[Chapter 137: Frustration]
"It's not as great as you said it was," Matt Damon shook his head. He had thought that starring in Link's film would skyrocket his fame, but it had turned out otherwise.
Although their movie, The Blair Witch Project, had become a hit, neither he nor Ben Affleck had gained much recognition. Their roles were minor compared to Renee Zellweger's, and their performances hadn't exactly shone. After the film's release, they could only hope to be recognized by fans.
Being recognized had its ups and downs. Sometimes when they were out trying to meet girls, they would suddenly be pulled aside by someone claiming to be taking them to the police station, insisting they were the missing college students from the movie, hoping to collect a reward.
And then there were friends who would spot them and tease, "Aren't you guys supposed to be missing? What are you doing here?" They would also ask what the Blair Witch looked like or if they had learned any witchcraft from her, wanting them to perform some sorcery on the spot.
Matt found that increasingly annoying. Ben remained tight-lipped, looking glum as if someone owed him money and hadn't paid up.
"Matt, the newspapers are saying that Link directed this movie, and Ed Merrick was just a front he found. Is that true?" actor Edward Norton asked.
At his question, everyone at the table turned their attention to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Affleck held his drink, still in one of his brooding moods.
"Just drop it. We signed a confidentiality agreement. We can't talk about the production, not even to our families," Matt shook his head.
"What's so secret? Don't worry, I swear I won't tell anyone," Joaquin Phoenix grinned.
"No need to ask. Matt said they signed a confidentiality agreement, which confirms Link is the director of The Blair Witch Project. If it weren't, why sign it at all, right, Matt?" Brendan Fraser chimed in.
Matt shrugged, saying nothing.
"So it's true!"
"Link really is the director of The Blair Witch Project? That's incredible! He managed to make three successful films back to back, all raking in huge profits. Link is something else!"
"The first film cost $20,000 and made over $70 million worldwide. The second had the same budget but grossed over $600 million, and the third, made for $50,000, earned over $100 million in North America in just four weeks, probably around 300 million global at the end. The total for all three is nearly $1 billion. And he's only 21 years old! That's amazing! His films out-gross the majority of directors in Hollywood!"
Edward Norton, Joaquin Phoenix, and Cole Hauser could hardly contain their awe.
"What's so amazing about that? His movies only make money, they don't win awards, and the reviews are not great. Didn't you see all the articles saying he's more of a businessman than a director?" Ben Affleck scoffed.
Matt's expression shifted, and he discreetly tugged at Ben's sleeve, urging him not to speak carelessly in such a public place. It wouldn't look good if it got back to Link.
"They say that because they're jealous of Link. He made Buried all by himself with just a camera and a $20,000 budget. How many directors in the industry could pull that off? None!"
"Exactly! Link is a multi-talented genius. He burst onto the scene making impactful films like Buried and creative ones like Paranormal Activity. If someone with his talent wanted to win an award, it wouldn't be that hard for him."
"Absolutely. There are many directors who have won Golden Globes and Oscars, but only a few have movies that gross over $100 million. That shows how hard it is to achieve that kind of box office success."
They sang praises for Link, resembling die-hard fans.
Ben was about to add something, but Matt discreetly twisted his leg under the table, causing Ben's face to contort in response. He had to swallow his words.
...
As the gathering wound down, Edward Norton and the others left first. Matt leaned over to Ben and said, "What were you going to say? You can't just say whatever in front of all these people."
"We're all friends here, just chatting. What's the worst that could happen?" Ben shrugged.
"There are a lot of ears here. If this gets back to Link, he might think you have issues with him, and that'd make working together in the future really awkward."
"Is it really that serious? Besides, Link's movies are low-budget flicks like Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project. Actors don't get much recognition from them -- do you really want to be a part of those?"
"Don't you? Even if The Blair Witch Project didn't make us household names, it's still way better than the usual fare. If we did another movie like that, we could be B-list stars overnight, ahead of many people who've been struggling in the industry for over a decade."
Matt argued.
"It's not as extreme as you think. Given our capabilities, we could shine in other films, too."
As Ben continued speaking, he suddenly halted, glancing at a nearby booth, his expression darkening.
Matt turned to look and saw three girls chatting at the next booth. One of them, wearing a polka dot dress and a golden ponytail, was clearly Renee Zellweger from their set.
When she saw them staring, Renee waved cheerfully, her hand in the air.
Matt and Ben waved back.
...
"Oh no! Oh no!"
After leaving the bar, Ben pulled Matt aside, glancing around before he whispered, "Renee definitely heard what we said. She's connected to Link. If she tells him about our bad-mouthing, I'm done for! I wanted to audition for the lead in Final Destination, and now this will ruin everything."
Matt looked at him, puzzled. "Didn't you say you didn't want to work with Link again? Why are you so worried?"
"I was just saying that offhand. If Renee tells Link what I said, he'll be furious."
Ben's face showed real concern.
"It's fine. We were just chatting. We didn't say anything terrible. Renee isn't the type to gossip; she's pretty straightforward and not one to stir the pot."
Matt reassured him.
"She'll definitely say something. She's connected with Link. I saw her sneak into Link's room late at night during the shoot, and they've even gone on dates in the woods. Next time they meet, she might bring up this conversation, saying I was talking trash about Link.
Maybe Link was planning to give me the role in Final Destination; now he won't. This is a disaster! I really shouldn't have talked like that."
Ben lamented, slapping his mouth in frustration.
Matt rolled his eyes; that was Ben for you. When he was quiet, he seemed mute, and when he spoke, he might as well have been.
"It's fine; next time I see Link, I'll help you explain." Matt said, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
*****
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