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Chapter 741: The Lonely Genius

Charlie Kaufman has always been hailed as a maverick, his talent undeniable. However, his screenplays are often so imaginative and unconventional that they stray beyond what mainstream audiences can accept, resulting in lukewarm market responses. Throughout his career, none of his works have grossed over $100 million in North America.

Not even $50 million, for that matter.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is no exception.

When this film was released in 2004, it received a warm reception from critics and art film enthusiasts, garnering a media score of 89 and sparking widespread discussion among film aficionados. The following year, it was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay, and it won Kaufman the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Without a doubt, this is a classic. Even after twenty years, it has not lost its luster. Instead, the passage of time has polished it, making it shine purely, proving once again that classics age like fine wine.

In 2024, singer Ariana Grande released her latest album "Eternal Sunshine," bringing the film back into the public eye. For the younger generation born after the 2000s, this movie was quite unfamiliar, providing them an opportunity to revisit these classics.

Yet, when the film was released, it never managed to make a significant impact.

This $20 million investment ended up grossing only $34 million in North America. Even globally, including overseas markets, it only managed to pull in $73 million.

This is the highest-grossing film of Charlie Kaufman's career.

In a way, Kaufman is somewhat like the genius Van Gogh.

They were trapped in their own thoughts, perceiving and feeling the world differently, and they expressed it through art. However, the people of their time couldn't decode their thoughts and deemed their work insignificant, only realizing their value years later.

Of course, Kaufman is luckier. Van Gogh was not recognized until after his death, never receiving the validation he deserved in his lifetime. Kaufman, on the other hand, has been acknowledged, with four Oscar nominations, appearances at the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals, and winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and a Venice Jury Prize.

Unfortunately, the general public still seems to regard him as a madman.

In the twenty years following "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," Kaufman only had four films released. Since no director could capture his vision, he started directing himself, but finding investors became increasingly difficult.

Reality is indeed harsh.

However, every loss comes with a gain, and vice versa.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" didn't receive its due recognition in theaters but found its target audience in the DVD market, gradually spreading its charm in sales and rentals.

Anson likes Charlie Kaufman.

Among Kaufman's works, Anson enjoys the lighthearted absurdity of "Being John Malkovich," the deeper sorrow of "Synecdoche, New York," and, of course, the romantic essence of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."

In the previous life, this film starred two top actors, Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Their performances in this imaginative film were both crazy and neurotic yet filled with sadness and bitterness.

Honestly, the Oscars' nomination of Kate Winslet for Best Actress was deserving of applause. However, ignoring Jim Carrey also warrants criticism.

In the end, the Academy has always undervalued Jim Carrey's comedic performances, even dismissing his contributions to comedy acting—

No nomination for "The Truman Show," "Man on the Moon," or "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."

In Anson's view, this isn't Jim Carrey's failure but the Oscars' loss.

And now, the script for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is in Anson's hands. Should he go for it? Should he take on the role originally played by Jim Carrey?

More importantly, does he believe his performance could surpass Jim Carrey's? Or from another perspective, can he interpret it with his own uniqueness, giving the character and film a different color? Does he have the confidence to bring a new charm to the movie?

For a moment, his thoughts were in turmoil.

Across from him, Edgar didn’t disturb Anson but kept observing.

For the previous scripts, Anson merely flipped through them, as he said, reading the first three pages and the last two, making decisions in a matter of minutes.

But this script was different; Anson was reading it very intently, lost in thought.

After waiting patiently for a moment, Edgar spoke, breaking Anson's concentration.

"You like it?"

His words were a question, but his eyes and expression were particularly sure.

Anson nodded, smiling, "Who could refuse Charlie Kaufman?"

"In Kaufman's scripts, actors experience a sort of detachment. The presence of the screenwriter is so strong that actors become puppets in his hands, drawn into his world."

"No actor wants to be a puppet."

"But at the same time, Kaufman's scripts require actors to delve deeply into their characters' inner worlds, exploring deeper thoughts within the imaginative narrative. This tests an actor's wisdom."

"Not just acting skills, but also their interpretation of the character, the script, and life."

"So, it's a challenge."

"If an actor can find their own take on it, they can shine brilliantly; if not, they'll become Charlie Kaufman's puppets, saying exactly what he wants."

"God."

"Isn't that an interesting proposition?"

At this moment, what more could be said?

Seeing Anson's eyes light up with excitement, the answer was obvious.

This was the first time Edgar had seen Anson like this.

If possible, Edgar hoped to see more of this side of Anson in the future.

With a slight smile, Edgar gestured to the other script in Anson’s hands. "And what about this one?"

"50 First Dates"?

"It's good, very good. I can understand why you chose it, but it's not Charlie Kaufman," Anson's answer made Edgar chuckle.

Actually, Edgar leaned slightly toward "50 First Dates"—lighthearted, simple, purely romantic. They could create a perfect dream lover image.

But then again, such a dream lover is still just a standard heartthrob. Moreover, it's too predictable. From Hugh Grant to Richard Gere to Ashton Kutcher, there are too many actors targeting this audience segment, making it hard for Anson to stand out.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," on the other hand, is a risk, a unique romantic drama. If it could make an impression on the art film audience like "When Harry Met Sally," it would be perfect. That’s also why Edgar brought up this project.

Honestly, Edgar hoped Anson would choose a project, but he wasn’t in a rush. He didn’t expect Anson to actually pick one.

Lifting his gaze again, Edgar studied Anson’s face, his thoughts wavering for a moment before making a decision.

"So, should we go all out to get it?"

Chapter 742: Hot Commodity

Although Edgar had his own thoughts and plans, in that split second, he made a judgment and choice—

After all, all five script projects were the same. Since he had decided to bring them to Anson, it meant he could accept any of the options.

"So, we should go all out to secure it?"

Anson quickly caught onto the verb. "Secure? I thought all these scripts were invitations, with producers or screenwriters hoping I'd join?"

As expected, Anson was as sharp as ever.

Edgar let out a small breath. "Yes and no. It's similar to the situation with 'Ocean's Twelve.' There's a slight difference in attitude among the producers."

Anson tilted his chin slightly, revealing a thoughtful expression but didn't interrupt Edgar, waiting patiently for him to continue.

The situation wasn't complicated—

Although Charlie Kaufman's screenwriting works have consistently had mediocre box office performances, this maverick screenwriter has an excellent reputation in the industry. Additionally, "Adaptation" has been gaining traction this award season, not just for Best Original Screenplay but also for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and other awards, further spreading Kaufman's fame.

The script for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" isn't actually complete yet. Kaufman is still in the process of writing it. However, industry insiders have already begun discussing it, and word of mouth has sparked a lot of interest.

After rounds of negotiation and competition, Focus Features emerged victorious, beating out Sony Columbia, the production company for "Adaptation," to secure the production rights. They will be responsible for investing, producing, and distributing the film.

Focus Features, previously known as Good Machine Productions, started with the production and distribution of Ang Lee's directorial debut, "Pushing Hands." After a decade of cultivating in Hollywood, the company has made a name for itself through production and distribution, showcasing a series of impressive performances. Earlier this year, it was acquired by Universal Pictures and has since transformed into a specialized label to help Universal break into the independent film market.

The company's predecessor had already established a solid foothold in Hollywood with a good reputation. After being acquired by Universal, Focus Features is currently in its early exploration phase, and no one knows if this new company can continue its previous success.

From the actions of Focus Features, there is still a lot of uncertainty.

Not long ago, Focus Features invested in Sofia Coppola, daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, to film "Lost in Translation" in Tokyo. This investment sparked controversy in Hollywood. Some agreed, some opposed, and many couldn't understand their investment strategy.

Now, Focus Features has won over Charlie Kaufman to jointly produce "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," which is another risky move.

Purely from a screenwriting perspective, Kaufman is indeed trustworthy. Even if the script isn't finished, it's worth taking the risk.

But that's not the point here.

Rumor has it that Kaufman stated that this project requires extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), so he requested a production budget of at least $20 million.

This particular demand made Sony Columbia hesitate.

"Adaptation," a Sony Columbia production, despite not having CGI, featured Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep as the leads, with a production cost still amounting to $20 million.

However.

As of now, "Adaptation" has grossed only $4.5 million at the North American box office, which is far from a satisfactory figure.

Even though "Adaptation" is an award-season film aiming for the Oscars, and box office numbers aren't as crucial, film companies still need to strike a balance. They chase awards but also seek profits.

If "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" again requires a $20 million production budget, would they face the same dilemma?

Sony Columbia hesitated.

Meanwhile, Focus Features promptly agreed.

Thus, Focus Features secured Charlie Kaufman.

However, there’s a question here—

Is Focus Features being reckless, or are they simply flush with cash?

Twenty million dollars is not a huge amount, but it's not small either. For an independent art film, it's not a trivial sum. Especially considering the potential lack of box office appeal, this investment is essentially a gamble on the awards season.

If they win awards, at least it’s a worthwhile return. But what if they don't?

Moreover, Focus Features has just been acquired by Universal.

Among Hollywood's Big Seven studios, Warner Bros. is known for being the most extravagant, while Universal Pictures is the most frugal—some might even say stingy.

To be precise, since Ron Meyer took over as president of Universal Pictures in 1995, they’ve entirely shifted their production strategy, moving away from large-scale productions to focus on mid-range films, adopting a "small-scale gamble" approach to reposition themselves in Hollywood.

Over the years, the number of Universal's big-budget productions exceeding $100 million has been the lowest among the Big Seven—not entirely absent, but carefully controlled in quantity, with the company's emphasis still on mid- and small-scale productions.

Thus.

Universal's ranking among Hollywood's Big Seven has gradually declined. However, their lean and solid business strategy has reduced risk, solidifying their position at the top of the pyramid.

Now that Focus Features has been acquired by Universal, whether its investment strategy will be affected is a key focus of Hollywood's observation.

From a professional standpoint, Universal and Focus Features are parent and subsidiary companies with separate management. Focus Features retains its independence in production and distribution, distinct from Universal.

But that’s just theoretical.

Looking at Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, the surface is the same. However, in practice, New Line still has to align with Warner's strategy, with Warner influencing some of New Line's decisions to a certain extent.

Now, the situation is the same between Focus Features and Universal.

So, what's really going on with Focus Features agreeing to Kaufman's $20 million budget? Did Universal know?

The answer quickly revealed itself—

Anson Wood.

There's no denying that Universal's plan is shrewd.

Currently, with "Catch Me If You Can" raking in profits, Universal hardly had to put in any effort. A simple, routine operation allowed Universal to earn a hefty sum.

Moreover, Universal astutely spotted a gap, a window of opportunity. Anson has not yet raised his asking price. If they can fully exploit this, they might be able to change the narrative that Kaufman's films don't make money.

Conversely, Universal can leverage Kaufman's reputation to entice Anson into joining the project at a low price. For a young actor like Anson, who started as a pretty face, Kaufman’s name holds significant allure.

Thus, a win-win scenario is born.

The most crucial part is Universal's bold strategy:

Fully capitalize on Anson’s youth, popularity, and hype to redefine "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," shedding the middle-aged aura of "Being John Malkovich" and "Adaptation" to make it the new love bible for the younger generation.

No matter how you look at it, it’s perfect.

*Chapter 743: Don’t Want to Miss Out*

Maybe people don't like Universal Pictures or even despise its pettiness, standing at the top of Hollywood's pyramid yet never displaying the demeanor of a major company. However, Universal's strategy has been successful, maintaining stability amidst fierce competition among large companies for a decade. That's a kind of skill too.

It must be admitted that Universal's cleverness in scheming, calculating, and being opportunistic is unmatched; they're masters at playing the numbers game.

From a production company standpoint, they consider not the actor's skill or attitude but the actor's value—everything boils down to numbers.

Universal Pictures’ calculations show that Anson is the smart choice. Focus Features agrees with this. Maybe "Eternal Sunshine" could indeed become a unique film, targeting the market, avoiding the traps of award season, and winning over the hearts of young art enthusiasts—just like "Before Sunrise."

However, things are not that simple.

Just as the opinions of the producer and the creative soul behind "Ocean's Twelve" were misaligned, "Eternal Sunshine" faces a similar dilemma.

In fact, the initial inspiration for "Eternal Sunshine" didn't come from Charlie Kaufman but from the French director Michel Gondry.

Like David Fincher, Michel Gondry started out directing music videos. He has collaborated with top musicians like Daft Punk and Radiohead. However, he's always harbored the dream of being a film director.

In 2001, when Michel directed his first feature film, "Human Nature," he invited Tim Robbins to join, showcasing his industry connections.

As early as 1994, Michel and his friend came up with the basic story of "Eternal Sunshine," slowly refining it over the next few years. However, he lacked confidence in the script.

In 1997, Michel approached Charlie Kaufman, hoping this genius writer could turn his ideas into a full screenplay. They brainstormed and quickly completed a 30-minute short film script, which they found quite feasible.

At that time, though, Charlie was busy with his own projects, including "Adaptation" and "Being John Malkovich," so "Eternal Sunshine" was temporarily shelved.

In 2000, Christopher Nolan's "Memento" premiered, quickly becoming a hit among fans of mind-bending films, which worried Charlie Kaufman.

Since the film also focuses on memory, showing its impact and the chaos it brings to life, Charlie was concerned about potential controversies. He decided to withdraw from the project.

In the end, Michel convinced Charlie that they could create a completely different film, exploring a similar theme in a unique universe.

After another round of brainstorming and creative sparks flying, Charlie Kaufman found his inspiration again, leading to the subsequent creation process.

On one hand, after finishing "Adaptation," Charlie fully immersed himself in "Eternal Sunshine," completely sidelining Focus Features. This made Focus a bit concerned, but there was nothing else they could do.

On the other hand, Michel began searching for the right actors in Hollywood.

Since Charlie had just worked with Nicolas Cage on "Adaptation," he believed Nicolas had done an excellent job and briefly discussed continuing their collaboration with him.

But Michel was not satisfied and kept looking for actors.

Then, a brand-new name appeared—Jim Carrey.

"After Jim learned about the script Charlie was working on, he showed strong interest without even reading it. Coincidentally, Michel highly admired Jim, believing his comedic performances had inspired countless filmmakers."

"The two hit it off immediately. From what I know, they've already met once and had a great conversation."

This made things a bit tricky.

Focus Features favors Anson.

The director prefers Jim Carrey.

The writer is inclined toward Nicolas Cage.

What kind of mess is this?

On one side, there’s Nicolas Cage, Hollywood's networking king and an Oscar winner with a close relationship with the writer.

On the other side is Jim Carrey, one of the greatest comedic actors of the past decade in Hollywood. Oh, and he was the leading actor in the film in its original timeline.

Now, Anson, whose career only has three released films, has to compete with these two actors.

Finally, Anson realized, "Just like 'Ocean's Twelve,' huh?"

In that simple phrase was a light tease and banter, indicating that Anson was in a good mood.

This made Edgar smile too. "So, are you going to go for it?"

With "Ocean's Twelve," Anson preferred to avoid it because the film was a fun, family-friendly project where a group of friends got together to make some easy money while offering the audience some light entertainment. There was no need for him to force his way in and look at others' faces.

So, what about "Eternal Sunshine"?

"I'm going for it; of course, I must." Anson's answer showed no hesitation.

"I'm willing to meet with the director. Isn't he looking for actors in Hollywood right now? Compared to Jim Carrey, my paycheck is nothing."

"I'm also willing to meet with the writer, as long as it doesn't interfere with his work. I believe I can bring more inspiration to him, and avoid overlapping with Christopher Nolan."

"Audition?"

"No problem. Just let me know the time and place, and I'll be there on time."

"Oh, so this script must be for that short film, right?"

After saying that, Anson raised the script in his hand. No wonder it was only 33 pages long.

Edgar looked at Anson. His bright blue eyes were gleaming with excitement—a kind of joy, passion, and enthusiasm was bursting out—

So pure.

Edgar was a little surprised. This seemed to be the first time he saw Anson like this, even more excited than he was for "Spider-Man" or "Catch Me If You Can."

Involuntarily, curiosity arose.

Edgar asked, "Why?"

"I mean, I understand you like this work, but I've never seen you so excited, so proactive."

"Usually, we are the ones choosing scripts, but now it seems like we are the ones being chosen."

Anson shrugged slightly. "Well, because hearing the names Jim Carrey and Nicolas Cage made my head spin a little."

A joke, Edgar laughed, but he knew it was just a jest. He was still waiting for the real reason.

Anson thought for a moment.

"Captain, you know, there's a saying in the NFL draft. Maybe reason tells you a hundred reasons and formulas why you shouldn't pick a player, but if your gut tells you a different answer, then there's only one thing you need to do: pick him."

"The same goes for scripts."

"We can sit here and analyze rationally, saying the next script shouldn't be about high school students, or that this script might establish a certain actor image, or that script could open up the awards season, or this project could continue to embrace the box office, or that one could get us a $20 million paycheck."

"Rationality can analyze a lot."

"But sometimes, for some projects, there's no reason. You just purely like it. So, you shouldn't miss out on it."

"Captain, I don't want to miss out on this project."

*Chapter 744: Gathering of the Stars*

In January, Los Angeles shows no sign of winter’s chill or bleakness. A warm sea breeze drifts in, and towering palm trees stand tall against the cloudless sky, making the world feel vast and infinite.

And so.

Golden sunlight pours down unobstructed, cascading like a waterfall onto the bright red carpet, creating a shimmering haze around the Hilton Hotel in Hollywood, making it look like a scene from a fairy tale.

Tonight, the 60th Golden Globe Awards ceremony is about to take place here.

Typically, award season begins in October of the previous year and lasts until March of the next year. The Golden Globes mark the midpoint, dividing the season into two halves. The works that appear at the Golden Globes are often considered frontrunners, with the winners defining the leading contenders.

Of course, there are always exceptions. Some films that skip the Golden Globes surge in the latter half of the season, securing Oscar nominations and even taking home the prize.

But such instances are rare, extremely rare.

That’s why the Golden Globes, serving as both a barometer and a milestone, have always been a focal point for all of Hollywood, sometimes even outshining the Oscars in excitement.

Today is no different.

At the entrance of the Hilton Hotel, staff are busy on the red carpet, finalizing the placement of live cameras, sponsor tables, interview spaces, and more.

At the end of the red carpet, inside the glass house, NBC's broadcast team is reviewing the guest list and last-minute details for the live show.

Once they receive the signal, the staff at the entrance opens the gates, allowing the audience to enter. The excited fans, unable to contain their enthusiasm, cheer as they rush in, quickly filling the stands to capacity.

There are still three hours until the red carpet officially begins, but being on-site feels entirely different. The lights, the cameras, the bustling staff, the reporters, and the TV crews already on location—they all create a tiny corner of the grand spectacle that is the entertainment industry.

Being there, you can feel your blood starting to boil with excitement.

The murmur of noise rolls and burns in the sunlight, and a sense of anticipation bubbles up, making the world spin faster. The cheers become deafening.

Meanwhile, the media is also getting into place, preparing for what will be a twelve-hour marathon, barely able to contain their excitement.

Technically, this is just work—

And work can be exhausting. Nobody loves their job, not even journalists covering Hollywood stars.

But award ceremonies are different. Despite the exhaustion, there’s a rush of adrenaline. It’s a contradiction—knowing full well that tomorrow will bring soreness and frustration, and that you’ll be gulping down espressos while frantically typing out your report. Yet, standing here right now, there’s only…

Excitement.

Even the veterans can’t help but feel a little thrill.

Because this award season is just… too exhilarating.

On one hand, the competition for the film categories is unusually fierce. The Golden Globes’ nomination list is overflowing, with nominations handed out like party favors.

On the other hand, controversy outside the ceremony is heating up. Over the past two months, rumors about the U.S. preparing to invade Iraq have dominated headlines worldwide. Hollywood figures advocating for peace are speaking out, with many suggesting that both the Golden Globes and Oscars should be canceled as a statement.

Yet, the Golden Globes are proceeding under pressure.

And that’s not all.

Setting aside the drama, even the guest list has people buzzing with anticipation.

One key figure is Anson.

Over the past two weeks, Anson has dominated the headlines. And no one has forgotten the memorable clash at the Emmys two years ago, involving Anson, Jennifer Aniston, and Brad Pitt. That incident is still a hot topic.

Tonight, Jennifer Aniston is nominated for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series, and she’s attending with Brad Pitt.

This means that the three of them might share the stage again.

Additionally, Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for Best Actor in a Drama for Gangs of New York, is also confirmed to attend. He’s been hailed as Hollywood’s last great star of the 20th century. If he were to meet with Anson, who’s considered the first great star of the 21st century, what kind of scene would that be?

Just imagining it makes people eagerly look forward to the event.

Amid the bustling crowd, even seasoned reporters can’t resist striking up conversations.

Everyone has their focus—

Some are excited to see Catherine Zeta-Jones, who, with her stunning performance in Chicago, has shot to the top ranks of Hollywood.

Others are curious about Daniel Day-Lewis, a reclusive actor seemingly shunning the spotlight.

Some wonder about Nicole Kidman, who, after her divorce from Tom Cruise, has thrown herself entirely into her work. Her comment, “I can finally wear heels now,” caused quite a stir in Hollywood. It’s uncertain whether Tom Cruise will attend tonight’s ceremony.

But.

As the discussions progress, it becomes clear that no one can ignore Anson Wood.

It’s not that Anson is irresistibly charming to everyone, but because he’s currently the hottest star. Even in a sea of stars at the Golden Globes, he’s the absolute center of attention. More importantly, people are excited about the surprises Anson might bring.

During the Catch Me If You Can flash mob campaign, Anson continuously switched up his fashion choices, showcasing his versatile charm. Not only did TMZ get a glimpse of the internet’s viral potential a decade in advance, but Vogue also featured him in a special report, highlighting this rising star.

In other words, in the fashion world, Anson’s appeal is unmatched. With the endorsement of legends like Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld, his influence is undeniable.

His momentum continues to grow.

Now, the moment of truth has arrived.

The Golden Globe Awards.

Since Anson has been cultivating a fashion-forward image since Christmas, he’s undoubtedly prepared for the red carpet. But here’s the question:

After delivering so many iconic looks, with expectations now sky-high, how will Anson deliver the final, show-stopping look that takes him from a rising star to an undeniable icon?

It has to be more than just stylish—it has to be stunning.

Otherwise, the hype could fall flat, leaving things in an awkward position.

So, regardless of whether people like Anson, all eyes are on him.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

A soft murmur arises at the front of the red carpet. Eyes instinctively follow the noise, and only now do people realize, amid the excitement and anticipation, that time has flown by unnoticed.

Someone’s arriving.

Chapter 745: Stealing the Spotlight

A sleek black silk gown, appearing as though it had been cut from a single piece of fabric, hugged her figure. The off-shoulder, strapless design traced the curvaceous lines of her upper body with precision. The draping fabric cascaded down from her waist like a waterfall, with high slits on both sides that revealed tantalizing glimpses with each step, evoking endless imagination.

Simple yet luxurious.

Subtle yet bold.

As soon as Angelina Jolie appeared, her icy elegance dominated the red carpet, her aura sharp against the golden warmth of the sun. Effortlessly, she captured everyone's attention, and the air filled with a palpable buzz.

No one had expected Angelina to attend tonight’s award ceremony!

In the past two years, Angelina's romance with Billy Bob Thornton had been the stuff of legend. Two fiery personalities clashed time and again, pushing the boundaries of conventional wisdom—like modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, rebels breaking the rules.

Last year, at the Golden Globe Awards on the same red carpet, Angelina and Billy turned heads by publicly displaying their love with a passionate French kiss that lasted over two minutes, a bold act that left no one untouched. It was a brazen challenge to the standards of decorum, especially since the event was broadcast live and suitable for all audiences, including many young viewers.

Had this been the only drama, Angelina's return to the Golden Globes wouldn’t have been too surprising. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, known for its love of spectacle, might even have invited her back to stir up more excitement.

After all, she hadn’t broken any laws.

But here’s the real twist: after two years of being inseparable, Angelina showed up without Billy Bob—because their divorce was still underway.

Their love had been tumultuous, and their breakup just as dramatic. Over the past few months, their separation had been splashed across every headline, with endless gossip and speculation, creating a scene that was downright ugly.

For this reason, it seemed obvious that neither Angelina nor Billy Bob would attend the Golden Globes. It would’ve been a battlefield, with both of them easy targets for the media's assault. The very idea that they could face each other in the same venue where they’d once flaunted their affection seemed absurd. The media would never let them off the hook.

From any angle, it made sense to avoid this storm.

Yet—Angelina showed up.

Not only did she appear, but she did so with poise, outshining everyone.

And her choice of attire was deliberate—a black evening gown, devoid of color, almost funereal. But its daring and avant-garde design carried a rebellious edge, making it clear she was here to make a statement.

What a presence!

Shock, awe, and endless thoughts swirled through everyone’s minds. Cameras clicked instinctively, with flashes lighting up the scene, creating a tidal wave of excitement.

Inside the glass enclosure, NBC’s special guests were flustered—

On the red carpet, the TV network had placed hosts responsible for interviewing guests. That team roamed freely, seeking interviews as they went. Inside the glass booth, however, a different group of special commentators analyzed the stars' fashion choices in real-time, enhancing the glitz and glamor of the Golden Globes.

Among them was Cindy Levi, the current fashion editor of Glamour, a magazine with over sixty years of history. Her role was to provide expert fashion commentary.

Unlike other fashion publications, Glamour leans more towards Hollywood glamour, occupying a niche between entertainment gossip and high fashion. This is why Cindy had been invited to the Golden Globes—to keep things lighthearted and entertaining.

But now—

Seeing Angelina’s arrival, Cindy was clearly caught off guard. Her mind immediately jumped to recent tabloid gossip about Angelina, making it hard to focus on the fashion. Flustered, she stammered, “This gown... it makes Angelina look like a goddess of war.”

“I mean, the goddess of war, Athena. Yes, she... really embodies that spirit.”

Her words were clumsy, and she knew it. But there was no turning back now, so she soldiered on, trying to regain her composure.

This was reality—

The reporters were flustered. The guests were in chaos.

Angelina's unexpected appearance had upended all plans like a hurricane, once again making a powerful statement.

There was no denying that she had succeeded.

This young actress, who had become Hollywood's new sex symbol, had consistently challenged norms with her rebellious, bold, and wild image, ultimately crafting a persona that was uniquely her own.

And it had left an indelible impression!

With the opening act of the Golden Globes’ red carpet now behind them, Angelina's appearance had set off a massive shockwave at the Hilton Hotel entrance, leaving all the following guests in the shadows. Neither their topics nor their buzz could compete with hers.

Its impact lingered.

Even Catherine Zeta-Jones, who brought a small surprise by walking the red carpet pregnant, couldn’t steal the spotlight.

Daniel Day-Lewis, sporting a shaved head and silver earrings in a rockstar style, also failed to make waves.

Not even stars like Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry, Adrien Brody, Maggie Gyllenhaal, or Steven Spielberg could outshine Angelina.

Her impact was simply too strong.

As the bustling noise began to settle, signaling the close of the first half of the red carpet, everyone—journalists, guests, and hosts alike—took a collective breath, their nerves relaxing slightly.

Everyone knew the second half held the true heavyweights. The real showstoppers were yet to come.

A brief pause for an even bigger explosion.

The atmosphere remained lively, but a hint of casual ease slipped in. Smiles spread across faces, and hushed conversations filled the air, discussing the highlights of the first half and, of course—

Angelina Jolie.

Then—

A black sedan pulled up. The security team dutifully opened the door, and a figure stepped out.

The noise in the air gradually died down.