1151-1155

*Chapter 1151: Great Wisdom Appears as Foolishness*

The fifth edition’s ending, which was the director’s cut shown during the premiere, is considered the most brutal version according to various rumors. New Line Cinema was concerned the audience wouldn’t accept such a harsh conclusion, so in the first round of screenings, copies of this version were limited. In some cities, there may have been only one theater showing it.

Originally, New Line Cinema hoped to soften the impact of the tragic ending and allow the general public to experience a more Hollywood-style happy conclusion.

However, they never expected that this move would inadvertently spark the audience’s interest.

The less people saw of it, the more coveted it became.

Everyone in the industry was discussing and searching for where the fifth edition’s ending was playing.

After an entire day of searching on Friday, although they couldn’t be 100% certain, rumors had it that the AMC theater was showing the fifth edition’s ending.

As a result, passionate movie fans flocked to the theater like a tidal wave.

And that’s how Roger found himself in this situation.

After learning the details, Roger immediately realized one thing:

Everything cannot be judged by conventional logic.

The situation at this AMC theater cannot represent the entire Los Angeles area, and certainly not the entire North American market. The cancellation of tonight’s "Sea of Fury" screening might be specific to tonight, with a different story unfolding tomorrow.

The reason was clear: these crowds of viewers may not have chosen to watch The Butterfly Effect; they were simply driven by curiosity about the rumored fifth edition’s ending.

This rumor could be true, or it could be a complete fabrication. It’s even possible that the theater manager at AMC intentionally leaked the information.

The viewers were just following their curiosity.

Once the novelty and curiosity about the “different ending” wore off, the situation could look completely different.

In other words, the box office showdown this weekend still held a lot of uncertainty; it was too early to make any predictions.

Roger couldn’t help but marvel at the boldness and risk of the promotional strategy. It completely broke from the norm and shook up everything the industry thought it knew about marketing.

The Butterfly Effect managed to unexpectedly hold its own against Sea of Fury despite its limited release, even gaining a slight edge in terms of buzz.

Impressive!

Last year, Catch Me If You Can was already remarkable, but this year, The Butterfly Effect was even more unexpected. This was something no one saw coming.

So, what does this have to do with the quality of the film? The movie and its promotion are two entirely different things, right?

The key question is: was the movie, which was chosen by the astute Anson, really as sloppy as some critics say?

Roger thought he needed to wait and see.

This attitude persisted until the end of the movie.

As Roger left the theater and stood outdoors, the quiet of Los Angeles surrounded him. He could still see the city’s vibrant lights flickering in the night, but the city had already entered sleep. In the stillness, his thoughts surged like a tidal wave.

Here, it wasn’t a city that never sleeps.

In fact, California has a regulation that all bars and clubs must stop selling alcohol by 2 a.m.

This rule causes late-night partygoers to lose interest once it hits two in the morning. Although California doesn’t set specific closing hours, most bars still close around three. This is why people often head to Las Vegas or Atlanta for all-night revelry—clearly, Los Angeles isn’t suited for endless partying.

Unless it’s in your own home.

By now, it was already 2 a.m. The AMC theater was about to close, and everyone had to go home. The streets outside were already empty.

Roger sighed lightly. The temperature difference between day and night in November in Los Angeles was huge. At that moment, he could feel the sharpness and desolation of the coming winter, and his mood inevitably sank. Loneliness enveloped him.

It wasn’t just Roger; the young people around him felt the same.

At the beginning, they were all excited, eagerly waiting for the answer to be revealed. But by the end, they were all trapped in an emotional whirlpool. Despair and sadness gripped their hearts, and they couldn’t escape it.

On the faces of those young people, Roger could see the traces left by the movie.

Suddenly, Roger began to understand Anson. Beneath that youthful and handsome exterior, there might reside an old soul.

With Anson’s intelligence, could he not see the script’s childishness and superficiality?

But Anson might not care. In fact, he might cherish that simplicity—one of the privileges of youth. He views the world in the most straightforward way, thinking of himself as the most unfortunate and tragic protagonist, as if the Earth revolves around him.

And then, Anson uses the ending to deliver the shock.

Are the five endings really just a gimmick?

Oddly, Roger remembered his experience watching The Elephant at Cannes earlier this year.

Simplifying things, appearing foolish, but bearing immense weight.

Clearly, beneath that superficial exterior, there is still a great deal of charm waiting to be uncovered.

“The movie, without a doubt, is immature. There are too many flashbacks and too much time travel, and it doesn’t create the dreamlike, reality-blurring quality in the film. There are too many fates, too many twists, and too many journal chapters. Countless dramatic moments are hurriedly crammed into the story, revealing the movie’s overly direct and shallow production techniques.

Until, at a certain moment, I finally realized that all these plot points were just surface-level; all the details lead to the final choice:

Standing at the crossroads of fate, what will you choose?

It’s not just about family, love, or friendship; it’s also about how to define happiness? If every choice you make leads to tragedy, and if striving for happiness only brings misfortune to everyone, how should you redefine your view of life and happiness?

The story is very simple—so simple it’s like one plus one equals two. On the big screen, every audience member feels they could make a better choice than the protagonist. Everyone has a wiser answer. And the film, bluntly and forcefully, presents this mathematical problem to the audience.

So, what’s your answer?”

In a way, Roger’s perspective was very similar to Carl-Rivette’s. Later, netizens noticed that although their expressions were somewhat different, they ultimately reached the same conclusion.

So, could this be... the hero’s perspective aligning?

“That’s why the most important and pivotal scene in the entire film was thrown out at the beginning and again at the end, forming a callback.

The answer is not in the ending, nor in the protagonist’s choice, but in the protagonist returning to the starting point of everything, facing a blank piece of paper. He can freely write whatever he wants on it, full of possibilities. This time, he can overturn the choice and start over.

So, if he starts everything over again, will things be different?

In One One, it’s said, ‘I thought that if I lived again, maybe something would be different, but in the end, it’s still the same. Nothing changed. Suddenly, I realize there’s no real need to live again.’

In a sense, the film, in its extreme foolishness, touches upon the same theme.”

Nicholas: Bingo! I think the same way.

(End of Chapter)

#Chapter 1152: Late Surge

Roger Ebert loved nights like this—a movie, some snacks, and a quiet, relaxing evening, just him and his thoughts.

Movies, like bridges, connected his present to his memories and rippled across his understanding of life.

In moments like these, watching a film wasn’t just work; it was also an opportunity to reflect on life and its intricacies.

Unexpectedly, after watching The Butterfly Effect, Roger found himself thinking of Yi Yi. Two vastly different films with no obvious similarities collided in his mind in an inexplicable way.

“Of course, I’m not saying The Butterfly Effect compares to Yi Yi,” he clarified to himself. “But both films, in their distinct styles, touch on similar themes: deconstructing the essence of life.

The difference lies in perspective—one through the eyes of a seasoned middle-aged man, the other through a young, inexperienced lens.

Different, yet similar.

Just like life, where everyone has their interpretations and views, but no definitive answers.

Behind Yi Yi stands a masterful director, breathing life into film with wisdom and craftsmanship. Behind The Butterfly Effect, an actor serves as its heart and driving force: Anson Wood.

His performance isn’t just the film’s core; it’s the energy propelling it forward, keeping its narrative alive.

In a script bursting with overwhelming drama and relentless twists, emotions are straightforward and immediate, leaving little room for subtleties. For any actor, grounding a character with depth and complexity in such a storm of information is a daunting challenge.

Yet, Anson accomplished it.

Undoubtedly, Anson had a profound grasp of both his character and the narrative. His structured, well-rounded approach ensured that every appearance was on point, seamlessly immersing the audience into the young man’s turbulent world.

His portrayal balanced precision, emotional nuance, and layers of complexity, ensuring the character’s edges and colors shone through even amidst the script’s chaos. By the film’s climax, audiences felt the shockwaves of the story’s emotional crescendo.

His eyes conveyed an inexplicable, powerful intensity.

Undeniably, this was a side of Anson Wood never seen before.

Surrounding Anson was a strong supporting cast, whose grounded and professional performances anchored the film’s larger-than-life drama back to reality. Rachel McAdams and Heath Ledger both delivered standout moments, enhancing the film’s credibility.

The movie, admittedly, had room for refinement. Yet, Roger found himself haunted by a particular scene:

Standing outside the doctor’s office, eavesdropping on a conversation between his mother and the doctor, the camera zooms in on the protagonist’s eyes. In that moment, he makes a decision—one that changes his life forever. And he shows no fear.

Could the film have been better?

Absolutely, without a doubt.

Roger wouldn’t deny it. But, as he often emphasized, the quality of a movie is relative. It’s unnecessary to measure a popcorn flick against a masterpiece, just as it’s pointless to compare a parody comedy to an awards-season drama.

Compared to Yi Yi, The Butterfly Effect falls significantly short—like an unfinished student project. But when placed next to the Scary Movie series, it’s leaps ahead.

Interestingly, in terms of pure watchability, Roger found The Butterfly Effect more engaging than Elephant and comparable to Catch Me If You Can.

Movies are fascinating that way, aren’t they?

Exhaling lightly and looking around, Roger decided he needed to get home quickly and jot down his thoughts before they faded.

Nearby, small groups of young people were enthusiastically chatting, their gestures animated. To them, 2 a.m. still felt like the night was young.

“...Three endings. I’ve seen three endings now, but I can’t imagine there being any more.”

“That’s why you’re not the writer or director.”

“Hey! I’m serious. What other possibilities could there be?”

“I don’t know—destroy everything, become a supervillain, use the journal to end the world and take everyone down with him.”

“Haha, if that’s true, that would be epic. I’d beg for a sequel.”

“And then, he turns into some evil Spider-Man or something...”

“Haha, hahahaha.”

Their laughter echoed boisterously in the cold night air.

“I’m planning to look for the other two endings tomorrow...”

“Hard. Didn’t they say even the theaters don’t know which version they’re showing?”

“But the rumors are spreading all over. I bet by tomorrow—no, today—there’ll be more detailed info…”

The chatter faded as they walked away.

Roger stood watching their retreating figures with growing interest.

When they sat in their offices reading newspapers or browsing the web, the media was flooded with headlines about Master and Commander. Twentieth Century Fox’s aggressive marketing had convinced half of Hollywood that The Butterfly Effect had no chance. Critical reviews seemed to confirm that sentiment.

From every angle, Anson’s career appeared to be heading for its first major setback. Whether this would escalate into a failure or a disaster remained to be seen.

Yet, stepping into the theater, Roger discovered a completely different reality.

Suddenly, Roger realized that perhaps the “stupidity” of The Butterfly Effect might be its secret weapon.

Don’t get him wrong—Roger still liked Master and Commander. He firmly believed it was one of the year’s best-crafted films. Russell Crowe, lingering on the outskirts of Hollywood’s A-list, had delivered an eagerly awaited performance. This film was a critical step for him.

Success here would elevate Russell to the “$20 million club.”

By all accounts, it seemed inevitable that Russell’s breakthrough would come, likely at Anson’s expense.

Roger hadn’t given Master and Commander a perfect score lightly. Even after days of reflection post-premiere, he stood by his opinion that it was one of the year’s best films.

But then Roger asked himself: How watchable was it?

Out of four stars, he’d given Master and Commander three. Highly watchable, but not perfect.

As always, Roger’s ratings separated artistic merit from entertainment value. A 100-point artistic piece might not be worth watching, while a 20-point popcorn flick could still be enjoyable. The gap between art and commerce was an unavoidable reality.

So, how did The Butterfly Effect fare?

What about its entertainment value? Its score?

Roger pondered as he walked, letting his thoughts roam freely under the quiet night sky. Whatever conclusions he reached, one thing was clear:

The real winners were the audiences.

The variety of choices in theaters was undeniably a good thing.

(End of Chapter)  

  Chapter 1153: The Anson Magic 

Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert. 

"The film brushes against a certain kind of life wisdom within its extreme silliness, a straightforward interpretation of chaos theory; its intense dramatic tension promises a rollercoaster viewing experience. It’s not Terrence Malick, but it has its own charm. 

And Anson Wood? Undoubtedly a superstar." 

Score: 80/100. 

Four-star recommendation. 

Saturday, sunny. 

Quietly, the media reviews updated, and so did Chicago Sun-Times. 

Roger, in his usual objective, rational, and calm style, yet with a hint of humor, shared his stance. 

An 80, though not the highest score for The Butterfly Effect, still shines brightly amid a sea of scathing reviews, standing out with ease. 

It’s clear now that Roger’s attitude towards Anson is continuously rising to new heights. 

Let’s not forget that when The Princess Diaries came out, Roger dismissed it entirely, even harshly criticized it. Their first encounter was anything but pleasant. 

But now, from Catch Me If You Can to Elephant, and now to The Butterfly Effect, Roger has gradually changed his view, marking a breakthrough. 

In his Chicago Sun-Times column, Roger still includes a viewability score, out of four stars: 

Master and Commander, three stars. 

The Butterfly Effect, four stars. 

Crystal clear. 

Three days ago, Master and Commander premiered to rave reviews, and Roger, lavish with his praise, gave it a perfect score, which 20th Century Fox heavily promoted. Roger’s comment appeared prominently in numerous official press releases. 

In an interview, Roger confidently declared it a strong contender for this year’s top ten films. 

Clearly, The Butterfly Effect isn’t on the same level, but— 

Four stars for viewability. 

In this way, Roger took a stance. 

Hollywood was abuzz. 

After all, this was Roger Ebert. Whether his reviews sway the general public or not, his influence is undeniable among film aficionados and industry insiders. 

Many eyes in Hollywood were waiting for Roger’s review in Chicago Sun-Times. 

And then—surprise! 

Roger truly brought a huge surprise. Industry folks whispered, could The Butterfly Effect be poised for a comeback? 

No way, right? 

Thousands of eyes eagerly focused on the media reviews, watching as they updated in real-time— 

An astonishing sight. 

Once again, Anson was writing a new chapter in history. 

On Saturday alone, thirteen new reviews for The Butterfly Effect were published, more than half of the first wave of reviews, an impressive figure. 

At this moment, it’s evident that the competitive energy from Master and Commander and Russell Crowe on premiere day only released its full impact now. 

Good reviews or bad, at least from a numbers perspective, The Butterfly Effect is anything but unnoticed. 

But now, it’s not about quantity; it’s about quality— 

After all, the initial wave of media reviews for The Butterfly Effect wasn’t exactly promising. 

Score of 70: “Is The Butterfly Effect a cinematic classic? Not really. But did I enjoy my time in the theater, and would I recommend it to friends? Absolutely.” 

Score of 75: “A thrilling, rollercoaster viewing experience, perfect for popcorn lovers. Perhaps the only drawback is that it’s still a bit rough around the edges.” 

Score of 75: “A young person’s bold fantasy about life; yet Anson Wood makes this story credible and impactful.” 

Score of 30: “If this were a high school drama, I’d applaud enthusiastically. The only thing that kept me from walking out of this ridiculous, juvenile movie was Anson’s charisma.” 

Score of 65: “Worth watching and pondering. Perhaps the biggest issue is that the plot I imagined was more complex and profound than the movie.” 

Score of 60: “A pity. Anson Wood, Rachel McAdams, and Heath Ledger shine on screen, but the script just doesn’t keep up.” 

Score of 77: “I’m sold. The film is a shallow exploration of chaos theory, and the ending lacks depth, but it’s still enjoyable. The actors’ charisma draws you in, making the viewing experience enjoyable.” 

Score of 80: “Rough yet nuanced, raw yet powerful. Like a punch to the nose, it’s meant to make you bleed and feel rage, leaving the audience with much to think about. Anson Wood delivers a complex, vulnerable character with conviction.” 

Score of 73: “I don’t get it, but watching Anson Wood desperately try to save a disaster on screen—with those looks, legs, and physique—what more could you want?” 

Praise, yet not praise. 

Criticism, yet not criticism. 

As expected, the second wave of reviews was also mixed with complex emotions. The Butterfly Effect ultimately did not achieve a miraculous turnaround— 

But it did prove that the first wave of critics wasn’t just being unfair. 

Significantly, though, the tone of reviews is now tilting towards: 

Positive. 

Regardless of the review content, the ratio of positive feedback now dominates, reversing the initially negative review score. 

Quietly, the overall media score rose from 61 to 66! 

Still in the 60s range, but it finally escaped the edge of failure and even surpassed Gladiator, earning more recognition from professional critics. 

A rare achievement! 

Slowly but surely, The Butterfly Effect’s reputation began to recover. 

Then, the unthinkable happened— 

Sunday saw the media score increase again for a second day in a row! 

Hollywood insiders could feel the continued rise in The Butterfly Effect’s buzz, finally surpassing Master and Commander. 

Once far behind, it has now compiled reviews from 48 media outlets, achieving a comeback. 

At least among the media, The Butterfly Effect now leads in attention. 

20th Century Fox surely didn’t see this coming— 

They invested heavily in promotion, and yet, just this? 

Meanwhile, New Line Cinema, operating like a shoestring setup, threw together a few makeshift platforms and messily released five different endings, and managed to beat 20th Century Fox? 

What… what even is this? 

20th Century Fox’s marketing and distribution departments are fainting in the restroom. 

Their advantage lasted barely five days, and now the balance has shifted. 

This scene is one no one anticipated. 

Yet, it happened. 

So, is this… the Anson magic?  

(End of chapter) 

Chapter 1154: Disrupting the Balance

Unexpected. Completely unexpected.

Who could have imagined that The Butterfly Effect would surpass Master and Commander in the number of media reviews contributing to its aggregated score?

From any angle, 20th Century Fox’s determined promotional campaign had dominated New Line Cinema, suppressing it entirely.

Setting aside the aggregated media reviews and box office numbers, at least on the promotional front, Master and Commander was undoubtedly the juggernaut of the week.

And yet, the unthinkable happened—in the most inexplicable way.

Think back to the premiere when Anson dropped the bombshell that The Butterfly Effect had five alternate endings, randomly assigned to screenings. The entirety of Hollywood laughed.

They thought New Line Cinema was digging its own grave, sabotaging the film's box office prospects. The market wouldn’t buy it, they claimed, and the backlash would be swift and severe.

But now?

Initially, the general public did react negatively. People found the concept confusing, pretentious, and downright annoying. For those with perfectionist tendencies, knowing there were five endings but being able to see only one felt agonizingly incomplete.

Criticism and complaints became the dominant narrative.

However, The Butterfly Effect had a clear promotional strategy. The general public wasn’t its target audience. Instead, it focused on hardcore sci-fi and thriller fans, disregarding broader negativity to zero in on niche groups with pinpoint precision.

And in these circles, the reaction was completely different.

The “five endings” concept became a unique selling point—a challenge, an adventure, and a novel promotional strategy. It broke the fourth wall, pulling the film's endings from the screen into reality, prompting reflection and continuing to resonate. Much like The Purple Rose of Cairo, it allowed audiences to feel like they were part of the movie.

Passionate cinephiles eagerly jumped on board, creating a buzz that soon pulled in curious, energetic younger viewers.

Then, something extraordinary happened.

The hype around The Butterfly Effect exploded, dominating conversations and becoming the breakout topic of the holiday season.

*Controversy?*

Controversy itself signals relevance. The only question is whether it develops in a positive or negative direction.

Clearly, The Butterfly Effect leaned toward the former.

From the premiere onward, the chatter slowly but steadily built through the weekend, with the film market growing increasingly interesting.

*Is this a good thing?*

Absolutely.

Getting attention is always good. Breaking into the public consciousness is always good.

*Is it completely good?*

Not necessarily.

In the avalanche of media reviews, it became hard to discern praise from critique.

For example, some reviews loudly declared, “The only redeeming feature of this film is the gorgeous cast—Anson, Rachel, and Heath,” and yet still awarded it a score of 70.

Should they be pleased?

Another review coldly gave it 20 but praised Anson’s charisma for saving the film and even expressed a willingness to watch all five endings.

Should they be annoyed?

Such contradictions were everywhere, making it difficult to tell friend from foe or gauge whether the overall effect leaned more positive or negative.

The situation was chaotic.

Because of this, despite The Butterfly Effect’s growing buzz, its box office performance remained unpredictable.

At least until Saturday, Master and Commander was still the week’s biggest draw. For months, 20th Century Fox had invested heavily in its promotion, steadily building momentum. It wouldn’t be easy for The Butterfly Effect to overtake it in such a short time.

But there was no denying that things were getting more interesting.

Amid the chaos, The Butterfly Effect’s aggregated media score from 48 outlets settled at 68.

*Outstanding!*

A wave of cheers followed.

Although the increase was modest, the steady rise suggested growing favorability among critics, with a clear trend toward positive reviews. It marked a reversal of fortunes—cause for celebration.

Thus, The Butterfly Effect broke through.

1. *Critical Revival*:

   The film’s controversial reputation began to turn around. Although the aggregated score had limited room for improvement, the trend was undeniable. Curiosity surged: What changed? How did the movie turn things around?  

2. *The Five-Endings Phenomenon*:

   Among young audiences, the “five endings” concept continued to spread, sparking a competitive craze. Throughout the weekend, theaters buzzed with young moviegoers racing to see all five endings—without spoilers or help from friends—treating it as an urban adventure.

3. *Unexpected Premiere Buzz*:

   Anson could never have predicted the fervor surrounding the premiere’s exclusive merchandise.

   Designed simply to enhance the audience’s connection to the movie, the themed items—centered around “time”—were intended as minor bonuses. In Anson’s view, the 2003 North American movie merchandise market was still in its infancy. Aside from hardcore fans collecting posters, DVDs, or vinyl soundtracks, interest in such items was minimal.

   But those small bonuses became a surprise hit.

   Particularly after fans discovered that all the designs were created by Anson himself, discussions in fan communities exploded.

In just a few days, stories about the premiere spread like wildfire.

The inventive format, unique merchandise, and immersive fourth-wall-breaking experience turned that evening into a legend.

Every attendee became the envy of movie lovers.

When items from the premiere began popping up on black-market resale sites, the frenzy reached new heights. A single bookmark sold for $100.

The response was electric.

Though $100 wasn’t a staggering sum, it was a hundredfold markup on items originally free or costing just $1.

The market went wild.

Suddenly, The Butterfly Effect’s merchandise became must-have collectibles for serious fans, with Anson’s design work earning widespread acclaim.

All these factors combined to propel The Butterfly Effect far beyond its initial confines. Even those uninterested in the film couldn’t help but hear its name, and the holiday movie market suddenly became thrillingly unpredictable.

Anson. The Butterfly Effect. Chaos theory. Five endings. Breaking the fourth wall. Twist upon twist.

These fragmented keywords stitched together, sparking the curiosity of onlookers everywhere. The stage was set, and no one could predict what would happen next.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1155: Beyond Expectations*

“Good morning, Russell.”

“Morning? It's almost noon already. The sun's nice in New York today.”

“Yeah, rare indeed. Just got back from swimming?”

“Yep, swam for about 30 minutes. I’ve got a magazine cover shoot this afternoon. Oh, by the way, is there a newspaper around? The Times or Wall Street Journal?”

“Sorry, they’re all gone—none left in the restaurant right now.”

“No worries; I’ll have my assistant buy one later.”

*Morning, Four Seasons Hotel, New York City—Restaurant*

Russell Crowe looked relaxed, his mood as bright as the rare sunny autumn day in New York. Maintaining such a good vibe amid a hectic promotional schedule was no small feat, yet he seemed to be in peak form—

*Riding High*

After an intense week of promotion, Master and Commander was receiving enthusiastic praise from the media, surpassing even Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind. All signs pointed toward a career-defining success for Russell, one that would shatter previous limits.

Next step?

The $20 Million Club!

Russell was already eyeing this milestone.

Two years ago, he won his first Oscar for Best Actor, which sparked talk of the so-called “Oscar Curse”—a notion that winning the Academy Award made it harder for actors to navigate their careers, especially balancing art and box office success. But now?

Russell had effectively broken the “Oscar Curse.” Not only that, but Master and Commander seemed poised to reach new heights in his career.

Much like Tom Hanks in his heyday.

With Forrest Gump and Philadelphia, Hanks won back-to-back Oscars, but then struggled a bit until Saving Private Ryan brought him roaring back. From then on, nothing could stop his ascent.

Russell believed he could follow a similar path, and Master and Commander was his final push to break free.

Everything was set.

Media reviews were glowing.

Promotion was in full swing.

Talk shows, premieres, magazine interviews, and post-screening Q&As in various cities were all going smoothly.

Next up? Box office numbers.

The benchmark? Gladiator.

$187 million domestically, $460 million worldwide.

Russell knew those were stellar numbers, boosted by the Oscar for Best Picture. But Master and Commander still had a shot.

After all, Master and Commander was a true blockbuster, with a $150 million budget—$50 million more than Gladiator.

So, there was reason to be hopeful.

What was Gladiator’s opening weekend box office again?

Russell couldn’t remember exactly. It had been three years—back in 2000. He thought it was around $30 or $40 million. But he distinctly remembered that by the end of the third week, it had crossed the $100 million mark thanks to word-of-mouth.

Now, three years later, the market had changed.

And Master and Commander’s media reception was way better than Gladiator’s.

So, surely Master and Commander should pull at least $40 million in its opening weekend?

As he mulled it over, Russell noticed his assistant and called out.

“Harry, get me a Times or any other newspaper.”

His assistant had been trying to stay out of sight, but now he was caught, awkwardly trying to cover his discomfort.

“Russell, the hotel’s out of newspapers.”

Russell nodded. “Yeah, I know. Just go buy one outside. Not sure what’s going on today—they’re all gone.”

*Assistant:* … He couldn’t exactly say that his agent had ordered all the newspapers in the hotel hidden, could he?

So now what? Should he really go down to a newsstand?

If they were sold out there too, that’d be suspicious.

In a burst of quick thinking, the assistant said, “We need to head to the studio now. Traffic’s bad in Manhattan today—we can’t be late.”

“I’ll grab a paper once we get to the studio.”

The studio had been cleared out too—no chance of slip-ups.

When he’d tell Russell there were no newsstands nearby, problem solved.

At the very least, they needed to delay him seeing the weekend box office rankings until after the magazine shoot was over. If they could push it until evening, when Russell had a glass of whiskey in hand, that’d be perfect.

Sure enough, Russell didn’t suspect a thing.

“Heading out now? Alright, go grab the luggage.”

The assistant breathed a sigh of relief, dodging a bullet. He quickly ran off, making sure not to get caught again.

Finally!

They reached the hotel’s vehicle, and the assistant saw Russell safely into the car.

Russell glanced over and noticed the driver reading a newspaper.

“Is that today’s?”

*Silence.*

The assistant froze, luggage in hand, and nearly choked as he moved toward the driver.

“Yes,” the driver replied. “Would you like it?”

Russell: “Is that the Times?”

Answering, the driver handed over the newspaper.

The assistant rushed to the car door, frozen in horror, unable to stop a disaster from unfolding before his eyes.

But there was no stopping it now; they’d missed their chance.

Inside the car, silence reigned.

The assistant cautiously opened his eyes, only to see Russell sitting frozen, expression dark, eyes fixed on the newspaper.

No anger, no outburst.

But this quiet was all the more unnerving. Today was going to be a long day.

*Weekend Box Office, Third Week of November 2003*

1st: The Butterfly Effect — $45 million

2nd: Elf — $27 million

3rd: Master and Commander — $22 million

Everyone was stunned.

Nobody expected The Butterfly Effect to overtake and claim the weekend’s top spot.

Nobody expected Master and Commander to lose to The Butterfly Effect and even Elf, in its second week.

Nobody expected Master and Commander’s opening to be less than half of The Butterfly Effect’s.

Not even the boldest predictions anticipated Ashton Kutcher’s film would pull off such a miracle or so drastically upend expectations.

Shock after shock, one more outrageous than the next. Even Hollywood insiders were left dumbfounded, staring at the weekend box office rankings, unsure what to make of it.

How could this have happened?

This was exactly why Russell’s agent and assistant had been doing everything possible to keep him from seeing the paper today. And yet, in the end, they were too late.

(End of Chapter)