Hollywood:Starting out as an MV director

When Brokeback Mountain finished playing, all the judges were visibly moved.

It was indeed a good film. Although the love it portrayed was not in the conventional sense, there was no denying that Ang Lee used his consistently beautiful cinematography to express the deep emotions between the two men.

However, for moral conservatives, this film was undoubtedly highly controversial.

When it was first released, theaters in conservative regions of America outright banned its screening. Even more so, conservative groups and religious organizations collectively opposed its Oscar campaign.

"Ethan, what do you think?" Emiliana wiped the tears at the corner of her eyes with a tissue. Ethan could see that her eyes were already red.

Clearly, the film had deeply moved her.

"I think it's really good. Ang Lee captured this love story beautifully. Even though I'm a man myself, I have to admit that Heath Ledger is incredibly handsome and acted very well."

Speaking of Heath Ledger, he was truly a regrettable actor. Despite portraying many classic roles, he passed away due to an unexpected incident.

Ethan had first taken notice of this actor because of his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight, which led him to learn more about his life.

Including the cause of his death.

According to media reports, he had taken six different painkillers and sedatives at the same time.

Some said it was because he was too immersed in his role. After playing the Joker, he remained stuck in character day after day, which severely affected him, gradually leading to mental breakdown and suffering from depression.

However, this claim was later debunked. His sister came forward to reveal that Heath Ledger had actually enjoyed playing the Joker and had even planned to shoot another film centered around the character.

She insisted that the Joker was not the cause of his death.

His father's account and the coroner's report also confirmed this—Heath Ledger had died from an overdose of prescription drugs.

Due to filming commitments, he frequently had to travel between different countries, working under high-intensity schedules. To keep up with his work, he had no choice but to rely on medication.

To ensure he got enough rest, he had been taking sleeping pills and sedatives for a long time.

Later, after contracting pneumonia, he became even more dependent on medication. But the combination of different drugs produced harmful substances in his body. Over time, the tragedy occurred.

However, in Ethan's view, taking multiple medications simultaneously was already a sign of mental instability.

So perhaps both factors played a role. It was the immense pressure that ultimately led him to overdose, causing the tragedy.

Even if Heath Ledger hadn't met with an accident, maintaining this kind of lifestyle meant he probably wouldn't have lived long anyway.

Although this had nothing to do with Ethan, since he knew about it, he naturally saw an opportunity.

After all, earning the trust and gratitude of such a talented actor would be greatly beneficial for him.

And if Ethan could save Heath Ledger, then by extension, all the stars close to him would also become part of Ethan's network.

Once Brokeback Mountain ended, the staff handed each judge a form to fill out their ratings and reviews, which would be an important factor in determining whether the film won an award.

After watching all the films, they would also cast their votes.

Thus, in the span of a day, Ethan and the other judges watched four films.

The following days were similar. After viewing all the films, the judges became familiar enough with each other to start joking around.

"Ethan, any plans for tonight? Want to grab dinner together?" Emiliana and a few judges had planned to dine together, but Ethan declined.

He waved his hand. "Sorry, I already have plans."

"Wow, must be with a beauty then." Dante Ferretti teased, and Ethan immediately smiled.

"I knew it! With Ethan's looks, no actress could possibly resist him." Dante Ferretti patted his shoulder. "Enjoy your night."

Ethan nodded, secretly hoping for the same.

Once all the voting was done, Ethan drove to the airport to pick up Jessica Alba.

He hadn't told her in advance, so when Jessica, wearing large sunglasses, walked out of the airport and saw him, she was both shocked and delighted.

"Ethan! Oh my God!" She ran over, overwhelmed with emotion, and hugged Ethan before planting several kisses on him.

"Love you so much."

Ethan led Jessica into the car, and just like with Avril, they kissed passionately for a long time until they were out of breath.

"Ethan, didn't you say you had a gathering?" Jessica held his hand and asked.

"What gathering could be more important than you?" Ethan started the car and drove away. "I'll have dinner with you first. I can meet them later."

"Thank you, Ethan. I thought I'd have to eat dinner alone tonight." Jessica was touched and leaned in for another kiss.

"No problem."

Their hotel wasn't far, and they soon arrived at the underground parking garage.

However, unlike last time, Ethan wasn't driving a sports car but an SUV. Even the security guards at the entrance didn't recognize him as the same person from before.

After placing Jessica's luggage in the room, she took his hand, ready to head out for dinner.

But Ethan shook his head. "I've already booked a private dining experience at an excellent Western restaurant. It's very quiet there—no one will disturb us."

"Ethan, you're so thoughtful." Jessica smiled.

She assumed he was trying to protect her from being recognized. But in truth, Ethan was more concerned about running into the judges or Avril at a public restaurant.

He had to eliminate that risk.

After dinner, Ethan and Jessica sat in the private room, quietly listening as she shared her recent troubles and future worries. He comforted her throughout.

At 8 PM, Ethan took her back to the hotel.

Just as they reached the entrance, Ethan's phone rang.

"Hello, got it. I'll be there soon." Ethan hung up and looked at Jessica apologetically. "Babe, they're rushing me now."

"Go ahead." Jessica was very understanding. She smoothed out the collar of Ethan's shirt with her hand.

"Wait for me tonight." Ethan kissed her forehead before turning to leave.

Jessica stood at the entrance, watching his figure disappear before heading back to her room.

But after leaving, Ethan didn't hail a cab. Instead, he went back to the underground parking lot and unlocked another car.

Yes, he had rented three different cars to avoid suspicion—just in case any of the women recognized the license plate or vehicle model.

Once inside, he sprayed some cologne on himself to mask Jessica's perfume before driving back to the airport.

That's right. Anne Hathaway had also arrived and was just getting off her flight.

"Unbelievable, they're all arriving at the same time." Ethan marveled at fate's odd timing but also found this high-stakes balancing act quite thrilling.

By the time he arrived at the airport again, Anne Hathaway was already at the entrance.

She was wearing a white blouse paired with jeans, her short, sharp haircut making her look incredibly stylish.

Even after standing there for just a short while, several men had already approached her for her contact information.

As Ethan stepped out of the car, he saw a man hitting on her.

"Miss, you look a bit familiar. You resemble a Hollywood star." The man stood in front of Anne Hathaway with a bright, sunny smile. Judging by his Armani outfit and Longines watch, he appeared to be a successful entrepreneur.

"Is that so? You must be mistaken." Anne Hathaway adjusted her sunglasses.

"Maybe, but you're truly beautiful. Where are you headed? I can give you a ride." The man maintained his so-called perfect smile, likely well-practiced in front of a mirror. With his luxury car parked nearby, most women probably wouldn't refuse him.

Just as Anne Hathaway was about to decline, another voice suddenly cut in.

"Come on, man, what era are we living in? You're still using such old-fashioned pickup lines?"

Anne Hathaway's eyes lit up upon hearing the voice and turned her head.

The man was also taken aback, unsure where this guy in sunglasses and a baseball cap had come from.

The newcomer casually placed a hand on his own shoulder, his tone carrying a hint of disdain.

"Hey, who are you, man?" The man frowned, looking confused.

"Me?" Ethan pointed at himself. "Just a passerby who couldn't stand by and watch. Look, buddy, when facing a cold and distant beauty like this, you need a warm heart to melt her."

With that, he turned to Anne Hathaway. "Sweetheart, how about a trip to the beach? I rented a tent there. Maybe we can have a romantic night under the stars."

"...I don't want to go." Anne Hathaway hesitated at first but then refused.

"Don't be like that, sweetheart. There's whiskey and teddy bear cookies inside the tent. Oh, and maybe you like Stitch? A giant Stitch plushie. What do you say? Shall we go collect seashells and watch the stars?"

Anne Hathaway's expression remained hesitant. Even with her eyes hidden, her acting skills were impeccable.

"But my mom is waiting for me at home," she offered an excuse.

Ethan gestured with his hands. "Don't worry, sweetheart. If your mom sees the beautiful seashell gift you bring her, she'll be delighted. We're looking for star-shaped shells!"

"Star-shaped? Do those even exist? You must be lying." Anne Hathaway looked skeptical, but Ethan had already moved closer, put an arm around her shoulders, and led her toward his car.

As they walked, he continued, "I'm not lying, sweetheart. Come with me and you'll see. Trust me."

After the two left, the man was left standing there, dumbfounded, not knowing where he had lost.

Inside the car, laughter filled the air.

"Ethan, you really know how to make things up. A tent, a beach, and star-shaped shells? That was hilarious."

"Your acting was the key, Anne. Did you see his face at the end? He looked like he was questioning his whole life."

"Haha, absolutely! That was so funny. So, where are we going now?"

"To the beach." Ethan started the car and drove toward the shore.

"Hmm?" Anne Hathaway looked at him in surprise and asked tentatively, "Are you serious?"

"Of course."

"So... the tent?"

Ethan raised a finger. "Tent, teddy bear cookies, Stitch plushie—all ready."

"Oh my God, Ethan, did you prepare all this just for me?" Anne Hathaway covered her mouth in surprise. These were all things she loved.

"Of course." Ethan glanced at her and smiled. "I prepared this romantic night just for you."

"Oh, darling." Anne Hathaway leaned in and kissed him, leaving a red mark on his cheek.

The car, carried by the sea breeze, soon arrived at its destination.

This was a beachside campsite, with large tents set up every few dozen meters. The biggest one among them was the one Ethan had prepared for Anne Hathaway.

As they approached, Anne Hathaway lifted the tent flap and immediately saw the Stitch plushie and whiskey Ethan had arranged for her.

"Ethan, I never expected such a surprise." She hugged his arm and swayed gently.

Ethan thoughtfully draped a coat over her shoulders. "The wind is strong by the sea. Don't catch a cold."

Then, he wrapped an arm around her and sat down, setting up a grill while preparing some food and drinks.

"Ethan, why aren't you eating?" Anne Hathaway picked up a skewer and handed it to him.

Ethan took a bite and said, "I already ate at the party. I knew the airline food on your flight was terrible, so I saved my appetite for you."

"You're so thoughtful." Anne Hathaway was genuinely touched for the first time.

She gazed at Ethan with soft eyes. "You must be exhausted these past few days."

"A little." Ethan looked up at the starry sky. "You know, as a judge, I had to watch so many films in a row that my eyes almost went numb."

"Haha, so, my film..."

"Don't worry, you'll get a good result." Ethan didn't give a direct answer but hinted at it.

Anne Hathaway understood instantly, and her mood brightened.

"You really think there are star-shaped shells here?" She looked at the beach, illuminated by the tent's light, as if eager to find out.

"Of course…" Ethan smiled, then pointed to the ground. "Look, what's that?"

Anne Hathaway followed his gaze and spotted a sharp-edged shell half-buried in the sand.

"Is this real?" She rushed over, dug it out, and found that it was indeed a star-shaped shell.

"What do you think?"

"Whether it's real or not, I'm happy tonight." Anne Hathaway didn't question it further. She returned to Ethan's side and hugged him.

The two of them gazed at each other over the glow of the fire, as if that warmth was also etched into their eyes.

At 1 a.m., half-asleep in bed, Jessica anxiously waited for Ethan when she suddenly received a call from him.

"Hello, Ethan? Where are you?" She asked hurriedly. It was so late, and he hadn't returned, making her uneasy.

"Uh, sorry, Jessica. This is Ethan's friend. We're in the same judging panel." A young man's voice came from the phone.

"What?"

"Well, Ethan was late, so we made him drink a lot. But we didn't expect him to pass out," the man explained. "We've already arranged a guest room for him. He kept insisting on calling you in his sleep, so I'm helping him out."

"Is he okay? Should I come get him?" Jessica sat up in bed.

"Oh, no need, don't worry. He just passed out drunk. This place is far from the city, and it's not very safe at night. I'll make sure he gets back tomorrow."

Jessica nodded. "Alright..."

"By the way, I don't know who you are, but Ethan really loves you. He kept calling your name in his sleep—thirty-nine times."

Hearing this, Jessica's heart melted instantly.

She lay back down, hugging her blanket as if she were holding Ethan himself.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Jimmy awkwardly put down the phone, feeling like he had exhausted a lifetime's worth of cheesy lines.

"Dammit, Ethan, I still have to call Avril..."

Muttering, he flipped through his little notebook, filled with lines Ethan had taught him. "Let's see... this time... forty-two times? FXXK! You really are a damn playboy!"

...

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