When James Franco appeared, his mad performance left many captivated. His plain black magician suit, combined with a face as clean and bright as a sunny boy, and a magnetic voice that sounded as kind as a benevolent elder, contrasted sharply with the evil soul hidden inside his ordinary exterior.
This stark contrast between appearance and inner nature left a profound impact on the audience.
After years of honing his directing skills, Murphy knew exactly how to blend the character of the magician with James Franco. In real life, Franco was an eccentric with a sunny exterior but an unconventional inner world. The magician's character was designed with Franco in mind, making him the only choice for the role from the beginning.
Murphy never considered anyone else for the role of the magician.
This character was undoubtedly accepted by fans. Not only did ordinary fans appreciate it, but many critics at the premiere also nodded in approval at James Franco's performance.
"James Franco has never been considered one of Hollywood's best actors," Kenneth Turan whispered to his friend Todd McCarthy. "But his performance here is outstanding, far surpassing his portrayal of James Dean. This role alone matches the best of Daniel Day-Lewis."
"Agreed," Todd McCarthy concurred. "Credit goes to Murphy Stanton. The magician's character is well-crafted, and such contrasts often allow an actor to shine!"
The magician, having robbed the mafia's money, now had the financial foundation to implement his philosophy in New York City. As in "Chaos City" and real life, some police officers fell to the temptation of money. Jay Rachel, along with Chris Dane and Detective Lynch, prepared to launch a comprehensive crackdown on New York's dark forces.
In one scene, Murphy highlighted Detective Lynch's assistant, whose mother was critically ill and needed funds for treatment.
The film's pace was very fast. Besides necessary plot developments, Murphy never neglected the action scenes that fans loved—an essential element to draw the audience.
In a VIP theater in Los Angeles, Leonardo DiCaprio was fully engrossed in the film. Despite his previous disagreements with Murphy, he now only wanted to watch the film from a producer and studio owner's perspective. There was much to learn from this movie.
Especially the magician. As the plot progressed, DiCaprio was amazed at how a villain could be so brilliant and captivating, completely overshadowing the protagonist.
From the stunning bank heist to the mad solo battle with the mafia, the magician exuded unique charm.
Chris Dane's presence was almost entirely eclipsed by him.
This film was truly remarkable. While "Chaos City" was already excellent, "The Dark City" exuded a pervasive darkness, suffocating seriousness, and yet an irresistible allure.
"Murphy Stanton brings a completely different dark crime action film, unlike any previous action movie."
DiCaprio's rational mind confirmed this. The bank heist, the real and fake vigilantes, the magician's fight with the mafia, Chris Dane's chase in Hong Kong—each scene never let the audience catch their breath. The tight pace was like a relentless drumbeat, constantly elevating emotions.
Jay Rachel and Chris Dane's actions cornered the mafia, who then hired the enigmatic magician. The magician became New York City's nightmare. With inside help from the police, the judge was killed in a car bomb, the police chief was poisoned in his office, and the fake vigilante was killed live by the magician...
One after another, the guardians of New York's law fell to the magician's blade.
The magician left a message declaring that unless the vigilante publicly unmasked, the killing would continue. Even Jay Rachel and her senator father were on the death list.
"This is a truly badass character!"
Watching the magician instill fear throughout New York, Daisy was enthralled. "This… is my idol!"
Compared to the magician, past movie villains seemed utterly weak!
The magician was mad, with no bottom line or principles. Chris Dane had his limits, constantly hindered by the magician. Facing the magician's death threats, New York citizens, who once saw the vigilante as their hope, now demanded he reveal his identity and take responsibility.
In a crisis, New Yorkers betrayed their hope!
"Human nature!"
Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers shook his head. "This is human nature!"
Although shaking his head, he wanted to run up to Murphy Stanton and give him a thumbs-up. This was a perfect representation of human nature. In reality, when people are threatened, who doesn't think of themselves first? As for the city's hope, it can go to hell.
For some reason, many fans felt a sense of oppression watching this scene. Chris Dane had sacrificed so much for New York, but the citizens didn't care.
Sacrificing his life for people who didn't care about him—was it worth it?
"A bunch of ingrates!" Daisy muttered to herself. "If it were me, I'd mow them all down with an assault rifle!"
In the film, Chris Dane faced a difficult choice, highlighting the heavy, dark, and oppressive nature of humanity.
This scene was indeed very moving, but The New Yorker critic Richard Brody frowned slightly. Having a habit of nitpicking films, he couldn't help but think, doesn't human nature have a bright side?
He shook his head, thinking Murphy Stanton viewed human nature too darkly.
On screen, Chris Dane met with Jay Rachel in his penthouse. Together, they devised what they believed to be a foolproof plan against the magician.
At a convened press conference, Jay Rachel announced that the vigilante would reveal his identity live. A male assistant district attorney stepped forward and was promptly arrested by the police. That night, as the police prepared to transfer him to a prison outside Manhattan, the magician, who had been holding back, appeared.
A thrilling car chase ensued!
On the big screen, the magician began his pursuit of the assistant district attorney impersonating Chris Dane. It seemed the film was reaching its climax.
In the IMAX theater in Los Angeles, Vin Diesel noticed a change in the screen during the car chase. Amidst the deafening sound effects, the visuals became even more impactful, as if everything was unfolding right before his eyes in panoramic view.
Being skilled in creating car chases himself, he quickly noticed the difference. Compared to the 3D "Fast & Furious 6," the visuals here filled every inch of the massive screen...
This was the power of IMAX!
Beside him, Leonardo DiCaprio watched the screen intently, nodding subconsciously. When IMAX combined with top-tier directors and commercial films, the effect was simply… stunning!
In nearly 200 IMAX theaters across the country, many viewers were glued to the big screen.
Although not as immersive as "The Polar Express" in 3D, the visual impact of this action scene left many wide-eyed, unable to tear their gaze away.
"The plot and the magician's performance are indeed brilliant, but the visual effects are equally astounding!"
In the New York State Theater, Los Angeles Times critic Kenneth Turan murmured, "Combining the anxiety of human nature with gripping commercial elements so perfectly—this is definitely Murphy Stanton's best film!"
Suddenly, he heard scattered cheers around him. Turan refocused on the screen to see the new vigilante's super motorcycle making its debut.
The magician remained mad, using even himself as a tool to break Chris Dane's limits. But Chris Dane, holding firmly to his principles, chose to injure himself rather than break his rules.
As the magician crouched by the unconscious Chris Dane, attempting to unmask him, Detective Lynch, who had been shot during the police chief's commemoration, appeared, capturing the magician...
"Is it over just like that?"
Justin checked his watch. The film had been running for over 90 minutes. With the magician captured, it seemed the movie should indeed be ending.
But he felt something was missing.
The plot soon clarified. The magician had intentionally gotten caught. Using Chris Dane and Jay Rachel's plan, he not only escaped but also took the mafia accountant with him, presenting Chris Dane with a choice.
With help from his police insiders, the magician kidnapped Jay Rachel and her senator father, forcing Chris Dane to choose whom to save.
Of course, Chris Dane would choose to save his friend and New York's bright future, even knowing Jay Rachel might hate him for it.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]