A black car drove into Century City in an unusually low-key manner, slowly entered the parking lot of the Death Star Building, and arrived at the entrance of the elevator. Archbishop Marquez Costello pushed the door and got out of the car. Accompanied by an assistant, he walked into the elevator, waited for the elevator to get off, and took the elevator directly to the top floor of the Death Star Building.

This is the most advanced office floor in Caa. Staff are waiting at the door of the elevator and led Archbishop Marquez Costello and the other two into a luxurious reception room.

"Wait," the staff said politely, "Director Stanton is discussing work with Mr. Bill Roses and will be here soon."

Archbishop Marquez Costello frowned slightly, but said nothing, just nodded.

Things have developed to this point, and even a tough person like him has to admit that Catholicism has fallen at a disadvantage, especially on the land of the United States.

He sighed softly and subconsciously touched his hair. In just over a month, facing the double pressure of public opinion and the Vatican Church, his white hair was at least one third more!

"It's all this damn Murphy Stanton!"

Archbishop Marquez Costello couldn't help but curse in his heart. Although the previous public opinion storm also put him under tremendous pressure, these external pressures could still be withstood. However, after the news of Murphy Stanton's announcement of the preparation of "Focus" spread, the impact was extremely bad. Even Pope Benedict XVI called several times, demanding that he must stop the project as soon as possible, otherwise...

Although the Pope did not say it clearly, he also knew that the consequences would be serious.

So, I could only put my face down and talk to Murphy Stanton. The other party may not care about him, but I have to give him some face to the Vatican Church, right?

After waiting for about five minutes, the door of the reception room was pushed open from outside, and Murphy walked in.

As soon as he saw Archbishop Marquez Costello, he immediately smiled enthusiastically, "His Excellency Bishop, it's been a long time since we met."

"Hello, Director Stanton." Archbishop Marquez Costello stood up, "I haven't seen you for a long time."

Murphy made a gesture of invitation, "Sit as you like."

After saying that, he sat on the sofa opposite Archbishop Marquez Costello, and without waiting for the other party to say anything, he asked directly, "I don't know what's wrong with Your Excellency the Archbishop?"

Having had a few deals with Murphy before, Archbishop Marquez Costello also had some understanding of his style of work and said, "I am here on behalf of the Vatican this time. The Pope wants to invite you to visit the Vatican to eliminate the unnecessary little misunderstanding between us."

"That's how..." Murphy seemed to be in the middle of thinking.

Archbishop Marquez Costello carefully observed Murphy. His Excellency the Pope is not an ordinary person. He is the leader of Catholics all over the world. He can be on par with the political leaders of the five major rogue countries. I believe that such a formal invitation will also make Murphy Stanton think carefully, and perhaps the "Focus" project can be cancelled.

Of course, he was instructed by Benedict XVI. The entire Holy See now attaches great importance to Murphy Stanton and his new film "Focus".

The Holy See also has huge cultural accumulation and is well aware of the influence of the film. He himself has a clear understanding of the film. This "Focus" by Murphy Stanton is obviously aimed at the next Oscars. Once the film wins the best movie, coupled with the influence that Murphy Stanton can bring after "Dark City", he becomes one of the most powerful directors in the world. "Focus" will inevitably be widely circulated.

The impact of various adverse news can basically be limited to North America. Although there are media reports outside North America, the Catholic Church has been working hard to control it, and the situation is not very bad.

If such a film is mixed with the thunderous momentum of Oscar and Murphy Stanton, there are probably many overseas regions...

Archbishop Marquez Costello is very clear about the influence of Hollywood movies, especially the quality masterpieces of super directors.

News texts in the media can be restricted, and even become old papers, gradually being forgotten, but a classic movie will be constantly mentioned, just like movies such as "Gone with the Wind", which are still circulating today.

In that case, the Catholic Church will be nailed to the pillar of shame!

Unfortunately, it is not the Middle Ages, and the other party is not an unknown person, but a super director with billions of dollars in assets, otherwise he could have lost his body...

On the other hand, Murphy was also thinking about similar issues. Images are more impactful than words, and movies are more influential than news. These are indisputable facts. Pope Benedict XVI invited him to visit the Vatican, which undoubtedly dispelled his intention to film "Focus".

"His archbishop," Murphy said slowly, "I wonder when the Pope invites me to the Vatican?"

Of course, the faster the better, but Archbishop Marquez Costello cannot say that, and said with a smile, "It is best if Director Stanton can participate in the Vatican New Year's prayers before the New Year."

Participate in New Year's prayers? Murphy is not interested, he is not a Catholic believer.

"My time is not allowed." Murphy said deliberately, "I want to prepare for next year's Oscars and prepare for a new film..."

When Murphy was about preparing for a new film, Archbishop Marquez Costello slowly put away the smile on his face and said, "There is always a squeeze of time."

Did the other party not even give His Pope’s face?

"Yes..." Murphy seemed to be really considering the words of Archbishop Marquez Costello.

Archbishop Marquez Costello smiled faintly, and Benedict XVI and the Vatican Church were almost equivalent to the leader of a great power.

Murphy seemed to have thought about it and said, "I plan to attend the Venice Film Festival next year and visit the Vatican by the way. What do you think?"

"Participate in the Venetian film industry?" Archbishop Marquez Costello asked subconsciously, "Would you like to participate in the Venetian Film Festival? What works do you use to participate?"

"Of course it's my new project "Focus," Murphy said for granted. "Stanton's work and Twentieth Century Fox have officially applied to the Venice Film Festival Organizing Committee to participate in the competition unit."

"What?" Archbishop Marquez Costello stood up, "You actually want to do this!"

His face was full of shock and anger!

"I don't understand what the Archbishop said." Murphy stood up slowly and said slowly. "This is a film jointly produced by Stanton Studio and Twentieth Century Fox. Participating in the competition unit of the Venice Film Festival is also our established plan."

The smile on Archbishop Marquez Costello's face disappeared without a trace. To this extent, Murphy Stanton's position and attitude were already extremely clear.

"What do you want to do?" Archbishop Marquez Costello was full of anger. "We have limited tolerance for some things!"

The Vatican and the Catholic Church have already extended their hand to reconcile. Not only did Murphy Stanton not hold it, but he also slapped them in the hands. How could he not be angry?

Murphy Stanton obviously did not take the Vatican Church and the Pope seriously!

"What did I do?" Murphy also put away his smile and said calmly, "I am just a director, I'm just a movie I want to make, that's it."

Archbishop Marquez Costello looked straight at Murphy, "Do you think of me as a fool?"

"Your Excellency!" Murphy interrupted, "I remember telling you that freedom of filming is the most basic power of a Hollywood director!"

"Free?" Archbishop Marquez Costello sneered and said simply, "Director Stanton, I don't think you have figured it out yet. Your new film is no longer facing the Central South Diocese of California! It's no longer me!"

He gradually brought a hint of warning and threat to his tone, "The Vatican and the Pope, are currently very concerned about you and your videos. They are very dissatisfied with the content of this video. Do you want to participate in the Venice Film Festival? I promise you can't even enter Italy!"

Hearing this almost naked threat, Murphy didn't seem to care at all. "I believe the film festival organizing committee will have its own considerations, even if I can't go to Venice, I will go to the Cannes Film Festival or the Berlin Film Festival."

Speaking of this, Murphy took a step forward and looked at Archbishop Marquez Costello without fear. "This is America, a land full of freedom and democracy. Freedom of speech is the most basic right of Hollywood and citizens, and it is sacred and inviolable!"

Before Archbishop Marquez Costello spoke, Murphy said again, "Sorry, I still have work to work, please give me some advice."

After saying that, Murphy left Archbishop Marquez Costello without caring about it and left the reception room calmly, leaving Archbishop Marquez Costello blankly watching him leave.

"This bastard!" Archbishop Marquez Costello almost cursed, "and actually rejected the friendship between the Catholic Church and the Pope!"

But he calmed down in an instant. It was the 21st century now, no longer the medieval age. Murphy Stanton said this very well. This is America.

Although this country is very different, it will not be merciless by the Catholic Church. Those people, especially those in Hollywood, shout freedom and democracy all day long, but do things that are miserable...

"what do I do?"
Chapter completed!