1301-1305

*Chapter 1301: A Million Downloads*

Focus, discussion, frenzy.

On August 31, the band made a dramatic reappearance, sweeping across the media landscape like a storm. From news outlets to social media, everyone was caught up in the whirlwind.

Amid the controversy and chaos, detractors and skeptics found themselves increasingly outmatched. Their last line of defense became a single question:

Can all five new songs match the quality of "Another Ray of Light," or are they just filler?

The doubt lingered, unanswered. After all, the industry had seen similar situations before—artists padding their albums with quantity over quality, all while putting on airs of musical integrity. The results often disappointed, with new tracks in deluxe editions undermining the original album's cohesion and quality.

In just three short months, Midnight in Summer had made waves—from vinyl releases to Grammy performances to the special deluxe edition. Yet aside from the storm caused by "Another Ray of Light," everything else about the album remained uncertain, leaving a big question mark hanging over it.

Answers remained elusive.

For now, things were happening too fast for fans to dissect the album or listen to the music. The negative buzz swirled but failed to gain traction, overshadowed by a wave of positive reactions sweeping across North America.

Praise. Surprise. Cheers.

Wave after wave of excitement followed.

Based on the evidence so far, every move the band made seemed to shrink their critics into insignificance. Their integrity and confidence carried forward the spirit of their Grammy appearance and the essence of Midnight in Summer.

Lighting up the dawn!

During this period, the band and Warner Records chose not to respond to the negativity, which left fans disappointed. But now, the reason was clear:

Let the music speak for itself.

This approach made the band stand out amid the noise, drawing massive attention and gaining momentum. The buzz grew louder, applause echoed everywhere, and a tidal wave of enthusiasm surged forward.

On one hand, people debated the quality of the five new songs, given the brilliance of "Another Ray of Light."

On the other hand, curiosity about the band exploded. Many rushed to discover what made "Another Ray of Light" so extraordinary.

This led to a surprising phenomenon: music lovers flocked to iTunes, boosting downloads for the single and giving it a fresh surge of attention.

While fans awaited their chance to hear all five new songs, the Grammy performance of "Another Ray of Light" continued to resonate deeply. Its excellence was beyond question.

Then, something incredible happened—

500,000 downloads. 600,000. 700,000. The numbers soared, unstoppable, until "Another Ray of Light" broke the one-million-download milestone.

History was made.

"Another Ray of Light" became the first-ever song officially certified by Forbes, Guinness, and other authoritative institutions to surpass one million digital downloads in a single day.

A new era had begun!

Not only did the single achieve this monumental feat, but it also did so in just 24 hours—a groundbreaking record.

The momentum was unstoppable.

Since the turn of the millennium, the rise of digital music had shown the industry a whole new frontier. However, rampant piracy had revealed staggering losses for record companies, and no viable solutions had emerged—until now.

The partnership between iTunes and the band showcased the untapped potential of digital music. Every hour seemed to redefine the music industry, sending ripples of awe and upheaval throughout. The roar of the crowd grew louder with each passing moment.

According to official statistics, "Another Ray of Light" achieved 1.27 million downloads in 24 hours, setting a nearly insurmountable peak.

Of course, as digital music becomes more accessible and mainstream, this record will inevitably be broken. In the future, daily downloads of 5 million or even 10 million might not seem extraordinary.

But it was "Another Ray of Light" that revealed this possibility.

Taking the first step into uncharted territory is always the hardest, and this song achieved that. Just as its lyrics declare:

"Even the faintest ray of light is precious."

A single pebble thrown into still waters created ripples that quickly turned into a tidal wave, transforming the entire music market.

iTunes emerged as the biggest winner—perhaps even more so than the band. Its reputation as a pioneer in music history was cemented, leaving an indelible impression on the public's mind.

Even though iTunes had yet to secure full cooperation with traditional record companies like Warner, its newfound authority set the stage for future expansion.

Who would have thought that in the fierce competition of the digital music market, it would be Apple—a computer company—that broke the deadlock?

Envy. Jealousy. Resentment.

All eyes turned to the band, from music professionals to behind-the-scenes creators like songwriters and producers.

Some claimed the band was merely lucky, riding the wave of the times.

But here's the point: not everyone is brave enough to be the first to seize an opportunity.

The band took that first daring step, becoming trailblazers and the envy of their peers.

Indeed, those who grasp the pulse of the times are the true winners.

By the end of its first week on iTunes, "Another Ray of Light" had surpassed 3 million downloads. After its historic 24-hour milestone, it became the first official single to reach 2 million and 3 million downloads within seven days. Its growth showed no signs of slowing, as its market potential continued to expand.

Now, a new question emerged—

Where would "Another Ray of Light" eventually land in terms of downloads?

How far could the band's groundbreaking journey go?

Was this the end, or merely the beginning?

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1302: A Champion’s Sudden Arrival*

The heated discussion continues, growing even more intense.

The buzz surrounding the August 31st Band and their single “Another Light” shows no signs of slowing down. No one can predict the ultimate success of this track because everything about it is groundbreaking—there are no benchmarks, no precedents, and no standards of comparison. What lies ahead is an entirely new world.

Perhaps 3 million downloads will be its peak, with momentum stalling as piracy curbs further growth.

Or perhaps it could reach 10 million, reviving the music market’s long-lost glory of achieving sales in the tens of millions and sparking a renaissance driven by digital music platforms.

Until now, people have only seen a glimpse of the enormous potential of digital music through piracy data. However, the true extent of that potential, its ultimate limits, and how to fully harness it remain mysteries. Before us stands an entirely new industry.

Everything is possible.

A new era is unfolding.

The entire industry can sense it, but no one expected the breakthrough to come from the August 31st Band. Since their Grammy Awards performance, the ripple effects have steadily grown, culminating in their current impact.

Previously, everyone marveled at Norah Jones as the biggest beneficiary of the "Grammy Effect." Her album “Come Away With Me” saw sales increase thirtyfold, reaching over 10 million worldwide and continuing to rise.

That record was thought to be unmatched.

But now, it seems the August 31st Band might be the true winners.

Not only have they boosted their own sales, but they’ve also catalyzed a shift across the entire industry!

All eyes in North America are on them.

No wonder!

No wonder the Oscars couldn’t overshadow the August 31st Band.

No wonder the Academy’s leadership was furious yet helpless, despite record-breaking viewership for the awards show.

With the August 31st Band at the helm, who could possibly stand in their way?

In the face of such a transformative moment, even the Oscars must step aside.

However, this raises an important question:

What about “Another Light”’s performance on the Billboard charts?

Since Billboard does not yet factor digital downloads into its rankings, the historic records set by “Another Light” might be completely irrelevant to Billboard. Could such a groundbreaking single really be ignored?

This is why many artists have been hesitant to sign exclusive deals with digital music platforms.

If a single cannot chart on Billboard, it cannot gain the exposure needed for broader promotion or significant revenue through royalties. After all, piracy makes it hard to profit from digital sales.

Now, it seems “Another Light” is facing this very dilemma.

But this time, things are slightly different. Insiders quickly learned that iTunes had signed an exclusive partnership with the August 31st Band.

The exact revenue-sharing agreement remains confidential, but rumors abound. Some say the band has earned over $3 million—pre-tax—from “Another Light” alone. Others claim the figure is just over $500,000.

The most shocking and widely debated rumor is that their digital revenue exceeded $4 million. It’s said that iTunes, desperate to secure the exclusive deal, offered terms so generous that they made the August 31st Band the highest-earning artists of the year in the recording industry—all without including concert revenue.

This figure is so staggering that most in the industry dismiss it as a publicity stunt by Apple to confuse the market and pressure record labels into cooperating with iTunes.

Such rumors should be taken with a grain of salt.

Even so, a figure as modest as $500,000 would be revolutionary. It would represent a seismic cultural and economic shift for the music industry. If true, it wouldn’t matter if the single didn’t chart on Billboard.

In fact, if “Another Light” caused such a stir and yet failed to appear on Billboard, it would be Billboard’s loss, not the August 31st Band’s.

Imagine this: the single that shook the entire music industry over the past week is absent from the Billboard charts. Where, then, would Billboard’s authority lie?

Billboard would be trembling.

Of course, one single wouldn’t dethrone Billboard as the leading chart authority. Its credibility would remain intact. However, Billboard must recognize the need for change. The era of digital music is unstoppable.

Now, all eyes turn back to Billboard—with curiosity, scrutiny, and just a hint of skepticism. The entire music industry can feel the storm brewing.

The first week of March arrives, and Billboard releases its latest charts.

On the Hot 100 singles chart:

No. 1, “Another Light” by the August 31st Band.

On the albums chart:

No. 1, “Midnight Summer” (Deluxe Edition) by the August 31st Band.

*Sudden chart-toppers, dual champions!*

The August 31st Band has unlocked yet another achievement, leaving the nation in awe.

On Billboard, most songs climb the charts gradually, gaining attention through radio play and strategic promotion. However, a rare few make an explosive debut, immediately landing in the top ten or even top five.

Even rarer are the songs that debut directly at No. 1—a monumental feat on the fiercely competitive Billboard charts.

And now—

The August 31st Band has debuted at No. 1 on both charts, cementing their place among the legends and proving their unparalleled dominance in the North American music market.

It’s hard to believe. A year ago, “Ho Hey” took over six months to break into the top ten on the Hot 100. Now, “Another Light”, riding the unstoppable momentum of the Grammys, has debuted at No. 1, creating a new miracle.

Stunning. Electrifying.

Billboard can finally breathe a sigh of relief—they’ve avoided an embarrassing misstep.

The numbers prove it: “Another Light” has not only achieved remarkable digital sales but also excelled in album sales and radio play. Its digital success merely overshadowed its other accomplishments.

Now, a new challenge lies ahead:

The digital music era is fully underway. How will musicians and record labels adapt to this new reality?

Perhaps Anson holds the answer.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1303: The Unstoppable Wave*

Spotlight, spotlight, and more spotlight—

All eyes are fixated on the August 31st Band. Since their triumph at the Grammys, their momentum has only continued to rise.

Setting aside their record-breaking digital sales frenzy on iTunes for now, let's refocus on the familiar domain of the music industry—

Physical sales.

In the first week of March, the Billboard Hot 100 saw an extraordinary event. The single "Another Light" dethroned Usher’s smash hit "Yeah," which had been ruling the charts for eight consecutive weeks. This was no ordinary achievement; it upended the entire Billboard landscape.

This wasn’t the first time the August 31st Band had made such an impact.

Previously, artists like 50 Cent and Beyoncé were on the brink of setting new records with their hit singles. Both narrowly missed securing a 10-week reign atop the Billboard Hot 100, as they were unexpectedly overtaken by the August 31st Band. Fans could only watch in amazement as the band continued to write their own legend.

Now, it was Usher’s turn.

Since its release, "Yeah" had been hailed as the club anthem of 2004, dominating nightlife across major cities and catapulting Usher into superstardom.

Week after week, "Yeah" reigned supreme, holding the top spot on the Billboard charts for two months straight without losing steam. Many even speculated that the song could break the all-time record for consecutive weeks at number one.

The record? Sixteen weeks. This monumental milestone, achieved in 1995 by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s collaboration "One Sweet Day," had remained unbroken for a decade.

Hopes were high for "Yeah," but then the August 31st Band stepped in.

And then… it was game over.

“Yeah”’s reign ended at eight weeks, falling short of double digits.

Even more astonishingly, "Another Light" debuted at number one—a feat that stunned the industry.

The New York Times aptly dubbed the August 31st Band the “Giant Slayer,” marveling at their extraordinary potential. Who could have imagined that a band seemingly emerging from nowhere would disrupt the entire music market so profoundly?

However, this nickname faced criticism.

50 Cent and Beyoncé were newcomers, each just releasing their debut albums. While Usher was on his fourth studio album, he wasn’t exactly a “giant” in the industry either.

Instead of being a “Giant Slayer,” the band was better described as a maverick of the new wave—a disruptor breaking every preconceived notion.

From their unique music style to unconventional instrument choices, from avant-garde performances to unprecedented market success, everything about the August 31st Band screamed innovation. The shockwaves they sent through the industry were relentless.

Subsequent events only reinforced this narrative.

After "Another Light" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, it resisted challenges from heavyweights like Jay-Z, The Black Eyed Peas, Beyoncé, Maroon 5, and Britney Spears. The single held the top spot for an incredible twelve weeks.

Three full months!

The industry was in awe. Was the August 31st Band on track to break the all-time record?

Just when the buzz reached its peak, Usher returned with a vengeance.

Usher’s follow-up single, "Burn," gained traction and ended "Another Light"’s remarkable 12-week reign, claiming the number one spot.

It was poetic—Usher’s "Yeah" was dethroned by "Another Light," and his "Burn" brought its reign to an end. A perfect full circle.

Still, the astounding success of "Another Light" firmly established the August 31st Band’s place in music history, elevating their popularity and prestige to unprecedented levels.

And of course, there’s still the matter of the album—

"Midnight of Midsummer" Deluxe Edition

Originally, Midnight of Midsummer sold an astounding five million copies in 2003, seemingly exhausting its market potential. Even with a deluxe edition release, experts doubted its ability to significantly boost sales.

At least, that was the consensus among industry professionals, including Warner Records.

Unexpectedly, a turning point came: the band’s performance at the Grammy Awards ignited the market, paving the way for the creation of the deluxe edition.

The album's sales were exceptional—

In its debut week, it sold an astonishing 670,000 copies, soaring to the top of the Billboard 200 with unstoppable momentum.

The victim? Norah Jones.

After making history at the Grammys, the young prodigy released her second studio album, Feels Like Home, a year and a half later. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread acclaim.

While the reviews didn’t quite match the level of Come Away With Me, its younger, lighter, and more relatable style, infused with hints of country, resonated with the market.

After topping the Billboard 200 for six consecutive weeks, Feels Like Home was dethroned by the deluxe edition of Midnight of Midsummer.

Feels Like Home slipped to the No. 2 position.

Strangely enough, the original edition of Midnight of Midsummer also experienced a resurgence, selling 130,000 copies and climbing back to No. 3 on the Billboard 200.

This performance even surpassed that of Kanye West’s debut studio album, The College Dropout.

Kanye West, a rising star in hip-hop, earned widespread critical acclaim for his album, which promised to replicate 50 Cent’s blockbuster success from the previous year. Buzz and high expectations surrounded its release.

But the outcome?

Not only did it lose to the deluxe edition of Midnight of Midsummer and Feels Like Home, but it also lagged behind the original edition of Midnight of Midsummer, settling for the No. 4 spot.

The market was in shock—how could this happen?

All the tracks from the original album were included in the deluxe edition. Buying the deluxe edition made purchasing the original unnecessary. Yet, the number of die-hard fans who bought both editions was staggering. Surprisingly, many who purchased the deluxe edition later bought the original as well.

Fans explained that the liner notes, posters, and design of the original differed from the deluxe edition. They bought both versions for collection purposes.

After all, this was an album worth preserving.

In retrospect, it’s not so surprising.

Following their electrifying Grammy performance, August 31st Band’s journey became a phenomenon. Their European street tour website continues to see immense traffic, and every move they make is rewriting the history of independent music, inspiring young people to pursue their dreams.

In the eyes of industry professionals, August 31st Band may still be newcomers with only one album under their belt. But to young musicians and passionate fans, the band represents a groundbreaking banner.

Their industry standing is starkly different—

Take their bold experiment with digital streaming. Didn’t it pave a new path for independent musicians?

For this reason, their singles and albums resonated with the market in unique ways, ultimately converging to create a market frenzy and leave an indelible mark on the Billboard charts.

A moment destined for the history books!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1304: The So-Called Superstar*

Heroes are made by the times—

From the moment Anson and Miles met and used the cello as inspiration to create “Wake Me Up,” their journey had a unique beginning.

Then came the perfect alignment of time, place, and people.

Step by step, the August 31st Band reached where they are today, playing the role of pioneers and leaders amidst the tidal wave of their era.

With one call, they commanded resounding support.

And yet, all of this is merely the beginning.

After the deluxe edition of Midsummer Midnight unexpectedly debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Album Chart, it didn’t fade away like a fleeting meteor. Instead, it showcased remarkable longevity.

*Seven weeks!*

For seven consecutive weeks, it held the top spot, demonstrating a robust and unrelenting performance that rivaled the sales of the original version, continuously exceeding expectations in the music industry.

Who could have predicted this?

Not just one week, not two or three, but a staggering seven-week reign atop the charts for the deluxe edition of the August 31st Band's album?

Its momentum was on par with the frenzy that followed Norah Jones' Grammy sweep of the Big Four awards last year.

At this moment, people finally realized that the true winner of this year’s Grammys wasn’t Beyoncé—it was the August 31st Band.

In fact, they could be considered the *only* winner.

Without comparisons, there would be no disappointments. Despite Beyoncé taking home five Grammys, her album and singles failed to capitalize on the so-called Grammy effect—

There was some impact, yes, but it was minimal and lacked the explosive force. Against the backdrop of the August 31st Band’s success, it seemed insignificant.

The truly cruel part? The media hardly mentioned it. Not because they wanted to protect Beyoncé’s pride, but because their attention was entirely focused on the August 31st Band, to the point of *forgetting* Beyoncé.

*Forgetting.*

Such a cold, brutal word, yet it applied to someone like Beyoncé, who had just taken home five Grammy trophies. This starkly highlighted the brilliance of the August 31st Band, whose overwhelming presence stole all the spotlight.

Both the original and deluxe editions of Midsummer Midnight dominated the upper ranks of the Billboard Album Chart. The market spoke loudly: fans weren’t just interested in the deluxe edition. They were becoming die-hard and even fervent supporters of the band.

The Grammy effect was shining once more!

If not for the arrival of Usher, Midsummer Midnight’s deluxe edition might have stayed atop the charts for a few more weeks.

Just like on the Singles Chart, the Albums Chart also saw a head-to-head showdown: August 31st Band vs. Usher. This spring, the North American music market belonged to the two of them.

Usher’s fourth studio album, Confessions, followed months of build-up through its lead single “Yeah!” and its follow-up “Burn.” After over five months of anticipation, the album finally launched.

Even Usher himself didn’t foresee the astounding success of the first two singles, which led to multiple delays in the album release. By the time it dropped, the anticipation had reached a fever pitch, culminating in an explosive debut.

In its first week, Confessions sold an astonishing 1.09 million copies, breaking the record for first-week sales of an R&B album and unseating Midsummer Midnight’s deluxe edition from the top spot.

Such an impressive debut sent shockwaves through the North American music scene, marking a new peak for R&B.

Just as with the Singles Chart, Usher ended the August 31st Band’s reign on the Albums Chart.

But to be fair, the August 31st Band had already ended the historic run of Usher’s “Yeah!” on the Singles Chart. This was Usher’s way of striking back.

Despite losing the top spot, Midsummer Midnight’s deluxe edition had already achieved seven weeks at No. 1, pushing its cumulative sales past 2 million—a jaw-dropping milestone.

Adding in sales from the original version, Midsummer Midnight’s total album sales were approaching 8 million, with only a short distance left to reach the iconic 10-million mark.

Notably, these figures represent only North American sales. When international sales are included, Midsummer Midnight’s global tally has long surpassed 10 million and continues to climb.

Such an achievement is nothing short of unbelievable!

As people began to process these numbers, they finally grasped Anson’s overwhelming presence—

From the box-office dominance of The Butterfly Effect to the unparalleled success of Midsummer Midnight, both as an album and as a series of singles. The former proved Anson’s vision as a producer and his star power as an actor. The latter established his influence in the music industry and his leadership as a young artist.

*Superstar? Without a doubt.*

In every aspect, Anson has surpassed Leonardo DiCaprio and even the Academy’s favorite, Johnny Depp, to stand atop Hollywood.

A pretty face?

So what?

His influence and appeal are undeniable. Every film studio, record label, and facet of the entertainment industry eagerly courts him. His unparalleled momentum shows no signs of stopping.

And the Academy? What do they think?

Yes, this year’s Oscars were a resounding success, thanks to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which swept the awards and delivered both box office and critical acclaim. Ratings and reviews soared, washing away the frustration of the Grammys’ prior dominance. This proved one thing:

The Oscars don’t need Anson to achieve high ratings!

However, reality is rarely that simple. The Academy’s chosen star, Johnny Depp, also failed to generate much buzz. After Pirates of the Caribbean’s record-breaking box office, his Oscar nomination didn’t create the expected excitement—

On-screen, people loved the enigmatic Captain Jack Sparrow. But in real life, Depp’s Oscar nod felt like taming a once-rebellious outlaw.

Of course, the Oscars’ credibility in 2004 was still intact. There was no backlash. But the post-award buzz quickly faded. Depp, who had electrified audiences as Sparrow, became just another face.

Once the ceremony ended, so did the conversation—

Like the Grammy effect, the Oscars have their own ripple effects.

It’s not just about boosting movie ticket sales. It’s about generating ongoing buzz and impacting the industry as a whole. Imagine this: the Oscars’ timing even influences the summer blockbuster schedule. Its impact is unmatched.

But what about this year’s Oscars?

A quiet ripple.

The ceremony’s excitement evaporated like bubbles, vanishing without a trace. By the time people turned their attention back, the Oscars had already been left behind.

Then look at the Grammys. Look at the August 31st Band’s whirlwind of success.

As the saying goes, comparisons truly highlight the gaps.

(Chapter Ends)

Chapter 1305: Just the Right Balance

The Grammy effect, vibrant and fiery, has swept across North America like a blazing wildfire.

In contrast, the Oscar effect was calm and unremarkable, fading back into stillness almost as soon as the event concluded.

Logically, the Oscars, having taken place later, should have dominated public discussion and generated more buzz, while the Grammys, held a month earlier, should have long since faded from memory.

But reality often defies expectations.

News surrounding the deluxe edition of Midnight in Summer and the digital release of Another Light continued to dominate public attention, holding their own even against the Oscars on the day of the ceremony.

And once the Oscars wrapped up, the band August 31st firmly claimed the headlines. While The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King naturally celebrated its sweeping victory, it was the unrelenting momentum of Anson and his band that became the real talking point.

Academy Leadership: Frustrated.

The Academy’s attempts to distance itself from Anson and assert its authority only seemed to entangle them further in his superstar whirlwind, highlighting their awkward predicament.

Even though the media didn’t deliberately frame the narrative as "Anson vs. The Academy," the tension hanging in the air of Hollywood was palpable and steadily escalating.

Ignoring Anson’s presence? Impossible. Not even the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences could manage that.

So, what now?

The Academy's leadership was left with a metaphorical knot in their chest.

These seasoned players were anything but naïve. They knew full well there was no deep-seated feud or grudge between Anson and the Academy. In fact, with a small gesture—a simple invitation or acknowledgment—Anson would likely come running eagerly like a golden retriever, thrilled to reconcile.

And once he was part of their game, how could he resist?

Even heavyweights like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks had to play by the Academy's public relations rules, and Anson would be no exception.

In that moment, the Academy could effortlessly regain the upper hand and steer the narrative back in its favor.

Desire—that was the crux. So long as desire existed, leverage existed, and with leverage came control.

Moreover, there was no logical reason for the Academy to reject someone as magnetic as Anson.

Take Woody Allen, for instance. Despite repeatedly snubbing the Academy, he eventually graced the Oscars stage for the first time in his career a few years ago, motivated by his love for New York. The Academy welcomed him with open arms, brimming with warmth and enthusiasm.

If there’s buzz, if there’s attention, the Oscars won’t say no.

Why? The answer is simple: profit.

The Oscars, now deeply commercialized after over a decade of evolution, need ratings, advertisers, and audience engagement.

In theory, a collaboration between the Oscars and Anson should be a win-win scenario.

And yet, the Academy refused.

They couldn’t swallow their pride.

Anson wasn’t Woody Allen.

Even though the Oscars could benefit from Anson, the question remained: Was he truly that influential?

The Academy’s stubborn traditionalists—their average age north of sixty—refused to acknowledge the elephant in the room.

What they truly needed was an excuse, a graceful way out. They couldn’t be seen groveling at Anson’s feet.

Such an undignified act was unthinkable. Better to starve with pride than to compromise their principles.

Fortunately, there was still plenty of time before the next Oscars. Why not wait and see?

Perhaps Anson’s meteoric rise would burn out just as quickly. One or two flops, and he could fade into obscurity, vanishing from Hollywood’s radar.

The opportunity was already here, wasn’t it?

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

If that wasn’t enough, the summer blockbuster Spider-Man 2 was also looming.

Two years ago, the first Spider-Man had shattered records and set a high bar. Now, the sequel bore the weight of immense expectations—not just as a successful commercial film but as a masterpiece worthy of its predecessor.

The expectations were astronomical.

From the Academy’s perspective: No problem at all. After all, Spider-Man 2 had Anson, didn’t it? If he was truly a superstar—capable of overshadowing Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, and surpassing Tom Cruise and Will Smith—then delivering another box office smash should be effortless, right?

"Anson, you’ve got this! We believe in you!"

And if Spider-Man 2 fell short of its predecessor? No big deal. After all, not every sequel can pull off the miracles of Aliens or Terminator 2, can they?

Don’t be disheartened, don’t lose hope. There’s always Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, isn’t there?

Some might argue that Eternal Sunshine is a Charlie Kaufman screenplay, and his quirky scripts have never surpassed $20 million at the box office. Expecting a smash hit seems far-fetched, right?

Academy Leadership: Ha! As if we care.

True, Charlie Kaufman’s previous films never broke $20 million. But this time, Eternal Sunshine is different, starring Anson Wood and Kate Winslet—two "superstars." Shouldn’t that alone guarantee impressive box office results?

Academy Leadership: "Look, we’re reasonable people. We stick to facts. We’re not setting outrageous expectations for Eternal Sunshine to hit $300 million like Spider-Man. That would be barbaric. The Academy is far too refined for such demands."

"But at least $50 million or $100 million shouldn’t be too much to ask, right?"

After all, this is Anson—superstar Anson! That’s just the baseline, isn’t it?

Have the media forgotten?

Before The Butterfly Effect was released, industry insiders doubted it would break out at the box office. Hollywood’s consensus was that Anson needed more time to establish himself, with Spider-Man 2 or Eternal Sunshine being the earliest chances for a true breakthrough.

Now that Eternal Sunshine is here, isn’t skyrocketing anticipation the natural course?

Hollywood found itself enveloped in a peculiar atmosphere.

On the surface, Anson was being praised. But underneath, the tone was one of condescension and challenge—a series of hurdles and benchmarks designed to push him to his limits, with recognition begrudgingly doled out only after meeting impossible expectations.

This sentiment wasn’t confined to the Academy. Even within the film studios, a similar vibe persisted.

Sony-Columbia was at the forefront, outwardly jubilant and full of high hopes. Yet behind the applause and whistles lurked a sense of schadenfreude, eagerly waiting for the show to begin.

And just like that, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind had arrived at the perfect moment, standing under the spotlight as everyone’s...

Punching bag.

(End of Chapter)