Hearing such a blunt tone, Gal Gadot, standing close to Matthew, turned and slightly furrowed her elegant brows. Was someone actually here to stir up trouble at the premiere?
Given her limited film experience, she hadn't personally witnessed it, but she'd heard many stories. When Hollywood productions held premieres overseas, especially in regions with sensitive relations with North America, it wasn't uncommon for agitators—often filmmakers or producers from other countries—to cause a scene.
It wasn't hard to understand why. Hollywood's commercial films dominated markets worldwide, disrupting local film industries and making many industry professionals resent Hollywood's influence.
Gal had heard her agent mention that for every fan of Hollywood movies, there were just as many movie industry professionals who despised them.
As Hollywood's top commercial star, Matthew wasn't immune to such animosity…
Gal Gadot took a couple of steps forward, positioning herself beside Matthew. As the film's leading lady and a member of the production's family, she wouldn't back down if trouble arose.
She was slightly concerned—what if this person was indeed looking to pick a fight? Matthew had a reputation. Rumor had it that he'd fought Vin Diesel, hit Justin Bieber, and even taken down a Mexican cartel member. He seemed to frequently find himself in scuffles.
Matthew noticed Gal Gadot, nodded slightly, and then looked over at the voice's owner.
The man appeared to be around fifty, with a scruffy, graying beard and a prominent bald spot extending to the back of his head—a typical balding look.
At a glance, Matthew deduced that this wasn't a local; the man looked Latin, and his face was entirely unfamiliar.
"Hello," the man said in a hostile tone. "I'm Jasper Noh, a director from France."
Matthew, accustomed to being a gracious host, responded politely, "Hello, nice to meet you."
Jasper Noh's expression was serious, and without further introduction, he asked bluntly, "Mr. Horner, what is your understanding of the art of film?"
Hearing the name Jasper Noh, Gal Gadot recalled who he was.
"We can discuss this topic some other time," Matthew replied, not wanting to argue at his own premiere, especially with a director he didn't even recognize. "Feel free to approach me after the premiere if you'd like to talk about film."
Although Jasper Noh had long resented Hollywood, he realized the occasion was inappropriate for an argument. He said coldly, "I hope you understand what film art truly is!"
With that, he turned and walked away without so much as a polite goodbye.
Matthew was left feeling baffled. This stranger of a director had approached him, spat out some random remarks, and then left. Was he here just to cause a scene?
Gal Gadot commented, "He's likely one of those directors whose career has been affected by Hollywood's dominance."
"Hmm." Matthew nodded, thinking the same thing. He replied nonchalantly, "Forget it; there are people like that everywhere."
It was entirely possible that one of his films released in France had crowded out one of Jasper Noh's films, perhaps even leading theaters to remove Noh's work entirely.
Frankly, aside from Luc Besson and a few notable French directors, how many French directors actually approved of Hollywood's commercial filmmakers and stars?
Out of curiosity, Matthew asked Gal, "Do you know who this Jasper Noh is?"
It was a casual question; he didn't expect Gal to have an answer. But she nodded and said, "I've seen one of his movies."
"Oh?" Matthew's interest was piqued. "Tell me about it."
Gal Gadot didn't hesitate. "Jasper Noh's latest film is Enter the Void. It tells the story of a low-level drug dealer who has an out-of-body experience after death, embarking on a long and surreal final journey…uh, let's just say it's not for everyone."
She thought for a moment, adding, "The film has some extreme content. By Hollywood standards, it'd likely be rated NC-17 at the very least."
Matthew understood immediately; this was probably a typical "artistic" director.
"Oh, by the way, he has another famous work that you may have heard of," Gal said in a low voice. "Irreversible is one of Jasper Noh's signature films."
Hearing the title, Matthew had a clearer understanding. He still didn't know much about Jasper Noh himself, but he remembered Irreversible, having seen parts of it a couple of times.
To be precise, he'd never watched the entire film but had rewatched a specific ten-minute scene and the ending multiple times. The voluptuous lead actress had made him curious, and he'd discovered her name—Monica Bellucci—through this film.
This was certainly "high art," a form of art he, as an ordinary person, found incomprehensible.
If that could be called art, then surely the entire adult industry in places like San Fernando Valley was full of artists.
Just then, an older man and a much younger woman entered the VIP lounge. The man was at least in his seventies, while the woman looked around thirty—a typical May-December couple.
They headed straight for Matthew.
Matthew recognized them, stepped forward, and greeted them politely, "Hello, Mr. Murdoch. Hello, Ms. Deng."
"Call me Rupert," Rupert Murdoch corrected, aware that Matthew couldn't be treated as just another Hollywood star. "I hear this film is testing well with audiences in North America. Matthew, it looks like you've got another hit on your hands."
Matthew responded modestly, "It's still too early to tell."
Ms. Deng shook his hand and said, "You're welcome to visit us in New York anytime."
Matthew couldn't help but feel that her pinky finger subtly brushed his palm as they shook hands. Recalling certain gossip, he couldn't help but have some…unflattering thoughts.
Of course, he didn't show any reaction. Perhaps this woman was considered attractive by Western standards, but by Eastern standards, she was average at best.
"Of course," Matthew said politely, though his attention was on Rupert, not Ms. Deng. "Rupert, next time I'm in New York, I'll be sure to visit you."
Anyone could engage in small talk. Rupert Murdoch replied with a friendly, "You're always welcome." Then, without warning, he added, "Matthew, you're known for being a savvy investor. The market here is becoming more open—are you interested in investing in the media sector here?"
Hearing the word "media," Matthew felt a twinge of caution. "Oh? Rupert, tell me more."
Ms. Deng gave Rupert Murdoch a look, recognizing that he was fishing for a potential investor. Matthew Horner seemed to have the resources and, according to rumor, was highly interested in this market.
However, unlike her, who had grown up here, Matthew wasn't familiar with the complexities. Foreigners who stepped into these waters often found themselves in over their heads.
Rupert Murdoch had invested heavily in the local media industry, pursuing every possible route to penetrate this lucrative market. He had even married someone like Ms. Deng, only to realize that some sectors were impenetrable for outsiders.
"Matthew, I've invested in some media assets here," Rupert began, "but now that I'm aiming to acquire Warner Bros., I need a large influx of capital. So, I'm considering selling off some of my media holdings here. Would you be interested?"
"Media, you say?" Matthew confirmed.
Rupert nodded. "Yes, the media industry."
Matthew grew even more wary, though he kept his expression neutral. "I've invested heavily in film projects lately, so funds are tight."
Rupert Murdoch was truly a cunning old fox, laying a trap in hopes of roping him in as a successor.
Some might be unaware, but as someone who had spent time here, Matthew knew better. Foreigners attempting large-scale media investments here were in for trouble.
And as someone who closely monitored both the local film market and Hollywood's Big Six studios, Matthew had some understanding of News Corp's situation.
News Corp had been one of the first to enter this market, and many of 20th Century Fox's films had been playing on national television here since the 1980s and 90s.
Matthew didn't know all the details, but he had read general reports from Helen Herman. Rupert Murdoch had acquired Phoenix Satellite Television in 1993 at the cost of $800 million, founded Star Media, and obtained permission to launch a Chinese channel in the South.
But that wasn't enough. To truly enter the media market, they partnered with a regional satellite channel, paying a premium to secure the 7:30 PM primetime slot.
Essentially, they had swapped the Star Media logo for the satellite channel's.
Quickly, however, this workaround was shut down, facing harsh penalties, and Murdoch was forced to consider withdrawing his investment.
Murdoch had assumed that leveraging certain political connections would suffice to break into the media sector here. He had grossly underestimated the complexities of the business and political environment.
Money had poured in, but the returns were minimal.
There was no way Matthew would pick up this burden; only a fool would make large-scale media investments here.
Seeing that Matthew had no interest, Rupert Murdoch and Ms. Deng soon moved on, seemingly in search of other potential investors.
Noting the time, Matthew instructed someone to notify the guests to head to the screening room.
With a lead over the rest of the world, Fast & Furious 5 was premiering here first.
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