Joyful, lighthearted, and carefree.
The atmosphere was harmonious.
This was Anson, who, with just a few words, could work magic and make everything wonderful and captivating, painting the night with vibrant colors.
However, this was just the beginning—
Anson maintained the plan for the night, with no special treatnt or spotlight. Like any other attendee at the event, he joined the carnival, experiencing everything from arcade gas to capsule machines one by one.
In the end, Anson and his group collected ten stamps in total.
Partying together. Celebrating together.
At the Chinese Theatre, the premiere of "Master and Commander" lasted for a full sixty minutes. It was an ordeal—dull, uneventful, and lacking any standout monts.
Sure, it was lively. But the entire event followed the typical playbook: polite exchanges, clinking glasses, and complints mixed with applause that felt insincere.
Was it fake?
Maybe, maybe not.
After all, when Russell Crowe made his entrance, the cheers and screams were genuine. But the stage, bathed in spotlight, was repetitive. You could swap in any movie, any cast, and it would look the sa.
anwhile, at the Wilshire Theatre, a different scene unfolded.
The premiere lasted two full hours, filled with laughter and fun.
There was no designated entry ti, no scheduled interviews or photo ops. The director, actors, producers, and guests supporting the premiere mingled without exception, spread throughout the venue.
Chris Evans, accompanied by Jessica Biel, ca to support Anson. Jas Franco and Kirsten Dunst were also present, and the surprise appearance of Ryan Gosling and Scarlett Johansson delighted everyone.
They were treated just like everyone else.
If photographers wanted shots, no problem—they snapped from within the crowd. If reporters wanted interviews, they were free to approach and chat while casually playing gas.
Ti flew by unnoticed.
Two hours felt like the blink of an eye. When the movie was ready to start, actors, guests, and regular attendees reluctantly made their way into the theater, still buzzing with excitent.
Even inside, the thrill and anticipation continued. Laughter and cheer filled the air, making the monts pass too quickly.
A small note: the Wilshire Theatre has a larger capacity than the Chinese Theatre.
The Chinese Theatre seats around 900 people. Though not large, its pri location makes it Hollywood's most prestigious premiere venue.
Objectively, 900 seats are significant.
However, after accounting for cast mbers, invited guests, reporters, and critics, the space left for regular audiences is minimal.
Hence, the Chinese Theatre's premieres are purely promotional.
The Wilshire Theatre, on the other hand, is different. Art and independent films often premiere there, with the focus on the movie itself—not the premiere event.
After all, most of these productions don't have the budget for a grand premiere.
This 70-year-old venue still boasts one of the most spacious and inclusive auditoriums in Los Angeles, with a capacity of 1,900.
The viewing experience is the priority.
And so, this scene unfolded.
Outside the Wilshire Theatre, there was a crowd, though it lacked the frenzy one might expect. For those arriving straight from the Chinese Theatre's premiere, their first impression was that this event paled in comparison.
But waves of attendees kept streaming in.
It resembled a whale gulping down shrimp: every ti it seed over, more people kept coming, with no end in sight.
The crowd surged and filled the Wilshire Theatre to capacity, buzzing with excitent. The atmosphere inside brimd with warmth and energy.
Only when they realized that nearly 2,000 people had filled the venue did the scale sink in. It easily outshone the other premiere.
Was this even normal?
Yet, outside the Wilshire Theatre, the crowd continued to grow. People stared at the "Full House" sign with disbelief.
Eyes filled with confusion. Wasn't the Wilshire Theatre supposed to seat nearly 2,000? Weren't they told that half of Los Angeles would be focused on "Master and Commander," leaving "The Butterfly Effect" a quieter choice?
Lost in the carnival gas, they'd forgotten the ti and hadn't rushed to secure seats. How was it now full?
So, what now?
Total shock.
More surprising still was the steady stream of newcors.
It was clear they'd co from the Chinese Theatre.
Looking at the crowd of 300 to 500 people and the sparse, bare venue with outdated arcade machines and phone booths, one could see how New Line Cinema's reluctance to spend on a flashy premiere was evident. No stage, no red carpet, not even decent props—just second-hand equipnt.
Compared to the grandeur of "Master and Commander," it was pitiful.
They even brought a ship to Hollywood Boulevard. And here?
Stunned, tears nearly welled up in their eyes.
Had Anson really fallen this far?
This… couldn't be.
Luckily, those who waited for "Master and Commander" to end had co to support "The Butterfly Effect" and cheer for Anson.
Hurrying over, they tried to comfort the bewildered crowd gathered outside.
"We're here to support Anson too."
"We'll cheer loudly for him."
"It's only because it's a weekday."
The mont they spoke, sympathy and pity in their eyes evaporated as they saw the sign.
Full House?
What!
How?
If the Wilshire Theatre was full, who were these 300 to 500 people outside? And why did the scene look so chaotic, like a tornado had swept through?
Everyone was stunned.
Just monts ago, they believed "Master and Commander" had the night's most powerful premiere, showcasing market dominance. They assud "The Butterfly Effect", under its shadow, would need support. But an unsettling thought crept in:
Was "The Butterfly Effect" just as impressive?
Did they miss sothing special by attending the formulaic "Master and Commander" premiere?
They couldn't figure it out.
Would they also need to subscribe to TMZ like everyone else?
Damn!
This scene replayed itself over and over at the Wilshire Theatre entrance. More people arrived, staring at the "Full House" sign in shock, only to relive the sa internal struggle, without any resolution.
The crowd of 300 to 500 soon swelled to 800.
The recently quiet intersection beca lively once more.
It was, without a doubt, a sight to behold.
anwhile, those seated inside the Wilshire Theatre were unaware, too engrossed to worry about the unfortunate ones left outside—the movie was about to start.
(End of Chapter)
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