Chapter 71: Overwhelming Reactions

[Chapter 71: Overwhelming Reactions]

"That was terrifying! Matt, how about we sleep together tonight?"

As they walked out of the theater, Ben Affleck crossed his arms and said.

"Not a chance. After watching something like that, sleeping together is the last thing I want to do."

"Link really did pull it off. Just two actors, a handheld camera, and a house, and he managed to create a pretty solid horror film. Maybe we should give it a shot."

"It's not that simple. The concept is what makes the movie, crucial parts that tie it all together. We've got the camera, we've got the house, and we can find the actors, but without a script, what kind of movie could we possibly make?"

"Hey, I guess we could always film an adult flick. What do you think Matt, ready to try it out?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

...

While they were walking, a staff member from the theater stopped them, saying they wanted to get their permission for something.

"What's that?"

"Well," the staff member explained, "the distributors intend to put together a short clip compiling audience reactions while viewing Paranormal Activity. You two were quite shocked during the screening, and we caught that on camera."

The staff member asked if they'd allow their footage to be included in the short film.

"Wait, our reactions got recorded?" Ben Affleck's face turned red as he recalled how he reacted during the film.

"Yes. We were just capturing audience responses. If you don't agree to it, we'll delete your footage right away, and it won't be used. But if you agree, you'll get a chance to appear on TV, experience what it's like to be on screen. So, do you agree?"

"I'm going to pass. I'm an actor, and I have zero interest in being on TV like this," Ben said without hesitation.

"Understood. We'll remove your footage. Thank you for your time," the staff member nodded and left.

..

"Those kinds of clips are way too embarrassing. Imagine having acquaintances see it on TV. Who'd agree to that?" Ben muttered.

"Being on TV is a rare opportunity. I think plenty of people would jump at the chance," Matt remarked.

He noticed five staff members talking to other audience members, seeking their consent.

A few audience members, upon hearing they could appear on TV, eagerly agreed. For them, the allure of being on TV outweighed the embarrassment of having friends see them; the thrill of experiencing the life of an actor felt undeniably cool.

"Link's promotion idea is pretty creative, I've got to admit," Ben commented.

"Yeah, it really is. It's likely to have a good impact too," Matt replied as he glanced back at the promotional poster for Paranormal Activity, which portrayed the lead couple sitting on a bed, gazing towards a dark, foreboding doorway.

"Link is impressive. Not only can he direct, but he's also good with promotion. He's working hard, and with his talent, how long will it be until we catch up to him?" Matt frowned in thought.

"Take it easy. We're only 20 years old; plenty of chances lie ahead," Ben waved his hand confidently.

Matt shook his head; in Hollywood, one missed opportunity could lead to another.

The buzz around Link's film seemed promising. After the screening, many audience members applauded and cheered, with some expressing their desire to see it again. Given these reactions, even if the film didn't perform as explosively at the box office as Buried, it was unlikely to flop.

If the film maintained its popularity, Link could firmly establish himself in Hollywood as a notable director. Meanwhile, they would remain as lesser-known actors; catching up to Link wouldn't be easy.

"Hey, doesn't that guy look like Robert Downey Jr.? I heard he and Link don't get along; what's he doing supporting Link's new movie?" Ben pointed out.

Matt glanced over to see indeed it was Robert Downey Jr., alongside Kiefer Sutherland and a tall woman who seemed to be Julia Roberts.

---

"Robert, what did you think of the film?" Kiefer asked as they exited the theater, looking pensive.

Before Downey could respond, a group of viewers passed by, eagerly discussing the film.

"Paranormal Activity was awesome! Louis almost wet himself earlier!"

"Don't call me out! You were the one who jumped out of your seat too -- more than once!"

"James was the most dramatic; he hid under his seat and wouldn't come out no matter how much we yelled at him."

"I thought it was great. If I were braver, I'd totally go see it again."

"Once we get back to school, we should drag more people along to see what kind of shape they'd be in," another added.

"That's a great idea; Brandon's the biggest scaredy-cat. I bet he'd end up in tears!"

"And then there's Jenny, Lina -- oh, I have to bring her to see it! Can you imagine if Lina got frightened during the film?"

"She'd jump into my arms?"

"Damn, she definitely would be seeking comfort from me. What a great idea!"

"Crap! I'm bringing Angela along; maybe this time I can finally win her over."

The group of college kids animatedly discussed the movie as they walked out -- some laughed at each other's frightful antics, while others schemed about how to impress women because of the film.

...

Robert Downey Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland wore displeased expressions, clearly not amused.

Prior to the film's release, Andrew Reiner had been vocal in various publications, stating that Link's new movie was atrocious, something a toddler could create.

A lot of tabloid gossip declared that Link's new film would be a failure. Downey and Sutherland, having heard Andrew's comments, assumed there was some truth to it.

Yet, it turned out they were dead wrong.

The film's opening scenes were indeed mediocre, but that didn't detract from the overall movie. In fact, it resonated with audiences, allowing them to engage deeply with the lives of the characters as they cooked, ate, and slept.

Once the audience immersed themselves in the lead characters' lives, they instinctively felt excitement as they encountered the scary events in the story.

When the nighttime horrors and strange sounds surfaced, tension escalated, delivering a level of fright that surpassed the bloody theatrics, horrific masks, and dismembered limbs featured in typical horror films.

This represented a new wave in the horror genre.

Link had mentioned wanting to explore new directorial approaches in his journey. Based on the film's quality and the reception it received, it appeared he had successfully done so.

Damn it!

If Link were a friend, they might find happiness in his success. But he wasn't; in fact, they held a strong dislike for Link.

A figure they found annoying achieving success only amplified their disdain.

...

"Robert, don't worry. Sure, this film is a little scary, but the shaky cameras and the overall quality is subpar. It's just a hastily made film. Besides, horror movies have a limited audience; there's no way this will perform as well as Buried. Link won't always have such good fortune," Kiefer assured Downey.

Downey nodded, his expression somber.

While the film was frightening, it lacked finesse and artfulness. It was merely a commercial flick.

After its release, the reviews would be lukewarm at best, and its box office earnings would likely fall short.

As long as the film didn't perform spectacularly, Link would remain merely a B-movie director in the industry, never breaking into the mainstream.

The threat was minimal.

"Is this film really that bad? I thought it was not half bad," Julia Roberts chimed in, adjusting her sunglasses. "The premise feels fresh; compared to earlier horror films, Paranormal Activity introduces a significant innovation. It's not just terrifying; it's also intriguing.

You mentioned the shaky camera work, but it's evident that the director intentionally used it to enhance the narrative's authenticity and the characters' immersion. In a horror film, that technique doesn't detract; it adds depth."

Downey and Sutherland's expressions grew darker.

"You can hear what others are saying; everyone's discussing how terrifying the film was. How many are talking about the shaky camera? It's redundant -- this is a horror movie, and every element serves the fear factor; everything else is secondary. Link executed that perfectly," Julia added, sliding her bag up her arm.

"Just stop it, Julia."

Noticing Downey's displeasure, Kiefer frowned and shook his head at Julia.

Julia gave them a quick glance. "Based on Buried and Paranormal Activity, Link is clearly a talented and capable director. He'll likely have a bright future in Hollywood.

And you two are well-known young actors; you'll probably collaborate in the future. I think it'd be beneficial for you to mend ties with Link rather than remain adversaries. Why not try to build a friendship?

Link's just a newcomer, trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood. If you both strive to ease tensions, I'm sure he won't hold a grudge. As a director, he's here to make films and become a renowned filmmaker -- not to create enemies or challenges. That's just counterproductive."

"Shut up, Julia!"

Kiefer glared at Julia, annoyed at her insistence. "Link may be decent, but Robert and I are better -- we have no interest in collaborating with him.

And don't assume Link is innocent in all this. Remember when he brought up Robert's drunken comments about Buried during that TNT interview? He intentionally embarrassed Robert on television, coercing him into an apology. If he truly wanted to avoid drama or showed respect for Robert, he wouldn't have done that.

What he did was the utmost disrespect.

We even offered him a chance; if he publicly apologized to Robert, we would let it go. But here we are, and he hasn't offered an apology or even a hint of remorse.

How could we reconcile with someone like that?"

"Hmph!"

Downey's face remained hard, clearly annoyed.

"But I vaguely remember Robert being the one to publicly criticize Link's movie, poking fun at him for jumping the red carpet," Julia replied.

"Julia, shut up! Robert was drunk that night. Should every drunken comment be held against? Besides, Robert's also a filmmaker -- he has the right to praise or criticize a movie. He was speaking openly about Buried; what's wrong with that?

If every critique requires an apology, then critics would need to apologize nonstop. Do you think that's fair?" Kiefer argued, firmly.

Julia was at a loss for a rebuttal. Seeing Robert agree with Kiefer, she finally dropped the topic of cooling tensions with Link.

As they reached the parking lot, Julia got into her car and drove away.

"Link's film isn't a total loss, but it has its flaws. When we get back, let's get more media outlets to critique this movie and warn everyone not to fall for it. Its ticket sales won't amount to much," Kiefer stated.

Robert Downey Jr. glanced at the large promotional poster for Paranormal Activity hanging outside the theater, grunted under his breath, and got into the car.

*****

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