Chapter 479: Rule of Law

Ever since his encounter with Carey Mulligan, Gatlin Collins had privately used various means to investigate Murphy Stanton's recent activities. In the disputes within Hollywood, there always seemed to be a sinister, cunning, despicable, and shameless shadow, but no one and no evidence could link this shadow to Murphy Stanton.

Gatlin Collins intuitively believed that Murphy Stanton's hidden hand was behind Kirk Douglas's stroke, Cameron Douglas's drug dealing and subsequent maiming, and the estrangement between Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

But intuition couldn't serve as evidence, much less convince anyone. If he said that intuition could prove Murphy Stanton's guilt, it would be as laughable and absurd as Murphy Stanton claiming his intuition could predict a movie's box office success.

Thus, the only way was to gather evidence, solid proof that could send Murphy Stanton to jail, thereby upholding the dignity of the law.

This is a society that values the rule of law. Those who break the law should receive the punishment they deserve.

Unfortunately, that girl Carey Mulligan was simply unreasonable. Just because he spoke a bit harshly that day, she refused to interact with him anymore...

"That woman not only has a baby face," Gatlin Collins muttered, holding his coffee cup and shaking his head, "but she also has an immature personality."

From this, he deduced that Carey Mulligan probably didn't know about Murphy Stanton's past actions. A simple-minded woman like her couldn't possibly see through Murphy Stanton's complex schemes.

After some thought, he redirected his attention to another woman he had previously contacted. She had been Murphy Stanton's personal assistant during the early days of his Hollywood career.

This was a position worth considering, especially if held by a beautiful woman.

The sound of high heels hitting the ground suddenly echoed. Gatlin Collins looked up to see Jessica Chastain, her long red hair flowing, approaching.

"Hello, Miss Chastain," he stood up and extended his hand, "we meet again."

"Hello." Jessica Chastain didn't shake his hand, just nodded and sat down opposite him. Gatlin Collins, unfazed, sat back and asked, "Coffee or juice?"

"No, thank you." Jessica Chastain shook her head and got straight to the point, "Officer Collins, what do you need from me?"

Having played several police roles over the years, she had some legal knowledge. A police officer meeting her privately like this was not standard procedure.

Gatlin Collins didn't beat around the bush and asked directly about their last conversation, "Have you thought about it?"

Jessica Chastain didn't hesitate, "The time has been too short; I haven't decided yet."

Several weeks had passed since their last meeting, and Gatlin Collins frowned slightly, "Miss Chastain, I represent the LAPD. This is ultimately a society ruled by law. Those who break the law should be punished!"

"I also want to fulfill my civic duty," Jessica Chastain matched his rhetoric with her own, "and contribute to this society governed by law. But I genuinely can't recall any illegal acts committed by Murphy Stanton."

She raised her voice slightly, "On the contrary, I see him as a model of law-abiding behavior!"

This nearly made Gatlin Collins spit out his coffee. Murphy Stanton, a shameless rogue, was described as a good person by her. What a joke...

He knew that empty talk wouldn't work here. Hollywood stars only cared about fame and fortune and had little understanding of the importance of the rule of law.

Jessica Chastain watched Gatlin Collins, saying nothing more. She was now a CAA client and had once been looked after by Murphy Stanton. Though they had lost touch over the years and their already tenuous relationship had faded, she wasn't foolish like some actresses in the industry. She wouldn't provoke a top client of CAA and a leading director over some unfounded allegations.

Gatlin Collins took a sip of his coffee and suddenly said, "Miss Chastain, are you aware that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department collaborates closely with Hollywood?"

Though she wasn't fond of him, Jessica Chastain acknowledged the truth in his words with a slight nod.

Having experienced higher education, her understanding and knowledge in this area far exceeded that of the average Hollywood actor, even surpassing many producers.

The US government's support for Hollywood extends beyond laws, policies, and diplomacy to the practical operations of filmmaking. For example, the government, through quasi-official agencies, provides funding to the film industry. The National Endowment for the Arts, established by Congress in 1965, is one such entity supporting arts nationwide, including Hollywood films.

This helps Hollywood films receive adequate promotion and exposure, attracting global media attention. Film producers can also use festivals to negotiate deals with distributors from around the world.

The government's funding is targeted at enhancing the global influence of Hollywood films.

In addition to national foundations, state governments have their own arts foundations supporting the film industry. These foundations provide funds to facilitate exchanges, sales platforms, and new talent development in the film industry.

Moreover, many US government departments, such as the FBI, CIA, Department of Defense, NASA, and the newly established Department of Homeland Security, are willing to assist the film industry. These departments have offices specifically for liaising with Hollywood, reviewing scripts related to their functions. Once a script is approved, they offer various supports, including consultation, equipment, and personnel. Each department's assistance typically aligns with its functions.

The US military's collaboration with Hollywood is long-standing, with each branch having an office in Los Angeles for Hollywood liaison.

If the subject matter is suitable, it's likely to receive military support.

The Department of Homeland Security primarily supports films with anti-terrorism themes. The CIA's connection with Hollywood is more covert, having collaborated extensively during the Cold War. These collaborations were usually secret until the CIA began increasing its openness in 1991, revealing some entertainment industry collaborations.

In the mid-1990s, the CIA established a public media relations office to review Hollywood films seeking assistance.

Besides these national departments, state and local governments also have film offices providing various supports for local filming, such as deploying police for traffic and security during shoots, using public facilities, and sometimes offering financial incentives. For instance, in California, public services like police and firemen needed for filming are paid for by the government when shot on public land.

The LAPD also has a Hollywood Affairs Office, having assisted in numerous cop films.

The most famous example Jessica Chastain knew was "Speed," starring Keanu Reeves.

"The LAPD is currently collaborating with Hollywood on several projects, some involving significant commercial investment," Gatlin Collins continued, "Miss Chastain, you are a veteran Hollywood actress. As I understand, you've also played police roles. You should know that without police support, filming such genres would face many difficulties."

Jessica Chastain nodded again, though inwardly she thought Collins's ambition to take down Murphy Stanton was grand but his methods seemed amateurish.

Across the US, police departments aren't unique to Los Angeles. Given state policies, fewer production crews are staying in California to film. His words might fool those who only care about male models and luxury items...

She kept these thoughts to herself, instead displaying an attentive demeanor, showcasing her well-honed acting skills.

"Miss Chastain, if you cooperate with the police," Gatlin Collins finally revealed his bait, "the police will recommend you for multiple Hollywood projects, giving you a high chance of landing lead roles in two or three major films."

"Are you serious?" Jessica Chastain seemed like a fish lured by bait, "Not joking?"

"Absolutely!" Gatlin Collins swore, "I guarantee it with the LAPD's honor and my professional ethics!"

Jessica Chastain appeared persuaded, pressing her lips together but still hesitating, "Well... I..."

Gatlin Collins smiled, knowing she was tempted. He knew patience was key in such matters.

"Can I have a bit more time to think about it?" Jessica Chastain tentatively asked.

"Well..." Gatlin Collins thought for a moment, "Okay, but not too long."

Jessica Chastain nodded again. They talked a bit more about related topics before Gatlin Collins left the café first.

Shortly after, Jessica Chastain also left, under the scorching California sun, returning to her car. She called her agent and learned that Murphy was shooting at the Venice warehouse set.

"Perhaps, I should pay him a visit?"

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