"Master and Commander," "Master and Commander"… The Los Angeles Times entertainment section's headline was no different: "Master and Commander." Every major outlet had the same headline: Master and Commander.
Carl Rivette, a film blogger, wasn't based in New York or Los Angeles. He lived in Paris, which was his true home.
The last time he attended the Cannes Film Festival or traveled to North America, it was due to invitations. Otherwise, his budget didn't allow for globetrotting to attend premieres. However, in France, he was gradually building a stable readership.
Since his close encounter with Anson at Cannes, Carl had started seeing Anson in a new light. Almost unconsciously, he found himself looking for news about him.
For instance—
The Butterfly Effect was released.
Carl was curious about Anson's aesthetic choices as a first-time producer. Unfortunately, the movie faced Master and Commander, a heavyweight competitor. The outcome was predictable: a complete disaster.
Media coverage overwhelmingly focused on Master and Commander.
Even the Los Angeles Times didn't break form.
The reason was simple: 20th Century Fox's publicity department executed an exceptional campaign, ensuring every major media outlet spotlighted Master and Commander. New Line Cinema had no chance—
Their budget was insufficient.
That's the reality. The era where a "good wine needs no bush" is long gone. Now, whoever shouts the loudest grabs the most attention, and marketing's importance has been magnified.
Even someone like Anson couldn't change that.
In Hollywood, capital still reigns supreme.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, Carl opened the New York Times website, hoping for something different in its entertainment section.
However—
Master and Commander.
Carl was disappointed yet again. The final bastion of reputable media had fallen.
Historically, the New York Times favored Anson, writing several feature stories over the years, offering unique insights into him. But in the face of 20th Century Fox's publicity blitz, they weren't exempt. Their entertainment section's headline went to Russell Crowe.
"Wait, hold on."
Just as Carl was about to close the page—he had no interest in Master and Commander—a photo caught his eye. His finger hesitated mid-air.
Anson.
The photo stood out starkly, different from the typical premiere snapshots.
Anson was surrounded by a bustling crowd, their faces glowing with bright, joyful smiles. It was clear they were enjoying a magical moment. Anson, encircled by the throng, seemed to hear someone calling him. He looked upward, directly at the camera.
Click.
The moment was captured for eternity.
Amid the noise and commotion, Anson stood out effortlessly.
That face seemed to slow time itself, drawing the viewer in.
The caption read:
"Anson Wood: A Night for Friends—
The Butterfly Effect, a movie about life, yet so much more."
Carl glanced at the byline—Nicholas Flynn.
But what truly intrigued him was this:
While the headline undeniably belonged to Master and Commander, spanning the page horizontally with dense text, directly below it was a sprawling feature on The Butterfly Effect. The feature was three times larger, packed with detailed analysis and accompanied by vivid photos.
"Haha!"
Carl couldn't help but laugh out loud. Even through the screen, he could sense the reporter's rebellious spirit:
"Fine, Master and Commander can have the headline, but I'll steal its thunder with a comprehensive spotlight on The Butterfly Effect."
Of course, other media outlets also reported on The Butterfly Effect—it was Anson, after all. No one wanted to miss the story. But out of deference to Master and Commander, their coverage remained superficial.
Yet even with brief mentions, one could sense the journalists' surprise and admiration. The premiere of The Butterfly Effect blazed a new trail, captivating audiences in unexpected ways.
Finally, the New York Times offered a deep dive.
The astonishment and praise were palpable, leaping off the page.
Carl, both envious and curious, couldn't imagine how the premiere unfolded based solely on written descriptions.
Interactive events. Merchandise. Parties. Breaking boundaries to enjoy a night together.
The entire concept was alluring, and the vibrant atmosphere seemed to leap off the page. Just reading about it, Carl couldn't help but wonder about the merchandise—
And to think Anson himself designed and created them!
Unbelievable.
If the movie premiered in Paris with the same merchandise, how amazing would that be?
"... Multiple endings? Are they crazy?"
"No, no, no, they're not. That's just Anson for you."
"But why? With so many endings, how do I know which one I'll like?"
"That's the point of Anson. He wants us to think."
"Even for Anson, this feels too wild…"
Nearby, a soft conversation caught Carl's attention.
He was in a cozy neighborhood café, not a large chain, but a local spot where residents of all ages gathered, even on weekdays.
Turning his head, Carl saw two young women settling into a nearby table, excitedly discussing something. Their animated expressions revealed their mood.
Without hesitation, Carl approached them.
"Sorry to intrude, but I couldn't help overhearing—are you talking about Anson?"
"So, you're discussing The Butterfly Effect? What's this about multiple endings?"
Eagerly, Carl turned his laptop toward the two women to prove his genuine curiosity.
They leaned in to look, exchanged a knowing glance, and burst out laughing.
Through their explanation, Carl learned that forums were buzzing with chatter, offering a completely different narrative from the media.
Rumors from the Los Angeles premiere suggested that The Butterfly Effect featured multiple endings. The twist? These endings weren't post-credits scenes but randomized across different screenings.
The news sparked an uproar online.
Protests and backlash erupted first—
Fueled by outrage and mockery.
Imagine a movie with five different endings. Would viewers have to watch it five times?
And since the endings were randomized, unless someone had extraordinary luck, seeing all five endings was nearly impossible.
What was this, blatant robbery?
Though everyone understood studios wanted to make money, such an audacious cash grab was unprecedented.
The backlash was swift and fierce, becoming the hot topic on forums and spreading like wildfire.
(End of Chapter)