Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 177: Trouble come's from One's Mouth

A/N: Ladies and gentlemen, please give me your powerstones, for I have decided that today is the auspicious day on which I will release 10 Chapters... Anyway, I just wanted to become #1 ranking on all days power list, even if for a small time... So you give me your powerstones cause you have a moral obligation or if you are a pragmatic, then an incentive...

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Regarding the street performance after the Emmy Awards, Renly could explain it; the situation was not complicated and could be clarified in a few sentences. But is it necessary?

As a public figure living under the spotlight, every action is scrutinized by the public. For a newcomer like Renly, it might be easier, but for big stars like Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt, they might even need to explain a hoarse voice to avoid rumors of overindulgence, when it's just a common cold. If every trivial matter requires an explanation, life would be never-ending.

Moreover, often, even if you explain, the public might not believe you. People always believe what they want to believe.

The entertainment industry, the spotlight, and dealing with the media are all new to Renly. He has no previous experience to rely on, but two lifetimes have taught him one thing: if he keeps getting swayed by others' opinions, he will eventually lose himself. So, Renly chooses not to explain and doesn't want to.

Taking a step back, as Renly said, "If there is anything, so what?"

Gavin was speechless. There are countless star kids in the entertainment industry. Due to their parents, many of them have been surrounded by the spotlight since birth, and entering the entertainment industry seems natural. So, what if their background is revealed? So what?

This is the entertainment industry, not nepotism in a family business or a parachute into a government office. On the contrary, many star kids easily gain attention, which is a good thing. Like Bryce Dallas, who hid her father Ron Howard's identity and relied on her own strength, gaining audience support and industry admiration.

If Renly indeed has a background as a star kid and successfully created a buzz, it wouldn't be surprising because this is Hollywood, where all sorts of means are used for publicity. At least Gavin couldn't deny that Renly delivered an outstanding performance in "The Pacific War" and "Buried."

Faced with Renly's counter-question, Gavin felt cornered—this is also a downside of gossip magazines like "US Weekly." They focus heavily on minutiae, spending all their energy on digging up dirt. If they uncover a big scoop, everyone's happy; otherwise, it's trivial, irrelevant news.

"Maybe we could interview your parents." Gavin tried to cover his awkwardness with a half-joke but quickly changed the subject, "So, what's going on between you and Natalie Portman? Your rumors with her are a hot topic now."

Renly raised an eyebrow slightly, "If I recall correctly, the source of those rumors is you, right? I thought you would know the whole story better than me." He displayed an interested expression, "Why don't you explain it to me?"

The interview dynamics flipped, catching Gavin off guard. But with two years in the industry, he quickly regained his composure and countered, "I saw you and Natalie meeting at the cinema entrance. That's where it started, isn't it?"

Renly's smile widened, "People always say to trust what they see. So, do you believe in magic?"

Renly's response was cryptic. Gavin pondered, recalling the awkward atmosphere at the "Buried" premiere. A strange thought crossed his mind, and he blurted, "You mean, you met Natalie at the Toronto Film Festival, this year's festival?"

"At the premiere two days ago, it was the second time I met Miss Portman." Renly replied politely. Gavin suddenly understood, but his heart raced as he thought more.

Unbeknownst to Gavin, within the past thirty-six hours, several media outlets, including "US Weekly," had caught on and started probing Natalie and the "Black Swan" crew. Gavin, however, was focused on preparing for today's interview and attended the "127 Hours" premiere yesterday, missing the developments.

Feeling overwhelmed, Gavin blinked and shelved this thought, joking before continuing, "Journalist's instinct, you know." He shrugged, masking his awkwardness—after all, he started the rumors, "Let's talk about acting. Your performance in 'Buried' was stunning. Can you share how you developed the character and approached your role?"

Gavin sensed that Renly wouldn't refuse professional questions—in fact, he'd be eager to discuss them.

Indeed, Renly relaxed and talked about some interesting moments during filming. Just then, Andy Rogers approached, interrupting the interview to whisper to Renly, "Don't mention the claustrophobic experience in the coffin for now."

Given the current situation, they couldn't accurately predict "Buried's" award season prospects, but it was a good start. They needed to strategize early. If they waited until December when the Academy campaign was in full swing, it would be too late. Independent films like "Buried" usually lack a strategy until after signing with a distributor. However, since Andy became Renly's agent, he naturally had to plan for Renly, just like the "Black Swan" crew meticulously planned for Natalie.

Renly nodded slightly, indicating he understood, and smiled at Gavin's puzzled look, "He reminded me not to mention any image-damaging trivialities. For example, during the scene where I call Paul's mother, I cried uncontrollably. The director called 'cut,' but I couldn't stop crying and sobbed even harder, scaring everyone. I cried like a baby."

Renly's humorous remark made Gavin laugh out loud. Looking at Andy standing by with a smile, Gavin felt even more amused, "This wasn't an easy shoot, clearly. By the way, did you watch '127 Hours' which premiered the night before?"

"Yes, I watched it as soon as I could." Renly replied casually, noticing Gavin's puzzled look—Renly wasn't seen at the "127 Hours" premiere. He explained, "I got tickets for yesterday's industry screening and checked it out."

For a hot film like "127 Hours," it would have been challenging for Renly to get extra public screening tickets like for other films earlier. However, Andy had other considerations and wanted Renly to appear more, so he got him industry screening tickets.

"Oh, I see. I missed some excitement yesterday. The film has been praised by the media, with many calling James Franco's performance his career best. Given both films involve survival stories, people are comparing you two. How do you feel about that?"

Gavin's question was a typical bait, trying to spark a discussion between Renly and James Franco. But it was obvious and could be easily deflected with some polite words.

"I think James did an excellent job." Renly nodded in approval, then elaborated, "But the real hero of that movie is the director. Danny Boyle's direction, cinematography, and control were outstanding, keeping the audience's emotions in his hands throughout. The viewing experience was truly enjoyable."

Gavin was stunned, then thrilled. Did Renly mean Franco's performance was insignificant or not worth comparing? Was he implying that in "Buried," he overshadowed the director? Such bold, direct words were exhilarating!

Gavin's pupils dilated, thinking of Marlon Brando. The rebellious genius once bluntly said, "James Dean is just a publicity-seeking imitator," causing a media storm. Yet, Dean never hid his admiration for Brando, despite Brando repeatedly refusing to meet him until Dean's untimely death, when Brando finally acknowledged Dean's talent, regretting their missed encounters.

In the golden age, actors didn't mind showing their harsh, cruel, or greedy sides, nor did they fear public criticism. But since the '90s, agents and publicists have risen, and actors have become shrewd, rarely making bold statements in public. Even bad boys like Sean Penn or egotists like James Cameron seldom openly attacked peers.

Gavin instinctively looked at Andy, standing by. If Andy intervened, he wouldn't be able to report this. Surprisingly, Andy remained still, showing no intention of stopping this. What was going on?

Andy was also conflicted. Hearing Renly's words, he immediately sensed trouble. But after a quick thought, he understood. Renly wasn't one to casually target or negate others, but his confidence and determination were undeniable when it came to professional matters.

Whether discussing acting with Gavin, where Renly's eyes shone with excitement, or now, when comparing him to Franco, Renly's straightforwardness was evident. Ultimately, this was Renly's bottom line, his persistence, and his charm.

Andy initially pursued Renly because of this quality. If he stifled it, there would be no point in signing Renly. So, despite wanting to intervene, he held his ground.