Echoes of Hollywood

In the studio, a row of spotlights hung from the ceiling, illuminating the area in front of the camera. Opposite the camera was a large green screen, in front of which were two brown sofas arranged at a forty-five-degree angle, with a small glass and metal coffee table between them.

This was the recording set, with facilities quite simple. Any complex backgrounds or decorations would be added during post-production.

As the recording was about to begin, Murphy sat on one of the sofas, glancing at Gretchen Carlson, who was getting some touch-ups from the makeup artist. An assistant wheeled in a large whiteboard, placing it where she could see it but the cameras couldn't capture it. The whiteboard was filled with lines and questions pre-arranged by both parties.

Gretchen Carlson could refer to the whiteboard for her questions, but Murphy had no such luxury—no whiteboard to show him the answers.

"Director Stanton, are you ready to start?" The director personally came over to ask.

Murphy simply nodded slightly without saying anything.

Gretchen Carlson then said, "Let's begin."

At the director's command, the interview recording officially started.

Murphy sat quietly on the sofa, while the camera initially focused solely on Gretchen Carlson.

"Great filmmakers are born with a heightened sensitivity to the art of cinema, a talent we can only marvel at."

Reading from the whiteboard, Gretchen Carlson spoke slowly, "These directors continually hone their skills and enrich their resumes through repeated filmmaking experiences."

She gestured towards Murphy, "Today, we have with us a great director, recognized as the most outstanding young director in Hollywood since the turn of the century—Murphy Stanton."

"Welcome, Murphy."

As Gretchen Carlson spoke, the camera panned to include both her and Murphy.

Now that he had been introduced, Murphy stopped his habitual focus on the camera lens and turned his attention back to the interview.

Facing the camera, Murphy smiled and nodded.

"Did you bring a new film recently?"

This interview was meant for promotion, so Fox's questions went straight to the point.

"A biographical film." Murphy was about to say more when Gretchen Carlson cut in, "Is it the one rumored to be about your..."

She deviated from the script, looking at Murphy and quickly asking, "Your drug dealer friend's biographical film?"

Murphy didn't deny it, "It's a movie about some of Diego Ross's real-life experiences."

"So, he's your friend?" Gretchen Carlson looked aggressive, "Are the rumors true?"

"I met Ross at California Independent Prison." Murphy smiled lightly, "I never denied he was my friend."

Gretchen Carlson didn't seem ready to let Murphy off easily, "Many say this film's funding came from drug cartels."

"This is a 20th Century Fox-funded film." Murphy shrugged, "The film was filed with the MPAA and all major unions during its preparation. They've all conducted actual investigations."

With the movie about to be released, these questions couldn't be avoided. It was better to clarify his stance early on.

"So," Gretchen Carlson said, not straying far from the Fox-prepared script but performing her own interpretation, "You have no financial dealings with Diego Ross?"

Murphy nodded, "None at all."

This could withstand any scrutiny. If he had any financial dealings with Diego Ross, the LAPD wouldn't have let him off.

Gretchen Carlson appeared sharp but was actually helping to clear Murphy's name in a unique way.

And Murphy was indeed innocent in this regard.

"During the film's preparation..." Gretchen Carlson's expression was serious, "Did you face any investigations from the LAPD?"

"Yes." Murphy answered calmly, "But the investigation found the crew to be clean."

The crew did encounter such issues while filming on location in downtown Los Angeles, but the LAPD found nothing.

Although this couldn't eliminate all external speculation and gossip, it could alleviate some concerns.

For Murphy, that was enough. After all, Hollywood and gossip are inseparable.

Gretchen Carlson's tone softened, "This film is bound to be controversial. Why did you choose to make such a film?"

"Choosing a film's subject matter must be done without any external influences." Murphy spoke candidly, "So, when deciding to make this film, I cleared my mind, treating it as just another of my works, no different from 'Gone Girl' or any other film. I approached it with an objective perspective and attitude."

"Don't you consider external criticism?"

Without hesitation, Murphy replied, "In my work, I always strive to do what I want to do, avoiding considering the opinions of those outside the crew."

Gretchen Carlson crossed her hands and glanced at the whiteboard. Their conversation had veered off the pre-arranged questions, so she improvised, "What if you make a mistake? Don't you consider others' advice?"

"As I said, I don't consider the opinions of those outside the crew." Murphy smiled, "I'm fortunate to have a great team. If I make a mistake, they'll promptly remind me."

Gretchen Carlson immediately picked up on Murphy's emphasis, "Is your team very important to you? Or do all directors value teamwork highly?"

Murphy nodded, "Extremely important! Film is a social art. You can't make a movie alone. No matter what you do, how well you plan, how imaginative or hysterical you are, shouting through your megaphone, you can't do it alone. A film's final product is often the result of everyone's collective effort. So, if you want to understand the art of filmmaking, you need to study it as a social science. That means investigating and analyzing it as you would a social subject."

"Does the subject matter affect your team?" Gretchen Carlson asked.

"We all understand one thing." Murphy raised a finger, "To make an excellent film, the production must be fearless. Nothing is off-limits; only the execution can fall short. The worst outcome is making a boring film."

He thought for a moment and added, "However, the more subject matter options you have, the more restrictions you'll face."

Gretchen Carlson nodded, continuing her questioning, "Has anyone ever told you that you're a genius in filmmaking?"

"Yes, people have said that to me." Murphy smiled.

"How do you feel about such compliments?" Gretchen Carlson asked again.

"Well," Murphy thought for a moment before replying, "If someone calls you a genius, don't get carried away. Ask yourself, if I'm considered a genius, what about Shakespeare? Or Mozart? Or Einstein? Generally, in such cases, I settle for being someone who can make and direct films reasonably well."

"But your films are highly praised, and many consider you a genius in noir filmmaking." Gretchen Carlson leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, "Do you have any special tricks?"

"Of course!" Murphy said mysteriously.

Gretchen Carlson immediately followed up, "Can you share them? I'm sure everyone is curious."

"Create a compelling villain, just like you would a protagonist." Murphy said directly, "Most of the time, the better the villain, the better the movie."

"Hmm..." Gretchen Carlson nodded and didn't forget the show's purpose, "Like Rainer in 'City of Chaos'? The villain in that film was highly praised, just like the movie."

"You could say that." Murphy adjusted his posture to sit more comfortably, "But I didn't spend much on Rainer, just gave him a basic human thought rather than a brainless caricature."

Gretchen Carlson chuckled, and Murphy continued, "Actually, the villain I worked hard to create will appear in the sequel."

This was, of course, to grab attention and promote the film.

"Is it the character played by James Franco?" Gretchen Carlson was very cooperative.

"Yes." Murphy said seriously, "He's an idealistic, ambitious, and very crazy character. I prepared it specifically for James. His audition performance left us all in awe."

"But many criticize James Franco for not being focused."

Murphy, of course, disagreed and immediately retorted, "James isn't unfocused. He's versatile and an incredibly talented actor. No one knows his talent better than I do."

In real life, James Franco was much more than just an actor. However, it wasn't the time to reveal that yet. It would be a significant promotional point in the near future.

Gretchen Carlson asked, "How would you evaluate James Franco?"

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