The performance of "Murder by Numbers" has fallen far below expectations. Although it has only been in theaters for two weeks, losses are estimated to be as high as $30 million or more.
This is precisely why Warner Bros. is not fond of investing in small to medium-budget films. When they fail, the losses are significant, making it more worthwhile to invest in large-scale projects—where the wins are big and the losses equally dramatic.
Anson doesn't know how Sandra Bullock, the lead actress, feels, but for Brad Renfro, this is a heavy blow.
In recent years, Brad has been active in various independent films. He finally got the opportunity to return to the mainstream spotlight, only for things to go poorly, plunging him back into the pain of past nightmares.
Moreover, comparisons are often painful.
Brad's previous work, "Ghost World," received widespread acclaim. Though it didn't garner award nominations, it was invited to several independent film festivals. Now, "Murder by Numbers" is mired in negative reviews, and the uncertainty about its future has driven Brad into a dark place.
For the past two weeks, Chris Evans has been staying home with Brad, while Anson and James have been busy with the promotion of "Spider-Man," barely having a moment to rest. Despite this, Anson still finds time to call Brad every now and then—not to deliver empty platitudes but to remind him that the success or failure of "Murder by Numbers" isn't important. The real value lies in the fact that the mainstream media is once again paying attention to Brad, and Hollywood is realizing that Brad is still acting. Even if the movie's quality is mediocre, the actor's presence shouldn't be overlooked.
Who knows? Even a bad movie can remind producers of Brad's talent.
As it turns out, despite their different situations, Ryan also has his own worries, just like Anson tonight.
Noticing Anson's gaze, Ryan nods slightly, "I've been thinking."
"Thinking about what kind of actor I want to be and what roles I should take. You know, I'm not the conventional handsome guy. For roles like 'Spider-Man,' I wouldn't even pass the audition."
This is the truth.
Ryan looks particularly frail now—thin and gloomy. His appearance doesn't fit Hollywood's mainstream aesthetics. Major film companies prefer tall, strong, and handsome actors, while those who are skinny often struggle to find lead roles in independent films.
Ryan Gosling in his early twenties, and later Timothée Chalamet, are prime examples. Their physiques and images don't align with Hollywood's traditional standards, making it difficult for them to land leading roles.
If it weren't for the unexpected success of "Call Me by Your Name," it would have been incredibly hard for the latter to make a name for himself.
This is also why Ryan later started working out.
The Ryan in "Half Nelson" and the Ryan in "Crazy, Stupid, Love" are only five years apart, yet they seem like two completely different people.
Anson raises his chin slightly, "So, you're trying to define your presence?"
Ryan looks at Anson in surprise, "Yes..." There's a hint of hesitation in his voice.
Anson replies calmly, "Even a pretty face can have a brain. Many people don't realize that Marilyn Monroe was actually very intelligent. She put a lot of thought into her acting career, but the environment back then didn't allow her to explore that side of herself."
Ryan's smile widens, "I believe that."
After a slight pause, Ryan honestly says, "You're different from what I imagined."
"Friends"? "The Princess Diaries"? "Spider-Man"? And even fashion week runway shows?
To be honest, Ryan didn't think he and Anson would have anything in common, but now it seems that a little prejudice can blind you if you're not careful.
Although Ryan stops there, Anson can hear the underlying meaning in his words, "So, you have imagined it?"
A teasing remark leaves Ryan momentarily stunned, and he can't help but give Anson a thumbs up, "Haha, you got me." With wit and sharpness like that, it's no wonder Jay Leno saw him in a new light, and no wonder he became a star on "The Tonight Show." "Hahaha."
The laughter doesn't stop.
Ryan shakes his head slightly, protesting, "I was trying to comfort you, but now it seems someone doesn't need it at all."
Ryan expected Anson to continue teasing, but instead, Anson said, "Thank you."
Ryan is taken aback.
When Ryan is serious, Anson jokes; when Ryan jokes, Anson is serious.
The rhythm is completely off, and Ryan can't keep up.
Ryan, "Huh?"
Anson, looking serious, says, "I said, thank you."
Seeing Ryan's stunned expression, a smile appears in Anson's eyes, "Tonight, everyone is showering me with compliments and praise. It's overwhelming, and I can't tell what's genuine. But now, someone is willing to calm down and listen. So, thank you."
"Cough, cough..." Ryan suddenly feels uneasy, coughing to cover his embarrassment.
This makes Anson burst into hearty laughter, "Haha."
At this moment, Ryan is still young and inexperienced—a rookie who's fresh out of the gate. His childhood experience in the Mickey Mouse Club doesn't help much. But it's precisely because of this that Ryan was able to complete those performances early in his career and find his place.
Anson brings the conversation back on track, "Are you worried about the performance of 'Murder by Numbers' too?"
Ryan exhales softly, "Worried. Actually, this is also my first widely released film. I'm even afraid to look at myself on the big screen; but from the current situation, there's no point in worrying anymore."
Barring any surprises, "Murder by Numbers" has no chance of recovery. The losses are inevitable.
Anson, "Are you also worried about Sandra?"
Screech!
Ryan's hands noticeably shake as he grips the steering wheel—
Fortunately, the streets are empty at this late hour. Ryan quickly corrects the steering, his face flustered, "I, uh, why would I be worried about Sandra?"
Anson is taken aback as well.
It takes him a moment to recall that in the previous timeline, Ryan and Sandra Bullock fell in love during the filming of "Murder by Numbers" and dated for over a year.
But as things stand, the paparazzi haven't uncovered this relationship yet, so it's still a secret.
Anson didn't mean anything by it, but Ryan has already given himself away.
A smile creeps up on Anson's face, but he doesn't call him out on it. It seems that Ryan and Sandra aren't ready to go public, "Because Sandra is the lead actress? Just like you're worried about Brad, you must be worried about Sandra too?"
Ryan realizes that his overreaction might have given him away, "Oh, of course, I'm worried about Sandra. Her pressure is greater than Brad's or mine. We don't have much to lose, but Sandra does."
Blah, blah, blah.
Explanations are just excuses.
Ryan realizes he's saying too much, so he takes a deep breath and quickly brakes his thoughts, "I suppose no actor is exempt from this."
"Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt—they're probably just as nervous with their first film as they are with their hundredth."
"Uh, that's just my guess."
Adding that last part makes him sound less confident, which makes Anson laugh. He doesn't point out Ryan's awkward topic shift and goes along with it, "Maybe Nicolas Cage is the exception."