Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 198: Charming Prince & Snow White

"I don't like that movie."

A loud voice from the street interrupted Renly and the group's heated conversation. Everyone turned to look and saw a man in his early thirties, wearing a simple hoodie and shorts, with a faint smile on his face, shaking his head continuously.

Feeling the eyes on him, he continued shaking his head and shouted again, "I don't like it! Jesus Christ, I really can't like that movie."

Facing such a direct criticism, Renly spread his hands and shouted back, "At least you went into the cinema."

"But never again." The man replied without hesitation, finding his own words amusing. He chuckled, waved dismissively, and walked away quickly without looking back.

Unexpectedly, another voice came from the same side of the street, "Buddy, I don't like that movie either." Following the voice, they saw an African American couple, with the man who had dreadlocks speaking. His girlfriend, in his arms, laughed uncontrollably, playfully hitting his chest but unable to stop him. "Who made the movie's lead not black and so handsome? I hate this movie. God, I swear!"

This simple exchange made passerbys on both sides of the street chuckle, even the audience sitting outside the café joined in.

This is Telluride, the unique Telluride.

Here, everyone can express their opinion about a movie. Watching movies, like art, is a very personal experience. Some films receive widespread acclaim, but one just can't like them. Others are criticized harshly, but one might enjoy them immensely. Every viewer has a unique experience.

The special thing about Telluride is not just the platform for expressing opinions or the equal exchange between filmmakers and audiences, but the peaceful mindset everyone maintains. Liking or disliking something is straightforward. Even criticism doesn't harm feelings because art naturally embraces all praise and critique.

Turning back, Renly saw a young man who looked like a college student standing in front of him with an innocent expression, "Honestly, I wouldn't watch it in the cinema a second time. It's torture!"

This comment made Renly laugh heartily, "That's the highest compliment I've heard."

After the discussion, the young people dispersed again. Unlike the crowding and frenzy at the Toronto Film Festival, in Telluride, actors can be seen everywhere, making craziness unnecessary. Here, it's all about the movies, just about the movies.

After bidding farewell to everyone, only Renly and Rooney remained. Renly gave Rooney an apologetic smile, "This is also a first for me. Before today, I was the one being ignored."

Just now, no one recognized Rooney—compared to Renly, Rooney had been in Hollywood for almost four years, starring in two films "Tanner Hall" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street," and guest-starring in the popular TV series "ER," but she never gained significant recognition. Even in "The Social Network," the major scenes were dominated by the two male leads.

Being surrounded at such a friendly festival like Telluride but not being recognized was indeed awkward and somewhat disappointing. Hence, Renly's apology.

However, Renly's tone carried a bit of self-mockery and teasing, making Rooney smile faintly, "I guess, after the premiere of 'The Social Network,' our roles will switch." Confident yet playful, her words subtly retaliated, making Renly laugh out loud, "But after hearing everyone's discussion, I'm now more and more excited about the movie. High expectations are not a good sign."

Renly calmly spread his hands, "I welcome any form of criticism."

Rooney's eyes lit up slightly, her seemingly unchanged expression flickering with a sly glint, "It's a small town, but there are tens of thousands of viewers. After this afternoon, I might never see you again."

The Telluride Film Festival attracts over 100,000 viewers each year, bringing vitality to this small town. Although it can't compare to the hundreds of thousands of attendees at the big three European film festivals, the dedicated film enthusiasts who come to Telluride are uniquely passionate.

Renly raised his eyebrows slightly, a playful glimmer in his eyes, "So, are you asking me out on a date?"

Rooney slightly bit her lip, her reluctant smile tinged with mockery and amusement, fleetingly, "Of course not, charming prince." The teasing tone was unmistakable, "I'm just inviting you to watch 'Buried' with me. If you lack confidence in the movie, then never mind."

Rooney's black-and-white eyes lifted slightly, scrutinizing Renly with a hint of challenge, clearly using reverse psychology, yet not fearing Renly's awareness of it.

Renly didn't rush to answer. He leisurely took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, pulled one out, and held it between his lips. But his gaze remained on Rooney, noticing the aversion flickering in her eyes—despite the legality of marijuana here and the festival's celebratory atmosphere, some still disliked it.

Renly lightly bit the cigarette, then raised his right hand, holding the cigarette between his fingers, taking it down without intending to explain. Instead, he countered, "If I watch 'Buried' with you, does that mean you'll watch 'The Social Network' with me?"

Rooney didn't expect this, her eyes moving from the cigarette to Renly's face, her surprise unhidden. Renly shrugged, "That's only fair, isn't it?"

Rooney glanced at the cigarette, "So, is this a date?"

Renly's smile spread like spring breeze through the sycamore trees, "Of course not, Snow White."

Rooney bit her lip, but couldn't help the smile from creeping up. She had to lower her head to compose herself, then nodded, "Alright, no problem. But, I don't eat popcorn."

Renly raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, "I'm on a diet."

This made Rooney genuinely laugh, her light laughter capable of melting ice, brightening the afternoon sun.

"So, which theater should we go to?" Renly looked around, extending a gentlemanly invitation to Rooney.

At the Telluride Film Festival, ensuring every viewer sees their desired movie is the committee's top goal. All screens of the eleven theaters operate 24/7, each movie shown at least thirty times, guaranteeing enough spots for everyone.

So, even with queues and the constant stream of viewers, almost everyone eventually fulfills their wishes. Miss one screening, and there's always another.

Despite this, Renly and Rooney waited for two screenings to watch "Buried." They only got tickets for 6 PM that day at a theater on the town's outskirts, showing how hot "Buried" had become after the Toronto Film Festival's buzz.

Rumor has it, "Buried" now rivals "127 Hours," becoming one of Telluride's opening day hits.

As for "The Social Network," it was even more incredible. As Renly predicted, they only got midnight tickets, entering the theater at 12:30 AM to watch the movie. By the time it ended, it was already early morning, yet the town was still brightly lit, with film enthusiasts reveling through the night.