The previously sent invitations were carefully screened by her to avoid any mishaps at such a moment, but unexpectedly, someone still managed to get in. She could have chosen to have security remove the person, but doing so might have led to more backlash, and that journalist would become the biggest beneficiary.
The journalist who asked the question didn't feel embarrassed when everyone looked at him. On the contrary, he had a smug expression. He was confident that he wouldn't be thrown out, otherwise, why would he dare to ask such a question? As for what would happen after the event, it was not his concern. After all, he bought the invitation from an invited journalist, so even if that media outlet was blacklisted by Moran, what did it have to do with him?
Leslie Cheung calmly smiled first and then responded in fluent English, "I've heard about this."
"Since you've heard about it, why did you stay in the crew? If the movie doesn't get a chance to be released or performs poorly at the box office due to your involvement, do you think all the problems are caused by you?"
After hearing the journalist's question, Laila's ice-blue eyes narrowed. If the first question was acceptable, the second question was outright provocative. Who gave him the courage to be so presumptuous in front of her? Especially targeting her idol!
Before she could speak, Leslie Cheung smiled gently and replied, "I came to the crew because of Director Moran's sincerity and the excellence of the work itself. I believe Director Moran is an outstanding director. Since she thinks I am suitable for that role and is satisfied with my performance, I cannot let her down. As for the consequences you mentioned, whether it cannot be released or the box office is not good, I think it's a question that doesn't need to be considered. After today, you will understand what I mean."
He had already seen a sample of the film. Although it was a half-finished product without music, it was enough to shock him with the greatness of the work. He believed that those who boycotted the film due to concerns about ruining the original work would realize, after watching the movie, that Laila not only did not ruin it but elevated the work. Thanks to her filming, this great work, known only in the West, would now be recognized worldwide!
Because he trusted in the work, Leslie Cheung's words were firm, and he was not worried about being criticized after the premiere.
His words also made Laila and some employees of Dragon Soul Company smile. Employees who had some complaints about his involvement finally let go of their grudges.
The journalist wanted to continue to press on after getting an answer, but other journalists who sensed the unfavorable atmosphere had already subtly pushed him out. They rushed forward, eager to ask questions to Laila and Leslie Cheung.
Joking! If that idiot continued to ask questions, there might not be another chance to interview inside the theater. God knows how much effort their media had put into uniting to request invitations and interview opportunities inside the theater from Dragon Soul Company. Having it all ruined by such a fool, he would definitely be scolded to death by those above when he went back!
The journalist pushed to the corner, sat back in his seat after realizing he couldn't get close. He wanted to see what kind of movie this Western fantasy story with an Eastern actor would turn out to be. If it turned out bad, he would definitely use the most sarcastic words to make them lower their heads! If it turned out good... Joking! How could an Eastern person make a good movie? Did they even know how to act? Look at Hollywood, how many Eastern actors were there? It should be clear that they didn't!
The lights in the theater finally dimmed amid the anticipation of the fans.
The screen displayed the logo representing Laila and Dragon Soul Film Production Company, and even some fans whistled when they saw the Eastern dragon soaring into the sky. For many years, many fans had grown up watching Laila's movies, so this logo was as familiar as it could be.
In the hearts of many fans, this logo not only represented the beautiful years they had spent but also represented a Hollywood miracle—a film company that had never released a bad movie, an unbelievable feat in Hollywood.
The movie starts in complete darkness, and a voice begins to chant, "This world has changed, I can feel it in the water, I can feel it in the earth, I can smell it in the air. All that is past is gone, and all that has happened is forgotten..."
After the voice stopped, the title appeared.
Just with this opening, not even showing a character, the audience already felt their hearts tighten, as if something hot was about to overflow from their chests.
That was the feeling!
A fan of the original work silently clenched his hands. He wanted to shout, and he also wanted to laugh.
He was also a fan of Laila; that's why he went to great lengths to get a ticket for the premiere. Many original work fans like him tried to persuade him to wait, to confirm that the movie did not ruin the original work before going to the theater, to avoid ruining their perception of the great work.
But now? Even if it was just the first minute, even if not a single character had appeared yet, just listening to the distant female voice reciting lines and the equally distant and lingering music, he could already confirm that this was definitely a classic masterpiece!
Let those who were still hesitating regret it later!
After the title, with just a few lines, the movie presented the entire world to the audience. It told the birth of the Ring and the brutal battles in Middle-earth.
Following that were massive war scenes, captured from above, presenting a segment that could be included in the most brilliant war scenes in the history of cinema through the large screen.
During the 178-minute movie, the audience felt no passage of time, even resisting the urge to go to the bathroom. They did not want to miss even a single minute of the footage because each frame was so beautiful and soul-stirring.
Gandalf, Aragorn, Sauron, the Elves...
Anyone could easily list a long string of memorable names.
Each of them was outstanding, magically presenting a real Middle-earth world, as if this world had truly existed in history.
Not until the music at the end finished did all the audience reluctantly stand up and applaud, giving the most enthusiastic applause to Laila and everyone on the film crew who created this movie.
Listening to those sounds, Laila knew once again that she had succeeded.
"I really want to see what those who slandered me will look like tomorrow when they are disappointed," she said with a sly smile, standing up amid the applause and cheers, waving her arms behind her.