Chapter 464: Prelude (7) |
-I came to watch 'Pierrot', but the theater is packed! I heard the pre-release screenings for over a week were all sold out, looks like everyone showed up!
-Oh, that movie is premiering today? But why would anyone go see that? You’ll regret it.
-Movies that just build up curiosity and hype usually end up being super disappointing. That’s why I’m not going.
-Why would anyone pay to watch crap like that? Isn't it a waste of money?
-I want to criticize Kang Woojin, but I want to watch it first so I can do it properly.
-He took Miley from me. I’ll curse him forever.
-Regardless of how fun the movie is, there’s no way Kang Woojin will hold a trophy at the Academy Awards. His image is already ruined. Do you think the judges will see him favorably?
-I respect Columbia’s attempts, but the outcome? Meh. Unless the film is truly extraordinary, the Academy will hold onto their pride.
-Will members of the global Academy praise Kang Woojin’s acting? He’s bound to become a laughingstock.
Especially after the news broke about Kang Woojin dating Miley Cara.
-If he’s dating Miley Cara, could he even focus on acting?
-Probably Chris Hartnett, who co-stars with him, will stand out more than Kang Woojin.
There were plenty of comments bashing him for no reason, but also a fair amount of calm, critical takes evaluating Kang Woojin. Regardless of their form, all the responses across international communities, SNS, and YouTube had one thing in common.
'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain' would not be invited to the Academy Awards.
Whether it was Columbia Studios’ 'Cinematic Universe' or a personal ambition of Kang Woojin aiming for the Academy, whatever it was.
-If 'Pierrot' isn’t nominated for the Academy Awards in the first place, nothing else matters.
If 'Pierrot' doesn’t get the Academy’s pass, doesn’t become a confirmed nominee, then everything up to now is meaningless. However, the fierce backlash from the global public wasn’t unique to internet communities alone.
The sentiment was the same in corners of Hollywood.
Beyond directors and actors, many others in Hollywood were also turning their eyes toward Kang Woojin with the news of Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain's pre-release. With all his recent activities and even witnessing the miracle at the Emmy Awards, there were those who openly acknowledged Woojin, but also many who denied him.
Because they were uncomfortable with the unfamiliar.
Because they feared change.
Because they were trying to suppress their anxiety.
Because they couldn’t let go of their stale and rotting stubbornness.
Hollywood, with its vastness and long-standing traditions. As much as it expresses individuality and freedom, there are parts that stubbornly cling to rigid pride. In such a diverse habitat filled with big names, Kang Woojin was, in a way, a mutant.
A mutant with no prior data, casually accomplishing things no one else ever had.
Naturally, people would hate him for it.
“So, today’s the start of Pierrot’s pre-release, huh? No wonder the headlines are blowing up. What do you think will happen?”
“With expectations this high, it’s hard to satisfy anyone. Among the sold-out crowd, there are probably more people who came with grudges than those who are fans of Kang Woojin."
"True- we'll probably see more negative reviews than positive ones, right? Kang Woojin stirred up way too much in such a short time.”
“If only he’d waited a bit after the miracle at the Emmy Awards, things might have gone smoother.”
The mutant who suddenly dropped into Hollywood didn’t give the existing residents time to adjust, and they, in turn, were either displeased with or hated the mutant who paraded around with what looked like a miracle-level success.
No, they say they hate the mutant, but in truth, they’re just scared.
If a long-standing tradition, a system, were to change, then there’s a chance they too could be harmed. Naturally, there were people who sensed this. Among them was Miley Cara.
“Seems like Hollywood’s atmosphere toward 'Pierrot' isn’t very favorable.”
“They’re scared. Kang Woojin is a type they’ve never seen before. Fair criticism? Hah, that’s a joke. They’re just trembling in fear. But Kang Woojin won’t care. Even if someone, or everyone, points fingers at him, he won’t stop. Not even a flicker of expression.”
No matter what the world, the Hollywood press, or public opinion were spewing, time ticked forward. Now, only 30 minutes remained until the first screening of 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain'. Accordingly, outside a multiplex cinema located in the heart of downtown LA, already bursting with crowds an hour before, a rare scene was unfolding.
“This is in front of the movie theater. Today, the only film screening at this large cinema is 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain', but as you can see, the place is packed with moviegoers.”
Vans bearing the logos of multiple news outlets had swarmed the area. Sensing a major story, reporters were actively covering the scene. At least five different news crews were filming the theater, while dozens of press photographers were clicking their shutters nonstop. They were photographing the hundreds of audience members, as well as Kang Woojin’s image on the enormous poster at the theater entrance.
Several foreign moviegoers looked on in fascination.
“Wow- I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“Seriously. It’s just a pre-release screening, but news teams are here?”
“Maybe it’s because this isn’t a typical situation? 'Pierrot' has stirred up so much buzz.”
That was the correct answer. 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain' was jam-packed with topics that would sell like hotcakes. But more than anything, what really captured the press's interest was:
“Kang Woojin’s influence is truly insane.”
“Right? Whether it’s positive or negative, he’s drawing both audiences and this level of press coverage.”
“Even Hollywood’s top stars would have a hard time pulling this off.”
It was because Kang Woojin was at the center of this extraordinary situation. While the frenzy outside was swelling, the largest auditorium inside the theater, easily holding over 400 people, was gradually filling with international audience members. With popcorn and drinks in hand, they chatted casually as they found their seats.
Their levels of interest varied widely.
“Finally, I get to watch this movie! I’ve been waiting forever!”
“You like it that much? I think Kang Woojin is just so-so.”
“What are you talking about? He’s an amazing actor! I’ve seen almost all of his films - well, not every single one, but in each, his acting is chilling. Even 'Beneficial Evil' was really good recently.”
There were true fans of Kang Woojin in attendance.
“I saw that one too, but I’m having a hard time imagining how his character in this film will turn out. The media said the trailer was so intense that the actual movie might feel dull.”
“Don’t worry, it’ll be fun! More importantly, you didn’t throw out your ticket, right? You have to keep it as a memento. This pre-release screening is on a whole different level from the official release!”
There were also many audience members who came to criticize or confront Kang Woojin.
“Let’s see what kind of ‘masterpiece’ he’s made.”
“Exactly. It can’t just be ‘pretty good’. That won’t be enough for him to even get nominated for the Academy Awards that he supposedly doesn’t care about.”
“Ha, that’s absolutely impossible.”
“Judging by the crowd, seems like there are a lot of people like us here, huh?”
“Kang Woojin went way too far.”
To be exact, over half of the 400-plus audience members were clearly negative or lukewarm on Kang Woojin. But regardless of their intentions, the massive seating area continued to fill up steadily.
Among them were noticeable Korean attendees as well.
“Wow- this huge theater is actually going to be packed? That’s insane.”
Already seated were Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, and Director Kwon Ki-taek's group.
“It’s been sold out for more than a week, and today’s the very first pre-release screening. Of course, everyone’s going to show up. Still, it’s impressive.”
“It’s beyond impressive, oppa. When I looked near the entrance earlier, there were even tons of reporters. Kang Woojin’s a total hit in Hollywood, isn’t he?”
“Isn’t that to be expected? He’s the Best Actor at the Emmy Awards. And he’s already a ‘world star’.”
“I know, Director-nim. I was just surprised seeing it in person after only reading about it in articles all the time. By the way, should we go say hello to Sim Han-ho sunbae over there?”
“After the movie. How would we get through this mess right now?”
Seated a little apart from them was also Korea’s veteran actor, Sim Han-ho. Alongside him were Oh Hee-ryung and other members of 'Leech'. It made sense, after all, the director of 'Pierrot' was Director Ahn Ga-bok. Looking more closely, there were quite a number of Koreans among the hundreds of audience members. Some were employees from bw Entertainment, and some were ordinary citizens.
And then.
“Oh my, goodness, are all these foreigners really here to see our Woojin?”
Naturally, Kang Woojin’s family was present as well. Kang Woo-chul, Seo Hyun-mi, and Kang Hyun-ah were already brimming with excitement.
“I’m watching it, but I still can’t believe it. All these people, and Woojin is going to be up on that huge screen.”
“Hyun-mi, it’s a moment of deep emotion. You need to pull yourself together.”
“You’re the one who needs to stop shaking your leg.”
“How am I supposed to stop? I’m trembling.”
“Dad, Mom! Did you see Ryu Jung-min and Hong Hye-yeon over there??”
“We saw them, kiddo. Sim Han-ho ssi is over there too.”
“No way!!”
It was their first time visiting Hollywood where their son was making headlines. As parents, how could they possibly put this wondrous moment into words? Thankfully, they couldn’t understand the foreign audience members badmouthing Kang Woojin. It was in English.
Then it happened.
-Sss.
The once-bright theater lights dimmed slightly and then turned completely dark, and the thunderous noise level in the massive auditorium dropped drastically. Only the sound of popcorn crunching could be heard. At that moment, everyone, hundreds of foreign viewers and Woojin’s family alike, stared straight at the gigantic screen.
The screen remained dark.
But not for long, soon, images were projected onto it. Alongside the visuals, the sound kicked in. A lighter flicking open, and then being used to light a cigarette. As the crackling noise played, several logos appeared on the screen. The final logo was that of the world-renowned Columbia Studios.
Then.
-[“Hoo-”]
Along with the sound of exhaling smoke, a figure appeared on the screen seen by hundreds. Chris Hartnett. In other words, journalist 'Robert Franklin'. The setting was a common diner.
-[“......”]
The camera angle captured the back of a red-haired head, and then journalist Robert Franklin’s face filled the remaining space. Smoke from the cigarette drifted over his face. Suddenly, a booming, eerie laugh echoed through the theater.
-[“Kuhuhuhuhu! Hahahaha, hahahahaha!”]
The echoing laughter reverberated as a soft classical piece began playing in the background. At that moment, the screen image changed. The figure now filled the entire giant screen.
A man with glistening red hair, a pale white face, a slashed mouth, and a cigarette between his lips.
-[“Heeheeheehee, hahahaha, kuhuhuh!”]
The 'Joker'. No, Kang Woojin. His powerful presence drew reactions.
“Whoa-”
“!!!”
“...Ugh.”
Several foreign viewers involuntarily gasped. But the film didn’t stop, and Woojin’s laughter only grew stronger. The first line came from journalist 'Robert Franklin'.
-[“......Wh-why are you suddenly laughing?”]
The camera angle shifted to the 'Joker'. He took a long drag from the cigarette, then exhaled. With the cigarette still in his mouth, he swept his red hair back with both hands. By this point, the focus of the hundreds of audience members had sharpened immensely. Kang Woojin’s grotesque expression and his subtly intense gaze were captivating.
-[“Heh... oh, sorry, buddy. This song holds some memories. It reminded me of back then.”]
The moment Woojin’s line ended, the classical music surged to several times its previous volume.
-♬♪
Next, the Joker's face on screen was shown in an extreme close-up. His face and outfit were vividly colorful. But in an instant, the screen that had been filled with Kang Woojin disappeared, and color gave way to black and white. The classical music reached its peak as the black-and-white image showed 'Henry Gordon' looking into a cracked mirror. The camera angle shifted from his back.
Now, 'Henry Gordon' was facing not a mirror, but hundreds of audience members.
The mirror itself became the camera, showing the monochrome image of 'Henry Gordon'. He was drawing something near his lips. That ever-consistent “smile” hooked at the ears. His expression subtly distorted. Was he smiling? Irritated? What was that? The ambiguity overwhelmed the audience.
Soon, from one corner of his eye, a tear streamed down his face across the giant screen.
At that moment, not a single one of the hundreds of audience members.
“......”
“......”
Could breathe properly.
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TL Note: Hi, this novel is now complete on Patreon. I will post new chapters daily for free readers, but if you wish, you can read all of it on my Patreon.
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