The Greatest Showman #836 - Publicity Over

Incredible. Truly incredible.

The Berlin Film Festival is experiencing a ticketing crisis once again—there's a long line of spectators waiting for tickets, with some resorting to buying for other screenings due to limited availability. This level of spectacle has been absent for years, at least not since Dieter Koslick took over as chairman in 2001.

Across four screenings of Transcendence, all tickets were sold out; there were additional screenings as well, and the film's attendance rate hit 90%. While there weren't long queues or demands for extra showings, the attention and buzz surrounding Transcendence have been the best in the past decade—brilliant and magnificent.

Standing on Potsdamer Platz, riding the subway, sitting in outdoor cafés, walking through shopping malls, or strolling along the streets, it seemed as if everyone was discussing Transcendence. Of course, this is an illusion—this film is not Avatar—but the illusion feels so real that, whenever the festival is mentioned, people's first thought is: "Have you seen that controversial movie?" or "I heard this year's film festival was chaotic," or "What happened with Renly Hall's movie?"

Berlin, a vast and complex city, belongs to cinema during this season. Every movie lover can share their opinions, whether personal or borrowed.

Transcendence is a film that people either love or hate. From an artistic perspective, it delivers a shocking, unusual face, stirring intense emotions on both sides. It is the kind of work that can be labeled as art. As for whether it truly deserves that title, we'll have to wait for the judges' decision.

The film's success sparked a surge in demand, prompting the Berlin Film Festival's organizers to add two more screenings. Within 12 hours, 80% of tickets for these additional showings were sold. With more time left before the screening, it's clear that these will also be fully booked.

If this were Toronto, the festival would likely ride the wave and screen the film again. But Berlin maintains its air of European aloofness, not hastily reacting to the booming ticket sales, keeping a careful, reserved stance.

At a traffic light, a black sedan pulls up. Through the window, you can see a crowd of young people, eagerly chatting and waving Silver Screen magazines, their faces lit up with excitement, even dancing in the street.

"This isn't too common in Berlin," Nathan, sitting in the passenger seat, chuckles with a smile, not commenting on the magazine but on the uninhibited, unrestrained joy displayed by the crowd. The stereotype of Germans as reserved is clearly being upended.

Renly looks out the window, a faint smile playing at his lips. "That's because you don't know Berlin."

The energy and charm of this city are only revealed to its true residents. While Berlin is often called the "nightclub capital" of Europe, this title doesn't seem to fit most outsiders' view.

"You seem to know this city quite well. Are you planning to show it to us?" Roy, sitting on the opposite side, teases with a knowing smile.

Renly doesn't turn back, just chuckles. "If there's a chance."

With the awards season in full swing, it's understandable that PR events in Los Angeles and New York are overwhelming. The Berlin Film Festival has been somewhat left in the cold.

Renly's stay in Berlin is brief, just four days, before he has to rush back to Los Angeles for academy PR duties, attend the Grammy Awards, and immediately head to New York for a series of Focus Pictures activities. As an actor, Renly represents both the British Academy faction and the East Coast New York faction, crucial sources of Academy votes.

Despite the short stay, the workload is immense. On his first day in Berlin, Renly meets with Andy Rogers for a brief conversation, before Andy takes a red-eye flight back to Los Angeles. There's still much work awaiting him there.

Luckily, Roy is now solely responsible for handling Renly's schedule, including coordinating media and managing the increasingly demanding workload after Transcendence's unexpected success. Even with the doubled workload, Renly still finds time to watch three films, thanks to Roy's seamless behind-the-scenes management.

The car glides through the cold, desolate winter streets of Berlin, snow piling up on either side, the world feeling tough and raw on the surface, yet filled with hidden possibilities underneath.

After leaving Potsdamer Platz, the 25-minute drive to Berlin International Airport passes quickly—traffic lights aside—each passing second seems like a blink. The driver parks the car in a temporary spot. Nathan and Roy get out first to grab the luggage. Renly lingers, slightly forward in his seat, tapping the back of the driver's chair and meeting his eyes in the rearview mirror.

"Thank you, it's been a pleasure to travel with you these past four days, Mr. Schneider."

True nobility is in the subtlety of respect—proud but not arrogant, reserved but not rude.

Renly exits the car and walks into the airport, less noisy than expected. The airport is busy with pick-ups for the festival, but drop-offs are quiet. The reporters, overwhelmed by the steady stream of arrivals, don't linger for departures.

As Renly walks through the airport lobby, Roy's phone buzzes. He takes the call and hands Nathan the passport and tickets, signaling him to handle check-in. Nathan, eager as ever, asks if they can grab a bite at the airport.

"Airport food? Are you sure?" Renly looks dubious.

"Yes, really," Nathan insists, eager to try. "If I like it, I'll recommend it."

Renly raises an eyebrow. "You don't plan on trying every restaurant, do you?"

Before Nathan can respond, Roy arrives, speaking quietly to the driver and explaining something to Nathan in haste. Soon, Nathan is rushing to put the luggage back in the car. The scene is chaotic but humorous.

Renly shakes his head, not asking any further questions, and re-enters the car.

"Dieter Koslick just invited us to stay in Berlin for a few more days and attend the closing ceremony," Roy explains as they drive away.

With two days left of the festival, Renly is puzzled. The awards haven't even been discussed yet—what's going on here?

"There's an exchange meeting for young German filmmakers tomorrow," Roy adds. "Dieter would like you to attend."