiar tunes from the 50s and 60s, the film immediately evokes a longing sensation in the audience’s hearts, especially those who grew up in the 60s and 70s.
Despite Joaquin and Natalie’s rigorous training, their singing doesn’t compare to Cash and Joan’s. But within the context of the movie, it suffices, especially since all the songs are performed live by them, a requirement Adrian repeatedly insisted on. This aligns with the academy’s evaluation standards, where, as they would say in a less modest past life, you’re still at the stage of “seeing a mountain as a mountain”—only if you immerse yourself completely into a role and transform, or showcase talents like singing or dancing, can you be recognized.
This is why roles characterized as mentally challenged, mentally ill, crazy, or abnormal often win awards. Beautiful actresses, particularly, have to portray unattractive characters to stand out, and if it’s a musical, the dancing and singing must be performed live. This provided an opportunity for Adrian. In fact, Joaquin and Natalie’s live singing was heavily promoted, and the applause at the premiere was mostly anticipated.
“This is a great tribute movie to Johnny Cash. Cowell chose to depict the period from Cash’s debut to his successful return to the stage after overcoming his addiction, emphasizing his career’s ups and downs and his tumultuous relationship with Joan Carter. The Miracle Director again demonstrated his superb skills, pacing the film at a moderate, consistent rhythm, yet finely outlining the most important moments of Cash’s life, perfectly intertwined with the film’s music. Additionally, with both Joaquin Phoenix and Natalie Portman delivering their most brilliant performances, the entire film glows brightly with excitement and emotion,” was written in the entertainment section of the San Francisco Chronicle the day after its premiere.
Although some might see them as mere flatterers, considering everyone knows Hearst Group and AC Media Group are closely aligned, they’re invariably spot on every time. Besides the San Francisco Chronicle, the three most famous newspapers in the United States and several magazines also gave “Walk the Line” remarkably high praise.
Moreover, the San Francisco Chronicle wasn’t even the most flattering. Local Nashville papers practically exalted the movie to the skies, and movie tickets for the second day sold out swiftly as people queued up. Although some expressed a differing opinion, including a film critic who wrote on their blog that, as a biographical film, “Walk the Line” lacks any surprises, allowing viewers to predict subsequent scenes just by seeing the preceding ones, making the entire experience conservative and dull. However, such opinions always remain in the minority.
The consensus is that every film by the Miracle Director is a masterpiece, even if movies like “Monster” can be considered average, and “Elizabeth” nearly first-rate. Nevertheless, most choose to overlook it. After all, the “Matrix” trilogy and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy alone are enough to solidify his status in Hollywood, not to mention other distinct styles of works like “Forrest Gump,” “Erin Brockovich,” and “Moulin Rouge.”
Furthermore, with it being a biographical film about Johnny Cash, two and a half legendary figures—counting Joan Carter as half—come together, generating an immensely potent chemical reaction.
“See, wasn’t I right?” Adrian laid the newspaper beside the pillow the next morning and spoke to Natalie in a take-it-for-granted tone, starting to make a move.
Unable to resist, Natalie could only cooperate as they embarked on their morning exercise. They didn’t make love often, but whenever Adrian carried her to bed, he wouldn’t let go until he had drained every last bit of her energy. Fortunately, he never forced anything beyond her boundaries; so far, Natalie’s mouth and behind hadn’t been used. Hence, in such situations, she had no choice but to comply, especially feeling that one of her goals was finally about to be achieved.
Before their morning exercise, Adrian read the reviews from several major newspapers to Natalie. Essentially, her performance in the movie was universally praised. Despite knowing he must have guided public opinion, hearing such commendation still made Natalie’s heart race. She knew what this meant; he was building momentum for her!
At the same time, Natalie began to feel anxious. She didn’t know what awaited her thereafter. This man controlled every aspect of her life, leaving her unable to escape. She had to test him, needed to know his thoughts, even if those thoughts were pretended.
Unfortunately, Natalie didn’t have the opportunity to ask the question at that moment, as Adrian left Nashville without notice, and even reporters couldn’t track him down. It was odd; a new film release typically calls for a public appearance, doesn’t it? Although Adrian didn’t participate in film promotions often, he would at least grant a few interviews. Why did he make an exception this time?
News soon came that the Miracle Director returned to Europe to continue work on his new film, with confirmed reports suggesting it was a World War II movie. This news sparked excitement in the media again; they had encountered similar rumors before, yet never with absolute certainty—let alone with specified themes.
However, as they prepared to expand their European contacts, another piece of news arrived: the Miracle Director’s new film was about a homosexual relationship and could possibly be released by year’s end. This again left the media at a loss. This piece of info had been received before, similar to the news of working on a new movie in Europe but was now more certain and potentially releasing soon.
At this point, they began to suspect this was a smokescreen released by Adrian. But now that they knew, what could they do? How could they discern what was true and what wasn’t? Should they deploy manpower to investigate everything? That’s a joke; they would only encounter more misinformation.
Shortly thereafter, speculation arose. Adrian was casting a smoke screen, but what could they do to verify what was real or fake? Send out personnel to check everything? That would be a joke; they’d just end up with more smoke and mirrors.
A hint finally came when news broke that the Miracle Director had returned to Europe to continue working on his new movie, and there was solid information that it involved a World War II theme. This news immediately stirred the media again. There had been similar rumors before, but none as confirmed or detailed regarding the theme.
But as they were about to deploy European teams for further investigation, another message came through: the Miracle Director was back in Europe working on a new film, and there were confirmed reports about it being a specific project that would possibly release by year’s end.
As they reached this point, some began to admit it—Adrian was creating a smokescreen. But what could they do to discern the truth from the falsehoods? Send out teams everywhere? Don’t be ridiculous; they would just end up finding more smoke.
Shortly after, news emerged that the Miracle Director returned to Europe to continue working on his new film, and reliable sources indicated it was a World War-themed movie. This increased the media’s excitement; similar rumors had been received before, but none were fully confirmed, let alone specifying the theme.
They all belonged to the same consensus that each film by the Miracle Director is a masterpiece, even though movies like “Monster” could only be considered average overall and “Elizabeth” nearly first-class. However, most people chose to turn a blind eye. After all, based on “Forrest Gump,” “Erin Brockovich,” “Moulin Rouge,” and such stylistically diverse works alone, he had firmly established his status.
Moreover, a biographical film about Johnny Cash, merging two and a half legendary figures (Joan Carter being the half), naturally resulted in an exceptionally strong chemical reaction.
“See, I wasn’t wrong, was I?” Adrian stated the next day with a victorious smirk, starting to move in on Natalie again.
Natalie, powerless to resist, could only cooperate with his morning routine. They didn’t frequently make love, but when they did, Adrian would not stop until Natalie was completely drained of energy. Fortunately, he never forced anything on her, so any resistance from Natalie was futile. Up until now, Natalie’s mouth and back had remained untouched.
Before their morning exercise, Adrian had read all the major newspaper reviews to Natalie. Overall, her performance in the film was met with widespread praise. While she knew Adrian must have orchestrated some media influence, hearing such accolades still made her heart race. She knew this meant he was building momentum for her!
Simultaneously, Natalie felt compelled to probe his thoughts, even if his thoughts were just a pretense, as he was controlling her life in every aspect, leaving her unable to break free.
However, unfortunately for Natalie, she didn’t have the opportunity to inquire about his intentions this time, as Adrian abruptly left Nashville without revealing his whereabouts, and even journalists couldn’t spot where he was. It was truly bizarre: a new film’s release would naturally warrant some public appearance—why make an exception this time?
Before long, news emerged that the Miracle Director had gone back to Europe to continue his work on a new movie. Confirmed reports indicated the movie is about World War II, which excited the media once more. They had heard similar rumors before, but the new information carried more certainty and explicitly stated the subject matter.
Meanwhile, as they prepared to further investigate through their contacts in Europe, another piece of information arrived: the Miracle Director’s new film is on a homosexual relationship and potentially set to release by the end of the year. They had heard such rumors before, much like those about working on a new film in Europe, but now both claims had solidified, each being highly plausible with a likely release at year’s end.
As they hit this point, some began to guess—could Adrian be using smoke and mirrors? But even knowing that didn’t matter. How could they distinguish what was real from what wasn’t? Deploy forces to investigate everything? Don’t be ridiculous, they would just be met with more smoke.
Some farther ahead guessed the truth: Adrian threw out smokescreens. But even if they knew, what could they do? Send teams to investigate every possibility? A fool’s errand—the outcome would just be more smoke screens.
Soon, there was a lead; news broke that the Miracle Director returned to Europe to continue production on a new film—this time a World War II movie, officially confirmed.
But just as exhibitors were prepping their teams, yet another piece of news came: the Miracle Director returned to Europe to continue working on a new movie, specifically pinpointed as a WWII film.
Thinking this far, some began guessing Adrian’s motives—to release misinformation. But even if they knew, what could they do about it? Could they really send all their people to investigate? That would be a joke, leading only to more misdirection.
Finally, a more solid piece of information emerged: the Miracle Director returned to Europe to continue his work on his new movie, with confirmed reports hinting it is focused on a World War II theme, increasing media excitement. They had heard similar whispers before, but these reports were more certain and even specified the subject matter at hand.
However, the media realized that Adrian was merely casting more smokescreens, sowing confusion on whether any of the information was true or false. But there was little they could accomplish—they couldn’t distinguish which ones were true and which were false. It was pointless to send teams to verify every rumor; they’d encounter more smokescreens.
A little later, they finally caught on to the idea that Adrian was creating diversions. But even being aware provided no leverage. How could they discern what was true or false? Would they dispatch people to investigate every claim? That would simply uncover more diversions.
Just then, another lead emerged, revealing the Miracle Director’s return to Europe to continue working on his new film, with confirmation that it centered around World War II and an expected year-end release. This reignited media excitement once again, having heard such rumors before without complete certainty, let alone with detailed themes.
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