886-890

*Chapter 886: The Class Trip*

Ahhh, ahhh.

Screams erupted, explosive and growing louder, instantly releasing an unbelievable surge of energy.

Emanuel, slightly surprised, instinctively turned to look behind him, glancing around—

Something was off.

No one could deny the buzz surrounding Anson. Whether people liked him or not, his influence was undeniable, and he was one of the biggest highlights of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Otherwise, the committee wouldn’t have personally invited him as a guest for the opening ceremony, intending to stir up attention.

However, buzz is one thing, and popularity is another.

This is Cannes, this is France. Although Hollywood blockbusters tend to perform well here, their influence has its limits.

Also, people may go to the cinema to watch movies, but cheering and screaming for Hollywood stars is a different story.

It’s well known that French audiences appreciate films for their directors, not actors. The applause for Hollywood stars here tends to be more subdued.

After all, Cannes isn’t Venice, and it’s certainly not Hollywood.

Moreover, despite Anson’s rapid rise to fame, it's only been a year with just two movies under his belt. He’s still not Tom Cruise or Leonardo DiCaprio.

The opening ceremony had already made it clear. The hype was undeniable, but most of the audience remained coolly detached, observing from a distance.

But today?

Not even two days had passed, and when Anson stepped onto the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals once more, the atmosphere was completely different.

Had everyone gone mad? Or did something happen in these past two days?

Emanuel wasn’t the only one wondering; Anson himself felt the same. Two days later, in the same place, the shift in energy was disorienting.

Looking at Gus’s bewildered expression, Anson spread his hands and smiled.

But the real challenge lay ahead.

Anson bent down to address Alex Frost and Eric Dren, sitting in the back of the car. “Hey, guys, this is it, we’re here.”

The fact that Elephant was selected for the Cannes Film Festival's main competition was undoubtedly a surprise. Even Gus himself admitted as much. But the opportunity was a rare one, offering a special experience for both the actors and the director.

However, the Elephant cast was a bit unusual. All the actors were regular students, and after the film wrapped, they returned to their normal lives. None of them pursued a career in acting or even thought about going to Los Angeles.

For them, filming a movie was just a unique experience, but since it didn’t get released in theaters and the media didn’t pick up on it, nothing much happened afterward. It didn’t feel all that special, like just another school play. Life carried on as usual, with nothing to get particularly excited about.

Cannes?

Oh, so what?

Gus told the kids that if they were interested, they could let him know, and he’d take them to Cannes for a vacation. There was no limit on participants; anyone who had acted in the movie could sign up.

If they weren’t interested, that was fine too. Gus wasn’t forcing anyone.

In Hollywood, the Cannes Film Festival holds special significance. It’s hard to imagine anyone turning down a trip to Cannes. But for regular high school students from Portland, filmmaking wasn’t a part of their daily lives, and Cannes seemed distant and foreign—

It had no appeal.

In the end, only Alex Frost was interested.

And his reason? He wanted to fly on a plane.

The kid had never flown before, and now he had a chance to fly for free, across the Atlantic no less. Alex wanted to give it a shot.

Clearly, Cannes wasn’t the main attraction.

Who would’ve thought Cannes could seem so “cheap”?

Since Alex didn’t want to travel alone, he dragged Eric along.

Despite Eric’s lack of interest and seeing the whole trip as a hassle, he eventually gave in and reluctantly joined Alex.

To these two high schoolers, Cannes had no special significance. It was just a trip, and they had no clue what a movie premiere entailed.

Or perhaps, they thought they knew, having seen it on the news. But once they got there, they quickly realized how wrong they were.

Reality turned out to be very different from what they had imagined.

So.

Alex pressed his back firmly into the car seat, shaking his head like a bobblehead, wearing a nervous, awkward smile. “Can we just leave now? Driver, keep going, we’re not getting out.”

Then, with a pleading look, Alex glanced at Anson, shaking his head and frowning, his face a mix of laughing and crying, like a robot malfunctioning.

Anson couldn’t help but laugh. “Alex, no need to be nervous. Just think of it as an experience, a different kind of adventure. The next time someone talks about Hollywood, you’ll know what it’s really like. It’s not that big of a deal.”

Alex widened his eyes, glanced outside, and muttered, “This isn’t a big deal? Even our school’s football games don’t draw this many people.”

“Ha!” Anson burst into laughter. “Watermelons. They’re all watermelons. Seriously, take a look. At the end of the day, it’s just a field of watermelons. All of them.”

Alex pulled a strained face, still glued to his seat.

Meanwhile, Eric peeked outside, then at Anson, took a deep breath, and, summoning his courage, patted Alex’s arm, signaling him to move aside as he prepared to step out.

Alex stared at Eric as if he’d seen a ghost, pressing even harder against the seat, as if ready to bite his tongue if anyone tried to drag him out.

Eric shook his head in helplessness, while Anson’s hearty laughter filled the air. Without any more hesitation, Eric turned, opened his door, got out, and walked over to stand next to Anson.

Ahhh! Ahhh!

Screams and cheers surged like a wave. Eric thought he was ready, but standing in the midst of the storm, his knees trembled involuntarily.

Anson turned to stand beside Eric, offering support.

Eric: “Watermelons?”

Anson: “Yep, watermelons.”

Eric took a deep breath. “Alright, I’m ready.”

At that moment, Alex couldn’t hold back any longer. He bolted out of the car, ran to stand beside Eric, glanced up at Anson’s height and style, then scurried over to Eric’s side, nodding furiously and clenching his fists to psych himself up.

Gus adjusted his suit, ready to walk over to Anson. But before he could, Anson motioned towards Alex, and Gus understood. Like a mother bird guiding her chicks, Gus moved to stand beside Alex, helping calm his nerves a bit.

Alex finally started to relax, glancing left and right, only to realize something was off—

Now, Alex and Eric were standing front and center, while Anson and Gus were on the edges. Wait, that’s not how it’s supposed to be, right?

Alex was about to protest, but it was too late. The other three had already started walking, and he had no choice but to follow, his legs wobbly as he hurried to keep up.

Damn!

*Chapter 887: A Field of Melons*

The "Elephant" crew has arrived.

Just four people—it’s probably the smallest team in the Cannes Main Competition this year. Only four attendees in total.

However, the veil of mystery surrounding the crew has finally been lifted, and all eyes are now on them—

It’s a bit surprising.

The four members of the crew appeared together in coordinated outfits.

At the center, two unfamiliar faces: one in a white suit with a black shirt, and the other in a black suit with a white shirt. Then, there’s Gus in a black suit and black shirt, with Anson’s red suit completing the look.

The key detail: each of the other three has a red accessory—Gus’s red sunglasses, the tall guy’s red tie, and the baby-faced guy’s red pocket square. A splash of color ties their outfits together.

Looking closely, you might even notice... Did Anson dye his hair black just for the look?

This seemingly casual crew and their understated style have, in fact, subtly connected them all. When the four of them stood on the red carpet, the visual impact was immediate.

Click, click, click.

The sound of camera shutters was like a symphony, playing in front of the Palais des Festivals in grand fashion.

The crowd roared.

Alex still couldn’t believe this was really happening—

He couldn’t feel his feet at all, as if he were walking on clouds. He had no idea whether to step with his left foot or right, and didn’t even realize when his hands and feet moved together like a rusty robot that might fall apart at any moment. Flashbulbs popped everywhere, and he had no clue where to focus his gaze.

“Alex, Alex…”

A voice called to him, and Alex turned to see Anson’s face.

Anson had originally intended to say something else, but seeing the blank look in Alex’s eyes, he laughed softly and asked, “You okay?”

Alex shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.” His gaze finally focused on Anson. “This is nothing like the school trips I imagined.”

Anson burst into laughter. After a moment’s thought, he suggested, “How about you wave at the crowd?”

Alex hesitated, then actually waved at the crowd—

Nothing happened.

Well, not nothing. There were a few cheers and laughs from the crowd, but nothing overwhelming.

Alex looked at Anson, puzzled.

Anson said, “See? Nothing happened. It’s not as scary as you think. They’re here to watch movies, just like we are.”

Eric: ??? Really? So, the Palais des Festivals is just a movie theater?

Thinking this over, Eric couldn’t help but grin.

Then, Eric saw the confused look on Alex’s face and couldn’t hold back any longer, bursting into laughter.

Alex looked at Eric, confused.

Anson patted Alex on the shoulder. “Eric’s really looking forward to seeing the movie. You should start getting excited too. Are you ready to share your thoughts with everyone?”

That was the real reason Anson had approached Alex—

A quick interview, which is a key part of any Cannes Film Festival premiere.

Alex shook his head, “No, I’m not ready.”

Eric nudged him. “No one cares if you’re ready. They’re all here for Anson. We should make some room.” As he spoke, Eric pulled Alex aside to clear space around Anson, giving him a look.

And in the next moment, the magic began.

Boom.

The sound of camera shutters reached a crescendo, exploding with five or ten times more energy, crashing like waves into their ears until only the roaring remained.

It was only then that they realized Cannes was just getting started, revealing its true power as one of the world’s top film festivals.

Alex and Eric were stunned, and even Gus wasn’t immune to the shock. They all finally understood that everything that had come before was just a warm-up.

This was the real deal.

Anson stood in a swirling sea of light, honestly feeling a little nervous.

After all, Cannes was different—just a bit. Unlike any previous public appearance, the scrutiny hidden behind the stares made the air in this little town, in this venue, subtly shift. No matter how experienced you were, you could feel your stomach doing somersaults.

Whether it was the opening ceremony or the premiere, Anson understood the risk—

This is a film festival, one of Europe’s “Big Three.” Here, the art of film takes precedence over everything, even more so than at the Oscars. The film’s artistic merit is paramount.

If Anson chose Cannes as the stage for his “fashion icon” transformation, he would have to face accusations of being a "carpet star" and the harsh scrutiny of his film choices.

The reason doesn’t need to be complex: People just want to see how much substance this “pretty face” really has.

A bit of bias, a touch of discrimination, a hint of arrogance—all these subtle emotions mix together, thickening the air.

Does Anson care?

Of course, he cares. Anson thought he was above it all, but in the end, he had to be honest with himself—he wasn’t completely detached from it.

But he had calmed down now, thanks to Alex and Eric—

Just stay grounded.

As an actor, every work is inevitably subject to public scrutiny and criticism. Some people will like it, others will hate it—it’s unavoidable. Besides, what actor hasn’t been in a few flops? The experiences, the adventures, that’s what makes being an actor fun.

So what if it’s Cannes?

They’re just here to watch movies.

And they, like the Cannes audience, are here to watch "Elephant"—as actors, but also as viewers.

It’s that simple. This is the right way to approach a film festival.

A smile slowly spread across Anson’s face as he looked out at the crowd, standing tall, confident, and at ease. Even the setting sun paled in comparison.

Click.

Immanuel pressed the shutter again, unknowingly capturing the image that had first struck him on the train, now perfectly mirrored before his eyes.

The red carpet was like a surging river beneath their feet, but Anson stood calmly and proudly in the flames, effortlessly commanding the scene. All the brilliance, boldness, and extravagance became mere background, with all the noise and frenzy bowing quietly at his canvas sneakers.

A ray of sunlight pierced through the sky, casting down like a spotlight on Anson’s shoulders.

At that moment, the Palais des Festivals held only Anson—everything else faded away from view and sound, leaving all attention focused on him.

The world, suddenly, went quiet.

Not only Immanuel, but also Alex and Eric were swept up in the moment. Time and space seemed to lose their meaning, as Cannes was pulled into a black hole, seeking eternity in a single instant.

---

Chapter 888: The Moment of Disruption

Thump. Thump.

Was that a heartbeat? Or a call from the depths of the universe—deep, resonant, and powerful, stirring the blood to boil uncontrollably.

This was a new sensation, something Emmanuel had never experienced before, but he didn't resist it. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.

There was a tingling sensation, like an electric current racing from his feet to the top of his head.

Emmanuel realized that at this moment, whether or not people understood, whether they could see the big picture or not, it didn't matter. When something truly happens, that shiver and excitement don’t lie, stirring a storm in the mind—

A fashion icon.

Right now, this very moment, on the Cannes Film Festival's red carpet, was the moment Anson would change men's fashion forever.

The shock, the impact, the thrill—it was mesmerizing, commanding attention without words, leaving a profound influence.

It was happening.

Now Emmanuel understood why, in just two days, Anson had received such overwhelming cheers on the Cannes red carpet.

The reason was right in front of him.

The “disruption” had already started at the opening ceremony. People could deny it, resist it, debate it, but no one could escape its influence. And tonight’s premiere would deliver the final blow, transforming everything before people even realized what had happened.

They were already captivated.

Listen, history is being made.

“Anson! Anson!”

“Anson…”

The shouts were raw, filled with passion. You could feel the heat of their souls just from the sound.

Ah… ah, ahhh!

And the excitement spread, rising higher and higher.

Everyone was chanting Anson’s name, and the red carpet in front of the Palais des Festivals had never been this wild.

Alex and Eric stood there, completely stunned by the scene in front of them, unsure of what to do. It was Gus who reacted quickly, patting the two young men on the shoulder and leading them up the steps to momentarily escape the chaos below, standing higher up and looking down at the scene.

It was even grander, more majestic, like a sea of fire.

Everything centered around Anson, forming a storm.

Alex swallowed, not knowing how to describe what he was seeing. He mumbled, “Even though I’m a man, seeing this makes me want to scream. Is that normal?”

Eric turned to Alex, dead serious. “Completely normal.”

Anson stood in the middle of the red carpet, surrounded by a storm of flashing cameras. He kept smiling as he looked around.

Unexpectedly, amidst the crowd of familiar faces, one figure stood out.

It was a woman, standing out among the many male photographers. She bent her knees, lowered her center of gravity, and used her entire body to brace against the constant pushing and shoving behind her. Her gaze was intense, sharp, and focused as she quickly adjusted her camera and snapped photos, like a leopard stalking its prey.

But she was outmatched.

Despite her best efforts, the forces behind her kept pushing her forward. Just as Anson was about to step in to help, she turned and shouted over her shoulder.

“Calm down!”

“He won’t fall in love with you just because you get closer.”

Pffft.

Her words were lost in the noise, but Anson caught the gist of it. He couldn’t hold back, and a smile spread across his face.

At that moment, Anson took two steps forward, pushing his hands out gently—

“Calm down!”

“Calm down and let’s show some Cannes pride and dignity, alright?”

The surrounding reporters couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Those further away, who hadn’t heard, asked curiously what had happened. The reporters in front turned and explained, and soon conversations spread through the crowd.

Word spread, and the crowd miraculously settled down.

And then—

Haha, hahaha.

Laughter rippled through the crowd like waves.

Reporters on the other side of the red carpet were panicking. What was happening? Why was everyone laughing?

Frustrated, these isolated reporters searched anxiously with their cameras, trying to spot Gus or the two fresh faces. But they soon realized they were already standing on the steps, watching from above.

Reporters: ???

Anson stepped forward, just as Emmanuel turned around with a fierce look in her eyes. Anson quickly raised his hands and smiled.

“I come in peace.”

Hahaha!

The crowd erupted in laughter again. With the noise dying down, Anson’s voice was clearer now, though the media across the way were still shouting, trying to pull Anson’s attention back, their strained expressions slightly manic.

Anson looked at Emmanuel. “Are you alright?”

Emmanuel: …

She had to admit, for a brief moment, she forgot to breathe.

But Emmanuel quickly regained her composure. “I’m fine.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

Emmanuel wasn’t a journalist, and the Cannes Film Festival red carpet wasn’t set up for formal interviews. At most, guests and reporters exchanged a few words. But at this moment, Emmanuel didn’t want to miss her chance.

Sure enough, Anson didn’t refuse. “Of course.”

Emmanuel asked, “This is your first time on the Cannes stage, your first time at one of Europe’s big three film festivals. How do you feel right now?”

Anson paused, and the answer came to him naturally. He blurted it out.

“So many people.”

Emmanuel: ???

“And I hope this is just the first time.”

With that, he smiled, and moved on.

A beat later, the small group of stunned media recovered from their shock and burst into laughter.

This was Anson.

Seeing is believing.

Over the past year, Anson’s name had spread throughout the film industry. There were countless rumors, but his image had always felt distant.

“Pride and Prejudice” wasn’t just about love. It was something people experience daily, and Anson had faced plenty of it.

Until now.

It wasn’t just his appearance. His personal charisma brought his style to life, and the image of “Anson Wood” became real and vibrant.

Who could resist him?

This was Anson, making his debut at one of Europe’s major film festivals, yet there was no awkwardness or nervousness. His commanding presence and elegant demeanor easily won over the media before they even had a chance to put up their defenses.

Laughter, applause, and whistles filled the air.

Emmanuel’s smile widened, her eyes glued to Anson, her heart racing with excitement.

Across the way—

Wait, what just happened? One moment the media was dead quiet, and now they’re all laughing. What did Anson just say? What’s the joke? Share it with us, don’t keep it to yourselves!

Hey! Over here! Are you ignoring us just because we picked the wrong side of the red carpet? What is this, a game of chance?

*Chapter 889: The Arrival of Ansen*

The scene was, well, a bit funny.

The red carpet was split into two halves: on the right side, the media was filled with laughter and cheers, as if the sun was shining brightly; on the left, reporters were shouting in frustration, as if caught in a storm of thunder and lightning.

Even though it was a single frame, it felt like two completely different worlds, perfectly illustrating the “I should be under the car” Cannes version—

“I should be on the right side.”

But this standoff was only temporary. The internal conflict didn’t matter anymore, as they noticed Ansen turning to walk up the steps—a sign he was about to leave the red carpet.

Media: ???

What? No way!

Ansen had been on the red carpet for less than three minutes and was already planning to leave?

No, no, no, this wasn’t right. At the opening ceremony a few days ago, Ansen had stayed on the red carpet for nearly seven minutes, stealing the spotlight. And now, at his own movie premiere, he was leaving so quickly?

Ridiculous!

Whether they were on the left or right, all the media reporters united, screaming Ansen’s name as if desperately pleading with a boyfriend not to leave.

Unfortunately, Ansen didn’t stop—a total heartbreaker.

Ansen climbed the steps, like a king ascending his throne, and finally reached the platform at the top, where he joined the rest of the cast of The Elephant. He turned to face the cameras and media, ready for the photoshoot.

He wasn’t leaving entirely; he was rejoining the cast for a group photo.

Without a sound, Emmanuel realized that he had to look up to see the “high and mighty” Ansen.

It was a unique perspective, giving them a new angle to view Ansen—like a king taking the throne, reigning over all.

The dazzling sight of him, with the massive red carpet stretching at his feet, made him seem as if he had just been crowned at the Cannes Film Festival.

This was a moment Emmanuel hadn’t anticipated before coming to Cannes. No matter the circumstances, Ansen’s rise to the top of Cannes was unexpected and surreal; but even more astonishing was that Emmanuel didn’t feel out of place, but rather had an urge to bow down in admiration.

He raised his camera, focused, and adjusted the shot—

In the frame, Ansen looked ahead, calm, serene, confident, and composed. His powerful presence radiated, as if overlooking all humanity.

Click.

Emmanuel pressed the shutter for the 1001st time that evening.

And then—

"Ansen! Ansen!"

The entire place erupted into chaos, with cheers echoing from every corner, spreading like wildfire.

Alex was stunned, watching Ansen in awe, his mind buzzing with noise, unable to think clearly or say a word.

Eric, though slightly more composed, was also feeling dry-mouthed and heart racing, but he managed to find his voice.

“Wow, now this is Ansen Wood, right?” Eric marveled, a stark contrast to the playful boy they’d filmed with in Portland.

The wild energy on the red carpet didn’t die down. Flashing lights and cheers flooded the scene, all of it directed solely at Ansen.

Not only were Alex and Eric stunned, but so was Gus, surprised and amazed.

Was Ansen starring in The Elephant a matter of destiny or pure coincidence?

On one hand, Gus couldn’t help but worry.

He was afraid that Ansen’s fame and stardom would overshadow the film itself. The Elephant was not just any movie; it had depth and power. Yet now, Ansen’s overwhelming popularity might overshadow the message the film was trying to convey.

This was precisely why Gus had initially wanted to cast all non-professional actors. But even Gus couldn’t have predicted that Ansen’s influence would reach such heights.

On the other hand, Gus felt a sense of excitement.

Without a doubt, Ansen’s presence had brought unprecedented attention to The Elephant. Gus had been working in Hollywood for more than a decade, and he knew well:

Attention breeds discussion, and discussion creates impact.

If Gus wanted the issues raised by The Elephant to be noticed, this was the opportunity. Not only was the main competition at Cannes a stage for the film, but Ansen’s fame brought even more focus. Everything was ready; now it was time for the movie to unveil its mysteries.

Conflicting feelings tugged at him from both sides.

But whether it was worry or excitement, there was no turning back now. They were already here, and any second thoughts were useless.

Gus exhaled slowly. "Since we’re here, we may as well make the best of it." Maybe Ansen was right—they should focus on the work. In the end, it’s all about the film.

Ansen didn’t notice Gus’s concerns; he simply looked at Eric and shrugged lightly. “At the end of the day, they’re all just an audience. There’s no difference. I’m ready to watch the movie. How about you? Ready to see yourself on the big screen?”

Eric glanced at Alex, then shrugged. “I’m afraid not.”

“Haha.” Both Ansen and Gus laughed.

Meanwhile, the Cannes Film Palace, amidst all the chaos and excitement, suddenly wrapped up the red carpet event early, catching the media off guard.

From the start, the cast of The Elephant had been shrouded in mystery, with little information available. Only four people from the crew showed up at the premiere, making them look rather pitiful.

And now, the biggest star of the cast had spent less than three minutes on the red carpet before entering the Lumière Hall, leaving the photographers behind.

This...

Their grand entrance, full of impact and shock, had suddenly ended.

A brief climax, abruptly cut off, leaving everyone craving more. By the time the media realized they had been played like puppets by Ansen, it was too late—

All eyes had already turned toward The Elephant.

And immediately, the online buzz exploded.

On various forums and media outlets, excited discussions spread like wildfire:

“Wow, Ansen really is something else. Switching styles effortlessly!”

“Bowing down! Only Ansen could pull off something like this.”

“I’ve lost it, my mom is asking why I’m drooling at the computer screen.”

“Even for Ansen, this is crazy. I can’t believe one person could make Cannes look dim in comparison.”

“Forget the movie, everyone just watch Ansen!”

“I wonder how the movie is. It’d be hilarious if it turned out to be terrible.”

“I don’t care about fashion. I just want to know if Ansen’s movie is good.”

“Red carpet star is nice, but don’t forget your real job. I wonder if Ansen remembers why he’s at Cannes.”

“The Elephant, you better not disappoint me. My expectations are through the roof right now.”

On and on, the chatter exploded, with opinions of every kind flooding in, setting the internet on fire.

In fact, in some places, the frenzy was even crazier than in Cannes.

Because of Ansen, the Cannes Film Festival had reached new heights of attention. Whether people liked it or not, this was the power Ansen held at this point.

Venice: Jealous.

Chapter 890: The Elephant Arrives

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

It wasn’t loud or chaotic, but the constant rustling filled the air of the Lumière Hall, with the temperature steadily rising.

The Lumière Hall, which could seat 2,000 people, was packed. The first and second floors were completely full, with crowds packed into every nook and cranny. The faces in the audience were brimming with excitement and anticipation, and a sacred, passionate atmosphere was palpable—this was Cannes.

They take movies seriously here.

And when the cast members made their entrance, applause broke out spontaneously.

Maybe Anson was just a pretty face, and maybe Alex and Eric were ordinary people with no acting experience. But none of that mattered. The audience in Lumière Hall was eager to welcome them with the highest regard.

Then, when director Gus Van Sant appeared, the applause hit a crescendo.

Clap, clap, clap.

The entire hall erupted.

Anson, Alex, and Eric were bewildered by the overwhelming response, while Anson felt like he was walking on air, unsteady and dazed. It was his first experience with something of this magnitude.

So this is what the temple of cinema looks like—

They hadn’t even seen the movie yet, but just their appearance alone had earned them warm, sincere applause. The audience’s love for movies and their high hopes were enough to create this atmosphere. The feeling of anticipation before entering a theater, before the movie begins, is like opening a treasure chest. Maybe what’s inside will disappoint, but the excitement before the reveal is irreplaceable.

Clap, clap, clap.

The applause continued to rise.

Eric was confused, and who could blame him? From the red carpet onward, all of this had been far beyond the comprehension of an average high school student.

He couldn’t help but glance at Anson: What do we do?

Anson was just as clueless. Like them, this was his first time at Cannes.

But Anson, being a bit more mature, quickly regained his composure, joined in with the applause, and blended into the atmosphere.

Eric and Alex, following his lead, clapped along awkwardly.

When Gus reached his spot, he couldn’t help but notice the trio clapping like otters. His words caught in his throat, and then a helpless smile spread across his face as he motioned for them to take their seats—

The movie was about to begin.

The opening applause didn’t last long, and, thankfully, there were no unnecessary introductions or speeches. They jumped straight to the point.

Gradually, the lights dimmed, and the once-buzzing Lumière Hall fell silent in an instant. Only the lingering warmth and the faint rustling of the audience remained, gently settling over the skin, a reminder that what had just happened wasn’t a dream.

But there was no time to marvel, as a single beam of light pierced the darkness, drawing everyone’s gaze. Minds, still scattered with thoughts, were now focused solely on the large screen, as if about to dive down the rabbit hole into an adventure, much like Alice in Wonderland.

Elephant—this was a special film, one that was hard to predict and even harder to summarize. It was like the surface of a calm lake—

Serene and deep, with no ripples and no sense of temperature, but beneath it hid strong undercurrents that silently pulled you in, bit by bit, into the cold and the dark. And by the time you realized what was happening and tried to fight back, it was already too late.

The movie opened with a football game.

The camera pointed at the sky, filtered through a cool, misty lens. You couldn’t see what was happening on the field, or any players. Only from a few garbled snippets of dialogue could you piece together that it was a football game.

Or maybe it was a baseball game, or just some kids playing tag.

Calm, yet solemn.

Detached, yet intense.

From the start, the movie established its unique tone, but that was only the beginning.

“Anson.”

A familiar name appeared on the screen. Before the audience could react, “Anson Wood” made his entrance—a regular high school student with the same name as the lead actor.

Clearly, this was a special creative choice. Especially when you remembered the events on the red carpet earlier, seeing Anson Wood on screen blurred the line between reality and fiction. The audience was pulled into the movie in an instant.

But was it strange?

Not really, considering Anson was the lead character. It made perfect sense that the story would start with him, nothing to be surprised about.

However, just two minutes later, the audience was confused. The movie abruptly shifted perspectives to another unfamiliar student.

A new face, an unknown actor who wasn’t present at Cannes, suddenly stole the focus from Anson.

Is this normal?

One question led to another. The movie wasn’t presenting any particularly gripping plot points right away—just typical high school life. But with the changing perspectives and the clearly disjointed timeline, the audience was quickly thrown off balance—

Like in Memento.

The audience became alert, fully focused, trying to figure out what was happening and what tricks Gus Van Sant was up to.

It didn’t take long for the truth to become clear, though. After all, this wasn’t a complex sci-fi thriller.

This was more like a “documentary,” intertwining multiple storylines with a fractured timeline, presenting various perspectives of life in a high school.

Anson was just one of many. He wasn’t special—no superpowers, no main character syndrome. He was simply part of the larger tapestry of the school.

It was one sunny afternoon, the weather particularly bright and clear, full of life.

“Anson.”

A high school student, clearly burdened by family troubles.

With a father who drank and a mother who was gone, Anson planned to skip school but got caught by his father. To avoid his father driving drunk, Anson had to take the wheel himself to school. Even then, he worried his father might still drive under the influence, so he called his brother to come pick up their dad.

Of course, Anson arrived late and was scolded by the principal.

Afterward, he still didn’t want to go to class, wandering the halls instead, quietly wiping away tears, though it wasn’t clear why—he just needed to cry.

“Elyse.”

A photographer and fellow student, whose mind was consumed with how to take great pictures.

Elyse had her own darkroom at school, where she developed her photos right after shooting them, eager to see the results.

She smiled when she saw Anson in the hallway and asked him to pose for a few shots. Afterward, she didn’t feel like attending class either and headed to the library instead, excitedly searching for photography books.

The camera followed these students like a ghost, silently recording their day-to-day lives.