Chapter 240 Excited fans

When the thunderous applause filled the venue, Gilbert led the main cast and crew on stage to take a bow.

The enthusiasm from the audience was so overwhelming that they had to bow three times before the applause finally began to subside.

"Congratulations, Gilbert. You've made a sci-fi masterpiece that will be remembered in film history," said Steven Spielberg, offering his praise as soon as the bows were finished.

"Thank you, Uncle Steven." Gilbert accepted the compliment. He was long accustomed to such accolades and no longer felt the initial nervousness he once did.

George Lucas added, "Watching your film makes me feel like Star Wars is completely worthless."

"Don't say that, Uncle George. Star Wars was my first introduction to sci-fi when I was a kid," Gilbert replied with a smile.

Tom Cruise also came over, looking somewhat regretful.

"My god, maybe I should've put Mission: Impossible 2 on hold and fought for the lead role in this film. Neo looks like an incredible character."

He could already imagine just how popular the role would become once the film was released.

Some films become famous, but their characters don't necessarily achieve the same level of recognition. Others not only become successful but also make their characters iconic.

The Matrix had that kind of potential.

Neo and Trinity were bound to become sensations across America and even the world. Keanu Reeves would regain his status as an A-list Hollywood star, and Charlize Theron would also rise to the top.

Gilbert patted Tom Cruise's shoulder. "What's done is done. We'll have opportunities to work together in the future."

Tom Cruise gave him a deep, almost sorrowful look. "Really? That's the third time you've said that to me, but we still haven't worked together."

"Next film. I promise, the next one we'll collaborate," Gilbert assured, patting his chest.

"Then let's pinky swear—"

"Uh…" Gilbert was caught off guard by Tom Cruise's unexpected move.

Luckily, Nicole Kidman stepped in to stop him from messing around any further. She then turned to look at Charlize Theron, who was being showered with admiration, and a trace of envy flickered in her eyes.

"If I had fought harder for this role, would I have had a better chance?" she murmured to Gilbert once Tom Cruise had turned away to chat with Spielberg.

Gilbert was candid. "Mary, you should know… Under equal conditions, I would always prioritize Sally."

"I know. I just can't help feeling a little unwilling to accept it," Nicole Kidman said, putting on a delicate, almost pitiful expression.

At the peak of her beauty, Nicole Kidman was undeniably stunning. Few could resist her charm and not fall under her spell.

But Gilbert wasn't one to be easily swayed, and besides, if Nicole wanted to pursue something with him, she would at least need to divorce Tom Cruise first.

He was well aware of how strategic and calculating the Australian actress could be—she was among the top tier in Hollywood when it came to such things.

And since Gilbert wasn't lacking in female attention, he maintained his distance.

Still, seeing her expression, he offered some advice. "Mary, I'm saying this because we're friends, and you're close to Naomi. Right now, you have two options.

One: Leave Tom and focus on your own career.

Two: Stay married to him, be Hollywood's golden couple, and aim for an Oscar. Forget about commercial films."

Seeing that Nicole was genuinely considering his words, Gilbert patted her shoulder. "Think it over carefully."

In his previous life, there had been many rumors about Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's divorce.

Some speculated that she had an affair and was caught by Tom Cruise.

That was possible. But in Hollywood, affairs were hardly a big deal. Some couples got married and still did their own thing—sometimes even with each other's knowledge.

Take Jodie Foster, for example. Her girlfriend started dating a man and wanted to leave her. Jodie Foster didn't mind and suggested they all live together instead.

So for a while, Jodie, her girlfriend, and her girlfriend's boyfriend shared a home.

That guy even invited his friends over, and they all walked around naked, doing whatever they wanted whenever they wanted.

Compared to that, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's marriage was practically the epitome of Hollywood morality.

Another rumor was that Tom Cruise pressured Nicole Kidman to abandon her beliefs and convert to Scientology.

There were also claims that they divorced because she couldn't have children.

These factors might have played a role, but they were definitely not the main reasons.

Gilbert believed that, at the core of it all, it was still about interests and benefits.

However, as of now, Nicole Kidman did not seem to have any intention of leaving Tom Cruise. Just recently, there had been news reports about the couple visiting a hospital for check-ups and preparing for pregnancy.

If they were planning a divorce, there would be no reason to take such steps.

After the screening at the premiere, there was a brief interaction session with fans, followed by media interviews.

Perhaps due to the unique atmosphere and setting of the film, the entertainment reporters, for once, focused their questions on the movie itself.

Gilbert appropriately provided technical answers: "The eerie greenish hue in the Matrix world was intentionally designed to make that world feel slightly unnatural, somewhat artificial, but not overly obvious."

He continued, "Green evokes the image of digital rain; colors can trigger emotions. Green appears lifeless, making the characters seem pale and dull."

A reporter then asked, "The film is set in the future, so why does the real world's human technology seem to have barely advanced?"

Gilbert explained, "In the era of the Matrix's rule, human civilization had already perished. The new generation of humans is unable to conduct basic physical experiments and cannot break through technological barriers.

As a result, they can only scavenge technology from the ruins of the old world, making everything appear dilapidated and chaotic. This is precisely why Agent Smith despises the disorderly and chaotic human world."

When asked how the film managed to incorporate so many different elements, Gilbert made a rare joke: "As everyone knows, I'm a film genius and an investment fool."

The reporters chuckled. Everyone remembered how, a few years ago, Gilbert's investment in Apple had been mocked by people on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley.

But now, those critics had all gone silent. Thanks to the MP3 business, Apple's market value had rebounded, and Gilbert's two internet companies had become hot stocks.

Gilbert continued, "I don't understand technology, but I know that the internet can transcend spatial limitations and connect people across the world.

Never before has the world been so interconnected. The collision and exchange of different cultures have always been something I wanted to see, which is why this film contains so many diverse elements."

That being said, these elements were not the film's main focus; they were just supplementary aspects. The film merely touched on them briefly.

At its core, The Matrix still followed the traditional Hollywood template: a protagonist encounters a crisis, undergoes an awakening, embarks on a journey of salvation, suffers a setback, and then makes a comeback.

This template had stood the test of time—some directors could create masterpieces with it, while others could only produce mediocre works.

After answering a few questions, Gilbert stepped aside to let Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron, Hugo Weaving, and the other main actors take center stage.

Compared to Gilbert, these actors, who had delivered outstanding performances, were the true focus of media attention.

Especially Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron—the reporters had a strong feeling that these two were going to be extremely popular this summer.

"You seem to be doing pretty well," Naomi Watts said, holding onto Gilbert's arm and playfully sticking out her tongue. "Good thing Deep Impact isn't releasing in the same window as your film—otherwise, I think we'd be doomed."

Naomi Watts had taken on Deep Impact simply because the paycheck was too good to refuse.

Based on Gilbert's memories from his past life, this movie would perform decently at the box office—not a loss, at least. So, he had no objections to Naomi accepting the role.

Gilbert patted Naomi's head and brought up another topic: "You should be ready for the summer—we're going to be very busy."

"Don't worry, I'm prepared," Naomi Watts nodded. She knew Gilbert was referring to Chicago, and she had been training for the film for quite some time.

"I'm curious—who will I be working with?" Naomi asked.

"How about Tom Cruise? And we'll add Catherine Zeta-Jones," Gilbert replied.

"Nice," Naomi nodded approvingly. "That sounds like a strong lineup—I like it."

Looking at Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron still surrounded by the media, Gilbert said, "Let's head out first. It looks like Sally won't be free anytime soon."

"Sure!" Naomi called over Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Connelly, who had been busy networking, and the four of them left together.

They weren't the only ones leaving the premiere.

The fans, still buzzing with excitement after watching the film, also left the venue, eager to grab tickets for the midnight screenings at the nearest theaters.

At home, Brownie quickly turned on his computer and logged into a Facebook chatroom to share his thoughts on the movie.

The chatroom was already buzzing. Many fans who had attended the premiere were there, enthusiastically discussing their impressions.

Meanwhile, those who had missed the event could only watch in envy as the lucky attendees boasted about their experience.

Brownie was no exception. He eagerly joined in, discussing the plot, the thrilling action scenes, and the exhilarating visuals that still had his adrenaline pumping.

"This movie is beyond cool! I feel so hyped—I wish I could be the Chosen One myself!"

"Guys, Charlize Theron is absolutely stunning! Her moves, her presence—flawless!"

"Gilbert has built an incredible sci-fi world. His imagination is next level. The internet has only been around for a few years, yet he's already envisioning a world two centuries into the future."

"I'll say it again—I want to marry Keanu Reeves. And yes, I'm a guy."

"Can the person above please delete their account?"

Seeing all the heated discussions, the fans who hadn't seen the movie yet became even more eager.

"I've decided—I'm heading out right now. I need to see the midnight screening."

"Me too…"

"Damn it! The midnight tickets are already sold out. Does anyone have an extra ticket? I'll pay twenty dollars."

"Twenty? I'll pay fifty! Just give me a ticket!"

Seeing how desperate people were for tickets, Brownie suddenly realized something and shouted, "Stacy, hurry up and buy our tickets! The midnight show is selling out!"

Stacy rolled her eyes. "You're too late—I already bought them."

Brownie gave her a thumbs-up. "Babe, you're amazing."

Since The Matrix was closely tied to internet culture, and most internet users were young, it was no surprise that the response online was explosive.

Beyond Gilbert's chatroom on Facebook, another newly emerging website, IMDb, was also flooded with excited fans.

With six preview screenings in Los Angeles and New York, plus the premiere, a substantial number of viewers had already seen the film. As soon as IMDb opened its rating system, they rushed to leave their scores.

Brownie naturally gave The Matrix a perfect ten. He checked the rating count—it had already surpassed 1,023 votes, with an average score of 9.8.

He nodded in approval. "These fans have good taste."

The film wasn't just highly rated; the comments were overwhelmingly positive.

"This summer, Gilbert has given us a phenomenal sci-fi masterpiece. The Matrix is an unparalleled film worth watching again and again."

"If you love cyberpunk, don't miss this movie. I think it's even better than Blade Runner."

"The action is mind-blowing—bullet time, wall-running, the 360-degree explosion, the helicopter crashing into the building—it's all unforgettable."

"Gilbert brilliantly explores the relationship between reality and illusion. With its philosophical and religious undertones, plus a fusion of various cultures, this is a sci-fi film destined to be remembered in history."

Sci-fi history? Brownie thought that sounded about right, so he happily upvoted the comment.

As he scrolled through the reviews, he couldn't help but let out excited chuckles—there was something deeply satisfying about seeing so many people appreciate the same thing he loved.

And he wasn't the only one feeling this way—many other fans shared his excitement.

...

Hi For access to additional chapters of

Director in Hollywood (30 chpater)

MV Director (30 chapter)....

Douluo Dalu:Breaking Clan(30 chapter)

Made In Hollywood (50 Chapters)

Pokemon:Bounty Hunter (30 Chapters)

Join pateron.com/Translaterappu