Outside a seemingly ordinary church in downtown Los Angeles, a large crowd of media reporters had gathered. They were kept outside the wrought iron gate, but through the open church doors, one could see numerous candles flickering in the breeze. The church was filled with formally dressed congregants, their eyes fixed reverently on the front.
Beneath the church's crucifix, an elderly man in priestly garb was speaking, but the reporters were too far away to hear him.
"Any guesses?" a bespectacled reporter asked the red-haired female reporter beside him. "What do you think Archbishop Marcos Costello is saying?"
The red-haired reporter shook her head. "Can't tell, but it's probably to commemorate the deceased Catholic."
"An archbishop personally organizing a mass in Southern California..." the middle-aged reporter across from them had a keen sense of smell. "There must be more to it than just a commemoration."
"Makes sense!" The bespectacled reporter nodded. "Not only did he organize a mass, but he also made sure to tip off the media. Clearly, there's another agenda."
"Do you think he might target Murphy Stanton?" the red-haired reporter asked.
Everyone nodded. "It's possible."
The dissatisfaction between the Catholic Church, especially the Southern California diocese, and Murphy Stanton due to "Diego Ross" was no secret.
"I've interacted with Archbishop Marcos Costello a few times," a short reporter chimed in. "He's a tough character. He wouldn't miss such an opportunity."
The eldest middle-aged reporter nodded in agreement. "A Murphy Stanton fan, imitating the magician from 'Dark City,' shoots a Catholic in public. If I were in the Archbishop's position, I wouldn't miss such an opportunity either."
The red-haired reporter checked her watch. "The mass should be ending soon. Let's see what the Archbishop says."
As the mass concluded, Archbishop Marcos Costello, accompanied by two priests, slowly walked out of the church into the courtyard, followed by the adoring eyes of the congregation.
"Let them in," Archbishop Costello instructed one of the priests.
The priest signaled to the gatekeepers, who opened a small gate in the iron fence, allowing reporters to pass through one at a time, carefully checking their credentials.
Given the recent shooting at the Hollywood Chinese Theatre, security was high for both the mass and the subsequent interview. The police had even set up a perimeter nearby.
Archbishop Costello turned to another priest and whispered, "How are the arrangements?"
"Very smooth," the priest replied softly. "The media is already criticizing the violence in 'Dark City.' They won't side with the shooter or Murphy Stanton."
Satisfied, Archbishop Costello nodded.
The priest continued before the reporters approached, "Despite their previous praise for Murphy Stanton and 'Dark City,' many in the media would love to see him fall from grace."
Seeing the reporters approaching, Archbishop Costello stopped speaking and put on a benevolent smile.
Under the church staff's supervision, the reporters maintained a semblance of order, making the impromptu press conference appear very organized.
"Your Grace," one reporter began, seemingly well-rehearsed, "how do you view the brutal killing of a devout believer defending the church's honor?"
"The church strongly condemns such ****** behavior," Archbishop Costello declared righteously. "That's why we are here today, holding a mass to commemorate our fellow believer."
Another reporter stepped forward. "Do you think this incident is inherently linked to Murphy Stanton's film?"
Maintaining a solemn expression, Archbishop Costello replied, "The police have released preliminary findings suggesting such a connection."
The initial questions seemed prearranged, highlighting the Catholic Church while directing the blame towards Murphy and his film.
"Is it our turn?" the red-haired reporter whispered to her colleagues. "This won't last much longer."
They all worked for Fox-affiliated media and had their agendas.
The middle-aged reporter, seemingly the leader, nodded subtly.
During the next round of questions, the red-haired reporter raised her hand. Noticing the question variety, the press officer pointed to her, and a staff member handed her the microphone.
"Your Grace," she began, smiling charmingly, "it's well known that Murphy Stanton's films are famous for their dark, oppressive, and brutal themes, with 'Dark City' pushing these traits to the extreme. The shooter is clearly a fan of this film or Murphy Stanton. Do you believe the shooter's actions were influenced by 'Dark City'?"
She added, "Have you seen 'Dark City'?"
"I have," Archbishop Costello said solemnly. "Film should be an uplifting cultural and entertainment form, but in some hands, it has become so brutal and cold. Some directors only see the dark side of people and society, never the bright side. As public figures, especially those with many supporters, such behavior sends a very bad message."
The red-haired reporter continued to look at Archbishop Costello.
"The shooter claimed to be an agent of chaos," Costello said sternly. "I believe Murphy Stanton and his film should be held accountable."
"Thank you," the red-haired reporter smiled.
The next round of questions began with the bespectacled reporter. "Your Grace, it's known that past violent scenes in Hollywood films have led to several tragic incidents."
"I've heard of them," Costello responded knowledgeably.
The reporter adjusted his glasses and asked, "Like this shooting at the Hollywood Chinese Theatre, those involved were influenced by Hollywood films. Nowadays, Hollywood films have more violent content. Do you think this is beneficial?"
"No!" Costello said vehemently. "Hollywood must restrict the violence and excessive content in its films!"
Sensing the opportunity, the reporter continued, "Should Hollywood be held responsible?"
"Like the shooting outside the theatre, Hollywood films should bear the main responsibility," Costello replied.
The middle-aged reporter took the microphone next. "Today's Hollywood films have increasingly large scales, with more violence and explicit content. Do you think Hollywood's self-censorship has failed?"
"Hollywood's self-censorship is more like a show," Costello criticized without hesitation. "Why is 'Dark City' rated PG-13 instead of R? I believe that to eliminate negative elements in films and bring healthier movies to audiences, Hollywood's self-censorship is not enough."
The reporters, knowing Costello's tough stance, had anticipated his reaction.
The middle-aged reporter followed up, "In the last century, the church established moral standards for Hollywood films, resulting in fewer violent scenes. Your Grace, do you think this is an effective measure?"
Hoping to influence Hollywood films as before, which would bolster his standing in the church, Costello's mind raced before he replied, "I believe it is a very effective measure! If Hollywood can't regulate its films, the government and the church should help. Films, as a widely disseminated cultural form, must be regulated and restricted!"
Seemingly emotional, Costello added, "Only then can we reduce and eliminate the tragedies caused by the negative influence of Hollywood films!"
The seasoned reporters, having gotten what they wanted, ended their questions. The press conference concluded shortly after.
"Did you record everything?" the middle-aged reporter asked the cameraman as they reached their car.
"Didn't miss a thing," the cameraman said, giving an "OK" sign.
The red-haired and bespectacled reporters joined them.
The red-haired reporter checked her watch. "We'd better hurry back. I need to write my article."
The bespectacled reporter nodded. "If we hurry, we can make the evening news."
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