After the flurry of interviews wrapped up, Lucas and his fellow cast members transitioned to the red carpet photo session. Amid the incessant flashing of cameras and the photographers' calls for attention, they grouped together, capturing moments that would soon be plastered over media outlets worldwide.
Once the cameras had their fill, Lucas, along with Christopher Nolan and a handful of the film's pivotal crew members, proceeded into the theater. The air inside was electric, charged with the collective anticipation of the audience. Lucas took his place among the ensemble, close to the director, feeling the weight of the moment.
Positioned within the audience, esteemed film critics from both sides of the Atlantic had secured their spots, their pens poised to transcribe their initial reactions. Figures from London's "The Guardian" and "Time Out," along with Hollywood's "Variety" and "The Hollywood Reporter," were all present, their analytical minds ready to dissect Nolan's newest cinematic offering.
As the audience nestled into their seats, the theater lights dimmed, heralding the onset of the film. A hush enveloped the room, every pair of eyes locked in anticipation on the screen. Lucas inhaled deeply, feeling the collective breath of the room tighten in anticipation. As the opening scenes of "Inception" began to unfold, Lucas felt the weight of the journey that had led to this instant—the adventure was indeed about to begin.
As the opening sequence of "Inception" unfolded on the screen, the audience was immediately drawn into the intricate world Christopher Nolan had crafted. The dialogue between Saito and Cobb, the concept of ideas being resilient and contagious, set a thought-provoking tone that captivated everyone in the theater.
During the opening sequence where the concept of ideas being like resilient parasites is introduced, the audience is drawn into the intellectual and philosophical underpinnings of the story. The dialogue between Cobb and Saito in the elegant dining room sets the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of the human mind, sparking curiosity and intrigue.
"Wow, just the opening and it's already intense," whispered a critic from "The Guardian," scribbling notes fervently.
As Lucas's character, Arthur, demonstrates his calm and composed demeanor, especially in contrast to Leonardo's character, Cobb, who displays moments of anger, the audience starts to appreciate the complexity and depth of Arthur's character. His level-headedness, even under pressure, makes him a captivating figure, contrasting with Cobb's more volatile emotions.
"That new guy, Lucas, he's really holding his ground," one critic from "Film Weekly" commented quietly to a colleague. "His portrayal of Arthur adds a fascinating dynamic alongside DiCaprio's Cobb."
Another, a well-known reviewer from "Time Out," nodded in agreement, jotting down notes. "There's a subtlety to his performance that's quite refreshing. It's impressive, especially for a newcomer in such a complex Nolan film. He brings a certain depth to Arthur."
As the narrative of "Inception" deepens, centered largely on Cobb's journey, brilliantly brought to life by Leonardo DiCaprio, we approach a critical moment. Saito enlists Cobb and his team for a deep dive into Fischer's psyche, marking a pivotal turn in the story. Ellen Page's introduction as Ariadne brings a wave of relief and pride from Ellen herself, seated among the audience, as she witnesses the warm reception to her character's debut.
The plot thickens as Cobb, Arthur, Ariadne, and the team prepare for their ambitious venture into Fischer's mind, while aboard a plane.
Unexpected hurdles soon emerge, particularly when Saito is injured, leading Cobb to cast blame upon Arthur. This scene, a highlight for viewers, showcases Lucas's portrayal of Arthur, who remains unflappably calm under Cobb's fierce scrutiny. This contrast between Arthur's tranquility and Cobb's escalating tension, especially as Cobb conceals the grave risk of "limbo," leaves the audience thoroughly impressed by Arthur's character.
The story deepens, weaving through the intricate layers of the dream world, when unexpectedly, Arthur shares a spontaneous kiss with Ariadne—a maneuver designed to throw off the projections pursuing them.
This unexpected moment reveals a different facet of Arthur to the audience, who had pegged him as the stoic and unflappable type. Little did they know, this scene hadn't been planned.
The unscripted scene triggers laughter among both the crew and cast, with Ellen Page's cheeks turning a shade of pink and DiCaprio sending Lucas a playful nudge, while Lucas himself offers a sly grin in response.
As the plot reaches its zenith with the gravity-defying sequences in the rotating hallway and room, Arthur's prowess in these intense combat scenes mesmerizes the audience. The flawless choreography paired with Lucas's skilled portrayal makes these scenes unforgettable highlights of the film. Under Nolan's direction and fueled by Lucas's talent, these moments showcase his remarkable abilities, injecting the film with an electrifying sense of excitement.
The audience is thoroughly engrossed, their reactions a mix of wonder and admiration, especially during the gravity-defying scenes where Arthur remains cool and collected. They can't help but be impressed by Lucas's performance, particularly his graceful handling of the demanding and high-stakes action, creating a stark contrast to DiCaprio's increasingly tense Cobb. This contrast elevates Lucas's portrayal of Arthur, capturing the audience's attention and leaving a lasting impression on their cinematic experience of "Inception".
"Incredible," a critic whispers into the darkness, hastily jotting down thoughts. "Arthur just stole the scene."
Murmurs of agreement ripple through the audience, "Did you catch that? I thought it'd only look good in the trailer, but I was so wrong! Arthur was amazing in that part!"
It's evident that Lucas's depiction of Arthur, with his steady calm amidst the surrounding turmoil, has profoundly impacted all who watched, marking him as a standout talent in a film brimming with remarkable performances.
The film pressed on towards its climax. Tension crackled in the air as the scene shifted to Cobb on a desperate mission within the dream. He was there to rescue Saito, teetering on the brink of oblivion in the depths of limbo. But a familiar face awaited him – Mal, his ex-wife. As Adriadne, with a heavy heart, abandoned Cobb to face Mal alone, the audience watched with bated breath.
Cobb's gaze met Mal's, and a torrent of memories washed over them. The silence shattered as a song, hauntingly beautiful, filled the theater. The audience, recognizing the voice of the actor portraying Arthur, listened intently as the lyrics began:
[Odeon Luxe Leicester Square]
As the film draws to a close, the audience witness Cobb's final act of salvation, pulling Saito back from the depths of Limbo. The scene transitions to the plane, where Cobb and his team are en route back to reality. There's a poignant moment as Cobb surveys the faces of his team members—Arthur, Saito, Ariadne, and the others. Despite the camaraderie shared throughout their intense dream endeavors, there's an unmistakable air of unfamiliarity, a subtle disconnect, as if questioning the depth of their bond outside the layers of dreams.
This feeling of uncertainty isn't isolated to Cobb alone; it extends to Arthur, Ariadne, Saito, and the rest, painting a complex picture of familiarity tinged with alienation. The film concludes with Cobb, spinning his totem one last time before being reunited with his children. The scene cuts away before revealing the fate of the totem, leaving the audience suspended in ambiguity. As "Fix You" by Lucas swells in the background, the emotional impact deepens, drawing the audience further into the bittersweet resolution.
As the credits begin to roll, the theater erupts in applause. Christopher Nolan and Leonardo DiCaprio share appreciative smiles, acknowledging the audience's warm reception. However, the applause extends beyond them, encompassing the entire cast and crew.
As the audience stands, clapping, many can't help but focus their admiration on Lucas, the actor behind the compelling portrayal of Arthur. His extraordinary performance, particularly in the breathtaking gravity-defying scenes, has indeed made a significant impact, setting him apart as a remarkable talent amid a cast of seasoned performers.
Compounding this admiration is the haunting melody of "Fix You," sung by Lucas himself, which echoes through the theater as the credits roll. The emotional depth and rawness he brings to the song deeply resonate with the audience, adding another layer to their connection with his character.
Whispers and murmurs ripple through the crowd, a mix of awe and curiosity:
"Did you see Arthur's scenes? That actor was something else," one viewer comments to their friend, the intrigue clear in their voice, unaware of Lucas's real name but deeply moved by his portrayal.
Another leaned over to whisper, "I didn't catch his real name, but Arthur—his scenes were the highlight for me. And that voice during the credits, was that really him?"
The person next to him, eyes still fixed on the screen, replied, "I'm not sure if that was him singing. But if it was, that actor is truly remarkable. The song was hauntingly beautiful... it really brought the whole film together."
While not everyone knows Lucas by name, the character of Arthur has become synonymous with a captivating and soulful performance that transcends the screen. People are leaving the theater impressed, many making mental notes to look up "the actor who played Arthur" once they're home.
Critics, jotting down their initial thoughts in the dim light, found themselves grappling with mixed feelings about the film and its elements. Yet, when it came to Lucas and his portrayal of Arthur, their pens flowed with unreserved praise. Despite having critiques for other aspects of the film or performances, they unanimously recognized Lucas's contribution as exceptional. The gravity-defying scenes, in particular, were highlighted as moments where Lucas didn't just contribute but arguably stole the spotlight.
One by one, they penned their observations, their words shaping the narrative of the evening's cinematic journey. At the forefront of their critiques was Lucas, the fresh-faced actor who had brought Arthur to life with exceptional skill.
"Lucas's portrayal of Arthur is a revelation," wrote one critic, pausing to find the right words to encapsulate the actor's impact. "In a cast adorned with seasoned performers, Lucas stands out, not just for his talent, but for the subtlety and depth he brings to Arthur. His performance in the gravity-defying scenes is not merely convincing; it is mesmerizing, demonstrating a mastery of physicality and expression that is rare."
Another critic, mulling over Lucas's surprising rendition of "Fix You" during the credits, shared, "The song that echoed not once but twice during the film was hauntingly beautiful, striking a chord deep within me. It's not just the melody but the lyrics too—they really hit home, resonating on a level I wasn't expecting..."
As their thoughts flowed onto paper, the critics found common ground: Lucas, a fresh face in a supporting role, delivered a performance that was nothing short of brilliant, imbuing his character with a sense of authenticity that made it seem as though Arthur truly belonged within the world of "Inception." "Lucas Knight. Here's an actor who commands your attention. His obvious talents prompts one to ponder, 'What does the future hold for him?'"
As the film came to a close, the audience filed out of the theater, a buzz of satisfaction in the air. Outside, they were greeted by media eager to capture their initial reactions.
One viewer, still visibly moved by the experience, shared, "The film was extraordinary—truly a journey. And the film's scores, it just tied everything together beautifully. I'd recommend this film to anyone, without hesitation."
Another added, "I was completely swept away by the story and the characters."
"Inception" captivated the audience immensely. The initial sequences, presenting the complex layers of dreams within dreams, sparked a mixture of confusion and intrigue among viewers. Phrases like "Wait, they're in a dream within a dream within a dream?" echoed softly through the crowd. Yet, as the film progressed, confusion transformed into comprehension and awe at the ingenious concept. The audience was utterly blown away by the depth and originality of its themes.
After the film concluded, the overwhelming consensus was one of satisfaction; few were disappointed by Christopher Nolan's masterpiece. The film also boasted a plethora of unforgettable performances. Led by Leonardo DiCaprio, the ensemble cast shone brightly, delivering deeply impactful portrayals. Notably, the scenes featuring Lucas as Arthur, particularly those in the hallway, stood out as highlights, showcasing an impressive blend of physicality and intensity that captivated audiences and left a lasting impression.
The film "Inception" continued its screenings in London, captivating audiences with its intricate storyline and stunning visuals. After the showings, many viewers were intrigued by the character of Arthur and found themselves searching online for the actor who had brought him to screen. Although the actor's name was included in the credits, quite a few people had missed it while leaving the theater. Consequently, they were unaware of who played on some character.
Lucas Knight, the actor behind Arthur, began to receive significant attention from those who had seen "Inception." Viewers were particularly taken with Lucas's performance; many described him as charming and effortlessly cool. This sentiment was notably strong among female viewers, while male viewers also expressed admiration for Lucas, recognizing a sense of masculinity and depth in his portrayal.
As audiences became more familiar with Lucas, they also started to notice his other projects like "Modern Family" and "127 Hours." Additionally, they stumbled upon his YouTube clip singing "Perfect," which had already racked up over millions of views, showcasing a different facet of his talent.
While "127 Hours" was also being shown in London, it initially didn't catch much attention beyond a dedicated group of film enthusiasts and fans of director Danny Boyle. Despite word-of-mouth buzz and its intense, sometimes shocking scenes, it couldn't quite compete with the massive draw of "Inception," a commercial film featuring well-known star Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by the esteemed Christopher Nolan.
However, after watching "Inception," London viewers became intrigued and started searching online for more information about Lucas Knight. They found themselves increasingly drawn to his versatility as an actor. Whether portraying the goofy, laid-back character in "Modern Family" or delivering an intense performance in "127 Hours," Lucas's range of skills became evident, showcasing just how talented he really is.
Unexpectedly, Lucas's role in "Inception" started winning him a new fanbase in London. Moreover, his involvement in this commercial hit also ended up boosting the visibility and box office success of "127 Hours" in London, proving that his influence extended beyond his immediate role in the commercial film, contributing to increased interest in his other works as well.
After watching "Inception," Londoners flocked to platforms like Yahoo and Twitter to unpack the film's complexity and to sing praises for standout performances.
In the midst of lively discussions about "Inception's" complex storyline and striking visuals, Lucas's performance as Arthur started trending among London's cinema-goers, leaving a strong impression with his standout moments in the film. On Twitter, a Londoner shared their excitement, tweeting, "Just watched #Inception, and though everyone was fantastic, Leonardo was stellar as always, but Lucas as Arthur? Absolutely next level! His performance hit the mark perfectly . Has anyone else followed his work in 'Modern Family' or '127 Hours'? Just caught up on those too, and he's brilliant in every scene!"
The chatter wasn't just about his acting skills. "Was completely unaware of Lucas Knight until now! Beyond his undeniable talent and incredible range, there's something undeniably captivating about him. Is it his charm or just his overall vibe? Either way, I'm officially a fan!" exclaimed one Twitter user.
The admiration quickly turned into a bit of a fun, with fans openly declaring their new-found actor crushes. "Okay, I'm officially announcing my latest actor crush!" a user declared excitedly. Another chimed in, adding a playful twist, "I'm a guy, but I've got to admit, Lucas kinda stole my heart there... " This light-hearted banter sparked a series of jokes, spreading smiles and laughter among those joining in on the conversation.
Meanwhile, Lucas's dedicated fans in the USA, keeping tabs on the London screenings of "Inception," noticed the flood of compliments coming Lucas's way from across the pond. Thrilled by his growing international acclaim, one fan shared, "Lucas Knight getting international recognition? About time! He's incredibly versatile and such a talented artist! It's high time the world recognized his brilliance!"
Another enthusiast echoed the sentiment on Twitter, saying, "Seeing all this love for Lucas Knight from the London fans is just heartwarming. Whether it's his spot-on comedic timing in 'Modern Family' or his commitment in '127 Hours,' he's shown he's more than just a one-dimensional actor, he's proven time and again that he's a force to be reckoned with. #LucasDeservesIt "
Meanwhile, over on a Yahoo discussion forum, a lively thread titled "Lucas Knight: From TV Series to Indie Films to Blockbusters" was bustling with activity from Lucas's dedicated fans and curious newcomers. "I've followed Lucas since his days in 'Modern Family,' and his growth as an actor is astounding. Seeing him in 'Inception' and then rewatching '127 Hours,' it's clear he's got a knack for diverse roles," shared one fan. This particular fan even jetted off to London, not drawn by the allure of DiCaprio or Nolan, but solely to support Lucas Knight at the premiere of "Inception."
Seeing Lucas's talent being celebrated in London brought immense joy and a sense of vindication to his dedicated fan base back in the USA. "Lucas finally getting the international acclaim he deserves feels so rewarding!" exclaimed a devoted fan. "His portrayal of Arthur really shines, but that's just scratching the surface of his capabilities. Thrilled to see him winning hearts in London."
The conversations across forums and social media platforms echoed a deep respect and admiration for Lucas's work, underscoring his remarkable versatility and depth as an actor. As fans from London to the US explored his body of work, the consensus was unmistakable: Lucas Knight's profound talent and adaptability were irrefutable, with his role in "Inception" marking a significant milestone in his career and paving the way for the recognition his fans think he deserves.
--
Meanwhile, on Lucas's end, due to the promotional tour, he found himself in the whirlwind of interviews alongside the main cast and director Christopher Nolan, as "Inception" was being championed in London. Back in the USA, with the film's premiere on the horizon, an array of interviews, QA sessions, and promotional events awaited Lucas, along with the rest of the cast and Nolan.
Warner Bros. had an additional treat in store for fans: plans to release behind-the-scenes footage of "Inception," with a particular focus on the making of those captivating scenes featuring Lucas as Arthur in the rotating hallway and room. This peek behind the curtain promised to provide an intriguing insight into the innovative filmmaking process and Lucas's dedication to his role.
Following the screenings of "Inception" at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, the subsequent days turned out to be a whirlwind of activity for Lucas and his fellow cast members.
In just a few days, Lucas, Ellen Page, and the rest of the team found themselves engaging with multiple media outlets. Presently, Lucas and Ellen Page were in the midst of another interview when the interviewer posed a question that seemed to catch them off guard, reflecting on the intricate puzzle and storyline of "Inception." The interviewer asked, "Could you share with us a moment during the filming or after watching the final cut where even you were left puzzled or intrigued by the complexity and layers of 'Inception's' plot?"
The interviewer then focused on a pivotal topic, adding, "Moreover, the ending of 'Inception' remains a widely debated topic among fans due to its open-ended nature. I'm curious about your perspectives on the final sequence where Cobb spins the totem. What is your interpretation of this scene, and what do you believe it conveys to the viewers?"
Lucas responded with a smile, "Personally, I had a pretty solid grasp on the plot, having been immersed in it from the start. Christopher Nolan had been crafting this story for ten years, so to me, there weren't really any holes in the narrative. Sure, the ending leaves room for ambiguity—Cobb spinning his totem is a deliberate choice by Nolan. He wants the audience to engage, to imagine and interpret their own endings. It's a reflection of how we all perceive things differently, which, in turn, shapes our realities. For Cobb, reuniting with his children is his reality. That's the crux of his journey and, to me, the most important part."
The interviewer shifted focus to Ellen, asking, "Do you share the same view?"
Ellen chuckled, having been watching Lucas articulate his thoughts. She hadn't pondered as deeply as Lucas had, but opted not to reveal this. Pointing to Lucas, she said with a playful smile, "Yeah, I'm on the same page as Lucas. He took the words out of my mouth, but yeah..."
Both Lucas and the interviewer couldn't help but chuckles at Ellen's light-hearted remark. However, Ellen didn't stop there; she proceeded to share her own insights on the plot and the conclusion of "Inception," her views echoing Lucas's despite her modest preamble.
After some time, the interview concluded. Lucas and Ellen then moved on to face a series of other interviewers, including some from abroad. Despite the marathon of questions, they responded with respect and thoughtfulness. Finally, the day's press junket wrapped up, signaling a brief respite for the duo. However, they knew that another round of interviews awaited them the following day.
Warner Bros. invested significantly in marketing and promoting the film, leveraging Christopher Nolan's reputation as a hallmark of quality in commercial cinema to draw audiences. Additionally, the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio as the lead added a considerable layer of anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting the film's release.
--
A few days later, the film screened nationwide in both the United Kingdom and the United States. As soon as it hit the screens, many people flocked to theaters to catch this highly anticipated movie, alongside other films debuting on the same day.
Several films were showing alongside "Inception," each with its unique draw and audience. Titles such as "Resident Evil: Afterlife," "The American," "Takers," "Machete," "Going the Distance," "Eat Pray Love," "The Expendables," "The Other Guys," "The Last Exorcism," and "The Switch" were all part of the cinematic lineup. Despite the stiff competition, "Inception" had the potential to distinguish itself and achieve significant box office success, given the high levels of anticipation and the draw of its star-studded cast and acclaimed director.
Meanwhile, in New York, USA, Paul Sterling and his girlfriend, Josephine, made their way into a theater showing "Inception." As they settled into their seats, Josephine turned to Paul and whispered, "Your friend is really carving out a successful career in Hollywood, isn't he?"
Paul couldn't help but smile and responded, "Yeah, it's still a bit surreal to see Lucas thriving so well in his acting career."
Josephine chuckled and leaned closer to Paul, adding, "And it's not just his acting—he's making waves in music too. His album is actually one of my favorites."
Paul looked at Josephine, a hint of conflict in his gaze. His agent had suggested they break up, believing Josephine was a distraction from his career. Yet, facing her now, he couldn't entertain the thought.
Shaking off the negativity, he refocused on the present moment. Together, they turned their attention to "Inception," sharing popcorn as the film unfolded. Both Paul and Josephine, along with the rest of the first-time audience, found themselves thoroughly impressed and engrossed in the movie's complex plot.
As scenes featuring Lucas as Arthur played out on the screen, Paul and Josephine, having personally met Lucas, were once again struck by his incredible acting and impressive stunt work.
Paul noticed that many in the audience were also taken with Lucas's portrayal, whispering to their friends or partner about the character of Arthur. It was clear that Arthur's cool, charming demeanor, particularly his professionalism and calm in crises where even Cobb seemed to falter, captured everyone's admiration.
Paul had to admit, Arthur embodied the kind of poise and assurance that many aspire to—his character was not only what many men wanted to be but also what many women found appealing. Despite being a fictional character, Arthur's traits and demeanor left a significant impression on the audience.
Beside Paul, Lucas's other close friends also made their way to the theater to catch the film—Liza, Samantha, and even Leonard, who brought along his girlfriend of one month. Watching Lucas grace the screen, knowing that potentially thousands of eyes in several theaters were on him each day, felt utterly surreal to them. This experience marked a special moment for them; they could now proudly say they were friends with someone famous, someone they were genuinely close to.
On September 16, 2010, the blockbuster "Inception" soared to a remarkable $25 million in box office sales on its opening day. This figure was both anticipated and surprising; Warner Bros. analysts had initially forecasted first-day earnings to be in the range of $18-21 million. The leap to $25 million was a pleasant shock.
Warner Bros. believed their marketing efforts played a big role, yet it became clear that word-of-mouth recommendations significantly boosted the film's success. Moreover, beyond the stellar performances by the cast, with Lucas shining particularly brightly, an unexpected factor contributed to the film's appeal: the music. The score, particularly the song "Fix You" performed by Lucas within the movie, drew audiences back for repeated viewings. Film enthusiasts, especially those with a love for music, found a compelling reason to return—not only was the movie itself captivating, but the soundtrack, featuring Lucas's rendition, added an additional layer of enjoyment.
As "Inception" surged in popularity, it was heavily promoted on television through trailers and teasers, while social media platforms like Yahoo! and Twitter buzzed with conversations about the film.
Audiences who watched the film were particularly captivated by the performance of the emerging actor, Lucas. With an existing base of dedicated fans online who promoted Lucas's work without charge, those who were previously unaware of him until "Inception" started to explore more about the young actor. As they delved deeper, many grew to admire Lucas, further boosting his recognition and appeal.
"I just saw 'Inception,' and wow, the entire cast was amazing! Leonardo was spectacular, but the story was even more so—another Nolan masterpiece! But let me tell you, that hallway scene where gravity goes haywire? The actor playing Arthur nailed it! He's easily become one of my favorite characters in the movie!" tweeted one user, clearly taken by Lucas's portrayal of Arthur.
"Does anyone know if the guy who played Arthur has been in other movies? I'm really curious to see more from such a talented actor..." mused another user, intrigued by Lucas's performance.
"His name's Lucas Knight! You should definitely check out his other projects. He's been in 'Modern Family' and also '127 Hours,' which has already made 19 million dollars domestically—and that's not even counting international sales!" replied a dedicated Lucas fan, eager to spread the word.
As more Lucas fans chimed in with recommendations and praise, a wave of curiosity spread among the users. Many started to seek out Lucas's films, genuinely interested in following the career of an actor who had so impressed them in "Inception"...
--
On a bustling film set, a young, handsome man in his 20s lounges in the director's chair, scrolling through Twitter on his iPhone with an air of casual interest. The hashtag "#Inception" catches his eye, trending prominently among the day's topics.
Driven by curiosity, he taps on the trending hashtag, and a stream of "Inception"-related tweets floods his screen. He skims through them nonchalantly until suddenly, a familiar face appears in one of the posts, leaving him thoroughly shocked.
"Wait—is that?!" he blurted out, causing heads to turn in his direction. Realizing the sudden attention, he quickly scratched the back of his head, dismissing it with a sheepish, "Ah, it's nothing, really."
But his curiosity wasn't quelled. Returning to his phone, the photo before him left no room for doubt. It was unmistakably someone he'd known for years. The young man in the picture, with blond hair and dressed in a sleek suit, captured in the act of adjusting his tie in a corridor. The tweet accompanying the photo declared, "This is my favorite character in the film #Inception! Can we all agree that the hallway scene is the most iconic and masterpiece scene in the whole movie?"
Staring at the image, the revelation hit him hard. "Lucas... I didn't expect you to become an actor," he muttered under his breath.
This young man, in his 20s, turned out to be Lucas's stepbrother, Melvin Knight. Wrapped up in his own projects and the hustle of film sets, Melvin hadn't caught any of the "Inception" trailers and was unaware of Lucas's role in the high-profile Warner Bros. film. It was only in this stolen moment of leisure that he discovered Lucas was part of Christopher Nolan's influential project...
Melvin, Lucas's stepbrother, actually had a decent relationship with him, unlike the rest of their family. His siblings and mother, Myla, would have preferred Lucas out of their lives. Myla harbored deep-seated anger, stemming from her hidden existence as Vince's secret partner while Lucas's mother was publicly recognized as his wife. This forced secrecy, living as nothing more than a mistress, bred resentment in Myla, which unfortunately extended to Lucas. He was, after all, the son of the woman she believed had caused her years of suffering.
However, Melvin saw things differently. He believed the fault lay with his own parents, not with Lucas or his mother. Despite this, his perspective was a rare one in the family, as his siblings seemed to echo their mother's sentiments.
"Sigh... What would my siblings think if they saw this..." Melvin mused, shaking his head in contemplation.
--
As "127 Hours" continued to make waves at the box office, surpassing the impressive milestone of $35 million both domestically in the USA and internationally, the film's success marked a significant moment for Lucas. Reflecting the film's triumph, he received a substantial bonus of $90,000, a testament to his contribution and the film's impact.
The unexpected rise in Lucas's popularity, fueled by his standout role in the blockbuster "Inception," had a ripple effect. Interest in "127 Hours" spiked, leading to a surge in box office sales. Observers and insiders started speculating that the film could potentially reach, or even surpass, the $50 million mark. This development came as a pleasant surprise to Fox Searchlight and the production team behind "127 Hours," who hadn't anticipated the indirect boost from Lucas's growing fame.
Lucas's involvement in "Inception" did more than just elevate his profile; it significantly broadened his horizons in the entertainment industry. In the USA, the UK, and potentially other markets, his name became atleast more recognizable to those that watched "Inception", synonymous with versatility and talent. This newfound stature caught the attention of the Big Six Studios, major players in the industry keen on harnessing Lucas's multifaceted abilities. His acting prowess, musical talent, and remarkable stunt work—particularly showcased in the iconic hallway scene of "Inception"—made him a sought-after figure. Studios were now eager to collaborate with Lucas, looking to capitalize on his broad skill set and capitalize on his rising star in various capacities, from lead roles to musical contributions and beyond.