"David, you actually came?"
Gilbert was surprised to see David Ellison at the Batman:Begins premiere.
Previously, Scarlett had suggested sending David an invitation to see if he would come. And David Ellison had really come—this genuinely impressed Gilbert.
David Ellison's expression was guarded; he obviously hadn't wanted to come, but Michael Ovitz and Martin Bob had been right.
To beat Gilbert, one had to understand Gilbert.
Gilbert's success wasn't luck; it was grounded in his talent and skill. If you didn't understand him, dreaming of defeating him was mostly impossible.
David Ellison was not a fool. He took the advice, accepted the invitation, and arrived at the premiere.
David shifted his mood slightly and then introduced the girl beside him: "Gilbert, let me introduce my sister, Megan Ellison."
"Hello, Miss Ellison…" Gilbert shook Megan Ellison's hand.
Megan Ellison was clearly interested in the acclaimed director: "Nice to meet you, Director Gilbert. I often hear my father speak of you."
"Oh? What does he say?"
"He says you're unparalleled, a super cinematic genius who influences human history."
Gilbert smiled: "Mr. Ellison flatters me. I just enjoy making movies."
"Really? I enjoy it too." Megan Ellison was very enthusiastic, completely unlike her brother: "If you have time, we could have a coffee together. I want to enter the film industry as well, maybe you could give me some advice."
"Megan…" David Ellison's tone carried a hint of disapproval.
"Sorry," Megan Ellison fell silent. "I wish your film great success."
"Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the movie. David, watch closely and learn carefully. My skills aren't something just anyone can pick up." Gilbert said, turning to David Ellison.
David Ellison snorted, then took Megan's hand and entered the theater.
Megan Ellison glanced back at Gilbert and made a phone gesture, signaling she'd contact him later.
"This little girl is far more interesting than her brother," Cameron Diaz said, appearing at Gilbert's side at some point.
Gilbert nodded: "Girls today are very smart. Megan Ellison is no exception; after all, she is Larry Ellison's daughter."
"I can see she's very interested in you."
"I'm not interested in becoming Larry Ellison's son-in-law," Gilbert replied, then asked, "All the media and guests are seated, right?"
"They're seated, ready to start at any moment."
"Good, let's go in!"
David Ellison found his seat, ignoring the curious looks around him. He took out a notebook and pen, preparing to learn and take notes.
"Wow, didn't expect you'd enjoy studying," Scarlett's mocking voice said. David looked up and saw her.
Scarlett continued in her monotone Sophia voice: "Too bad, some things can't be learned, unless you're reborn and try again."
David Ellison glared, making no reply. The last incident with Spider still haunted him; he feared this girl might pull another prank.
Megan Ellison, however, spoke kindly to Scarlett: "I really like your films, Miss Johnson."
"Really? Which one do you like?"
Lost in Translation, Megan replied, "I watched it twice."
Scarlett, a person who responded to kindness rather than force, instantly felt favorable toward Megan. She knew, however, that Megan and David were siblings, so her attitude wasn't entirely warm.
"You should check out Flipped; it's my favorite work," Scarlett said.
"I like that one too…"
As they were about to continue chatting, Gilbert called her over: "Scarlett, sit down, the movie is about to start."
"Okay," Scarlett immediately abandoned David and Megan, running to sit beside Gilbert, looking well-behaved, completely different from moments ago.
"What were you doing just now?" Gilbert asked.
"Nothing, just went to say hello," Scarlett replied.
Gilbert tapped her head: "You're always so mischievous. They were being polite coming here; you should return the courtesy."
"I came, so what? They're hardly saints! Hmph!"
Watching Scarlett's tsundere behavior, Gilbert shook his head in disbelief.
The movie began quickly. David Ellison calmed himself, silently telling himself to watch the film objectively.
He realized that previously he had been too subjective and overconfident. Now, he needed to take seriously the challenge of navigating Hollywood.
From another perspective, it was Gilbert who had pushed David Ellison to grow. Without facing some setbacks, how could David restart and mature?
Dante Cortez found his seat, wearing a limited-edition Batman necklace around his neck, immediately catching the attention of a middle-aged white man nearby.
"Wow, man, is that the 1987 limited-edition Batman necklace?"
Dante was momentarily stunned, then delighted: "Yes! You're a Batman fan too?"
"No, I'm not, but I tried to buy it back then and missed out." The man introduced himself: "I'm Noel, a fan of The Lord of the Rings series."
"I'm Dante, a Batman fan."
The two struck up a friendly conversation. Noel said: "After The Lord of the Rings, I lost interest in theaters for a couple of years; everything seemed dull. Seeing the Batman trailer caught my attention, so I came."
"Really? The Lord of the Rings is indeed classic," Dante agreed. "It's also why I trusted Gilbert. I believe he can give Batman a new life."
"Same here…"
The two of them were seated near the media section. Barry, a reporter in the front row, listened to the fans' conversation and thought to himself, Saving a Batman movie isn't going to be easy!
The crucial factors were box office and audience reception.
If either failed to meet expectations, even someone as talented as Gilbert couldn't rescue the franchise.
Inside the theater, before the movie started, everyone exchanged their opinions. Those attending the premiere were mostly loyal fans, and they still had confidence in Gilbert.
Somebody suddenly shouted, "The movie's starting…"
The theater darkened instantly, and the large screen began to play the film.
The Sofitel Grand Theater had undergone renovations last year, installing two IMAX screens. The premiere took place in the largest IMAX auditorium.
As the guests, media, and fans focused on the massive screen, they noticed it was significantly larger than typical cinema screens.
"This must be the IMAX theater. I wonder how it'll look?" David Ellison, being industry-savvy, thought.
He knew Gilbert and directors like James Cameron highly recommended IMAX films. Seven or eight years ago, these two directors had collaborated with IMAX to develop new filming and projection systems.
Until 2005, the first film shot entirely in IMAX, Batman: Begins, made its official debut.
No one really knew how an IMAX-format movie would look, but the fact that Gilbert brought this technology to market proved it was mature.
David Ellison quickly noticed the difference. The Warner Bros. and DC logos flashed on the screen; in the dim sky above, a flock of bats appeared, gradually forming a massive bat symbol.
In IMAX format, the frame was wider, the clarity higher, and the visuals more immersive. David also felt his eardrums vibrate.
According to IMAX, the technology didn't just involve the massive screen—it included a fully redesigned sound system, maximizing the sense of presence.
As IMAX advertised: "Are you watching a movie, or are you inside it?"
Audience members without prior IMAX experience were clearly awed, including the creators.
Christian Bale sat in the front row, craning his neck to see the enormous screen, slightly uncomfortable.
Yet the immersive effect left him speechless, all negative feelings erased by the IMAX experience.
"Oh my God, this image, this sound… th-this…" George Lucas was also stunned. "The effect is incredible, incredible."
Known for his technical mastery, Lucas glanced toward Gilbert and thought, Gilbert is actually the tech-driven director here.
Using IMAX, originally designed for documentaries, in feature films was a genius-level innovation. Lucas could confidently say it had completely changed the cinematic landscape.
He began imagining what it would be like if Gilbert directed the Star Wars series in IMAX.
However, Gilbert's previous conditions made Lucas hesitant, as Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic were highly valuable, prime assets.
Steven Spielberg, also a technology-focused filmmaker, shared similar thoughts.
From his years of experience, he could tell from the opening sequence that this film was solid. IMAX was novel for all audiences.
Even if the story had minor flaws or was somewhat slow, IMAX would more than compensate, greatly enhancing the viewing experience.
However, there were only 125 IMAX theaters across the U.S., with 264 screens in total—still a niche format, capable of hosting a limited audience.
Moreover, IMAX tickets cost more than 60% higher than regular theaters, meaning only a fraction of viewers could experience it.
Spielberg also eagerly anticipated the film's success, thinking he could consult with Gilbert and produce his own IMAX-format movie.
One could say Spielberg's prime was past or that he was outdated. Yet his willingness to embrace and adopt new technology set a valuable example for many.
Not only in film but in every industry, progress is inevitable.
Those who cling to tradition and resist advancement will eventually be left behind by the times. No one is exempt.
The IMAX-format Batman:Begins delivered a tremendous sensory shock to audiences—but the film was only just beginning.
.....
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