Afterward, the viewing guests also shared their feelings. Steven Spielberg was the first to speak, praising the film with admiration in his eyes: "This film has incredibly high quality and the potential to make a significant impact during the summer blockbuster season. I watched Gilbert enter the industry, and I'm very happy to see him grow to this extent. I wish this film great success at the box office."
These words implicitly acknowledged Gilbert as his student. For Spielberg, this was beneficial with no downsides. Having such an excellent young director as a student indirectly solidified Spielberg's own good reputation. Similarly, Gilbert couldn't deny it, as he had entered the industry through Spielberg's connections. Not admitting it would seem somewhat ungrateful.
Next, Gilbert's friend, Matt Damon, also shared his viewing experience: "The movie is brilliant. Gilbert is extremely talented; I knew that as early as Final Destination. Wishing the film great success..."
Tom Cruise also stood up and spoke: "Incredible, incredible! This movie is absolutely fantastic. It's definitely a rare top-tier action film. I believe this movie will create many surprises for moviegoers this summer."
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After the guests shared their thoughts, it was time for questions from the media and fans. The first person called upon was Sarah from The Los Angeles Business Journal.
Sarah stood up and asked, "Director Gilbert, what was different about making this film compared to your previous ones?"
Gilbert replied, "The biggest difference is that this is a completely new genre and field, and it's my first time working on it." Looking at the other creative team members on either side, Gilbert continued, "However, with so many excellent team members and talented actors like Keanu, Sandra, Dennis, and Naomi, we still did an outstanding job."
Gilbert didn't claim all the credit for himself but attributed it to his team members. Filmmaking is never a one-person endeavor. While there might be some exceptionally gifted directors, even the most talented director couldn't create a film alone without so many excellent individuals.
Indeed, hearing Gilbert's words, the creative team was visibly pleased. Afterward, reporters asked questions of the other team members, but the focus was primarily on the lead actors, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Among them, Keanu Reeves received particular attention.
Over the past two months, the mudslinging war had elevated Keanu Reeves's already rising fame by more than just one level. Although it wasn't necessarily good publicity, and the negative impression hadn't been completely reversed, he was undeniably the most well-known. His recent rumored romance with Sandra Bullock was also a major talking point.
Naomi Watts was also asked a question about how she felt about starring in Speed. The petite woman looked at Gilbert with adoration, which made Cameron Diaz frown in the audience.
"I feel very lucky to be in this film, and I'm very grateful to Director Gilbert for giving me this opportunity. I will continue to work hard and deliver better performances," Naomi Watts said simply, keeping her answer brief. She resisted the impulse to say that she was dating Gilbert. After all, in the media's eyes, Gilbert's official girlfriend was Cameron Diaz, and she didn't want to cause any trouble for him.
The petite woman was considerate of Gilbert. If it had been Cameron Diaz, she probably would have said whatever was on her mind. This couldn't be blamed on Cameron Diaz, as she was still young, lacked extensive life experience, and hadn't been through the struggles that Naomi Watts had endured at the bottom.
---
The premiere ended successfully. Cameron Diaz immediately rushed to Gilbert's side, and she and Naomi Watts surrounded him, one on each side. Cameron Diaz even looked at Naomi Watts provocatively, as if ready to compete for his attention.
Old Gilbert approached, patted Gilbert's shoulder, and looked at the two women with satisfaction, muttering to himself that his son finally had a tenth of his own charisma from back in the day. "Gilbert, you've done very well. I believe you'll definitely make a name for yourself in Hollywood." The old man was very pleased. After saying that, he ambled off, probably thinking about which bar to go to that night.
His aunt Meryl, however, looked at Gilbert with concern, pulling him aside. "Tell me honestly, have both of them slept with you?"
There was no point in hiding it, so Gilbert honestly admitted it. Meryl looked surprised and asked, "They don't fight?"
"Uh," Gilbert looked at the two women who seemed to be subtly competing, and said, "As you can see, this is the situation."
"Oh, dear," Meryl sighed, "I hope you can manage this carefully and not end up in a mess like your late father."
Gilbert nodded, "I know, Auntie. I'll be careful."
---
The premiere was over, but the work wasn't. Starting tomorrow, Gilbert would be taking the main cast on a roadshow across the U.S. Cameron Diaz and Naomi Watts went back to Gilbert's apartment with him, having been competing with each other since the theater.
"Hey, you two, you've been glaring at each other for ages. Aren't you tired?" Gilbert asked, a headache starting.
Both replied in unison, "No..." Then they resumed glaring at each other.
After a long while, Naomi Watts finally spoke: "Let's stop pretending, Michelle. We are both Gilbert's lovers. Even if it weren't me, sooner or later, other women would come along to compete with you."
"I'm annoyed, so I'm going to conquer Gilbert right in front of you," Cameron Diaz said, feeling defiant. Naomi Watts also had her pride; if you can do it, why can't I?
"What are you two trying to do?" Gilbert was a bit stunned. It was his first time experiencing something like this. He felt so panicked, what should he do?
That night was one of great pleasure; a spring breeze blew for ten miles, and no grass grew. In the end, Naomi Watts and Cameron Diaz, one on each side, fell into a deep sleep...
The next morning, Cameron Diaz woke up and, remembering what happened last night, felt a little shy about her daring plan. "What did I do last night?" Cameron Diaz touched her face, a bit embarrassed.
"What did you do? It's time to get up, Naomi made breakfast," Gilbert patted Cameron Diaz, then got out of bed. After washing up, the three enjoyed breakfast together.
"This is delicious, Gilbert, eat this..." Naomi Watts placed a piece of garlic bread on Gilbert's plate.
"This is good too, try it," Cameron Diaz was more direct, feeding him herself without Gilbert having to lift a finger.
Gilbert enjoyed it, sighing at this decadent life, served by two future Hollywood darlings. Perhaps it was the night they spent together, where the two women were completely honest with each other. Today, their interactions were much better; at least the hostility from yesterday was gone.
There wasn't much for Gilbert to worry about; the two women implicitly agreed not to bother Gilbert with their dynamic. Looking at the two women who could now communicate normally, Gilbert felt like he was being a scoundrel, like a playboy. If he had firmly rejected one of them, perhaps yesterday's experience wouldn't have happened. But men, as those who understand know, get a lot but always want more.
It seems it's time for Sheena Boone to find a bigger house, otherwise there won't be enough rooms. Similarly, the women's efforts would need to be rewarded, and the reward had to be substantial.
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