The Greatest Showman #838 - Chaos

Since the "Pacific War," speculation about Renly's background has never fully ceased. The mystery surrounding him, always veiled in secrecy, has only fueled curiosity. In an era where social networks thrive and the Internet connects every corner of the world, is there anyone whose privacy remains truly intact? Can any figure truly keep their personal life a secret?

On one side, there's a rising momentum, the relentless pace of fame building like a bamboo shoot breaking through the earth. On the other, there's a stark contrast—the vast gap of information asymmetry, which only encourages more questions and doubts.

The Internet began speculating whether Renly's "mystique" was part of his carefully crafted image. Was his agent deliberately invoking the mysticism surrounding idol stars from the 1980s, purposely hiding personal details to spark even more speculation? If this was the case, the agent's strategy had clearly succeeded.

The Weinstein brothers had utilized ambiguous rumors, fueling an ever-growing wave of doubts and debates. These questions, never truly resolved, perpetuated the mystique surrounding Renly effortlessly. Their methods were not so simple—they were anything but ordinary.

Roy didn't comment immediately, opting for silence. Sure enough, Andy's words confirmed Roy's thoughts: "This is just the beginning."

"There have always been rumors in the industry that Renly is the subject of malicious speculation. His so-called professional image, his so-called commitment to the craft, his so-called focus on acting—it's all just a carefully packaged persona." Andy's smile wasn't from amusement but from the sheer absurdity of the situation. Her demeanor was one of helplessness, yet she exuded a casual ease.

"Too much debt, lice don't bite," she remarked dryly—though it wasn't the most fitting description, it conveyed the situation accurately.

"Including last year's absence from the Oscars, this year's snub at the Golden Globes, his attendance at the Berlin Film Festival, his interactions with fans in London that made headlines, and his exit from the 'Fast & Furious' franchise—it all adds to the story." Andy briefly mentioned several key incidents.

At first, Roy felt an undeniable surge of anger. Each of those events had been independent and factual, with clear reasons behind them. The slanderous rumors surrounding them were absurd, the narrative they painted far from the truth.

But gradually, Roy started seeing the connections: this wasn't just about the events themselves. It was part of a larger game between Renly and the reporters.

Renly's immense popularity meant that reporters couldn't avoid focusing on him. Yet, in every confrontation, Renly managed to maintain control, ensuring that each report was subtly distorted. This was no accident—these were intentional manipulations, with the Weinstein brothers skillfully playing their part, subtly pushing things forward. The story had taken on a life of its own.

Contrast that with Ryan Gosling—a prime representative of Hollywood's new wave. In the past five years, his films, such as Half Nelson, Inflatable Doll Love, and Blue Valentine, garnered widespread acclaim, and he seemed poised for an Oscar. Yet, in the end, he only received a single nomination for Half Nelson.

Other actors like Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, and Jude Law had similar experiences. Meanwhile, Renly had been nominated for Best Actor in two consecutive years and even won an Emmy.

Why the difference? Was Renly really the Marlon Brando of the new century? Or was there something more?

The Weinstein brothers' rumors offered a convenient explanation. They didn't directly instill this belief—they merely guided public perception. According to this narrative, Renly's success wasn't due to talent or hard work—it was a result of image manipulation, malicious promotion, and a conspiracy aimed at stirring the pot. Everything about him was crafted for shock value and profit.

In the eyes of many, Renly, at just twenty-two years old, had Hollywood at his feet.

Did people mind the packaging and the hype? Perhaps not. After all, Tom Cruise is a first-generation icon who owes much of his fame to industry-driven marketing. But people do mind being manipulated. Hollywood is controlled by a few powerful figures, and the idea that they could be manipulated themselves was intolerable.

This was what made Renly a genius.

Roy couldn't help but laugh. "What's been happening in Berlin? I haven't heard much lately."

"Recently, the German media has been covering Renly's approachable nature. He's not just attending films and engaging with fans—he's connecting with them, sharing opinions. And Transcendence has become a surprising hit at the Berlin Film Festival." Andy smiled. "Of course, the Hollywood rumors were all part of our strategy."

Roy chuckled, unable to suppress his amusement. "Renly and the Weinsteins really must have a grudge. This time, they're pulling out all the stops, leaving no room for him to breathe. It's not just about this awards season—they're trying to bury him."

The pressure was mounting, layer after layer, making it almost impossible for Renly to break free. Even Andy, sitting in Los Angeles, found herself at a loss as to how to address the situation. Clarifying the truth seemed futile—remaining silent seemed like an acquiescence, while denying it all could provoke an even worse backlash.

Roy shifted gears. "Wait, didn't Harvey Weinstein want the distribution rights to Crazy Love? Wasn't there a deal in the works with Renly?"

Andy nodded. "Yes, but Harvey and Renly have always been on opposite sides. With Crazy Love going up against The Artist for awards, Renly became a significant obstacle. Given their previous issues, it's not surprising that things have escalated."

Roy joked, "So Renly really must've offended Harvey deeply."

Andy didn't miss a beat. "In Hollywood right now, Renly is portrayed as a master manipulator—a figure who does whatever it takes, no compromises, using any means necessary to get ahead. It's not even about Renly anymore—it's about the perception of him."

Gossip and speculation were a staple of Hollywood, and though many questioned the validity of the Weinsteins' claims, the public didn't care much for truth—they cared about trends, and that was enough.

A recent meeting between the Coen brothers and Renly further added fuel to the fire. If Renly understood what was happening, he'd know that the Coens were already questioning the narrative.

The more independent and artistically driven filmmakers like the Coens and Woody Allen rejected this kind of malicious gossip, the more disdain they showed for the manipulation of fame. The Coens, like Allen, prided themselves on their artistic integrity, and they had little patience for the games being played.

The situation was escalating, and it was more serious than anyone realized.

"So, what about George Clooney?" Roy asked.

This awards season, George Clooney was the one to watch.

In terms of overall strength, Renly was undeniably a strong contender. But in terms of reputation, connections, and the impact of his work, George had the advantage. With The Descendants and The Ides of March, George had built a solid foundation with little need for additional promotion.

Roy's sharp instincts had caught on to Andy's approval, and he closed his mouth slowly. "It's clear, isn't it? Hollywood's remembering its golden age, especially the top actors—Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, Paul Newman."

Andy didn't respond, but the answer was obvious.

The Artist, a film that reminisced about Hollywood's golden years, was about the struggles of actors during the transition from silent films to talkies. Both Jean Dujardin and George Clooney had the right aura, epitomizing that era's charm—handsome, calm, and magnetic.

In the Best Actor race, Jean and George's temperaments stood out. While Renly's youthful energy was a defining feature, it didn't quite align with the golden age aesthetic.

The Weinstein brothers, recognizing the power of George, worked tirelessly to promote The Artist, using George's platform to propel Jean Dujardin to greater heights. Just like three years ago, when Marion Cotillard's surprise Oscar win turned heads, the Weinsteins were attempting to replicate that success.