saw's box office continued to climb, especially with surprisingly good online reviews. Horror film enthusiasts had become self-starters, actively recommending it to fellow fans.
While this situation was somewhat unexpected, upon closer reflection, it was entirely reasonable.
American horror films have always focused on gore, with most relying on screams and flying ketchup to attract audiences.
As for the plot, that's not important; how many viewers watch horror films for the plot? Moreover, due to different cultural atmospheres, Eastern-style psychological horror often doesn't resonate on this continent.
Looking back, you can see the typical approach of American horror films: the old Big Four—Leatherface, Freddy, Michael, and Jason.
Except for Eric's favorite dream-weakener, Freddy, the other three all relied on violence, and all four series are relics from the last century.
For example, the last films in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and a nightmare on elm street series were from 1994. It's rumored that sequels will be released this year, but that's still a 10-year gap.
Later standouts like the Child's Play and Scream series, as well as the recently released final destination, also garnered positive reviews.
final destination truly represented an innovation, whereas Child's Play and Scream were essentially the same old formula.
The current horror film market is desperate for innovative films like final destination; moviegoers are eagerly awaiting them.
And saw perfectly met this demand. It wasn't just killing for killing's sake; it had its own positioning and underlying message. This alone surpassed most horror films, thus earning widespread acclaim.
A few days ago, the weekly box office data was released, and MGM's executives were practically grinning from ear to ear, with a whopping $42.5 million—a genuine treasure.
At the Cooper Family home, Eric invited James Wan and Leigh Whannell for a backyard gathering. The two were hot commodities now, with many people wanting to treat them to dinner.
After a satisfying meal, his mother brought out freshly made desserts.
"Try some; this is my specialty," Emily Cooper said with a smile.
James Wan quickly stood up and took the plate: "Mrs. Cooper, your cooking is excellent. This is the most delicious meal I've had since coming to America."
Emily immediately covered her mouth and laughed heartily: "What a sweet-talker! The Coopers have never said anything like that."
Leigh Whannell directly picked up a piece and put it in his mouth, then gave a thumbs-up. He didn't need words to flatter.
After his mother happily left, Eric looked at the two: "Do you know what my biggest feeling is right now?"
"What?"
"It's confidence. I see confidence and composure in both of you. Think back to our first meeting at Super Burger King; you two are completely different people now."
As a Westerner, Leigh Whannell's personality was more flamboyant. He said noncommittally, "Successful men are always confident."
Hahahaha.
The three burst into laughter simultaneously.
After the laughter subsided, it was time to talk business. Eric crossed his legs and asked, "What are your next plans?"
"I'm going to write the script for saw 2," Leigh Whannell replied.
James Wan, however, shook his head: "I don't know, at least no plans for now. But as we discussed last time, I've lost interest in directing saw 2, though I'm still willing to be involved in the behind-the-scenes work."
"I knew you'd say that. Then take a look at this; it's the next film I've prepared for you," Eric said, handing over a script outline.
"get out, an interesting title."
Leigh Whannell also leaned over, and the two began reading it together, while Eric stood up and walked around to aid digestion.
After a while, once they finished reading, James Wan mused, "Although it's just a script outline, it's undeniably an interesting story. Let me guess, barbershop gave you the inspiration, right?"
"You guessed correctly."
Eric did not deny it. Although barbershop was only in theaters for a month, it still grossed $80 million for MGM.
And the actual cost of the film was only about $8 million, a definite huge profit.
According to post-release surveys, over 80% of the film's audience was Black, which made Eric realize the vastness of the Black market.
From then on, he had been pondering how to develop this market, and then James Wan emerged, and get out naturally popped into his mind.
As a screenwriter, Leigh Whannell clearly saw deeper, praising it endlessly after a careful review.
"Eric, this script has great potential. It appears to be a horror film, but its core actually expresses racism, the exploitation of Black people by white people."
"The plot device of using hypnosis to take over a body isn't new, but if it's white people using hypnosis to take over Black bodies, that becomes very novel."
"Racial issues will always be the most pressing concern for Americans, and this film finds a very fresh angle."
"Who is the screenwriter of this script? Please introduce him to me; this person possesses astonishing imagination."
Eric said nothing, just looked at him. After a moment of stunned, Leigh Whannell finally reacted.
"It's you?"
"Otherwise?"
"What! You shouldn't be a producer; you should be a screenwriter! This is absolutely one of the best horror film concepts I've ever seen."
"I can't accept that much praise, and I only provided the outline; the specific content still needs to be filled in."
Leigh Whannell eagerly patted his chest: "Leave it to me; I'll make sure this job is done brilliantly."
"But, the script for saw 2?"
"Don't worry, I guarantee it won't be delayed. These two scripts are my main focus this year. If anything goes wrong, I promise not to take any share."
With Leigh Whannell saying that much, Eric couldn't refuse. The two clasped hands, and the deal was struck.
Then he looked at James Wan: "James, Leigh is writing the script. Will you take on the directing job?"
Before James Wan could respond, Leigh Whannell already had his arm around him: "We're a golden duo! Are you going to abandon me?"
Shrugging, James Wan said somewhat helplessly, "OK! A good script plus a good producer—I guess I have no reason to refuse, and it really is an interesting story."
Late at night, after seeing off James Wan and Leigh Whannell, The Coopers sat in the study.
"Dad, how are things going with the stock?"
"Just finished selling all $300 million today, recouping $400 million. I wonder which unlucky soul bought it all."
"Heh, someone always has to take the fall, right?"
"You're right. So, shall we announce the news?"
In the study, the midnight chimes rang out at that very moment.
Eric nodded: "Announce it. I feel like I hear the funeral bell!"