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Chapter 562 - Chapter 561: Sci-Fi Movie 

The butterfly effect—the idea that a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon could trigger a tornado in Texas—is a phenomenon of chaos theory. 

Although Anson can't remember exactly when he learned about this in geography class, he vividly recalls the first time he truly experienced the concept: through a movie called The Butterfly Effect. 

The film tells the story of a young man named Evan, who had a troubled childhood filled with painful memories. He barely remembers the events that haunt him, but they continue to affect his everyday life. On his therapist's advice, Evan starts keeping a journal, only to discover that he can use it to travel back in time. 

As he begins to remember more about his childhood mistakes, he imagines using his adult consciousness to enter his younger self and correct those wrongs, hoping to prevent the harm caused and to finally be with the girl he had a crush on back then. 

However, Evan soon realizes that each attempt to change the past only worsens the present, just like the butterfly effect itself. 

So, what should he do? 

Although many films have explored the butterfly effect, The Butterfly Effect stands out for its detailed portrayal of the potential consequences of this phenomenon. 

When the film was released, just as Edgar's colleagues had predicted, its complex and mind-bending nature failed to resonate with mainstream audiences, severely impacting its box office performance. Like many sci-fi films that were ahead of their time and misunderstood, The Butterfly Effect didn't make a big splash at the box office. 

Movies like Blade Runner, RoboCop, Frequency, 12 Monkeys, Predestination, Run Lola Run, and The Man from Earth experienced similar fates. 

However, great works eventually shine through. 

Over time, as dedicated fans sifted through countless films, these exceptional pieces of art gained recognition. 

The Butterfly Effect is one such film. Despite its disappointing box office results, it became extremely popular in the DVD rental market, with niche sci-fi fans discovering it and expressing regret at not having seen it sooner. The film gained a cult following. 

Thanks to its strong word-of-mouth and continued revenue, the studio saw an opportunity and even went on to produce a second and third installment. 

Although the sequels were of poor quality, the fact that the series continued to a third film is a testament to the lasting impact of the first one. 

Even twenty years later, when people talk about niche sci-fi films, The Butterfly Effect remains a must-mention. 

Now, this movie has landed in Anson's hands— 

He's a little excited. 

Among the countless genres of films, sci-fi always holds a special place. Whether it's exploring the past or the future, the human mind, or outer space, it showcases imagination while also delving into and expanding upon the human condition. 

Anson hopes to star in a sci-fi film one day. 

What's more, The Butterfly Effect is different from other sci-fi movies because it's an introspective exploration. 

Alien deals with the fear of extraterrestrial monsters, Terminator explores the fear of an AI-driven apocalypse, and Blade Runner ponders the implications of cloning technology. 

In contrast, The Butterfly Effect focuses inward, not on the fate of humanity or technological advancement, but on the individual and the question of personal destiny— 

Have you ever regretted something? Have you ever wished to change a past mistake? Would your life be different if you hadn't said that one thing or made a different choice? 

This is a thought everyone has had at least once. 

Anson is no exception. 

In fact, he's had it many times. 

In his previous life, after his father's disappearance, during countless sleepless nights, he'd lie awake staring at the ceiling, unable to stop thinking like this. 

This is why humans are so fascinated with the idea of a time machine. 

In The Butterfly Effect, Evan has the chance to do what many dream of. The emotional turmoil, the conflict, the anguish he experiences—it's not just about regret; it's a complex mix of feelings. 

Anson still remembers how passionate fans analyzed the film from different angles. One discussion focused on Evan's motives: 

If Evan was truly so obsessed with the girl, so much so that he risked everything to go back in time again and again, then why hadn't he tried to find her in all these years? He seemed to have a happy relationship. 

Anson thinks maybe it was an obsession. 

If you have no chance to change the past, that unfulfilled love might remain a beautiful memory, frozen in the innocence and purity of first love. 

But once you have the chance, you can't help but magnify that memory and the potential happiness, believing it's the key to an ideal life, leading you to reckless, all-consuming actions that become an obsession. 

Obsession often appears irrational, with the real cause hidden beneath the surface. It becomes a guiding principle that can destroy one's sanity. 

Just like the butterfly effect, driving one to madness. 

Perhaps the only shortcoming of the film is that it couldn't fully convey this emotional depth or Evan's inner struggles. 

On one hand, the director had to focus on the pacing. 

After all, it was still a commercial film aimed at box office success. The film's philosophical undertones were already quite deep, and pushing the pacing further risked alienating the audience, so the director left much of the reflection for the film's ending. 

Naturally, this limited the space for the character's emotional arc to develop. 

On the other hand, it was also about the actor's understanding of the role. 

In a story centered on the butterfly effect and human reflections on tragedy, fate, and life, if the actor doesn't grasp this complexity and sorrow, it's impossible to convey layers of depth in the limited screen time through performance. 

In fact, Anson was reminded of Daniel Day-Lewis's role in There Will Be Blood, an Oscar-nominated film, where he played a character blinded by greed and desire, descending into madness. If you dig deep, the character's soul is complex and varied, showcasing how an ordinary person can eventually turn into a monster. 

The difference is that in There Will Be Blood, the monster's hands are stained with blood, while in The Butterfly Effect, the monster turns the knife on himself. 

Unfortunately, The Butterfly Effect couldn't make the character shine like There Will Be Blood did. 

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