Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 172: The Craze is Back

The updates from the Toronto Film Festival quickly spread across the world via the internet, with enthusiastic netizens following the events daily. Even if they couldn't attend in person, they participated in the festival frenzy online.

Last night was supposed to belong to "The Town." As both director and actor, Ben Affleck was the center of many hot topics, and the film's conclusion sparked expected heated discussions. However, "The Town" is an art crime film with a rather somber theme, lacking significant action scenes, which seemed to dampen the audience's enthusiasm quickly.

Subsequently, the Toronto Film Festival made an official report, announcing, "After the premiere of 'Buried,' the audience gave a standing ovation that lasted twelve minutes!"

The official media feedback on the premiere indicated that this previously unknown film, which had not attracted much attention before its screening, received a frenzied response afterward. The early reviews were overwhelmingly positive, even from reputable critics, making it the most talked-about film of the festival so far.

"A twelve-minute standing ovation for 'Buried,' with the majority of praise directed at the film's lead actor, Renly Hall. This was his solo performance, and he seized his moment," concluded the official report, succinctly yet powerfully.

In contrast, "The Town" received a five-minute standing ovation, highlighting the significant difference. In a short time, media attention shifted dramatically toward "Buried."

Most media outlets quickly reached out to the journalists who attended "Buried's" premiere, but the results were disappointing. No substantial scoops were revealed, only that the viewing experience was thrilling and that Natalie Portman's unexpected attendance added to the intrigue.

Editors had no time for regrets; instead of lamenting the assignment of second or third-tier reporters, they immediately began follow-up reports. Such surprises occur annually at the film festival, so they were used to it. Consequently, all media outlets sprang into action. Compared to "The Town," "Buried" offered more explosive news and highlights, leading to an instant shift in reporting and discussion focus.

The crew of "The Town" was left bewildered.

For the media, one part of their effort was digging into "Buried" and Renly Hall's background, while the other part involved pursuing rumors about Natalie and Renly.

The "Black Swan" crew was caught off guard. Their original plan was to push rumors about Natalie and Renly to stir interest, which they would subtly encourage through the media. However, Renly's cleverness disrupted this plan, forcing them to abandon it and hurriedly devise a backup strategy overnight.

"Buried" wasn't initially a highly anticipated film, so the media couldn't react quickly. They expected at least 36 to 48 hours to respond. Yet, just twelve hours later, the media, like hyenas, picked up the scent and swarmed in, catching the "Black Swan" crew off guard and in disarray.

The real test had just begun.

A single film, "Buried," and one actor, Renly Hall, threw the crews of "The Town" and "Black Swan" into chaos. Who could have anticipated such an outcome? But this was the Toronto Film Festival, a gathering of over a thousand media professionals, where news evolved rapidly, and no one could predict what would happen next.

All of this simultaneously unfolded online, with discussions about Renly surging again within two weeks. The previous wave of interest hadn't even subsided before this new surge hit. This time, netizens at the festival and those who attended "Buried's" premiere eagerly shared their experiences.

GrinchWhoStoleXmas: It was absolutely stunning. I held my breath throughout the viewing, afraid to blink and miss anything! Renly Hall didn't seem like a newcomer at all, let alone a twenty-year-old. His explosive yet nuanced performance was jaw-dropping!

ChicagoCowboy: Oh my God, what was I doing at twenty? Renly Hall's performance was so mature and profound, the kind of soul-stirring impact that's unforgettable. Even now, I can see him in that coffin when I close my eyes.

ReturnMyHatTornado: Renly Hall, you're the best! Jesus, he's so incredibly handsome!

TorontoPasserby: I can't believe I got up at 9 AM today to catch the first screening of "Buried." The scheduling is terrible—one screening this morning and another tomorrow night. Such an excellent film deserves more attention!

DirtySocks: I want to see it a third time! It's breathtaking! Renly Hall is my favorite actor! He's just outstanding and perfect! Ready to watch it again tomorrow night.

SexyAsHell: Honestly, the movie itself wasn't that great because of its limitations, and it can't compare to "Saw." But the lead actor's performance was fantastic. Watching him act was pure enjoyment. What's his name again?

BurningRabbit: Oh my God, Renly Hall is a gem! I attended the premiere yesterday and got to meet him up close afterward. He's not only handsome but also a gentleman. That London accent is to die for. He's so different from his on-screen character. How did he do it? I want to marry him!

Julianne14: I was scared shitless—literally. The story isn't complex, even a bit thin, but the director and actor were amazing. It relied entirely on the actor's performance to carry the story, and after the movie ended, it left a lingering impact.

TinyDick: Anyone got tickets for "Buried"? Will pay high price! Need tickets for any showings tomorrow or the day after. It's unfair that such a great film is shown so few times in such small venues. How are we supposed to watch it?

CrashDriver: Renly Hall is the biggest discovery of the year! First "The Pacific," now "Buried," and he showcased incredible acting skills in both. Amazingly, the two characters are entirely different, and I didn't recognize him at all! If I hadn't searched online to confirm it was the same actor, I would've thought they were two different people.

EminemFanatic: Why are there so few screenings of "Buried"? Now I can't get in line at all. The lines are ridiculous! What's going on? Was the film too niche before becoming so popular suddenly, or is the festival not valuing independent films enough?

...

Netizens' enthusiastic discussions exploded on Yahoo Community, with countless viewers eager to share their thoughts.

William Taylor watched these comments, feeling a deep sense of regret. He knew, he just knew, "Buried" would be amazing. He knew he'd regret not going to Toronto. If only he'd skipped classes and gone to Toronto, it would've been an unforgettable experience. Now, he could only sit in front of his computer, reading others' comments and feeling envious to the point of madness.

When he saw the username "BrandoMania," his eyes lit up, and he read on.

"Renly Hall is an outstanding actor, no doubt about it. He proved himself in 'The Pacific,' and now 'Buried' confirms his exceptional talent. Those nasty speculations about him can stop now. If you're interested, check out the reviews of 'Buried' in the New York Times, Chicago Sun-Times, and Hollywood Reporter. These reputable critics can't be bought, and their reviews are the best testimony.

Due to personal reasons, I couldn't make it to Toronto, which is now a major regret. I look forward to 'Buried's' North American release and will be at the theater first thing."

William was thrilled and quickly left a comment agreeing with "BrandoMania." Meanwhile, his phone rang, and Graham Hughes's excited voice came through, "I want to go to Toronto! Did you see the first reviews? They're exploding! Both media and audience reactions! I can't wait!"

Without needing further explanation, William knew what Graham was referring to. "I'm replying to comments right now. Hurry and join in. The Yahoo Community has blown up, and discussions about 'Buried' have surpassed 'The Town.' It's about to overtake 'Blue Valentine' next. Let's keep it going!"

The Yahoo Community had a dedicated discussion board for the 35th Toronto Film Festival, bustling with daily conversations. After the "Buried" premiere, this unassuming film surpassed "The Town" and "Blue Valentine" within 24 hours, becoming the most talked-about film.

From the Emmys to "Ophelia," then the Billboard awards, and finally "Buried," each step was crucial. The culmination of efforts brought Renly his first shining moment at the Toronto Film Festival.

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Woah 228 powerstones? Crazy...

Here have a bonus Chapter.