Echoes of Hollywood

"Don't worry, Ms. Grace."

Inside a standalone house in West Hollywood, Cohen Craig sat in front of his computer, speaking into his phone. "I know what to do. Just wait for the good news."

Voices of people chatting outside could be heard, but he had no intention of going out. Instead, he opened his browser and logged into IMDB. He navigated to the page for "Diego-Ross" from his favorites, clicked on it, and the page loaded quickly, displaying the film's IMDB rating.

A total of 1,652 users had rated it, with an average score of 8.2.

If he remembered correctly, this was the lowest first-weekend rating for any film directed by Murphy Stanton since Cohen joined the anti-fan organization.

As the head of an anti-fan organization targeting Murphy Stanton, Cohen Craig kept close tabs on the film's developments. Unlike Murphy's previous commercial films, this biographical film had received lukewarm reactions from fans, despite rave reviews from professional critics and many movie media outlets praising its slow pace and artistic style.

Cohen Craig had heard that this film was not made for the market but for Murphy's friend, with a focus on the awards season, hence its aloof nature. Fans used to his fast-paced, high-energy commercial films found it hard to adjust.

He glanced at the rating, then scrolled down to the comment section, where the top comments weren't very positive.

"One of Murphy's more average films. The pace is too slow, but it's worth a watch."

Other comments weren't much better.

"Murphy's personal style is too strong, and the artistic approach makes the film seem somewhat dull."

"The film is too realistic, lacking a climax, which makes it hard to engage emotionally. It might be a critic's favorite, but it's not my cup of tea."

Seeing this, Cohen Craig closed the page and called out, "Alright, stop chatting. Everyone, come in."

Five or six men and women walked in, each finding a place to sit before looking at Cohen Craig, waiting for instructions.

These people had turned this work into a full-time job, signing strict confidentiality agreements. Their high bonuses depended on specific tasks.

"This time, we don't need to blacken anyone or attack someone."

Hearing Cohen Craig's words, everyone laughed. Cohen Craig continued, "Our task is simple: generate positive reviews for 'Diego-Ross' on various movie websites and social media platforms. This might cause a backlash from fans..."

He paused to take a sip of water before continuing, "But controversy is a good thing. A great film is never without controversy."

"Yeah..." someone responded, "That's easy."

The others laughed as well. This kind of task was trivial for them.

"And, most importantly!" Cohen Craig suddenly raised his voice, "You've all seen the film. There are some sensitive scenes related to Catholicism. If there are attacks on the film and the director from the Catholic Church online, we need to counter them promptly. Focus on Hollywood's freedom of material and filmmaking in your responses."

"No problem," several people replied casually.

"Alright," Cohen Craig said, waving them off like a boss, "Go do your work."

It wasn't just Cohen Craig's anti-fan organization. Leaders of Murphy's staunch fan organizations also received similar notifications.

As Hollywood and the entertainment industry have developed, no one can deny that fandom has become an industry. Though it often goes unnoticed, it truly exists, with professional fan leaders who, through connections with stars' agents and their ability to organize fans, often earn considerable incomes.

While these people may not be as professional as career anti-fans, their sheer numbers sometimes make a significant impact.

Some people are particularly talented in this area, like Daisy, who had made the IMDB Murphy Stanton discussion group quite lively. Every time a Murphy film was released, the IMDB page would be flooded with positive reviews, often starting with scores of nine or above.

Daisy had been abroad for a while, and upon her return, she saw the lukewarm response to "Diego-Ross" on IMDB. She watched the film herself and found it less exciting than Murphy's previous works, but not as bad as some said.

Then, she received a notification from CAA and sprang into action.

"What have you guys been doing?"

In the discussion group chat, Daisy furiously typed, "I've been gone for a few days, and the comment section is filled with mediocre reviews!"

Someone quickly replied, "But the film isn't that great. It's slow, has long shots, and lacks excitement and climaxes."

This was true, and Daisy couldn't deny it, but she had prepared her argument.

"Slow pace and long shots showcase the film's artistry and align with the aesthetic of Oscar judges and professional critics."

Most people in the discussion group were hardcore Murphy fans, and Daisy knew how to handle them. "Think about it, how many times has Murphy been nominated for Best Director at the Oscars? Why hasn't he won once? Because his films are made for us, not the judges!"

"Yeah!"

"That's right!"

"Exactly!"

"Absolutely!"

The chat was filled with agreeing comments. Fans were aware of the different tastes of the Oscars and the general public, and they knew that commercial directors like Murphy were often snubbed by the Academy.

"For Murphy to win Best Director, he has to make films in the artistic style they like," Daisy continued typing rapidly. "As Murphy fans, don't you want him to win an Oscar?"

"Yes!"

"Of course!"

"Oscar owes Murphy a statue."

Seeing that she had successfully riled up the group, Daisy wrote, "We can't hold Murphy back, so let's get to work!"

The chat was soon filled with responses, then it quieted down as everyone presumably went to post positive reviews for the film and the director.

Stanton Studio, CAA, and 20th Century Fox all allocated resources to promote "Diego-Ross" during the awards season. Due to the film's sensitive topics and Murphy's personal fame and influence, it garnered significant media attention even in its limited release.

Many reporters wanted to interview the real-life model for the protagonist but couldn't get into the state prison.

Instead, they sought more related information. Reporters and paparazzi gathered again outside Murphy's Wave Manor, and Gail Gadot had a string of followers behind her.

Additionally, some journalists, noticing the Catholic aspect in the film's narrative, began investigating it.

Returning to Santa Monica from 20th Century Fox by car, Father Marquez Costello pondered how to exert pressure on Murphy Stanton to modify the film swiftly.

With the film currently in limited release, few had seen it. If it expanded in its current form, the impact would be far worse.

Especially for him.

Catholic influence and followers in Southern California were already limited. Another scandal would not only tarnish his reputation but might also make the Vatican question his competence.

Applying pressure through the local government in Los Angeles?

Father Costello immediately dismissed the thought. Having spent a long time in Los Angeles, he knew that while government power might be omnipotent in some countries, even turning black into white, Hollywood directors seldom bowed to government pressure.

Protesting through Hollywood industry unions? Like the Directors Guild or Writers Guild?

"Hmm..." Father Costello nodded. "Perhaps that's a viable route."

In today's secular society, the Catholic Church isn't the dominant power. It isn't even the largest religion in Southern California and certainly can't directly coerce a top Hollywood director.

As the car pulled up in front of the office building, Father Costello opened the car door and had just stepped out when he was blinded by a flash.

Instinctively shielding his eyes, he was met with more flashbulbs going off.

Suddenly, many reporters rushed forward, surrounding Father Costello. Fortunately, his driver and a young clergy member reacted quickly, using their bodies to block the journalists.

While they could fend off the reporters, they couldn't stop their questions.

"Father, have you seen 'Diego-Ross'? The film depicts Catholic priests involved in misconduct and cover-ups. Is this true?"

"How do you feel about another scandal involving the Catholic Church, exposed by a top director?"

"It's reported that you served in Los Angeles in the early '80s. Are you connected to the events portrayed in Murphy Stanton's biographical film?"

"Father Costello..."

"Father..."

The reporters and paparazzi showed no respect for his position as a regional archbishop, treating him like any other celebrity, bombarding him with speculative and suggestive questions.

Father Costello, experienced enough to know when not to speak, didn't answer any questions. With help from the office staff, he finally managed to escape the throng of journalists.

However, his face was as dark as the overcast sky above Los Angeles.

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