It's well-known that a pop star's schedule is often more packed than that of an actor, and Matthew could hardly remember the last time he'd seen Taylor Swift. He only knew she'd been releasing album after album, forming close friendships one after another, and even getting into subtle feuds with pop star Katy Perry on social media—a rivalry that fans and the press loved to gossip about, cementing her reputation as the reigning "Country Pop Princess."
Matthew could tell without asking that Taylor Swift and her team had taken his earlier advice and run with it to the fullest.
Talent and music are the foundation, but promotion is the key.
Matthew glanced at the women on either side of Taylor Swift. This must be her famed "girl squad," and he even recognized a few familiar faces.
Taylor, an old friend of Matthew's, opened her arms for a hug and leaned in to whisper, "I've brought along quite a few friends to support you tonight."
Matthew gave her a light pat on the back. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your squad?"
"Just a moment."
Taylor stepped back, signaling to her friends on either side. Pointing to Matthew, she said, "No need for introductions here, right? Everyone knows who he is."
She first looked at a round-faced girl with a youthful, cherubic look. "This is Selena Gomez, an actress and singer."
Matthew shook her hand. "We met at Disney a few years back."
Selena Gomez smiled, "I remember. I wanted an autograph back then, but I was too shy to ask."
Once they finished, Taylor pulled forward an even taller, slender girl. "This is Karlie Kloss, a model who's set to walk in this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show."
Matthew shook her hand as well. "You're really tall."
Wearing flats, Karlie was nearly eye-level with him.
She laughed. "Nice to meet you."
Taylor then introduced a girl with an edgy style. "This is Cara Delevingne, also a model."
Matthew shook her hand and exchanged pleasantries. She had striking, sharp facial features and a fierce look in her eyes, with a naturally intense expression that left a memorable impression.
Taylor went on to introduce the rest of her friends, including Cara's sister Poppy Delevingne and up-and-coming models Martha Hunt and Lily Donaldson.
After chatting with each of them, Matthew quickly discerned a pattern in Taylor's "squad." All of them were young and moderately well-known, particularly among young people, but none of them had a level of fame that would overshadow Taylor. This avoided any uncomfortable power dynamics and kept Taylor at the center.
It was evident that Taylor's team had carefully selected these friends for her.
Although this "girl squad" revolved around Taylor, the members weren't wholly focused on her. After greeting Matthew, they soon moved on to mingle with others.
"You're quite impressive," Matthew said to Taylor once she was alone with him again. "You've assembled a strong team in no time."
Taylor smiled proudly. "Your advice was spot-on. This approach really attracts attention."
Matthew glanced at the extremely tall Karlie Kloss nearby. "Do you have a preference for models?"
Taylor nodded. "They're easy on the eyes." Then, her tone changed as she added, "I used to think being a singer was tough, but after hearing about their experiences, I realized modeling can be even harder."
Matthew nodded. "Every field has its challenges; no glamorous job comes without its sacrifices."
Late last year, there was a big stir in the fashion industry when three Eastern European supermodels, including Karolina Kurkova, demanded overdue payments from their former agency, NEXT Model Management. The controversy even involved *Vogue*, the famous fashion magazine. Astonishingly, this revered publication, often regarded as a "fashion bible," had been delaying $125 in photo fees for years.
In earlier days, people saw modeling as glamorous, much like the perception of flight attendants in the '70s and '80s. But as the image of flight attendants changed, modeling may be next on the list of professions to see a shift in public perception.
In recent years, news has increasingly revealed the hardships that models endure, especially underage ones facing conditions beyond what most could imagine.
Karolina Kurkova once told Matthew that, before reaching supermodel status, photoshoots for lingerie could easily turn into virtual stripteases under certain unprofessional, high-profile photographers.
Matthew himself had treated the modeling world as a hunting ground, though compared to those who prey on underage models, he and Leonardo DiCaprio could be considered models of virtue.
Taylor then said suddenly, "I'm performing in San Francisco next month. Afterward, I'll be in Los Angeles for a few days, and I'm planning to throw a big party. Are you in?" She gave Matthew a playful wink, lowering her voice. "All those girls I introduced you to will be there."
Matthew rubbed his nose; it sounded pretty appealing.
But he remembered his schedule and replied, "I'm not sure I'll have the time. I might be heading to Australia next month."
*The Martian* was set to begin filming in June, and the cast had been finalized. He needed to be in the Queensland studios to prepare with the actors.
Although it would be largely a male-led film, a few prominent roles required some early rehearsal.
The first casting decision had been Lily Collins, who would play the Ares 3 mission's systems operator and reactor technician. Since then, Sebastian Stan and Sean Bean had joined the cast.
The last role to be confirmed was Commander Melissa Lewis of the Mars exploration team, to be played by Jessica Chastain.
"Oh, I see." Taylor looked a bit disappointed.
Matthew thought for a moment and added, "But it's still early, and I can't say for sure. We'll see."
Taylor nodded lightly. "I'll call you after the San Francisco concert. It's been too long since we caught up."
"Alright," Matthew said. "I'll look forward to your call."
Taylor seemed to remember something. "By the way, Katy Perry will be there too."
Matthew nodded as a few other people approached, and he turned to greet them.
Once *The Hunger Games* cast and crew gathered in the VIP room, Matthew led them to the screening room, where the most important part of the premiere was set to begin.
The film told a dystopian story. While the plot and cinematography weren't groundbreaking, the movie's aesthetic—makeup, costumes, and a cast of young, attractive actors—was designed to captivate audiences.
However, the film's underlying theme was noteworthy: a perspective on "new feminism," a concept that had been increasingly present in films since the start of the century.
Since the 1970s, Hollywood had steadily produced stories exploring women's roles in society. The idealized outcomes often involved the female protagonist finding a stable job or marrying a reliable, wealthy man.
This trend evolved in the '90s with the emergence of "sweetheart" characters like Julia Roberts and Cameron Diaz, who starred in lighthearted romantic comedies filled with a fairy-tale charm.
But by the new millennium, North American society had started to change. With the rise of new-wave feminism, these roles and movies lost their appeal, and with them, the status of actresses like Roberts and Diaz began to decline in Hollywood.
For ages, women often had to choose between success and likability, even in a society like America that champions freedom and equality. The media and public were often reluctant to celebrate highly accomplished women.
This began to shift in the new millennium, especially in Hollywood, where films started to showcase more non-traditional female roles.
In this film, Katniss is portrayed as a strong, independent character who doesn't rely on men. Though a single role isn't enough to create a trend, her character aligns closely with the "new feminism" values that resonate in today's social climate.
Katniss embodies a brave heart and possesses skills honed by a life of hunting. She volunteers for the brutal games in place of her sister and survives with a bow, arrows, and sheer determination.
Throughout the deadly competition, she combines wit and courage, outsmarting traps set by opponents, saving the male lead, and even providing mercy to some contestants.
With her quick thinking, a bit of luck, and undeniable bravery, Katniss not only survives but becomes a symbol of resistance and freedom, representing the fight against a stratified society.
Her journey is marked by resilience and self-reliance, and her symbolic salute stirs the crowd's emotions, becoming a rallying cry for freedom.
Each new era demands new icons, and the feminist movement needs fresh faces to embody its ideals.
These figures may still be beautiful, sexy, and youthful, but they're not meek or submissive. They're unafraid to show strength, wield ambition, take risks, endure hardship, and even lead rebellions or shape worlds.
Katniss is a character who fits this evolving narrative perfectly.
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