Made In Hollywood

"We've arrived, Scar."

The car stopped smoothly, and Duke reminded the little girl in the back seat, "Don't forget your backpack."

"I know."

Scarlett Johansson, swinging her ponytail, grabbed her backpack, got out of the car, and shut the door behind her. She waved at Duke without looking back and walked toward her house.

"She's not still mad, is she?" Charlize, sitting in the passenger seat, asked while watching her.

"It's fine."

Duke didn't start the car until Scarlett was inside. "She's always like that."

Despite being able to guess a few things from the tone of that phone call, Duke wasn't going to pry. After all, this was the Johansson family's private matter. Not even his mother, Scarlett's godmother, could interfere.

"Let's go."

Duke turned the wheel, pulling out of the quiet street and heading toward North Hollywood.

Once they reached Laurel Canyon Boulevard, they found a high-end restaurant and ordered a casual meal, sitting by a window, eating and chatting.

"Congratulations on your movie's huge success." Charlize Theron raised her glass. "You've broken three North American box office records in a row."

"And I've been trashed just as badly."

Duke took a sip of red wine and joked, "I might become the worst director in Hollywood history by next week."

"A lot of people would love to be criticized by film critics the way you are." Charlize pushed her growing blonde hair behind her ear and nibbled on her fruit salad, which had no dressing. "You wouldn't believe how many people in my acting class are jealous of the actors who starred in *Independence Day*."

"Opportunities will come." Duke easily picked up on the implication in her words. "Hasn't your agent been getting you auditions?"

"He has. There's no way he'd let me off the hook." Charlize seemed a little frustrated. "I've turned them down for now. If this keeps up, I think he'll give up on me soon."

She leaned in slightly, her delicate face moving closer. "Duke, could you help me find a new agent?"

Duke looked at her, realizing she wasn't joking. After a moment, he said, "If you have time, go to ICM and tell them I sent you."

"Do you have plans tonight?" Charlize asked at just the right moment.

"Hmm…" Duke rubbed his chin. There were some things that didn't need to be said or rushed. Suddenly, he remembered a film once called the greatest of all time. "How about this? Let's go watch a midnight movie."

The answer seemed to surprise Charlize a bit. She smiled, "Sure."

They chatted at the restaurant until late. Then they left together, Duke bought a baseball cap from a nearby sports store, and they walked to a nearby theater.

Although *Independence Day* was still making headlines, there wasn't the mob of paparazzi around that people might expect. Directors were always less of a draw compared to actors. Besides, even if some paparazzi were hiding, Duke didn't care. He wasn't married and had no girlfriend. Even if certain people took pictures, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Laurel Canyon Boulevard was one of North Hollywood's busiest areas, and even close to midnight, it was still brightly lit and packed with people. They walked a few hundred feet before Duke, holding hands with the tall, sexy blonde, entered a theater.

Maybe it was because it was so late, or perhaps the films showing this week weren't that popular, but the theater wasn't crowded. They bought two tickets, entered the screening room, and chose seats toward the back.

"Want some water?"

Charlize, ever thoughtful, handed over a bottle of water she had just opened. "*The Shawshank Redemption*? You're interested in a film like this?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Duke smiled.

"I thought you liked films that were more…" Charlize mimed punching the air. "That kind of thing."

After only a few more words, the midnight screening started. Since the film was one Duke was already familiar with, his attention wasn't fully on the screen. Glancing around the theater, including him and Charlize, there were fewer than ten people present.

In a less populated area, this might have been a decent turnout for a midnight showing, but here on one of LA's busiest streets, the audience seemed a bit sparse.

Of course, that was to be expected. Midnight shows were often attended by fans, and a film like this couldn't attract the same kind of diehard supporters as action or sci-fi films. Neither Tim Robbins nor Morgan Freeman had many fans these days.

The beginning of the film was quite heavy. Though it wasn't without hope, the overall tone remained rather somber. Less than halfway through, three people in their twenties left early.

Even when Tim Robbins' rain scene brought some release to the oppressive mood, it didn't leave viewers feeling entirely relieved. A sense of heaviness and melancholy lingered.

"It's a powerful film."

Compared to Duke, Charlize watched attentively, and when the credits rolled, she seemed deeply moved. "I feel like… I feel like the film gave me a feeling I can't quite describe…"

She couldn't seem to find the right words.

"Let's go."

Before Charlize could continue reflecting, Duke pulled her toward the exit. Outside the theater, he declined to participate in a survey and continued walking.

Behind them, they could hear other audience members talking with the survey staff.

"*The Shawshank Redemption* was amazing. It's the best film I've seen this year. In terms of plot and emotional impact, *Independence Day* doesn't even compare. But there's something strange about watching it in a theater…"

The man seemed to realize something, adding, "This type of movie doesn't really fit the theater environment. It feels like it should be watched alone at home, or somewhere quiet, slowly savored. The theater setting doesn't match the film's tone."

As Duke left the theater, he thought about what the man had said. The failure of *The Shawshank Redemption* at the box office had been due to a number of factors. The film being unsuitable for theatrical release was certainly one of them. The much-discussed issue of marketing and promotion was actually not as significant. After all, the initial marketing budget wasn't small in comparison to the film's investment. And even after its Oscar loss, when it gained a flood of sympathetic media coverage and was re-released, it still bombed at the box office.

"What are you thinking about?"

Once they were in the car, Charlize asked, curious about Duke's distraction.

"I'm thinking about…" Duke fastened his seatbelt, turning to her. "How I'm going to enjoy this delicious little treat tonight."

"As long as it's not a sandwich like last time," Charlize's red lips whispered in Duke's ear, "I'm all yours."

Minutes later, Duke's Bentley entered his neighborhood. Hand in hand, they walked into his apartment, almost tearing each other's clothes off as fast as they could. Duke scooped the now-naked Charlize Theron into his arms and tossed her onto the plush mattress, then jumped in after her.

Last time, Duke had been too drunk to remember much of the experience. This time, he intended to savor every moment. Though Charlize still had a youthful innocence about her, without the commanding presence she'd have in the future, she had her own unique allure.

By the time the Friday sun rose, there was no sense of a holiday in the Sony Columbia Pictures offices—just the constant buzz of activity.

Behind his desk, Ralph rapidly scanned the morning papers, searching for reviews of *The Shawshank Redemption*.

"A long road to freedom, a cleansing of the soul, an immortal classic of inspiration. *The Shawshank Redemption* brings enduring friendships, indomitable spirit, and the undying fire of fate! This is a great film!"

In the *Chicago Sun-Times* column, Roger Ebert not only gave his iconic thumbs-up but also awarded a perfect score!

"The film touches on eternal themes of humanity and unavoidable contemporary dilemmas. Its structure is more refined than the original novel, its dialogue more rhythmic and meaningful, its characters more vivid. The director, with rich and clever artistry, raises the spirit of freedom into the heavens!"

*The New Yorker*'s famously cynical critic David Denby gave it a 9.5!

Other critics echoed these sentiments.

"The film weaves the themes of freedom and redemption into its very core, creating an irresistible, emotional resonance."

"*The Shawshank Redemption* is the strongest commentary on hope."

In print media, particularly from the top critics, *The Shawshank Redemption* was receiving universal acclaim. Most professional ratings were nine or ten out of ten, marking it as one of the most critically acclaimed films of recent years.

Yet, despite all this, Ralph couldn't bring himself to be excited. Before the papers had even arrived, he had already seen the midnight box office numbers.

$970,000.

Given the film's genre and its stars' limited appeal, such numbers, especially during North America's summer blockbuster season, were disappointing.

Still, Ralph held on to some hope. Based on audience surveys, although the number of people who had seen the film was small, the word-of-mouth was excellent, with nearly 90% giving it an A rating—usually a sign of a box-office hit.

Perhaps with good word-of-mouth and time, the film's numbers would improve?

Even though he knew they had to compete with a juggernaut like *Independence Day*, Ralph and the rest of Sony Columbia's team hadn't given up hope just yet.

....

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