A low-profile black car drove into Century City and slowly entered the parking lot of the Death Star building. It arrived at the elevator entrance, and Archbishop Marques Costello stepped out of the car with an assistant, entering the elevator. When the elevator descended, they rode it up to the top floor of the Death Star building.
This was the highest office floor of CAA, with staff waiting at the elevator entrance to escort Archbishop Marques Costello and his assistant to a luxurious reception room.
"Please wait a moment," the staff member said politely. "Director Stanton is discussing work with Mr. Bill Rosis and will be here shortly."
Archbishop Marques Costello frowned slightly but said nothing, simply nodding.
As events had progressed, even someone as tough as him had to admit that the Catholic Church was now on the back foot, especially in America.
He sighed softly and subconsciously touched his hair. In just over a month, facing pressure from both public opinion and the Vatican, his hair had turned at least a third whiter.
"All because of that damned Murphy Stanton!"
Archbishop Marques Costello couldn't help but curse inwardly. The previous media storm had put him under tremendous pressure, but it was bearable. However, the news of Murphy Stanton's project "Spotlight" had a far worse impact. Pope Benedict XVI had called multiple times, demanding that he must stop this project quickly, or else...
Though the Pope didn't explicitly state the consequences, Archbishop Costello knew they would be severe.
Thus, he had no choice but to come and talk to Murphy Stanton. Even if Stanton didn't care about him, he should at least give some face to the Vatican.
After waiting for about five minutes, the door to the reception room was pushed open from the outside, and Murphy walked in.
As soon as he saw Archbishop Marques Costello, Murphy greeted him warmly, "Your Grace, long time no see."
"Hello, Director Stanton," Archbishop Costello stood up. "Indeed, it's been a while."
Murphy gestured for him to sit, "Please, have a seat."
Then, Murphy sat on the couch opposite Archbishop Costello and asked directly, "What brings you here, Your Grace?"
Having dealt with Murphy a few times before, Archbishop Costello knew his style and said, "I'm here on behalf of the Vatican. His Holiness the Pope wishes to invite you to visit the Vatican to clear up any unnecessary misunderstandings between us."
"Oh, I see..." Murphy seemed to ponder.
Archbishop Costello observed Murphy seriously. The Pope was no ordinary person; he was the leader of Catholics worldwide and on par with the leaders of the world's major countries. Such a formal invitation would surely make Murphy Stanton think carefully, perhaps even cancel "Spotlight."
He had Pope Benedict XVI's authorization to say this. The entire Vatican was very concerned about Murphy Stanton and his new film "Spotlight."
The Vatican had immense cultural knowledge and understood the influence of films. Moreover, Archbishop Costello had found out that Murphy Stanton's "Spotlight" was clearly aimed at the next Oscars. If the film won Best Picture, combined with Stanton's influence as one of the world's top directors post-"Dark City," "Spotlight" would inevitably become widely known.
Currently, the adverse effects were mostly confined to North America. Although the media in other regions reported on it, the Catholic Church had been working hard to control the situation.
But if a film of this nature, combined with the Oscars and Murphy Stanton's overwhelming influence, appeared, it would affect many overseas regions...
Archbishop Costello understood well the influence a high-quality film from a super director in Hollywood could have.
News in the media could be restricted and eventually forgotten, but a classic film would be continually referenced, much like "Gone with the Wind," which remained popular.
If that happened, the Catholic Church would be nailed to the pillar of shame!
Unfortunately, this wasn't the Middle Ages, and Murphy wasn't an unknown figure but a super director with assets worth billions of dollars. Otherwise, he might have been made to disappear...
On the other hand, Murphy was considering similar issues. Visuals had a greater impact than text, and films had a more lasting influence than news. These were indisputable facts. Pope Benedict XVI's invitation to visit the Vatican was undoubtedly an attempt to dissuade him from making "Spotlight."
"Your Grace," Murphy finally spoke, "when does His Holiness wish for me to visit the Vatican?"
As soon as possible, of course, but Archbishop Costello couldn't say that. He smiled and said, "It would be best before the New Year. You could participate in the Vatican's New Year blessing."
Participate in the New Year blessing? Murphy had no interest; he wasn't a Catholic.
"My schedule doesn't allow it," Murphy replied intentionally. "I need to prepare for the Oscars and work on my new film..."
Hearing Murphy mention his new film, Archbishop Costello's smile faded. "Time can always be found if needed."
Did this man not care about the Pope's face at all?
"Yes, that's true..." Murphy seemed to be considering Archbishop Costello's words.
Archbishop Costello smiled faintly. Pope Benedict XVI and the Vatican were practically equivalent to a major country and its leader.
Murphy appeared to have made up his mind. He said, "I plan to attend the Venice Film Festival next year. I can visit the Vatican then. What do you think, Your Grace?"
"Attend the Venice Film Festival?" Archbishop Costello instinctively asked, "What film will you be taking to the Venice Film Festival?"
"Of course, my new project, 'Spotlight,'" Murphy replied matter-of-factly. "Stanton Studios and 20th Century Fox have already applied to the Venice Film Festival for the competition unit."
"What?" Archbishop Costello stood up abruptly. "You plan to do that!"
His face was filled with shock and anger!
"Your Grace, I don't understand what you mean," Murphy said calmly. "This is a film jointly produced by Stanton Studios and 20th Century Fox, and entering the Venice Film Festival competition is part of our plan."
Archbishop Costello's smile vanished completely. Murphy Stanton's stance and attitude were now crystal clear.
"What do you intend to do?" Archbishop Costello's voice was full of anger. "There is a limit to our tolerance!"
The Vatican and the Catholic Church had extended a hand of reconciliation, but Murphy Stanton not only refused to take it, he slapped it away. How could he not be angry?
Murphy Stanton clearly did not regard the Vatican and the Pope.
"What have I done?" Murphy also lost his smile, speaking calmly. "I'm just a director, making the films I want to make, that's all."
Archbishop Costello glared at Murphy. "Do you take me for a fool?"
"Your Grace," Murphy interrupted, "I recall telling you that the freedom to make films is a fundamental right of any Hollywood director!"
"Freedom?" Archbishop Costello sneered. "Director Stanton, I think you haven't understood. Your new film is no longer facing the Southern California Diocese! It's not just me!"
His tone carried a warning and a threat. "The Vatican and the Pope are very concerned about you and your film. They are very dissatisfied with its content. You want to attend the Venice Film Festival? I guarantee you won't even get into Italy!"
Facing this blatant threat, Murphy seemed unfazed. "Whether or not I can attend the Venice Film Festival, I believe the festival committee will decide. Even if I can't go to Venice, I'll go to Cannes or Berlin."
Murphy took a step forward, meeting Archbishop Costello's gaze without fear. "This is America, a land of freedom and democracy. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right for Hollywood and its citizens, a sacred right that cannot be violated!"
Before Archbishop Costello could respond, Murphy added, "I'm sorry, but I have work to do. Please see yourself out."
With that, Murphy left Archbishop Costello in the reception room, calmly walking away, leaving the Archbishop staring blankly after him.
"That bastard!" Archbishop Costello nearly cursed aloud. "He refused the hand of friendship from the Catholic Church and the Pope!"
But he quickly calmed down. This was the twenty-first century, not the Middle Ages. Murphy Stanton was right; this was America.
This country, despite its contradictions, would not be dictated by the Catholic Church. Those people, especially in Hollywood, constantly shouting about freedom and democracy, yet acting hypocritically...
"What should I do?"
Even as he got into the car and left, Archbishop Costello couldn't think of any way to stop Murphy Stanton. Facing such a super director, his title and the power of the Catholic Church couldn't exert much influence on this land of original sin.
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