1311-1315

Chapter 1311: Scheduling Conflict

The air was quiet.

Neither end of the phone call made a sound, allowing the silence to stretch, though the faint sound of breathing betrayed the thoughts swirling in their minds.

Finally, a voice on the other end of the line broke the silence.

“...Are you saying, thirty thousand?”

Ripley leaned forward slightly and quickly responded, “Yes, Mr. Cook. We’ve already communicated with Focus Features and hope to increase the number of screenings.”

“I understand. This is a preview screening—one showing is enough. It’s not the official release.”

“I know the film officially opens the next day, so there’s no need to rush.”

“But we hope to increase the number of screenings to meet the audience's enthusiasm as much as possible.”

“If we could use all the theaters at the Angelika Film Center for simultaneous screenings, hosting preview events at the same time, we could accommodate 1,084 audience members. The significance of this evening would be completely different.”

This was Ripley’s idea—

To mobilize the entire Angelika Film Center and turn it into a collective celebration, transforming a preview screening into an exclusive fan festival.

“Mr. Cook, everyone is anticipating Anson’s new work. It’s different from any of his previous films. It’s not like Elephant or The Butterfly Effect. After the storm caused by The Band That Rocked the World, people are eager to see more from Anson.”

“At the same time, for independent films, we’ve never felt such heat and attention before. We can’t determine if this is a lasting trend or a one-time phenomenon. Will this truly bring a fundamental change to independent cinema? We don’t know. But we want to seize this opportunity.”

As Ripley spoke, her heart began to race uncontrollably. Excitement and passion bubbled over, and her blood seemed to boil with energy.

However, there was no response from the other end of the line. Not a single sound.

Ripley’s enthusiasm cooled a bit. She wasn’t even sure if Edgar was still on the other end.

“Mr. Cook?”

Ripley cautiously called out, and the voice on the other end immediately replied.

“I’m here. I’ve been listening.”

“But these matters should be discussed with Focus Features, right?”

Ripley didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”

Edgar replied, “What I mean is, these are all distribution-related matters. Anson isn’t involved in this. Focus Features has full responsibility. So, what exactly is your purpose in contacting us?”

Ripley paused for a moment. “I was hoping Anson could come to New York for a post-screening Q&A. We could—”

“No. That’s not possible.” Edgar cut her off firmly. “Ms. Ripley, Anson is currently on set, filming intensely. He can’t step away.”

“Believe me, if it were possible, Anson would love to participate in promoting the film. We discussed it at length with Focus Features, but we ultimately agreed that it wouldn’t work.”

The Oscars were over, and Anson’s schedule had nothing to do with the Academy anymore. However, Edgar wasn’t lying—Anson couldn’t participate in the promotion for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

The core reason was Anson’s role as Johnny Cash.

Right now, Anson was fully immersed in filming Walk the Line, dedicating his soul to the role, performing, interpreting, and embodying it. Without a doubt, this was the most challenging role of his career, and Anson was thoroughly enjoying the process.

Because of this, he couldn’t leave the set.

Time was an issue, but not the critical one. It was about staying in character. If Anson left the set and stepped out of his role, getting back into character would take time and effort, and there was no guarantee he could fully regain the same state.

Additionally, Walk the Line had already been delayed by two weeks, adding pressure to the filming schedule.

Another issue? Kate Winslet.

Not long ago, Kate had given birth and had just become a mother.

Though Western cultures don’t have the concept of “postpartum confinement,” Kate was a first-time mom. Everything felt chaotic and overwhelming. She was still adjusting to her new role, her daily life was a mess, and she hadn’t had time to lose the baby weight or get back into shape.

For actresses, Kate’s current image wasn’t ideal.

But Kate wasn’t overly concerned about her appearance. As she put it, “Because of Titanic, I’ve been mocked for being overweight more times than I can count. People say Jack couldn’t climb onto the door because of me. I’ve been hurt, devastated, and heartbroken, but now I’ve decided—screw it. My body is my own. Those trying to shame me can go to hell.”

Rejecting body shaming starts with oneself.

What truly worried Kate was that she didn’t want to leave her child so soon.

Kate knew she’d return to acting, no question about it. But precisely because of that, she wanted to spend as much time as possible with her newborn during these early days, knowing how hard it would be later.

Thus, Kate’s schedule couldn’t accommodate the promotion either.

Taking all this into account, Focus Features decided to take a different approach—foregoing the typical mainstream blockbuster promotional model and adopting the style of independent art film distribution. Anson and Kate’s absence from the promotion wouldn’t be an issue.

In fact, both Anson and Kate deeply regretted this—

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was their labor of love. Both had fought tooth and nail to secure their roles in the film and had poured their hearts into the production. They were eager to see the final product and hoped it would resonate with audiences.

Now, they couldn’t participate in the promotion due to separate circumstances, leaving them disappointed but resigned.

This was life, and they had to learn to make compromises.

Edgar didn’t hesitate or waver in denying Ripley’s request. On her end, Ripley had expected some difficulty, but the outright rejection still stung.

“Mr. Cook, the attention Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is receiving is extraordinary. It might genuinely spark a change, showing independent film enthusiasts Anson’s charisma. I sincerely hope people get to see the Anson I see.”

Ripley continued to plead, but Edgar remained unmoved.

“This decision was made after careful consideration…”

Ripley’s heart sank, a feeling of helpless frustration washing over her.

But unexpectedly, Edgar’s words were interrupted by another voice.

“Even if you use all the theaters at the Angelika Film Center, there are still only a thousand seats, right?”

What?

Ripley was startled. “...Anson?”

“Sorry to interrupt your discussion.” The voice on the phone carried a hint of a smile, so warm and sunny that you could almost picture the gentle expression on his face.

“I mean, even if you fully utilize every theater, it’s still just a thousand people.”

“And if Kate and I do appear, how would we be in six theaters simultaneously? Should we visit one by one, leaving the audience waiting around?”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1312: Open-Air Screening*

Sentence by sentence, steadily and evenly, the voice carried a faint trace of amusement, as refreshing as a spring breeze. Yet the content of the words brought question after question to the forefront.

Ripley’s heart sank slowly.

Everything had happened so quickly. She hadn’t yet managed to organize her thoughts completely. The seemingly perfect plan was riddled with flaws due to her lack of thorough consideration.

So, what now?

Just give up?

No. She couldn’t accept that—not at all.

Because of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and for the sake of countless other independent and art films, they had finally caught a glimpse of hope, a rare chance for a breakthrough. The world of independent films, hidden in the shadows, had momentarily revealed itself to the mainstream audience. Yet, they weren’t prepared enough to seize the opportunity. The frustration and bitterness hit her chest like a hammer.

Still, Ripley wasn’t ready to give up so easily.

“Maybe we can move to another theater,” she suggested. “Even one of the large cinema chains. They have big screening halls that can accommodate a thousand or even two thousand people, perfect for hosting an event of any scale.”

“It’s just a preview screening. We still have time to change the venue.”

There was silence on the other end of the line, but she could sense their surprise.

Then, Anson’s voice came through.

“Are you sure about this, Ms. Flor? This would mean letting go of the opportunity at the Angelika Film Center. For those big chains, such opportunities are commonplace—they don’t even need them.

“But the Angelika Film Center is different.

“We chose the Angelika Film Center because of its association with independent cinema. Otherwise, we could have just held the screening in Los Angeles.”

Ripley took a deep breath, clenched her fist, and lightly tapped her thigh.

Stay calm, Ripley. Stay calm.

She spoke up again.

“Of course, I know this very well. For you, it might not matter where the screening is held. But for us, this opportunity is incredibly rare. We deeply value and appreciate your trust and support in choosing the Angelika Film Center—it’s an honor for us.”

“But…”

“Anson, some things are bigger than myself, bigger than the Angelika Film Center.”

“This time, the number of online applicants broke the system. Whether they’re genuinely interested or just hopping on the bandwagon, the attention is real.”

“We need to show people that beyond award-season contenders, there’s a vast world of independent and art films. Even if they don’t win Oscars or grab the spotlight during awards season, they are still treasures, quietly showcasing their unique charm.”

“Cinema isn’t just about blockbusters and the Oscars. It’s not just about the Big Three European film festivals or Sundance. Beyond those, there are still countless excellent films—films that are captivating, intriguing, and special. I’m not talking about throwaway movies; I mean truly good ones.”

“If Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind can open a crack in the door, inspiring even a hundred people out of thirty thousand to explore independent films, that would be a success. That’s more important than any publicity campaign for the Angelika Film Center itself.”

Thud, thud—

Ripley’s heart was pounding, and she was breathless, but she had managed to say it all.

No, not everything yet.

“Anson, I know what I’m asking for. I know it sounds crazy. But I really, really, really hope you’ll agree.”

“I know you took on Elephant simply as a favor to a friend. I know you agreed to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind because you’re a fan of Charlie Kaufman. No matter how others judge you with bias or prejudice, you’ve stayed true to yourself.”

There was a soft chuckle on the other end of the line.

“Captain, you should take a look at these people—still holding on to dreams, still believing in hope, still living with passion and purpose. That kind of spirit is something we can’t compare to.”

A calm and measured voice replied beside him, “I’m not envious.”

“Haha.” Anson burst into laughter. “Ms. Flor, you don’t have to keep flattering me. I’m not as noble or great as you make me out to be. I’m just in it for my own interests. I’m an actor living in the Hollywood rat race. My conscience and dreams were buried under the Hollywood sign a long time ago.”

Candid, self-aware, and witty.

Clearly, Anson had a solid grasp of his identity and place, making him difficult to manipulate. This was nothing like the lead singer of the August 31st band who proclaimed every star was significant at the Grammy Awards.

So, which Anson was the real one?

“But,” he continued.

“In some ways, we’re on the same team. We both want Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to succeed. We both want more people to appreciate this film and discover a vast world of cinema beyond the mainstream.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t make it to New York…”

Ripley felt a wave of disappointment.

“But I can join by phone. Kate would probably agree to join too, and we could also get Mark, Kristen, and Elijah. Charlie and Michel would likely be on board as well.”

“We’ll set up a conference call. Too bad we can’t do a multi-threaded video live stream right now.”

“Still, the method doesn’t matter as long as we can connect with the audience.”

Ripley’s heart soared, her excitement and joy uncontainable, filling her chest with a happiness that words couldn’t describe.

“My suggestion is to keep the screening at the Angelika Film Center. After all, it aligns with the tone of the movie. Changing venues would change the entire nature of the event.”

“But we need a bigger space. You’re right—thirty thousand applications for just two hundred attendees is such a waste.”

“If this were a premiere, it would undoubtedly be a fantastic publicity stunt. Scalped tickets could skyrocket, creating an exclusive VIP effect, which would generate excellent buzz.”

“But that’s not our goal.”

“We just want the audience to enjoy the film and have a wonderful experience. In some ways, it’s like the premiere of The Butterfly Effect.”

“So, how about an open-air screening?”

Ripley was so surprised and shocked that she blurted out, “What?”

“I mean, at the Cannes Film Festival, they have beach screenings where hundreds or even thousands gather to watch films on a giant screen. It’s an unforgettable experience. Why can’t we do the same?”

“I remember there are steps and a plaza outside the Angelika Film Center, right?”

“How many people can it hold? Two thousand? What about the surrounding apartments and office buildings? Everyone could sit by their windows with chips and soda, watching the movie—a unique charm.”

“There was an open-air screening of Catch Me If You Can at Washington Square Park once. I think it’s a great idea.”

“What do you think, Ms. Flor?”

“Or is it too late to get a permit from New York City Hall?”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1313: A Celebration Together*

*Thursday, March 18, New York City – Clear Skies*

Ripley took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. The towering skyscrapers of Manhattan stood tall, yet the clear, blue-gray sky was visible above, unmarred by a single cloud.

Though most of the sunlight was blocked by the steel jungle above, a few faint rays managed to reach the ground, carrying with them a hint of early spring warmth, a welcome change from the biting cold of winter.

This was good news; even the weather seemed to be on their side.

The last weight that had been pressing heavily on Ripley’s shoulders was finally lifted. A smile spread across her face, and she felt a rare sense of lightness and joy.

She could hardly believe it. The plan had actually worked.

An unexpected player had stepped in—Lucas Wood. He personally traveled to New York City, joined forces with the distribution team at Focus Features, and collaborated to craft a feasible plan within 48 hours. Wood himself even went to the mayor’s office to push for approval.

When the mayor’s office went silent, Ripley had nearly given up hope. But then, the green light came through, and everything fell into place.

And now, here they were.

The Angelika Film Center was hosting its first—and perhaps only—outdoor screening, with an anticipated crowd of 3,000 attendees.

Three thousand. While it was just a fraction of the tens of thousands who had applied online, the event had already transformed into something extraordinary.

The plan was simple yet ambitious:

1. The Angelika Film Center selected 800 audience members via an online application system. These lucky attendees were mailed personalized tickets to ensure access to the event and premium seating in the center of the tiered viewing area.

2. On the day of the event, March 18, on-site admission was opened for the remaining 2,200 seats. The rules were straightforward—first come, first served. Attendees were admitted in order of arrival until all seats were filled.

3. To maintain order and create an immersive viewing experience, the Angelika Film Center transformed its steps, plaza, and even adjacent roads into a dedicated outdoor screening space, strictly capping attendance at 3,000.

The screening was completely free. The Angelika Film Center even announced that it would not prohibit nearby residents from watching the movie through their windows, as long as they ensured safety. However, any violations could result in a visit from the NYPD.

The announcement caused an uproar, instantly becoming the hottest topic of discussion.

It wasn’t a premiere or a typical advance screening; it was a full-blown celebration of cinema. With the event coinciding with the day after St. Patrick’s Day, the Angelika Film Center playfully encouraged attendees to wear something green to join in the festive spirit.

The atmosphere was electric.

This was no longer just about the movie. It had evolved into a party for cinephiles—a celebration no one could resist.

But… three thousand people? Was that even possible?

After the news broke, doubts and concerns began to surface.

To be fair, while over 300,000 applications had been submitted online, the actual level of genuine interest was uncertain. Meanwhile, the logistics of organizing a 3,000-person outdoor screening on the streets of New York seemed daunting, if not impossible.

Two years ago, “Catch Me If You Can” had drawn massive crowds to a similar outdoor screening at Washington Square Park. But that event was buoyed by the viral buzz of a flash mob orchestrated by Anson. Without his sudden appearance, the audience likely wouldn’t have exceeded 1,000—a number already considered a major success for such events, mostly attended by college students.

Now, the Angelika Film Center was attempting to host 3,000 people.

To put things in perspective, the Lumière Theater at the Cannes Film Festival seats just under 2,300.

The challenge was monumental.

And to complicate matters, there was no mention of appearances by the cast, including Anson or Kate. Reports from insiders confirmed that the actors had no plans to attend, making it clear that the event would rely entirely on the film’s appeal.

Could it work?

Did the “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” team and Focus Features truly know what they were doing?

Speculation ran wild.

No one knew what was happening behind the scenes, but one thing was certain: this was a gamble.

On the West Coast, Los Angeles was hosting the grand premiere of “Dawn of the Dead.” On the East Coast, New York City had this bold outdoor screening for “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”

Though the formats, audiences, and goals of the two events differed, the ultimate purpose was the same: to dominate public conversation.

For once, audiences didn’t have to choose sides. Those in Los Angeles could flock to the “Dawn of the Dead” premiere, while New Yorkers could dive into the festivities at the Angelika Film Center.

Who knew? Perhaps both events could triumph.

Even Ripley wasn’t entirely confident. This kind of outdoor screening had never been attempted before—not for a new release.

For classic films, such screenings were relatively common in Europe. Countries like Italy, Switzerland, France, and Germany often hosted outdoor cinema events, where audiences of 2,000 or 3,000 gathered to experience the magic of film outside a traditional theater.

But for a brand-new release? That was uncharted territory.

Still, Ripley exhaled deeply and steadied herself.

If attendance was the concern, the Angelika Film Center could have taken the safer route by selecting all 3,000 attendees through online registration. That would have guaranteed a full house.

But after careful consideration, Ripley decided against it. She wanted this event to bring together true lovers of independent cinema, not just those chasing a fleeting trend. She hoped this gathering could connect like-minded individuals, much like a music or film festival.

If taking risks was the price, so be it. The most important thing was to leave no regrets.

Besides, Ripley had a glimmer of hope.

Fans had already begun lining up outside the Angelika Film Center 48 hours earlier, setting up tents to secure their spots. By now, the crowd had grown to over 30 people—a small number, but enough to lift Ripley’s spirits.

It was passion, it was youth, it was life burning brightly.

Ripley smiled, waved at the crowd, and called out, “Hey, good morning. Today’s the day. Are you ready?”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 1314: Attending the Grand Event Together

Ripley tried to ignore Lisa beside her, but evidently, it wasn’t easy.

Every thirty seconds, Lisa would check on the situation outside the Angelica Film Center, then turn back around, heaving a worried sigh—

Again and again, as if she were caught in a time loop.

“Sigh.”

Lisa sighed deeply once more, and even without looking, you could almost hear her shoulders slumping.

Ripley finally couldn’t ignore her any longer. “Lisa…”

Lisa looked over with a face full of worry and, without waiting for Ripley to ask, started pouring out her complaints in a rush. “There’s still barely anyone out there. No one is signing in, and no one is lining up. There are fewer than a hundred people outside right now, and I’ve never seen the road and plaza this empty before.”

“Ripley, are we doomed? When Carrie was re-released, the crowd outside was way bigger than this.”

Ripley smiled faintly, slightly exasperated. “Lisa, it’s only ten o’clock. In the morning.”

“I know. But…”

“No buts. Today is Thursday, a weekday, and people are at work. You can’t expect them to take a day off for a movie they’ve never even seen before.”

When Carrie, a classic film, was re-released, it attracted large crowds even on weekdays. One reason was that classics stand the test of time. Another was that re-releases often have limited screenings, and missing them might mean never getting the chance to see the film again.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, however, was different. It didn’t have a reputation yet, and it was set for a limited public release the next day. Even though this preview screening was capped at 3,000 attendees, there was no pressing need for people to rush.

Not even the biggest Hollywood superstar could convince the general public to take time off work for a brand-new film under such circumstances.

Lisa choked on her words. “But…”

Ripley, who was also nervous, couldn’t give a definitive answer either. “Lisa, why don’t you go check on the screen and sound system? Have the team start a third round of testing. No one wants technical issues during tonight’s screening.”

Keeping busy would leave no time for overthinking.

At this point, the dice had been rolled. They had done everything they could. Now, it was up to the audience.

Time ticked by.

By noon, there was still little movement outside the Angelica Film Center. The number of people trickling in barely surpassed one hundred. Compared to the 3,000 neatly arranged seats inside, it was just a small handful—pitifully so.

The murmurs of discussion grew louder—

Wait, wait! Could this really be Anson’s first flop?

Not The Elephant, but Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?

On closer analysis, it seemed plausible.

The Elephant won the Palme d’Or, paired with a well-executed limited screening strategy. Its modest ambitions allowed it to build momentum step by step, with word-of-mouth driving its box office success.

In contrast, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind had no critical acclaim and was about to have a limited release the next day. It offered only grand expectations that didn’t seem to hold up.

Moreover, if Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind had taken a grounded approach with limited screenings or a traditional premiere, it wouldn’t have ended up in this predicament. But now, with this stunt-like preview event, the situation was entirely different.

Of course, a flop didn’t necessarily mean the film itself would fail. It simply meant that tonight’s preview screening might expose the cracks beneath Anson’s superstar aura, giving people a glimpse of reality—

Anson’s rise had been meteoric, leaving no time to catch a breath. Every project and every appearance created shockwaves, sweeping through Hollywood like a storm and leaving everyone reeling.

Could this finally be a moment of clarity?

“To be honest, this whole preview event is absurd. What were they even thinking at the Angelica Film Center?”

“This event was doomed from the start. They tried to use the star power of Anson, Kate, and Charlie to draw attention, but here’s the problem: in the independent film market, the real draw is the director. Audiences don’t care as much about actors. It’s a strategic misstep.”

“The Angelica Film Center had good intentions, but the independent film market is immature right now. Without the awards season buzz, it’s hard to make a splash.”

“Simply put, they overestimated Anson.”

"Haha, Anson finally stumbled this time. He really thought he was invincible, didn’t he? The audience is interested in him because of his handsome looks—do you really think it’s because of his acting skills? That’s hilarious!"

"People just want to watch a handsome guy fall in love. He actually thinks he’s an actor."

Mockery, ridicule, attacks, and sarcasm.

These voices continued relentlessly, as people gleefully awaited Anson’s downfall. After all, opportunities like this had been rare over the past two years.

As time went on, the criticism only grew louder and more chaotic, with an increasing number of curious eyes turning toward the scene.

The situation at Angelica Film Center hadn’t improved.

At 3:00 p.m., the place was still sparsely populated.

By 5:00 p.m., the crowd began to grow... but it was mostly media personnel.

It’s hard to believe, but there were actually more reporters than audience members. It was such a shocking and surreal sight that even the reporters exchanged bewildered glances with one another.

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, the premiere of Dawn of the Dead was in full swing. Even though it couldn’t rival the grandeur of a summer blockbuster release and Universal Studios wasn’t keen on spending heavily for the premiere, more than 2,000 people still gathered effortlessly.

For fans of the original movie, this was a grand event. Despite it not being Halloween, monsters and ghouls emerged from every corner, reveling in their extra holiday.

The stark contrast was painful. For once, Anson found himself on the losing side.

The shock and disbelief spread steadily. Even those who had supported Anson began to feel uneasy. Things were not looking good.

Could this really be his Waterloo?

In the line for tickets, Karen—who had been brimming with confidence—was now sinking into despair.

Denial, anger, bargaining. She had gone through all the stages, and now Karen was stuck in depression. Her eyes were lifeless, and she seemed completely defeated, refusing to speak.

Blair, who had been just as worried, couldn’t help but laugh at Karen’s demeanor.

"Karen, people will show up. They just need some time. Do you think everyone is as free as us, coming here just because we didn’t have class this afternoon?"

"Besides, this is just a test screening. There’s no need to blow it out of proportion."

Karen suddenly sat up straight. "See? Even you’re trying to downplay it now. Saying it’s just a test screening? That’s because deep down you— Wait! Blair, what’s that?"

Halfway through her sentence, Karen suddenly exclaimed.

Blair followed Karen’s gaze—

A crowd of people surged out of the subway station like a bubbling spring, flowing and gushing steadily.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1315: A House Full of Guests*

Gurgle, gurgle.

The subway station exit, resembling a bubbling spring, spilled wave after wave of people. The steady stream of bodies quickly crowded the intersection, filling the streets with a dense, bustling mass.

Busy and crowded.

Such a scene was nothing unusual for the streets of Manhattan in New York. Even the most polished professionals in suits couldn’t escape this tide of humanity.

However, today’s scene was slightly different:

Instead of scattering as they usually did, disappearing into the skyscrapers of New York, the crowd paused, glanced around for direction, and then moved collectively toward one destination. Instead of dispersing, the throng continued shoulder to shoulder, flowing in a slow, purposeful march. People who typically stayed absorbed in their own worlds now raised their heads to take in their surroundings.

That’s when it hit them—they were all heading to the Angelika Film Center.

“‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’?”

“Anson?”

Whispers spread as people exchanged glances, their expressions lighting up with realization and excitement. The air, cool with the early evening breeze, seemed to warm, filling with an infectious energy. The streets and square gradually came alive with vibrant activity.

The audience had arrived!

Lisa’s eyes brightened as her earlier melancholy was swept away.

But before she could react, someone else beat her to it.

“Lisa, prepare to manage the crowd and organize seating,” Ripley said, tossing the command over her shoulder as she rushed off, leaving only her silhouette behind.

Lisa blinked, then chuckled. Ripley had been acting nonchalant all day, but it was clear she was more invested in today’s event than anyone else.

Though this small wave of attendees was encouraging, it was far from enough. Lisa hoped more would come; less than two hours remained until the screening began.

Her prayers were soon answered—

One wave.

Then another.

And another.

Since the parking lots around the Angelika Film Center were already full, most attendees opted for the subway. The subway station, like a fountain, continued to release streams of people.

Remarkably, the flow showed no signs of slowing.

Within twenty minutes, the check-in area at the Angelika Film Center was packed. The crowd spilled out toward the subway station in a dense, endless line. Journalists stood frozen, their jaws dropping at the sight.

What was going on?

One by one, people pulled items from their bags—green jackets, scarves, handkerchiefs, and headbands. Laughter and chatter filled the air, chaotic but lively, turning the street into a sea of green.

Then someone noticed movement in the office building behind the theater. A window opened, and a cascade of green streamers spilled out, creating a shimmering, fluffy curtain of color.

As if on cue—or inspired by the street’s growing commotion—other windows began to open.

One by one, green decorations appeared, adorning the windows.

Even the nearby apartment building residents took notice, leaning out their windows to investigate.

The atmosphere brimmed with joy, steadily growing more jubilant.

Everything seemed to happen simultaneously, an overwhelming surge of activity. What was once an empty, desolate street was now packed to the brim with people. Everywhere one looked, there was movement and life.

From an office building above, someone leaned out a window, surveying the lively crowd below. Unable to contain their excitement, they waved their arms and shouted,

“Long live the movies!”

The shout echoed through the street, and the crowd erupted in laughter.

The person grew even more excited, their initial call falling short of the impact they’d hoped for, and shouted again:

“Angelika Film Center rules!”

The crowd stirred, with scattered cheers and whistles. Yet, the atmosphere didn’t fully ignite.

What chant could spark the energy the moment demanded?

“Anson!”

The name sprang to mind—and before the thought could fully form—

“Anson!”

The response rose from the crowd below, and at last, the excitement caught fire.

One person shouted, “Anson!”

Another echoed, “Anson!”

Back and forth it went, the chant growing louder and more unified, swelling into a deafening roar.

“Anson! Anson!”

Blair and Karen joined in, throwing their hands in the air and jumping up and down like they were at a rock concert.

The energy was electric.

Journalists stood dumbfounded. How had this happened?

Not long ago, the screening seemed doomed to failure. They had mocked Charlie Kaufman, ridiculing the awkward title Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind as too long and uninspiring. Even the star power of Anson and Kate seemed insufficient to salvage it.

But now, the Angelika Film Center was alive with the energy of a full-blown festival. As night fell, the transformation was complete.

Were these people superheroes, only emerging after dark?

The waves of attendees continued.

The 3,000 seats inside were quickly filled, yet the lines outside kept growing.

From a distance, it was impossible to gauge the full scale of the crowd, but it wouldn’t have been surprising if there were over a thousand more people waiting.

Every surrounding building was packed with spectators at their windows. Office workers and residents alike had set aside their tasks, joining the celebration. Some even set up tables and chairs to watch from their windows.

Green decorations spread like wildfire, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day spilling over into this impromptu celebration.

It was a party. A feast. A frenzy.

This wave of enthusiasm wasn’t confined to the small area around the big screen; it spread through the streets like ripples in a pond. For a moment, it felt as though the New York Film Festival had arrived six months early.

Ripley looked at the scene before her, overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of accomplishment. They had done it. Despite countless obstacles, they had summoned this night of celebration—a night dedicated to independent film.

Taking a deep breath, Ripley dove back into the fray.

Though they had planned for 3,000 seats, they were ready to welcome more, even if it meant standing room or sitting on the floor.

Movies, after all, were meant to be shared.

(End of Chapter)