Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 181: Escalation Tactics

Facing the reporters' aggressive questions, Renly felt a wave of irritation. He was about to lower his head and make a quick exit, but upon hearing the reporter's question, he found it amusing and couldn't help but stop in his tracks. The more he thought about it, the funnier it seemed. "Where did you hear that?" His expression was full of interest, not anger. Instead, he looked eagerly in the direction of the questioning reporter.

If he had been furious or ready to blame someone, it wouldn't have been surprising. But Renly, going against expectations, left the questioning reporter stunned. However, this was not a one-on-one duel; it was Renly against more than thirty reporters. Another reporter quickly answered, "From 'US Weekly'."

Renly realized, as expected, that the media had employed their usual tactic of taking things out of context. "I suggest you read the full article before asking questions. Don't degrade the title of 'Uncrowned King' in front of the public. After all, your newspaper isn't sold in supermarkets."

The term "supermarket tabloids" refers to the free newspapers given out in supermarkets, which housewives might use to line vegetable baskets and then casually flip through during breaks, looking for coupons. These tabloids are synonymous with unreliable gossip, and their stories are more akin to ghost tales, filled with unverified, sensational revelations.

Renly's statement was clearly pointed. His smile was composed and polite, but his words were sharp, striking at every reporter present.

"So, are you denying that you said something like that?" another reporter shouted, making others roll their eyes. Renly's meaning was already clear; pressing further would only be self-humiliating.

Sure enough, Renly smiled at the questioning reporter. "I never said those words. Is my accent too unclear for you to understand? Or did you not learn language comprehension properly?"

Cornell McGregor experienced what it meant to be insulted without vulgarity. Renly's standard London accent, like a professor from Cambridge, was both elegant and sharp, leaving Cornell stunned. Adding insult to injury, the surrounding reporters gave him disdainful looks, eager to distance themselves from him. The shame burned intensely.

"But during an interview, you said the director was the greatest contributor to '127 Hours'!" A fallen reporter was replaced by another, with questions leaving no room to breathe.

"Indeed, that's what I believe. Any issues with that?" Renly retorted without hesitation. Reporters pondered—Renly's view was valid, matching many critics who praised Danny Boyle.

However, hearing the same from an actor seemed odd, didn't it? Yet the reporters couldn't refute it.

Cornell, frustrated, shouted, "What about in 'Buried'? Do you think you were the greatest contributor?"

This question was sharp, intensifying the conflict. Reporters eagerly watched Renly, making Cornell feel triumphant, especially seeing Renly ponder seriously. Cornell's frustration was somewhat relieved.

"Does your question imply that everyone agrees 'Buried' is a successful film?" Renly's response halted Cornell's joy. Other reporters were surprised, realizing Renly's response was logical. "Thank you, I accept such praise."

Renly admitted it, just like that!

Cornell clenched his fists in excitement. Would an interview with 'Buried' director Rodrigo lead to a public clash? But he noticed his colleagues weren't as excited. Calming down, he realized:

Critics agreed Renly was 'Buried's' key contributor; even Rodrigo admitted Renly ensured the film's success.

In other words, Renly's blunt acceptance of praise seemed arrogant but was irrefutable. Like in sports, celebrating a win might be annoying but unchallengeable—it's a victor's right.

Cornell, chest tight with frustration, found Renly increasingly irritating.

"Renly, who do you think performed better, you or James?" another reporter asked. James had deflected the question humorously; how would Renly respond? Reporters were tense, waiting for this potential drama.

Renly shrugged. "I think everyone would choose James. So if I also chose James, it would be too hypocritical, right?"

So, Renly chose himself, just like James.

Confident yet humble, sharp yet gentle, aggressive yet composed, his inner resolve and drive left people speechless.

The questioning seemed pointless to continue. Renly moved forward again, the reporters' circle loosening, no longer pressing him. Renly broke through, reporters trailing like a comet's tail, snapping photos but losing numbers, finally dispersing as he reached the hotel entrance.

Cornell scratched his head in frustration; Renly was genuinely hard to like.

James and Renly both defused the comparison questions, calming things down. But reporters wouldn't give up. First, both James and Renly chose themselves, maintaining the rivalry. Second, with "127 Hours" and "Buried" being similar films, their comparison would persist, especially during the Toronto Film Festival.

Reporters fanned the flames, asking, "James Franco vs. Renly Hall: Who is the best Y Generation actor?"

In the U.S., generational categories divide as: the "Silent Generation" (born 1928-1945), traditional and stable; the "Baby Boomers" (1946-1964), freedom-seeking and economically successful; the cynical "Generation X" (1965-1980), individualistic and often seen as lazy; and the "Generation Y" (1981-1996), self-centered, culturally open, seeking recognition, and balancing work with life.

Currently, Hollywood's stars are mostly Baby Boomers like Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Sean Penn; and rising Gen X actors like Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, Ethan Hawke.

However, Gen Y is rapidly rising, with talents like Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Scarlett Johansson, Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Orlando Bloom, and the "Harry Potter" cast.

Heath Ledger, tragically passing young, was a standout, delivering exceptional performances. Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal are leaders in Gen Y acting but can't yet match Gen X or Baby Boomers.

Three years ago, Shia LaBeouf's breakout in "Transformers" had some thinking he'd be the next Tom Hanks. Sadly, he was disappointing.

Now, with James and Renly emerging as potential leading actors for Gen Y, the media exploded with excitement. The narrative shifted from actor rivalry to the rise of a new generation of talent.

After "Black Swan's" Toronto premiere, Natalie Portman's stunning performance reignited media focus on Gen Y actors, making it a hot topic.

Surprisingly, instead of James vs. Renly becoming the main focus, a new narrative emerged. "Buried" gained more attention, pushing this independent film into the spotlight at Toronto.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Film Festival announced six more screenings of "Buried," meeting audience demand with three showings daily.

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