The Greatest Showman #840 - Not New

The eleven-day Berlin Film Festival felt both long and fleeting, like a ray of sunshine falling onto a palm in the midst of a harsh winter—warm for a moment, only to disappear in the blink of an eye. I instinctively tried to grasp the tail of the sun, but it was already gone.

As a result, the red carpet of the main venue became the final space for fans to celebrate, filled with endless screams, shouts, and cheers.

Interestingly, among all film festivals, the closing ceremony and award show are often the most deserted and dull parts. The true A-listers, whether they win awards or not, tend to leave the festival after the premiere, and it's common for even award winners to be absent when the list is announced. This has been the case in Berlin, Cannes, and Venice.

Tonight was no different. The red carpet, populated by fewer than 500 spectators, paled in comparison to the premiere of Transcendence in Berlin, let alone a Hollywood blockbuster. Yet, these 500 people were the envy of many. Not only did Renly attend the closing ceremony, but he stayed on the red carpet for over 45 minutes, signing autographs, giving hugs, taking photos, and fulfilling every fan's wish with cordiality and warmth.

What was truly remarkable, however, was that Renly paused multiple times to engage with the fans. He remembered those he had met in the cinema, those who had watched debates with him, and even joked about the official magazine's evaluations of certain films, leading to deeper conversations about them. This seemingly simple gesture—stopping to chat—was rare and heartwarming, winning the hearts of Berlin. The cold night air couldn't dampen the excitement. The 62nd Berlin Film Festival had its moment, thanks to Renly.

Years from now, people may forget the winner of the Golden Bear Award or the films showcased at the festival, but they will vividly remember the 22-year-old Renly, who attended his first European film festival and displayed a composure and grace far beyond that of a newcomer. His charm captured the city's attention and enthusiasm, marking a promising beginning for his career.

"Renly, wait… WOW!" Red carpet host Klaus-Bock stopped Renly for a brief interview, but cheers from the crowd were deafening, and the noise didn't sound like it came from just 500 people—it felt like five thousand.

For the organizers, this was the best possible outcome. The energy of the crowd was electric.

Klaus, eager to keep the atmosphere lively, asked the typical yet popular question, "Welcome to Berlin. Recently, at the 'detached' press conference, you showcased your excellent language skills. Do you know any German?"

Renly, surprised but smiling brightly, nodded to the audience and responded in fluent German, "Good evening, Berlin." The crowd went wild, the screams uncontrollable, and the entire red carpet erupted in excitement.

It's common for visiting stars to learn a few words in the local language to connect with the audience, but Renly's German wasn't limited to a simple greeting. During the press conference, he had joked that he could greet people in over 200 languages—an exaggeration, of course, but one that reflected the trend of learning basic greetings.

Renly's surprise at the audience's enthusiasm was genuine, "I didn't expect Berlin would react so positively. If I had known, I would've done this at the press conference. Maybe the film would've gotten more praise."

He poked fun at some of the "detached" critiques, and the German crowd quickly picked up on the humor, laughing loudly. Some even shouted, "You don't look good; you don't look good, no matter how handsome you are," followed by more laughter.

Klaus, grinning but surprised, marveled at Renly's German. It wasn't the typical "hello" or "thank you" but a full, coherent sentence, even delivered with humor. German is notoriously difficult to master, requiring a deep understanding to speak fluently—yet Renly had done so effortlessly.

"Are you sure this is your first time in Berlin?" Klaus asked in disbelief.

Renly smiled knowingly, "Well, my German teacher is from Berlin." With that simple statement, Renly added another layer of humor, teasing the audience with his subtle pride.

The moment was another testament to Renly's ability to blend British humor with German rigor and American cheerfulness, making him a rare presence at the Berlin Film Festival. Klaus believed that if Renly continued to bring his artistry to the city, he would quickly become its darling.

Klaus, now eager to continue, asked, "At this year's festival, you've seen many films. Do you have a favorite?"

Without hesitation, Renly responded, "'It's Just the Wind.' I love the cinematography and the emotions conveyed through the shots. The perspective of the film is very intriguing. If I could, I'd cast my vote."

Klaus had expected Renly to mention Detachment as part of his promotional duties, but Renly, instead, spoke as a genuine audience member. He showed admiration for another work, making his response even more thoughtful. Klaus then asked if Renly would consider joining the jury in the future to cast his vote.

Renly chuckled, emphasizing "a distant, distant future." He made it clear that, while he appreciated the idea, this was his first Berlin Film Festival, and there was no rush. "I'd love to share my personal taste in art and explore the creative world of film together."

Klaus, impressed by Renly's wisdom beyond his years, couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure you're only twenty-two?"

"I have an old soul," Renly quipped, referencing One Hundred Years of Solitude with a smile. The audience responded with a mix of admiration and laughter.

Before long, Jake Gyllenhaal appeared on the red carpet, and the focus shifted. Renly and Jake shared a brief chat and exchanged smiles before Renly graciously passed the attention to Jack, who continued the red carpet festivities.

"Master! Master!" shouted Jack, playfully imitating the behavior of a fan. His impromptu antics drew a wave of laughter from the crowd.

Renly, now understanding the joke, laughed and shook his head. He left the scene with a smile, heading into the main venue where new friends were waiting for him. In the whirlwind of the festival, time flew by—before he knew it, the award ceremony was about to begin.

Despite the Berlin Film Festival's gradual decline, the exchange of ideas and the connection between young filmmakers remained strong, underscoring the vitality of German cinema. Renly's ability to form meaningful connections with his peers made him a standout at the event.