America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 50, Section 52: Do you want to understand the meaning of life? Do you want to truly live?

After the media reviews came out, people finally realized just how bad Sharkshot really was.

But just as Eric predicted, the film was unprecedentedly bad, triggering people's aversion to ugliness and actually encouraging many to go to the cinema.

"Son, which movie do you want?"

"Of course, it's Sharkturn!"

"Sharknado is a terrible movie. Don't you watch TV? All you hear are criticisms of it."

"Yes, I know, but what does it matter? I just want to see how bad this movie is!"

Amidst the reporters' bewildered state, many viewers once again entered the Sharkshot screening room.

Subsequently, many interesting scenes occurred when paparazzi followed and interviewed celebrities.

Peter Jackson: "Yes, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King met my expectations at the box office, everyone is very satisfied, and we believe it can go even further."

"That's right, filming for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is almost over. The crew will resume work after the break, and everyone is full of energy. We will not let our fans down."

"You mean Sharknock? Sure, I saw the movie. It has an unusual charm. It's really bad, but I had a lot of fun watching it. I think young people think so too."

Nicole Kidman was photographed leaving a movie theater, and she openly stated, "I went to see 'Sharknado.' Why the expression? There's a lot of discussion about 'Sharknado' right now, and I wanted to see what kind of movie it is."

Johnny Depp: "What's so strange about that? I've always enjoyed watching bad movies. You can't always watch good movies; sometimes you need to find a different way to relax."

Quentin Tarantino: "Regarding 'Sharknado,' I only have one thing to say—it's awesome!"

The negative reviews from the media had the opposite effect, and coupled with the promotion by various celebrities, whether intentional or unintentional, "Sharknado" continued its meteoric rise.

The box office continued its upward trend in the third week, grossing $4550 million. The top three spots in the market were still occupied by "The Lord of the Rings," "Catch Me If You Can," and "Sharknado."

As for the newly released films, they could only tremble in the storm, with even "Chicago" having its opening weekend box office squeezed to a paltry $900 million.

Although it wasn't a blockbuster, "Chicago" still boasted a star-studded cast including Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere, and its promotional efforts were quite extensive. It's surprising that it ended up like this.

Miramax is reportedly devastated, and the Weinstein brothers are said to be furious, smashing things in their rage.

However, as an art film, it still has a chance, namely the announcement of the Oscar nominations in January, which will greatly boost its box office performance.

In just three weeks, "Sharknado" has made a fortune with its unusual and unconventional approach, grossing $9330 million, a huge profit compared to its production cost of at most $250 million.

However, at this point, the potential has been almost exhausted. After collecting another 1000 million or so, it will be the end, and then it will be taken off the screen.

While the Shark Storm has ended, the box office war continues, with "Saw" coming soon to take its place.

Although Sharkshot became a sensational hit, Eric didn't receive many congratulations because few people knew that AK Films belonged to him. At that moment, he was in the editing room, editing films with James Wan and Leigh Whannell.

"Patrick Wilson, as expected of an actor who came from the stage, he's very good."

Rei Wonner recalled the scene during filming: "Eric, you're right, Wilson's acting was more natural, and he and Wan were surprisingly compatible."

James Wan also laughed and said, "It's incredible, but it feels like Wilson and I are old friends. He always understands what I'm trying to say. Eric, thank you so much for recommending Wilson."

"Maybe it's destiny, he's your go-to actor!" Eric said with a shrug.

"I hope so, but since the release of 'Saw,' I haven't decided on my next project, and I don't know when we can work together again."

"You can continue directing 'Saw 2,' and Ray can continue writing the script. I have complete confidence in your partnership."

Upon hearing this, James Wan stopped what he was doing, and said with a troubled expression, "Eric, actually I don't plan to direct 'Saw 2'."

"Huh? Why?"

James Wan scratched his head: "Well, it's my personal reason. I feel like I've already expressed everything I wanted to say, and if I were to direct a sequel, the effect might not be as good."

Seeing his somewhat hesitant expression, Eric said, "Is it that the enthusiasm is fading, the novelty is worn off?"

James Wan slapped his thigh: "Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to say. Now that we've done what we wanted to do, it's time to move on. I like new things, new movies, and new scripts; they excite me."

Looking back at the original timeline, James Wan has indeed never directed three films in the same series consecutively. He usually retires to behind-the-scenes work after two films at most, which is perhaps just his personality.

Eric laughed: "That's not difficult. Don't forget that MGM is behind you. You can always find what you want in their script library."

"Or I might have a few good ideas here, and we can talk about them after 'Saw' is released."

"If all else fails, just have Lei write a new script. You'll find something new to be interested in."

Reivanal said, "Then you'll have to give me some time. I'm not a quick shooter."

"Neither do I!"

"Neither do I!"

The budget for "Saw" was $500 million, and that money was well spent. Eric could clearly see that the visuals and props were all more refined, and the atmosphere of horror and despair was stronger.

Moreover, part of the money was used to hire the composer John Williams, which further elevated the quality of the film.

John Williams, one of Hollywood's three great film score composers, has countless representative works and has received more than 50 Oscar nominations, making him a true master.

Eric spent some time in the editing room, offered some suggestions, and then left, trusting in James Wan's abilities.

With 13 days to go before the release of "Saw," MGM's promotional machine has already started up.

This time it's different from "Sharknado". "Saw" is of absolutely top-notch quality and can hold its own even in the horror movie family.

So in addition to online promotion, buying online trolls and web pages, television promotion was also indispensable, with trailers starting to circulate on several major TV stations and online.

"There are no mutations, no ghosts, no curses, no zombies here, but there is a different kind of terror here."

"Trap, locked rooms, conspiracies, and killings—this place will show you the struggles of humanity."

"Want to understand the meaning of life? Want to truly live? Then come!"

I'd appreciate any support from you guys, thank you!

(End of this chapter)