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Chapter 173 - Chapter 173 - A Terrifying Feast Born from the Unknown

In the movie, we can't see the Grim Reaper, yet we can feel its presence at every moment. Each death scene is arranged logically, yet it leaves a chilling sensation after being witnessed.

Faced with the threat of death, human life is so fragile. It could be a rope in the bathroom or a live electrical wire – life can quietly vanish.

Life is grand and also vulnerable. After watching the movie, everyone should contemplate whether they truly value their own lives.

Director Moran has fused the essence of the previous two works, creating the pinnacle of her new film.

In Final Destination, we witness the same unknown terror as in Blair Witch. It's the hidden "presence" that can't be seen, just like in the darkness, but it's the fear that chills to the bone.

In Final Destination, we also see death concepts as ingenious as those in SAW, and we feel the despair and helplessness of facing death directly.

After praising Final Destination, the article proceeds to cite an example once mentioned by Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock is the greatest suspense thriller director in film history, and his works continue to influence generations of filmmakers decades later.

He had an interesting theory. Imagine three people sitting and chatting. Under one of the chairs, there's a bomb set to explode in five minutes. How can this story be told with twists and turns, making it more thrilling?

The first approach: Without any mention, show the bomb exploding directly on the screen. This explosion creates an impact.

The second approach: Tell the audience about the bomb, let the three people continue chatting, then the bomb explodes. This method lacks passion and is the least engaging narrative.

The third approach: Inform the audience about the bomb, then have the three people chat without noticing it. After three minutes, they're ready to leave, but one suggests continuing the conversation. A minute later, someone suggests leaving, but another insists on staying, saying the conversation isn't over yet.

This third approach captivates the audience with the knowledge that the bomb will explode in a minute. Regardless of whether the bomb eventually detonates, during the waiting time, the audience's attention is fully absorbed by the movie.

This is Alfred Hitchcock's famous "bomb theory."

The article in Entertainment Daily suggests that Leila also used this technique in filming.

"In 'Final Destination,' the key isn't the variety of novel ways characters die, but the lingering torment before death. Under Moran's skillful guidance and suggestion, characters navigate everyday settings where every step could lead to death. Viewers' hearts follow these suspenseful setups, anxiously awaiting the final moment of death.

In 'Final Destination,' there are four men and three women, seven characters in total. While not many die in the film, the horror created is extraordinary. The director's unique approach prolongs their deaths, allowing each character to experience an extended period of dying. Within this gradual process, viewers experience excitement brought by terror."

Leila looked at the newspaper and felt a sense of enlightenment from the commentary in her newspaper. She felt that the author of this piece had hit the nail on the head – this was indeed the essence that made 'Final Destination' a classic in horror film history.

While other newspapers also praised the movie, the Entertainment Daily's analysis was the most insightful.

It's easier when it's your people doing the job! Leila thought as she set the newspaper aside.

'Final Destination' premiered on Friday and, within three days, effortlessly grossed over $40 million, easily securing the top spot at the weekly box office.

The film's reputation spread like wildfire among moviegoers, prompting many to enter the theaters multiple times to decipher the death hints hidden within.

In the most active corners of the fan community, fans of 'Final Destination' enthusiastically discussed the movie's scenes. Sometimes, due to differing opinions, they even formed groups to revisit theaters and analyze the film's details.

This kind of fervent film-watching frenzy made numerous Hollywood producers green with envy. Why wasn't it their movies that triggered this excitement? Why did it have to be fortunate Leila who was raking in massive amounts of cash? Why was she consistently able to create films that struck a chord with audiences? Why couldn't they come up with such creative ideas?

So, after learning that the script for 'Final Destination' had originated from a backup script of 'The X-Files,' many started to focus their attention on that source. In the not-too-distant future, a batch of decent-quality horror movies indeed surfaced. Though they couldn't match 'Death God's' astronomical profits, making a modest profit was enough to put smiles on the faces of producers and investors alike.

"I heard the new movie is out?"

Before their rare family dinner gathering, the elderly patriarch brought Leila into his study.

"Yes, it's been a week since its release." In front of her grandfather, Leila always portrayed a docile image.

Oswald took a sip of tea, then casually asked, "The box office is doing well?"

"It's alright, it's already surpassed $70 million as of yesterday."

It was a commendable achievement, especially for a horror film. However, for Leila, who had grown accustomed to earning hundreds of millions or even billions at the box office in the future, it didn't particularly excite her.

Nevertheless, her nonchalant attitude was seen by her grandfather as a sign of someone capable of achieving great things. After all, she was destined to be the future head of the conglomerate. If she couldn't even handle these small matters with grace, how could she manage larger responsibilities?

"The promotion this time was quite effective." Oswald wanted to put on an elder's air, but his lips couldn't suppress a smile. After a failed attempt at straightening his expression, he ended up coughing lightly and assuming an indifferent air. "Remember, oftentimes, words carry more weight when spoken by others than when spoken by us. You did well this time."

Leila knew that she couldn't hide from her grandfather's astute observation, especially regarding how 'Final Destination' had capitalized on John Denver's death for publicity. She didn't deny it either. "It was just a few small tricks. The box office is what matters."

"That's right! As long as it makes money, the methods are unimportant." Oswald waved his large hand. "If you need help, feel free to ask Anthony, that kid. He seems capable enough. Perhaps he could serve as your assistant in the future."

If Anthony heard this, he would probably be overjoyed and not know where to turn. What does it mean to be Leila's assistant? It's essentially an upper management role in the future conglomerate. Going from being an advertising department manager at a newspaper to an assistant general manager at a media conglomerate – was a legendary career trajectory.

Leila recognized his capabilities too, but it was too early to bring up such matters now. "Let's talk about this later. There's no rush."

Oswald was in good health. He could be the company's CEO for several more decades without issue. Leila had her ideals to fulfill and no time to be bogged down by trivialities.