The next day, Gal Gadot didn't go to the set but accompanied Murphy to the courtroom. Not only Murphy but also Robert Downey Jr. was present.
Sitting in the gallery, Murphy first felt disappointed, then relieved upon hearing the final verdict.
Gal Gadot, seated next to him, could sense his complex emotions as she watched Ross being led away. She grasped his hand firmly in a gesture of comfort.
On the other side, Robert gently patted Murphy's arm, whispering, "We did our best."
Murphy nodded slightly, knowing the legal team had indeed done their utmost. With the evidence the police and prosecution had, securing the current verdict was a significant achievement.
Ross had no chance of being acquitted like Simpson. Murphy had long known this, so his primary hope was that Ross wouldn't receive the death penalty, given his involvement in drugs, arms, and multiple murders.
In this regard, their goal was achieved. Ross was sentenced to eighty years in prison.
Born in the 1970s, this sentence meant Ross would likely spend the rest of his life behind bars under normal circumstances.
However, the verdict didn't include clauses against parole or sentence reduction, indicating there was room for future maneuvering.
The priority was to keep Ross alive, then discuss other possibilities.
After the trial, Murphy, Gal Gadot, and Robert Downey Jr. joined the crowd leaving the courtroom.
"I didn't expect that after all this effort," Robert Downey Jr. shook his head as they walked, "we'd still end up here."
Murphy patted his shoulder gently. "This is the best outcome we could have hoped for."
Robert Downey Jr. acknowledged Murphy's point, letting out a long sigh.
They soon reached the court exit. Gal Gadot glanced outside, seeing many reporters. She quickly gestured to the four bodyguards they had brought, combined with Robert's security detail, forming a group of eight burly men who surrounded the three of them.
As Murphy stepped out, reporters swarmed like flies to blood, cameras flashing incessantly and shutters clicking audibly.
"Director Stanton, is it true that you're involved in this case?"
The reporters bombarded Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. with questions, eager to get a scoop.
"Robert, was your past drug use linked to this cartel?"
"Murphy, was your initial film funding from this cartel?"
"Do you have financial ties to them?"
"There are rumors that the FBI is investigating you. Is that true?"
The bodyguards kept the journalists at bay. Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. had no intention of responding to any questions. Any comment at this point would be inappropriate. Their friendship with Ross had already been sensationalized during the investigation phase, and the FBI had conducted targeted investigations. Although they were friends, there were no financial or other illicit connections, as clean as a blank sheet.
Surrounded by their security, Murphy and the others quickly reached their vehicle. Once inside, the reporters continued to swarm, taking photos. It took nearly twenty minutes before the black SUV could leave the vicinity of the courthouse.
"How much were the legal fees?" Robert Downey Jr. suddenly asked.
Murphy waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that."
He knew Robert Downey Jr. wanted to cover Ross's legal expenses, but those costs, while substantial, were insignificant to Murphy.
Robert Downey Jr. wanted to argue but seeing Murphy shake his head again, he kept silent.
From the front seat, Gal Gadot glanced back at the two men. In many ways, both Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.'s efforts to clear Ross could easily attract criticism, but they didn't care.
"I hope this is the end of it," Gal Gadot thought sincerely.
Although she knew Murphy and Ross had no financial entanglements and wouldn't face legal repercussions, the more involved Murphy got, the more it could tarnish his reputation.
After all, he was a prominent director, not just any wealthy individual.
Murphy, however, had different thoughts. After dropping off Robert Downey Jr., he called his lawyer, Robert.
"Now that the verdict is in," Murphy said, his voice low, "Robert, arrange for me to meet Ross as soon as possible."
Gal Gadot opened her mouth but remained silent.
She couldn't hear Robert's response, only Murphy saying, "The sooner, the better."
Murphy hung up and squeezed Gal Gadot's hand. "Don't worry, I can handle this media pressure."
Over the years, he had faced plenty of criticism. From accusations of being gay, a drug dealer, to being a psychopath, the negative press was nearly as much as the praise. But his mental fortitude was strong, and he could ignore the criticism.
Even if the media and tabloids sensationalized his relationship with Ross again, Murphy didn't care. Words were indeed powerful but couldn't harm him. He believed actions spoke louder.
That's why, from the beginning of Ross's case, he had done more than he had said. Without spending a fortune on a top-notch legal team, Ross would undoubtedly have received the death penalty.
Perhaps not even making it to trial due to a series of "accidents."
This country's justice system was lauded outwardly, but in reality, it was flawed.
Perhaps due to his prison experience, Murphy often viewed American society and humanity from the worst possible perspective.
This made him overly realistic, even somewhat cynical, but it had its benefits. Without unrealistic expectations, he wasn't easily deceived by fantasies.
Murphy and Gal Gadot didn't return to Beverly Hills but went to the Venice set. There, they found Philippe LaSalle, just released by the police. The cinematographer didn't look well.
"I'm glad you're okay," Murphy said, patting his arm. "Without you, I wouldn't know how to shoot this film."
Philippe LaSalle scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "Sorry, Murphy."
Murphy shook his head. "It's okay. Take two days off and come back to the crew the day after tomorrow."
Given Philippe's current state, it wasn't suitable for him to start work immediately. It was better to let him rest and return when he was in better condition.
"Alright." Philippe nodded vigorously. "I'll head home then."
Murphy arranged for a driver to take Philippe home to avoid any further incidents. For Murphy, Philippe LaSalle was extremely important.
To be honest, Philippe LaSalle was one of the most crucial members of Murphy's team.
If a cinematographer uses mundane methods to shoot an outstanding actor, the result will be disappointing. If a cinematographer shoots a beautiful scene without creativity, the film's investment is wasted. If a cinematographer uses traditional angles to shoot a great story, it will be dull and lifeless.
A director who cares about their film must value every shot the cinematographer captures.
Exquisite camera work is a gift from the cinematographer to the audience.
Great filmmakers have the ability to tell compelling, memorable stories and create a believable world. Murphy and Philippe LaSalle had that chemistry. Many directors have their favorite cinematographers, like the Coen brothers with Roger Deakins or Paul Thomas Anderson with Robert Elswit.
When a director and cinematographer click, it creates a magical synergy. The better the cinematographer's state, the better the film's visual effects.
However, cinematographers also have their styles. Some display unique styles in every film, while others focus on characters first, then atmosphere.
Each cinematographer's perspective on the world varies, which is why Murphy wouldn't easily switch cinematographers. After years of collaboration, Philippe LaSalle was the best fit for him.
Frankly, cinematographers have limited fame, even those who have won Oscars. Despite their extensive work in all stages of production, when a film releases, the director gets the praise or criticism, the producers get the profits, and the cinematographers remain unsung heroes. Audiences might know the director but not the cinematographer.
In Murphy's team, Philippe LaSalle was involved not just in pre-production and shooting but also in post-production, working with colorists and editors to refine the visual themes and backgrounds.
Over the next two days, Murphy continued to handle cinematography, but the shooting pace lagged behind schedule until Philippe LaSalle returned. With him back, the pace returned to normal, and Murphy could focus on his primary responsibilities.
Within ten days, the filming was back on track, even catching up to the planned schedule. Around this time, Murphy received a notification from Robert and visited the familiar California State Prison to see Ross again.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter]